Computer Music

’Tabling motions

-

Wavetable is Ableton’s most ambitious synthesise­r yet, featuring two wavetable oscillator­s, a sub oscillator, two filters, all the expected LFOs and envelopes, and the ability to expand its UI into the main window for close-up editing, á la Sampler.

Wavetable’s sizeable library of wavetables is divided into 11 categories (Basics, Distortion, Formant, Vintage, etc), and viewed in linear top-tobottom mode or polar mode, the second representi­ng the wavetable as a loop, with time running clockwise. As well as movement and modulation of the wavetable index, other oscillator­related options include FM, PWM, sync and wave folding. Up to eight unison voices are on tap as well, with six diverse modes for randomisin­g, phase sync and more.

The dual filter can be set up for serial, parallel or split routing (Osc 1 to Filter 1, Osc 2 to Filter 2, Sub to both), and incorporat­es all the fabulous analogue filter models introduced in Live 9.5.

Modulation sources are assigned in a straightfo­rward mod matrix, and comprise three envelopes, two LFOs, and Note, Velocity, Pitchbend, Aftertouch and Mod Wheel MIDI signals. The envelopes and LFOs are incredibly detailed and versatile.

Wavetable sounds awesome, offering an infinite playground of hardhittin­g and evolving sounds, and is admirably easy to use.

 ??  ?? Here’s Wavetable in Polar wavetable display mode and Expanded view
Here’s Wavetable in Polar wavetable display mode and Expanded view

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia