Using the Ultrabeat Noise Generator

The Ultrabeat noise generator offers extensive features, enabling the creation of a wide range of percussive sounds and sound elements. The noise generator also has its own filter—which functions independently of the main Ultrabeat Filter, although this can also be used on the overall sound.

Technically, a noise signal contains all tonal frequencies, at a more or less equal volume level. As all frequencies in the spectrum are audible, it makes it difficult for human beings to isolate, and therefore discern, any tonality (pitch) in a noise signal. Despite this, or as a direct result of it, noise is an indispensable ingredient when creating drum sounds.

• On/Off button: Activates or deactivates the noise generator.

  Note: When programming a drum sound, you can turn the individual sound sources on or off with the On/Off buttons. You can also listen to the individual components of the sound separately this way, and remove them if desired.

• Filter Type buttons: Switch the noise generator’s integrated filter between lowpass, highpass, and bandpass filter types.
  • LP (lowpass): This filter type allows frequencies that fall below the cutoff frequency to pass. When set to LP, the filter operates as a lowpass filter. The filter slope is fixed at 12 dB/octave in LP mode.
  • HP (highpass): This filter type allows frequencies above the cutoff frequency to pass. When set to HP, the filter operates as a highpass filter. The filter slope is fixed at 12 dB/octave in HP mode.
  • BP (bandpass): The frequency band directly surrounding the center frequency (determined with the Cutoff knob) is allowed to pass. All other frequencies are cut. The Resonance parameter controls the width of the frequency band. The bandpass filter is a two-pole filter with a slope of 6 dB/octave on each side of the center frequency of the band.
  • byp (bypass): Disables the integrated filter.
• Cutoff and Resonance knobs: Determine the cutoff/center frequency and resonance/bandwidth behavior of the integrated filter.

  • Cutoff can be modulated by the sources found in the “mod” and “via” menus.

  • The Cut knob defines the point in the frequency spectrum where the signal is boosted or cut. Depending on the selected filter type, you can make a sound darker (LP), thinner (HP) or more nasal (BP) by adjusting the Cut value.

  • Increasing resonance boosts frequencies that surround the cutoff frequency. Values range from 0 (no increase) to self-oscillation of the filter at high resonance values.

  Note: Self-oscillation is typical of analog filter circuits. It occurs when the filter feeds back into itself and begins to oscillate at its natural frequency, when high resonance values are used.

• Dirt knob: This parameter was especially developed for the noise generator. Higher values roughen up the pure, white noise appreciably, making it more grainy.

  • The Dirt parameter is especially effective at high resonance values.

  • Dirt can be modulated by the sources found in the “mod” and “via” menus.

• Volume knob: Sets the output level of the noise generator. Volume can be modulated by the sources found in the “mod” and “via” menus.
• Signal Flow button: Determines whether the noise generator signal is routed through the (main) filter, or directly to the EQ (output) section. When active, the button turns red and an arrow indicates the direction of the signal flow.

  Note: The signal flow button has no effect on the independent filter contained in the noise generator. The latter is deactivated with the byp button in the Type menu. It is therefore possible to filter the noise generator signal twice. In many instances you may want the noise generator signal to bypass the main filter, freeing the main filter for other duties—an important element when programming drum sounds.