Modulate effects rhythmically

With the FX Modulator, Cubase 12 brings a flexible modular effect that can add movement and listening elements to any type of audio signal. In this workshop, you will color a drum loop with the FX Modulator. Modulate a Bitcrusher, Flanger and Reverb rhythmically to the beat and get a hands-on introduction to the functions of the effect. 1

The drumloop

Start with a new Cubase project. Import any drumloop and adjust the tempo of the project, if necessary. In the example, I‘m working with 093 drumloop from the drumloop bundle in the MediaBay and at a tempo of 93 BPM. Then, lower the Level of the imported audio event by -3 dB to create more headroom for the following effects. 1

2 FX Modulator

Add the new audio effect, FX Modulator, to the left in the Inspector under Inserts. This provides 13 modular effects in which various parameters can be rhythmically modulated. Click on BitCrusher to load this effect in the first of the six available effect slots. On the left in the target list, you will now find the modulable parameters. 1

3 Bitcrusher

Select Sample Div. to rhythmically change the reduction of the sample rate. This parameter is now displayed in the upper area. Click on the modulation curve on the far right in the top row to load it. Listen to the result. One loop in the modulation field currently corresponds to one bar, which can be changed under Time. 1

4 Flanger

Click on Add Module to add a Flanger as a second effect. Now click on the leftmost curve in the Modulation section to slowly increase the Frequency parameter. Then, adjust Feedback to 20% and Mix to 10% to soften the flanger on your drum loop. 1

5 Reverb

As a third module, you can now add a Reverb. Set Time to 4s and Size to 200% to create a large Reverb. The Mix parameter can be modulated in the Reverb. This should only be audible on the 4th count, for example on a snare. First, lower the Mix parameter in the modulation range to 0%.1

6 Filters

Double-click in the modulation area to add points for your own curves. Use it to create a curve that raises the mix parameter only on Beat 4. You can then filter the reverb to make it sound darker. To do this, activate the Filter Bank below and position the Frequency Band between 240 Hz and 970 Hz.