BEFORE YOU BEGIN
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The AWM wave, which forms the fundamental characteristic of a voice, can be con-
trolled in various ways to modify the pitch of the sound. The pitch envelope generator
(PEG) can be used to give each note a fixed pattern of pitch change over time. The pitch
change can also be affected by key velocity. Vibrato (pitch modulation) can be created
using the low frequency oscillator (LFO). Amount of vibrato can be regulated by a control-
ler. The pitch can be controlled directly by the pitch bend wheel and by aftertouch.
The filter can be controlled in various ways to modify the tone of the sound. Each note
can be given a fixed pattern of tonal change by using the filter envelope generator (FEG),
which can also be affected by key velocity. Wah-wah (filter modulation) can be created
using the LFO, and wah-wah depth can be regulated by a controller. Tone can also be
directly affected by a controller.
The amplifier, or amp, can be controlled in various ways to manipulate the volume of
the sound. Each note can be given a fixed pattern of volume change by using the amplifier
envelope generator (AEG), which can also be affected by key velocity. Tremolo (volume
modulation) can be created using the LFO, and tremolo depth can be regulated by a
controller. Volume can also be directly affected by a controller.
CONTROLLING THE SOUND
Musical instrument sounds are complex and constantly changing. Different types of
instrument sounds change over time in very different ways. With an instrument such as a
piano, for example, the tone and volume of each note changes in a predictable way over
time. With an instrument such as a violin, on the other hand, the volume, tone, or pitch
may be continuously modified by the musician during performance. The W5/W7 provides
many ways to control the various aspects of the sound, as follows:
● ENVELOPE GENERATOR (EG) - The EG produces a fixed pattern of change
over time. For example, to simulate the attack and decay of a piano, you would
set the amplitude EG to be loud when the note is first played, and then to gradu-
ally diminish in volume over the following moments.
● KEY VELOCITY - The velocity (speed) with which you play each key can affect
various aspects of the sound. For example, strongly and softly played notes can be
made to differ in pitch, tone, or volume.