Modular Monthly

Wavefolding with DPW’s WF-1

The key feature of DPW Design’s Wavefolder WF-1 is the split controls for the positive and negative portions of the wavefolder. Usually a wavefolder will amplify a signal until it hits a peak or threshold then folds the wave back on itself beyond that point. So by varying the level you can generate new harmonics and vary your tones.

Having control over both positive and negative portions of the wave means more control, variation and modulation. Both positive and negative elements have their own level/fold control, offset (which changes the threshold of folding) and a CV input with attenuverter for the folding. To easily edit symmetry of the output there is a switch for either asymmetrical (the separate positive and negative settings) or symmetrical wavefolding.

There are also independent controls for the folders’ output and a clean/dry signal pass through – so you can blend dry/wet for even further control – and a switch for selecting either no modification of the final output, distortion or limiting. The distortion is musical and can be pushed into a fuzzy series of overtones and the limiter can be driven for harder clipping too. The E-1 expander breaks out this control onto two inputs, giving you the option to gate the limiting and the distortion on and off. The real beauty is that switching of these can be done at audio rates for glorious ring modulation. Feeling more conservative? Use gate patterns to add accents by only turning on the limiting and/or distortion on steps.