Restarting LFO cycles via envelope?

[BasstiR]

I’m trying to find a tremolo effect or function that uses an envelope detector to restart the LFO cycle. So whenever I start playing the LFO waveform starts from the same place, rather than just running constantly even when I’m not playing (as all tremolo pedals seem to). Anyone aware of any pedals that can do this? I know the Axe FXIII can do this and I assume the FM3 but that’s all I’ve come across and the c4 synth can do this as well.

 

thanks,

 

sebastian

[BasstiR]

Is there a function in the H90? Is this covered by the „retrigger“ function?

[brock]

The Retrigger function is the usual way to start an LFO cycle over again, and it’s in in most of the modulation algorithms, including tremolo.  That will apply to the H90, H9, ModFactor, and maybe more that I’m missing (dot9).  But for your application, you would still need an external envelope follower (probably a peak detector) to consistently trigger it with audio, and not your foot.

But you did inspire me to try out a workaround in the TremoloPan algorithm.  Internally combined modulation using envelope / ASDR with an LFO.  Last night, I couldn’t be absolutely certain at what point the LFO Shape was restarting (minimum or maximum value in the waveform). I will follow up with some results, either way.

[BasstiR]

Yeah the results would be very interesting. Especially for synth players this feature is a real gem since many Synthesizers do this But only a few in the Pedal / Pedalboard environment. The C4 from SA can do this and it is a highly regarded feature in it.

thanks for your efforts 🙂

 

Sebastian

[brock]

It’s a cool effect in synths, especially with one-shot or X number of cycles.  It is easier, though, to derive a trigger from a key press than it is from audio.  As awesome & deep as the C4 is, it is geared for a singular purpose: convert audio to create a synth and control its parameters.

So is the PolySynth algorithm, for that matter, but its envelope follower can’t be re-routed to reset a tremolo’s LFO.  (Although … it can be used as a ‘tremolo’ over the oscillators, and it does have the same LFO Retrig Performance Parameter).

I did think of another possibility to try out, though.  Harmadillo’s Env Depth just might simulate the LFO reset, if configured as a ‘normal’ tremolo.  Plenty of waveshapes to choose from, so the current phase position of the LFO cycle should be easier to pick up on.

[fiddlercrabseason]

Look at ZOIA. Triggered (and modulated) LFOs are incredibly quick and easy to patch up (and you can adjust/trigger/modulate the phase of the LFO too). Once you get the hang of ZOIA, something like a basic trem with your custom triggered LFO might take you like… maybe 5 minutes to patch… then you’ll spend 6+ months messing with all the possible variations… then you’ll realize you can use all those LFOs, sequencers, etc. to modulate your H90 parameters and you might never leave home again. 🙂

[brock]

fiddlercrabseason wrote:

… then you’ll realize you can use all those LFOs, sequencers, etc. to modulate your H90 parameters and you might never leave home again. 🙂

… and the long-suppressed ZOIA lust returns.  Actually, I’m happy to see all of these external options emerging in a smaller footprint.  Mounting a Beebo to the ‘board sure beats lugging around an ancient MPX-1, strictly for its MIDI processing capability.

Here is the original concept I mentioned earlier as a work-in-progress.  The H90 is pictured, but you can use the same setup in an H9Max or ModFactor.  I have BRAKE/SPEED latched/saved to SLOW.   In many cases, it’s easier to dial in Rates / Mod Rate by shifting the usable ranges downward.

I’m abandoning the Harmadillo approach.  It doesn’t appear that Env Depth resets the LFO phase on envelope trigger, even when eliminating the main Depth control influence.  But re-discovering the sheer variety of available LFO waveforms there has me off exploring in another direction.

[BasstiR]

Thanks for the mentioned zoia. I once had it many years ago. But these days I do understand it more and it’s capabilities. Thanks for the inspiration.

I will try the setting you gave me for H90 these days.

awesome support here. Thanks!

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