How to Design Custom Waveforms with discoDSP Vertigo discoDSP Vertigo is a powerful 256-oscillator additive synthesizer. Unlike subtractive synths that cut frequencies away, Vertigo builds sounds from scratch. It allows you to manipulate individual harmonics to create unique, custom waveforms.
Here is a step-by-step guide to designing your own waveforms using Vertigo’s additive engine. Understand the Additive Engine
Subtractive synthesis starts with a complex wave and filters it. Vertigo does the opposite. It builds complex waves by adding pure sine waves together. These sine waves are called partials or harmonics. By changing the volume and phase of these partials, you create entirely new timbres. Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate
Initialize the plugin to ensure you are working with a blank canvas. Open discoDSP Vertigo in your DAW. Select the default or initialized preset.
This gives you a single sine wave, which is the first harmonic (the fundamental frequency). Step 2: Shape the Harmonics Display
The core of your waveform design happens in the harmonics panel. You will see a grid displaying partials from 1 to 256.
Draw fundamentals: Click and drag your mouse across the grid to draw partial amplitudes.
Create classic waves: To mimic a square wave, raise only the odd-numbered harmonics (1, 3, 5, 7). For a sawtooth wave, draw a gradual downward slope across all harmonics.
Design custom timbres: Raise random higher partials to introduce metallic, digital, or bell-like textures. Step 3: Manipulate Harmonic Phases
Waveform shapes are determined by both volume and phase. Vertigo allows you to switch the display from Amplitude to Phase mode. Toggle the view to the Phase editing screen.
Adjust the phase of individual partials to shift their alignment.
Shifting phases won’t always change the perceived pitch, but it drastically alters the physical shape of the waveform and how it interacts with effects. Step 4: Use the Resynthesis Feature
If drawing waveforms by hand is too tedious, use Vertigo’s powerful import tool. Click the Resynthesis options. Import a short WAV audio file or a BMP image.
Vertigo will analyze the file and automatically convert it into a complex, morphing additive waveform. Step 5: Modulate and Morph
Static waveforms can sound sterile. Use Vertigo’s dual-layer architecture to bring your custom waveform to life.
Design a different harmonic structure on Layer Matrix X and Layer Matrix Y.
Use the morphing sliders or LFOs to crossfade between the two shapes.
Apply the built-in filters and envelopes to shape the volume and frequency over time. To help tailor this guide, let me know:
Leave a Reply