Wavetable Synthesis Guide

A GUIDE TO WAVETABLE SYNTHESIS - WHICH ARGON SYNTH IS BEST FOR ME?

Modal Electronics Argon | Learn The Ins & Outs Of Wavetable Synthesis | Read Our Buyer's Guide

Modal Electronics’ critically acclaimed ARGON series offer next-generation Wavetable Synthesis for unrivalled sound sculpting capability, but what is this form of synthesis and what are the underlying principles that make it stand out from your run-of-the-mill synths?

WHAT IS WAVETABLE SYNTHESIS?

Wavetable Synthesis has been around for over 40 years and if you’ve ever used Native Instruments’ Massive or Xfer’s Serum, you have definitely used this form of Synthesis – sonically characterised by modern, natural and tone-like sounds. At its essence, Wavetable Synthesis incorporates a collection of single cycle waveforms organised sequentially on a “Wavetable”; each waveform can be played back on a loop to produce a continuous sound or tone – the higher the note pressed, the faster the cycle of the wave which we perceive as an increase in pitch. Sounds a bit like sampling right?

Where it gets really interesting is when we harness the power of the wavetable by seamlessly modulating through the series of waveforms; imagine, as a key is pressed and a modulation source is setup to sweep through the wavetable, the tonality of the sound will change as it morphs sequentially through the different waveforms in the wavetable. Sonically, this method of synthesis generates sounds that evolve over time without any spontaneous or jarring changes as the sound smoothly changes its shape into the various waves in the table.

From digital synth staples to constantly evolving pads and even harsh bell tones, Wavetable synthesis presents a mind-bending pallet of sounds to speak your creativity and should be in every music producer’s arsenal of tools.

CAN A WAVETABLE SYNTH ALSO BE A SUBTRACTIVE SYNTH?

In short, yes! Wavetable synthesisers can include Filters and Envelope generators in order to fine tune the timbre and shape of your sound over time.

WHICH SYNTH SHOULD I BUY?

Discover the colourful sound of the ARGON series of wavetable synthesisers. Meticulously designed and engineered to perfection, these instruments are a treasure trove for every musician looking to separate from the pack with elegant sonic textures.

Leaning on the heritage of our legendary 00 series synthesisers, the ARGON Series are modern wavetable synths for music performers, producers and sound designers. Fusing a transparent and rich sound, an array of real-time controls, MPE support, a clear structured user interface and integrated performance tools, The ARGON Series are a unique collection of instruments, designed to deliver an unmatched sonic experience.

The ARGON Series’ sophisticated wavetable engine generates thousands of different sonic combinations with its seamless waveform morphing feature. Explore ambient evolving textures, classic pads and modern chords, brutal basses, dark drones and psychedelic noise textures – this truly is a sound designer’s playground. Process and cross modulate the waves using either the 32 static wavetable modifiers and unlock additional wavetable variations. With the ARGON Series, virtually every sonic imagination can be realised with ease.

With all ARGON Series synthesisers, four morphable filter types deliver contemporary and classic options to shape your sounds to perfection. Two flexible audio rate (1x polyphonic) LFOs can be routed to a huge number of destinations using the modulation matrix. Three dedicated envelopes for the filter, amp and modulation sources provide excessive control over dynamics and expression. The ARGON Series’ sophisticated 12-slot modulation matrix supports easy assignments of complex modulation routes to keep the sound evolving.; for complete ease-of-use, 4 common modulation routings are pre-set to free up space for more interesting ideas.

Bring performance to a new level with the ARGON Series’ integrated 512-note sequencer, with real-time mode and step mode (64 steps with 8 notes per step) and 4 powerful Animation Lanes; a sure fire means of instilling expansive and complex transitions to sounds in a way that LFOs and Envelopes simply won’t provide. The polyphonic 64 step sequencer enables easy step input for note and animation values to create exciting melodic patterns. Multiple sequencer trigger modes coupled with the powerful onboard arpeggiator (programmable up to 32 steps) and performance features such as Chord hold, Inversions, Transpose, Sustain Latch and the Joystick cement the ARGON Series as a performers and players dream.

Reshape your sounds with the ARGON Series’ on-board stereo effects engine. ARGON8’s 3-slot FX engine enables in-depth programming, combining up to 12 FX algorithms to add character and depth to your sound – available effects include Distortion (waveshaping overdrive) Chorus, Phaser, Flanger (Pos), Flanger (Neg), Tremolo, LoFi, Rotary, Stereo Delay, Ping-Pong Delay, X-Over Delay and Reverb.

The free MODALapp brings the comfort of screen-based editing of all ARGON Series parameters to your computer or mobile device. Available as a standalone app for macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS or Android systems and in VST3 and AU plug-in formats, it is the perfect companion for synth enthusiasts looking to deep dive to all sound forming and performance parameters to create their own signature sounds – not to mention a fantastic tool to backup and manage patches and sequences.

The ARGON Series are available in 3 Models, each tailored to suit your workflow – the ARGON8 37-key variant, the ARGON8X 61-key variant and the ARGON8M desktop module.

MODAL ELECTRONICS ANNOUNCES MONSTER MACHINE

Ultra-inspiring 40-patch free sound library harnesses the power of the ARGON Series’ wavetable sound engine and guarantees to take users creative production ‘elsewhere’

Modal Electronics is excited to announce an all-new sound library for the feature packed Argon Series synthesisers – Monster Machine. Harnessing the raw power of the ARGON Series’ supercharged wavetable synth engine, and injecting a heavy dose of inspiration from horror and Sci-Fi genres, this collection of 40 other worldly textures guarantees to take your creativity to never ventured heights.

Featuring a meticulously curated collection of dystopian sound beds, edgy thunderous basses and eery lead lines, Monster Machines is ideal for adding a new dimension to modern music production and traditional composition scenarios alike. Head over to the Modal Electronics Blog to download this free pack and add some off-world fuel to your sonic arsenal.

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