Component Parts of Sound and Synthesis

Question 1

In Reaktor what are the 6 Util Note Functions/Outputs?

Answer 1

PITCH: usually sent to oscillators to generate musical notes sent into Reaktor from a MIDI keyboard or external sequencer
GATE: used to send a note on/note off message when MIDI notes are triggered/released. Sent to envelopes to open VCAs for a specified duration, for instance
VEL: velocity information will generally be used to control amplitude, but filters, effect levels, and many other parameters can be controlled in this way
NOTE: all MIDI notes have a unique MIDI number (e.g. C1 note 36, C3 note 60, etc.) that can be used as a control signal
PBEND: pitch bend can control the frequency of oscillators to add expression to a performance
MWHL: the mod wheel of our keyboard can be used to control any parameter we choose, such as filter cutoffs, LFO speeds, effect levels, modulation depths, etc.

Question 2

In Reaktor how can you make an LFO trigger with new notes played (MIDI or keys) ?

Answer 2

Route the GATE of the Util Note block to the Reset of the LFO block

Question 3

In Reaktor what is the difference between Panel View and Structure View ?

Answer 3

Panel view shows the front panels of the modules as they would appear in a modular rack whereas Structure View shows the routing and connections clearly

Question 4

How do you show the Structure View in Reaktor?

Answer 4

Click one of the Split Screen Icons in the top right-hand corner

Question 5

What does SVF stand for ?

Answer 5

State-Variable Filter

Question 6

Which button needs to be pressed in order make changes to a rack/ensemble in Reaktor’s Structure View ?

Answer 6

The EDIT button on the top left

Question 7

Describe the function of the Legato mode (Util Note In Block)

Answer 7

With Legato enabled, envelopes will NOT be re-triggered when a new note is played if a previous note is still held when the new note starts

Question 8

Name two basic ways you can add movement over time when using a single Oscilator and Amp (and a modulation source) ?

Answer 8

By applying Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) or subtle Pitch Modulation

Question 9

In a Sawtooth waveform, which harmonics above the fundamental can be heard ?

Answer 9

All odd and even order harmonics at gradually decreasing amplitudes

Question 10

In a Square waveform, which harmonics above the fundamental can be heard ?

Answer 10

All of the Odd harmonics at gradually decreasing amplitudes

Question 11

In a Triangle waveform, which harmonics above the fundamental can be heard ?

Answer 11

All of the Odd harmonics at rapidly decreasing amplitudes

Question 12

What would be the pitch of the third harmonic above A4 (440Hz) ? What type of harmonic is this?

Answer 12

1320Hz - it’s an Odd Order Harmonic

Question 13

Which Filter Block in Reaktor is modelled on early analogue polyphonic synths?

Answer 13

The Modern Paul Filter

Question 14

In Reaktor, what does clicking the Bass Clef icon on the Modern Paul Filter do ?

Answer 14

It preserves the low-end as resonance is increased

Question 15

In Reaktor, what does the A/B switch icon above the feedback on the Monark Filter do?

Answer 15

It makes the feedback effect more or less intense

Question 16

If you are using a VCA as a modulation signal, should the mode be set to AC or DC?

Answer 16

AC which removes the DC offset filter