Getting to Know the ES2 interface

Before you take a look at the individual parameters and functions of the ES2, this section will familiarize you with the various elements of the ES2’s graphical interface, which is broken down into the following main areas.

• Oscillator section: The oscillator parameters are shown at the upper left of the ES2 interface. The Triangle is used to set the mix relationships between the three oscillators. See Using the ES2 Oscillators.
• Global parameters: A number of related global parameters that directly influence the overall output of the ES2—such as Tune—are found to the left of the oscillators, and above the amplifier and filter parameters. See Using the ES2’s Global Parameters.
• Filter section: The circular Filter area, including the Drive and Filter FM parameters. See Using the ES2 Filters.
• Amplifier parameters: The area at the top right contains the output parameters, where you can set the overall volume of the ES2, and add a sine signal at the output stage. See Using the ES2 Amplifier Parameters.
• Modulation router or Vector Envelope: The dark strip across the center of the ES2 interface is shared by the modulation router and the Vector Envelope. You can use the buttons at the right end of this section to switch between the two.

  • The router links modulation sources, such as the envelopes and other parameters shown in the lower portion of the interface, to modulation targets, such as the oscillators and filters. See Getting to Know the ES2’s Modulation Router.

  • The Vector Envelope is an extremely flexible and powerful envelope generator, which provides extensive control over your sound. See Getting to Know the ES2’s Vector Envelope.

• Modulation controls and parameters: The area immediately below the router is where you can assign and adjust the modulation generator parameters (such as LFO and envelope parameters). See Working with Modulation in the ES2.
• Planar Pad: The square area at the top right is a two-dimensional controller known as the Planar Pad—which facilitates the simultaneous manipulation of two, freely assignable, parameters. The Planar Pad can be controlled using the mouse, another controller, or the Vector Envelope. See Using the ES2’s Planar Pad.
• Effect section: The built-in effect processing options are found to the right of the Output parameters. See Using the ES2’s Integrated Effect Processing Section.
• Random parameters: Used to randomize sound parameters, the Random parameters are found below the circular Filter area. See Creating Random ES2 Sound Variations.
• Macro and MIDI controller parameters: The area located on the thin, gray strip at the bottom can display either Macro parameters or MIDI controller assignments. The preassigned macro sound parameters are perfect for quick tweaks to the ES2’s sound (and that of ES2-based GarageBand instruments). You can reassign MIDI control numbers for these parameters if desired. See Using the ES2 Macro Control Parameters.