The three oscillators of the ES2 provide classic analog synthesizer waveforms (including noise) and 100 single-cycle waveforms, known as Digiwaves. This raw material forms the basis for sounds that range from fat analog to harsh digital sounds, or hybrids of the two. You can also cross-modulate oscillators, making it easy to create FM-style sounds. Further options include the ability to synchronize and ring-modulate the oscillators, or to mix a sine wave directly into the output stage, to thicken the sound.
ES2 features a flexible modulation router that offers up to ten simultaneous (user-defined) modulation routings. These can be used alongside a number of hard-wired routings. Further modulation options include the unique Planar Pad—which provides control of two parameters on a two-dimensional grid. The Planar Pad itself can be controlled by the sophisticated Vector Envelope. This is a multipoint, loop-capable envelope that makes it easy to create complex, evolving sounds.
Lastly, Distortion, Chorus, Phaser, and Flanger effects are built into the ES2.
If you’d like to begin experimenting straight away, there are a number of settings that can be loaded which will help you to get started. These are accompanied by two tutorial sections which provide tips and information, and invite you to explore the ES2. See ES2 Tutorial: Creating Sounds and ES2 Tutorial: Using Templates to Create Sounds.
Note: Within the parameter description sections, you will often find information about the use of parameters as modulation targets or sources. This underlines one of the ES2’s greatest strengths—namely, the vast modulation possibilities it offers. It is recommended that you read through the chapter, and return to these “modulation information” sections (see below) when, and if, you need to refer to them. Descriptions on the use of all modulation and control options, including reference tables, are covered in Working with Modulation in the ES2.