LFOs & ModulationLesson 1 of 4
What Is an LFO?
THE CONCEPT
An LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) runs at very low frequencies (0.1–20 Hz), below the range of hearing. Instead of making sound, it creates a slow, repeating movement that can be used to modulate other parameters like pitch, filter cutoff, or volume.
TRY IT
Route the LFO to the filter cutoff. Adjust the LFO rate and depth to hear the classic wobble effect — the foundation of dubstep bass and many other sounds.
LFO
0.90Hz · filterCUTOFF
2.0kHz
↕ LFO sweeping
MODULATED OUTPUT
LFO TARGET
LFO SHAPE
0.90HzRATE
50%DEPTH
OCT 4
NO MIDI
ASDF…=WHITE · WETYUO=BLACKA
S
D
F
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H
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W
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THINGS TO NOTICE
✦LFO to pitch = vibrato (pitch wobble).
✦LFO to amplitude = tremolo (volume wobble).
✦LFO to filter cutoff = wah or wobble effect.
✦Slow LFO rate = gentle movement. Fast rate = intense, choppy effect.