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12. Gnarly build-up synth with Ableton Wavetable’s oscillator FX

1 Wavetable's oscillator FX can create some incredible sounds when you experiment. Load the Gnarly Wavetable Effect preset from Tutorial Files, and use a C3 note to trigger the synth. In Osc 1, we load the Distortion » Clipped Sweep wavetable, and move the Wave Position until you find a wave you like – we settle upon 52%.

2 From the FX menu, call up the Modern effect, which "uses phase distortion to warp the oscillator". Trigger a note while sweeping the Warp and Fold controls – Wavetable gives an excellent graphical representation of what's happening to the wave. We set Warp to 3.1%, Fold to 17%, then modulate Osc 1 Warp with LFO 1 via the Matrix.

3 Next, use Env 2 to modulate Osc 1 Fold, then dial in a slow 6.33ms Attack for Envelope 2. With the waveform now being stretched and shrunk all over the place, let's set up Osc 2: load the Vintage » JUP SawPulse wavetable, with a Wave Position of 39%. Again, load an Oscillator FX – this time, FM.

4 The FM mode adds classic frequency modulation-style harmonics via the two controls. Set Amt to 5.5%. Leave Tune at 0%, but modulate it (called Osc 2 FM Pitch in the Matrix) via Env 2, which now gradually sweeps up the FM's 'pitch'. This creates an uneasy rise in tone – perfect for confusing a 3am dancefloor.

5 For more timbral wiggling, modulate Osc 2 FM Amnt with LFO 1. Next, by modulating LFO 1 Rate with Env 2, our slow envelope now speeds up the LFO over the course of a note, which also winds up Osc 1 Warp and Osc 2 FM Amount. Trippy!

6 To tighten up the sound and induce more manic wobbling, we use LFO 1 to modulate Filter 1 Frequency. We then direct Env 2 to modulate master Pitch of the whole synth for increased tension as the sound rises. For an alternative take on our wind-up tone try the inverse and descend a fast LFO down in pitch.