Ring / Noise Modulation
Ring Modulation
CZ has two 'Lines' - a set of DCO+DCW (filter) +DCA - per one sound. When Ring Modulation is turned on, the second Line's output modulates another's amplitude. The modulation is done in an audible range and creates various new harmonics.
When Noise Modulation is turned on, the second Line's pitch is randomly modulated in a very high speed. This randomness sounds like white noise, while retaining to some extent the feel of the original wave and pitch.
Officially, we can only choose the two modulation modes above. Internally, there are more.
The modes are controlled by 4 bit data (0-15). I explored them but it's not very clear to me how each bit works. So I list them as 'Structure' a la Roland.
'Structure' determines how 'Lines' are mixed and modulated.
Below is the list of structures. 'OX' means that the direct output of the second line is muted, and 'XO,' the first line muted. The sound examples share the same settings except the structure.
There are 3 modes of Ring Modulation. Ring2 is officially used, and sounds softest of the three.
01: OO Both direct s01.mp3
02: XO First line muted 03: OO Same as 01 04: XO Same as 02 05: OO Ring1 Both+Ring Mode 1 06: XO Ring1 First mute+Ring Mode 1 07: OX Noise First+Noise 08: XX Noise Noise only 09: OX Ring2 First+Ring Mode 2 10: XX Ring2 Ring Mode 2 only 11: OX Ring2 Same as 09 12: XX Ring2 Same as 10 13: OX Ring3 First+Ring Mode 3 14: XX Ring3 Ring Mode 3 only 15: OX Ring-Noise First+Ring-Noise 16: XX Ring-Noise Ring-Noise only
With Ring1, the direct output of the second line is added. This is a rare ability among the already rare digital synths with Ring Modulation. As far as I know, only CASIO HT-6000 and KAWAI Gmega/K11 can use an oscillator as both Carrier and Modulator at the same time in RIng Modulation.
It is my impression that Ring3 souunds harsher than Ring2 and softer than Ring1.
With 'Ring-Noise,' it seems that the ring-modulated sound is further noise-modulated.
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Deep Synthesis: Home8.30.2002