Dynamic LFO generator

[_andreypetr_]

Introducing the Dynamic LFO Generator

If you've ever dreamed of an LFO generator that can morph between shapes and be automated in countless ways, your search ends here. I'm excited to share the prototype of this tool. Connect its output to any parameter and start tweaking!

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to Pepin Hazan for creating the Tinker Rack Extension. Without this incredible device, none of my ideas would have been possible.

The Concept

This device is a versatile 4x LFO generator with a dynamic shape that can be adjusted, modulated, automated, duplicated, and linked to any parameter. For years, I've been searching for a flexible and fast LFO creator, and I've finally developed a solution that meets my needs.

Current Status

The prototype is now fully functional. While I’ve enjoyed using SPEO Tribute LFOs for similar tasks, I see much more potential in this prototype. It’s reminiscent of Serum’s dynamic LFO point modulation but simpler. Before the final release, I’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions to make it even better.

How It Works

- Control Panel: The CV8X4 controls various shape parameters and serves as a variable generator for Tinker formulas.
- Generator: Produces a basic signal shaped by the formulas. It acts like a song position pointer and can be replaced with any ramp CV generator.
- Rate Switch: Converts the input signal into a controllable rate loop using the K knob to switch between rate values, which can be adjusted as needed. The output is then fed into the SKEW module.
- SKEW: Divides the input signal into two halves and skews them using the K knob. The output is sent to the SPLITTER module.
- Splitter: A Spider CV that splits the signal between the A and D sections.
- A (Attack): Curves the first half of the shape with the K knob.
- D (Decay): Curves the second half of the shape with the K knob.
- Result: Another Spider CV that merges the two halves into a complete LFO shape.
- Result Scope: Displays the current LFO shape on a graph for easy monitoring.

Recent Modifications

- In the SKEW Tinker formula, I’ve limited the K knob range to (0.0001,1) to prevent division by zero. There might be better solutions, so I’m open to suggestions.
- In the Combinator editor, the source range for each K knob in Tinker and each CV8X4 knob must be set to 1%-100%. This ensures that resetting the Combinator knob resets these controls to 0.5.

PATCH PREVIEW

Screenshot 2024-08-21 at 16.38.13.png (360.17 KiB) Viewed 3067 times

Initially, the Combinator included four instances of this generator, but I’ve simplified it to just one for easier testing and finalization. The idea is to make it as lightweight as possible so you can make 50 copies of it in your project and still be able to operate it. I’m aiming to reduce the number of devices used while offering more shape variations and functionality. If you need further explanation on how these formulas work, feel free to ask.

Share Your Thoughts

I’d love to hear your feedback on how this prototype can be improved.

To use this patch, you’ll need Reason 12 and two free Rack Extensions: Pepin Hazan's Tinker and Aftermath Audio's CV8X4 CV Generator. The patch also includes the free Lectric Panda Scope M4 to visualize the LFO shapes you create.

Dynamic LFO.cmb.zip

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[challism]

Thanks for sharing. Downloading it now.

[_andreypetr_]

Thanks for sharing. Downloading it now.

Nice to see you here!

[Worker 13]

I tried it out and it works really well. The only thing I'd want is to have a slower rate option.
Thanks!

[_andreypetr_]

I tried it out and it works really well. The only thing I'd want is to have a slower rate option.
Thanks!

You can change rate to slower in the "t" generator, where base signal is generated. Basically change Tinker's rate to slower. By the way I've found a way to use 4 Tinker instances per LFO (even 3, but without offset parameters due to formula length limitation)

I'm still trying to optimize it as much as possible before releasing because I've tried 4x LFO combinator version in my project and it is pretty heavy after 16 instances of it, it is noticable even on m1 MacBook

[Worker 13]

That worked! Originally I had mapped a knob to the Rate Switch and it didn't affect anything.

[Marc64]

slower lfo use https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack ... /lpcvfree/

[_andreypetr_]

slower lfo use https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack ... /lpcvfree/

Yes! The original combinator used Little LFO that is waaay more flexible in terms of working with midi and triggering. I think that formulas could be optimized more and have an additional functionality that should be implemented.