Modulation and envelopes for adding movement

Sculpting sounds is child’s play on the XD; the LFO, envelopes and targets are key to adding movement. Here’s how...

Although the XD has a single LFO, it can target one of three destinations (at audio rates). You can also record LFO/envelope tweaks into the sequencer (and assign LFO rate/intensity to the joystick for further fun)! You can send the LFO to Oscillator Pitch (the oscillators targeted are set in the menu), to osc shape or filter cutoff. Alongside this, the AD envelope can be sent to the pitch of all oscillators, Osc 2 only or Filter Cutoff. Between all of these settings, there’s plenty to get a great vibe happening intuitively. In addition, the ADSR (hardwired to the VCA) allows you to sculpt the volume envelope over time, with a nice long attack and release available for very deep droning or atmospheres.

Choose an LFO wave (for smooth or staggered mod) then choose mode (normal in this case) and select your target. Subtle pitch mod can work wonders on sounds to humanise them, whilst LFO>Shape Mod works great for drones and slowly evolving sounds.

Use the AD envelope with a slow attack sent to Filter Cutoff so your sound evolves from dark to bright. For more atmosphere, add long release on the amp ADSR. For plucked sounds, experiment with the EG intensity dial, Filter Cutoff and AD/Amp Envelopes’ attack/decay.

If you want to keep VCO1 static/droning, whilst adding movement to VCO2 only, set the AD envelope’s target to Pitch 2 and set the attack and decay dials to taste, whilst experimenting with the EG intensity dial – great for adding evolution or harmonic complexity.