Understanding Synth Sounds and LFOs

Of course, we can make synth sounds very complicated. And, you know, some synthesizers do look very complex. Even these three phases are just too basic for some people.

Introducing LFOs

So, they start to introduce something called an LFO. Now, an LFO is a really common additional module that can be found inside of a synthesizer.

What Does LFO Mean?

• It doesn't mean low flying object.
• It means low frequency oscillator.

Essentially, what we're getting with an LFO is an oscillator that vibrates at a frequency below the range of our hearing.

Frequency Settings

• It can be set to oscillate a few times each second, or even once a minute if we want to.

Waveform Choices

The choices of the waveform in an LFO are often the same as in an oscillator. So, we can have:

• A square wave
• A triangle wave

Main Controls

The two main controls that we'll find in LFOs are:

• Depth: The amount of volume of the wave that we've chosen.
• Frequency: Determines how quickly the LFO runs.

Modulating Sound with LFOs

LFOs are used to modulate or change a parameter of a sound in a synth.

Example: Pitch Modulation

Let's take pitch as an example. Right? If we had a sound like so, and we were to modulate the pitch of this sound, the pitch will rise and fall regularly. This fluctuation is due to the work of our LFO.

• If we were to increase the frequency of this, this is what that would sound like.
• If we were to increase the depth of this, this is what it would produce.

So, those are the basic building blocks and foundations of synthesis.

Next Steps

We're now going to go in and explore synthesis further with Logic's own synthesizers.