LFOs

A synthesizer LFOs is a modulation source that can give a sound motion and variation. When applied to a sound, an LFO modulates one or more sound parameters, such as pitch, amplitude, or filter cutoff. The LFO produces a repeating waveform at a low frequency, typically below 20 Hz, such as a sine wave, triangle wave, or square wave. Since this low frequency is below the threshold of human hearing, the LFO’s modulation effect is not directly audible; instead, it produces subtle sonic variations.

A vibrato effect, for instance, is produced when an LFO is applied to the pitch of a sound. This is a result of the LFO’s low-frequency, up-and-down pitch modulation. Similarly, a tremolo effect is produced when an LFO is applied to the sound’s amplitude. This is a result of the LFO’s low-frequency, up-and-down volume modulation.

Additionally, LFOs can be used to modulate other parameters, such as the filter’s cutoff, to produce phasing effects or even to modulate additional LFOs to build intricate modulation chains. LFOs are a potent tool for sculpting and sculpting sound in a synthesizer, and the possibilities are endless.

LFOs typically have several adjustable parameters, including frequency, waveform, depth, and delay. These controls can alter how the LFO affects the sound and produce a wide variety of textures and timbres.