Mixers With Nonlinear Inputs - Kurzweil K2600 Musician's Manual

DSP Functions
The DSP Functions
parameters on the F2 PCH control-input page affect the pitch of the sine wave, and
consequently all subsequent results.

Mixers with Nonlinear Inputs

x AMP
x GAIN
x AMP
This function can be used in the Þnal algorithm block when it mixes two input wires into a
single output. The two input signals are multiplied. The control-input parameters affect the gain
of the multiplied signals. The Þnal amplitude is also affected by the settings for AMPENV and
ENVCTL. Multiplying the two signals can result in outputs that differ dramatically from the
input signals. You can get a wide variety of effects from this function, for example, turning an
acoustic sample and a waveform (or two waveforms) into a sound that has little resemblance to
the input sounds.
When two signals are multiplied, the resulting signal consists of the sums and differences of the
frequencies of each partial of each signal. The frequencies of the original signals do not come
through, unless they have one or more DC components (nonoscillating partials). And of course,
if one of the signals has zero amplitude, the resulting signal also has zero amplitude.
If the fundamental frequencies of the two input signals are related by simple fractions (that is, if
the ratios between their frequencies are something like 1/1, 2/1, 3/1, 4/1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 2/3,
3/2) the resulting signal will be a harmonic sound. Its partials will be multiples one of the
original fundamentals, or possibly a new fundamental. If the frequency ratios of the original
signals are nearly but not quite one of these fractions, some beat frequencies will be perceived,
which may or may not be useful. Of course, with equal temperament, the ratios given above are
not perfectly precise (a perfect Þfth, for example, has a frequency ratio of 1.4983, not 3/2). If the
frequencies of the original signals are not at least closely related, the result of X AMP will be,
shall we say, less than harmonious.
If the frequency of one of the original signals is below the audible range, then the result of
X AMP is not a matter of harmony, but of amplitude. In this case, a tremolo effect (amplitude
modulation) would be heard, because the resulting signal would periodically dip below the
audible range. In fact, when youÕre using X AMP in the Þnal algorithm block, you can use any
sample as an LFO source by setting the Adjust parameter on the PITCH page to its minimum. To
make this work, the algorithm must use one of the waveform functions in one of the blocks, and
the sample signal must be routed to the x AMP block. Results will vary.
x GAIN
This function operates like X AMP, except that it is not affected by the settings for AMPENV,
since it occurs before the F4 AMP block.
SHAPER / Final Amp (! AMP)
This function also appears in the Þnal algorithm block when it mixes two input wires to a single
output wire. The two inputs are added, then put through the SHAPER function with a Þxed
Adjust value of .25, then ampliÞed according to the values for the parameters on the F4 AMP
control-input page.
16-54
! AMP
Amplitude Modulation