Dmitry Sches Thorn CM
> Step by step 1. Editing the harmonics with Thorn CM
1
Although it’s a cut-down version, Thorn CM is still an amazing synth. At its core are two spectral oscillators, and their waveforms are built from a series of 128 harmonics. Load up an instance, click on the oscillator browser and you’ll find a massive array of preset waveforms to choose from. 2
Options include basic waveforms such as sine and sawtooth as well as FM types and instrument types (organ, bell and so on). With 80+ waveforms to choose from, you can create awesome patches really quickly. But it’s just the start. 3
Thorn CM’s spectral capabilities are inspiring and deep. Try clicking on the graphic of your currently loaded oscillator. This opens the Harmonic Editor and you’ll see vertical amplitude (orange) and phase (blue) bars for each of the harmonics. 4
Try adjusting these on screen using the various draw tools, and you’ll see the overall oscillator graphic updating as you do it. Alternatively, you can right click on the display to bring up a selection of preset commands, like Resonate. 5
Thorn CM then provides this capability across 16 frames. Look at the bottom of the Harmonic Editor and click the little boxes. Each typically contains a slightly different version of the waveform. Click each frame and see the Position control next to the oscillator waveform move. 6
Even a basic sine wave has multiple frames, each with different harmonics. What’s great about this is that you not only move between each frame using the Position knob, but it actually morphs as it does so. Try this with the loaded sine wave oscillator to see what we mean. 7
OK, we admit that morphing through the sine wave frames is a bit uninspiring. Instead, let’s load something better designed for this treatment. We’ve loaded Saw Ensemble for both oscillators, panned them left and right and also added a small amount of detune to the second (about 30). 8
To morph both oscillators together, select the Mod Matrix button on the right of the interface and make sure it’s active (orange indicator). Load up LFO1 as Source into two slots and select Osc1 Pos and Osc2 Pos as the Targets. Set Depth as +50% and -50% and set the LFO slow – we’ve used four bars (4/1). 9
Finally, we’ve finessed the overall sound by adding the Clean LP filter, set to about 1.8kHz with resonance at about 50%, and extended the amplitude envelope release slightly. You should now hear the morphing oscillators, with the left and right movement created by the opposing modulation settings.
> Step by step 2. Step sequencing with Thorn CM
1 One of the great things about Thorn CM is its selection of onboard step sequencing tools. An arpeggiator is commonplace, but a Glitch Sequencer is more unusual. Here we’ll load up a glitchy preset and peel it apart, showing exactly how the sound is created.
2 Our chosen glitch preset is Short Circuit. There’s a lot going on with this patch, but to demonstrate how powerful Thorn CM’s sequencing tools are, try deactivating Glitch, Arpeggio, Effects and Mod Matrix. You’re left with a very plain single Sawtooth tone.
3 First, switch the Mod Matrix back on and open it. There are only three assignments but they make quite a difference. Most significant is the multistage envelope generator (MSEG1). This is in Step mode and affects both filter cutoff and Wah effect on Osc1.
4 If we now switch on the Arpeggiator and switch off the Mod Matrix, we see the arp is adding the 16ths. It’s as simple as an arpeggio gets, with the three-octaves creating the repeated three-note feel. Switch the Mod Matrix back on for a filtering effected pattern.
5 If we now switch on just the Glitch Seq, we have six effects that affect filtering (high and low pass), sample rate, bit rate, gate and audio repeat. You have a choice of Steps (our preset has 8), Speed and also a Mix blend.
6 With just the Glitch Seq active, it has a big impact on what’s playing. Adjust the blue sliders to influence the depth of effect. Glitch Seq is actually influencing the main Filter, and its controls act as offsets. So, if you adjust the main Filter, Glitch Seq creates a different outcome.
7 As you can see, the Glitch Seq is incredibly easy to edit. But if you’re not feeling particularly creative, there are a couple of things you can try. First up, the randomisers. At the right-hand end for each effect you’ll see the R button. These randomise just that particular effect.
8 For something more structured, you also have a bunch of presets. Click on the menu bar on the right to reveal the list of 16 presets. Each is 16 steps long, so you can of course shorten them as well. And if you like the results, save your own presets.
9 Finally, it’s worth remembering our original preset, Short Circuit, is also heavily effected, with three of the four modules in use. Switching this section back on, particularly the Distortion effect makes a big difference to the sound.