Module reference · Motion and modulation

LFO

A slow wave that modulates knobs on other modules

Open in the synth with a demo patch Open Modular

What it does

An LFO is a low-frequency oscillator: the same wave as an ordinary oscillator, only very slow, from one cycle per 100 seconds up to 20 per second. You do not listen to it; you patch it into knobs (filter cutoff, pitch, volume) and the knob starts moving on its own. Sample & Hold gives random steps, Smooth random a random but gentle line, and Sync ties the period to bars instead of hertz.

Try this

Connect LFO to Filter cutoff so the sound alternates between bright and muted.

Ports

out: CV (bipolar, −1 to +1)

Parameters

Shape · Rate · Sync

Try this

Patch LFO → filter Cutoff and set the cable amount to 0.3 so the tone breathes slowly.
An LFO at 0.03 Hz (one cycle every half minute) on the cutoff is movement you do not notice at first, but without it the patch feels static.
The Smooth random shape on a VCA Gain makes the volume feel alive, as if someone were quietly riding the fader.

Other modules

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