1. Basics of operation
Before we get knee-deep in phase distortion synthesis, filter selfoscillation and multiplex ring modulation, let’s familiarise ourselves with the basics of Bazille CM. First of all, there’s an excellent manual that covers every feature, option, module and mode in detail – along with Computer Music magazine, this is essential reading!
Preset patches
For instant satisfaction, head to the Patches section down the left-hand side to get at the supplied presets. As well as a selection of over 100 factory presets from u-he themselves, Bazille CM also comes with 105 sounds created by the sound design experts here at Computer Music. To expand a subfolder, click the square next to it, and double-click any patch to load it.
To manage patches, right-click in the left-hand Folders pane or right-hand Patches area to reveal further options. Drag and drop the patches between folders to manage them, or use the Reveal in Finder/Explorer option to do so directly in your OS’s file browser. You can tag patches as favourites or junk, and hide or show the junk patches. Your own patches can be stored with a push of the Save button. Click the Synth tab down the left when you want to get back to the synth itself.
Routing with patch cables
Unlike a standard fixed-routing synth, Bazille CM gives you the power to essentially design your own synth architecture by using virtual patch cables to wire together its modules.
Connections are made by dragging from one node to another. A red node is an output, and it can be connected to any number of grey inputs. However, an input can accept only one connection – something to bear in mind! Drag an output connection to move it; drag with the right mouse button to move an input connection. Shift-drag an output node to duplicate its connection.
Now, here’s a sneaky trick: drag from an unused input node to another input node to share its connection, known as daisychaining. Both inputs now receive the same signal. Finally, double-click an input to delete a connection, but click slowly to cycle through the cable colours.
You might be used to thinking of synthesis in terms of audio and modulation signals, but in Bazille CM, there’s no distinction – if you want to use the oscillator to modulate the filter cutoff, you can! You can even plug modules back into themselves, or use them to modulate their own controls – how many synths let you do that?
Knobs and sliders
The knobs in Bazille CM come in two flavours: unipolar, which start from zero and work up from there, and bipolar, which start at a central zero position and can be turned in either direction, positive or negative. You can drag with the mouse or use your mouse wheel – hold Shift for finer adjustment. A double-click returns things to their default value. Sliders work in the same way. Right-clicking a control locks it, so it’ll stay at the same value when you change presets.
Further functions
There are a number of orange dropdown menus for selecting modes and modulation sources, which we’ll cover in detail in our later tutorials.
To keep an eye on your signals, check out the output oscilloscope. You can zoom horizontally or vertically and change the ‘scope style with a right-click. If the overall level gets too hot, the Output lamp in the top bar will let you know.
Made a mistake? Don’t panic! Just use the undo/redo buttons in the top bar to roll the synth back to a previous state.
The Voice, Pitch and Glide sections cover fairly typical synth options and settings. Of note are the Drift switch, for subtle randomisation of pitch with each note, Soft Attack, which can be disabled for even more punch; a pre-patched LFO Vibrato connection; Glide offset that makes the second oscillator track more slowly; and u-he’s special Range control, which changes the shape of the glide envelope.
Global configurations
Global settings can be accessed with the Cog icon, which houses three sub-sections. The Preferences section lets you adjust Bazille CM’s size and appearance, though note that you can change GUI size at any time just by rightclicking it – you can also instantly access the patch cable settings by right-clicking a grey input node.
The other two sections are for MIDI learn – simply click a control and wiggle your MIDI controller to bind it – and overview of current MIDI connections, where you can even customise the response to some degree.
Congratulations, your Bazille CM introductory training is complete – now let’s get stuck into those oscillators!