Parameter Modulation

This feature allows you to modulate almost any module parameter using any CV source, including LFO's, envelopes and sequencers. It is a very powerful technique for creating dynamic, animated sequences and effects. There are three components to this feature:

1. The Target Parameter
This can be just about any setting on a module (the "target" module) you want modified over time. Most parameters in a module can be modulated, but there are a few that cannot, such as the number of tracks in the Drum Sequencer. The main thing to consider when choosing a parameter to modulate is what range of values you want to cover. It might be the full value range, or it might just be a subset. This is information you will use when setting up modulation.

There is also something else you should know about parameters. Some parameters are not just a single value, but are multiple values, sometimes called 'vectors'. An example of this is the StepValue parameters of a CV Sequencer, which indicates the CV value at each step of the sequencer. Even though the sequencer has up to 128 step values, there is only one parameter ID or Name that is associated with all of them. To distinguish between the different step values, an "index" value needs to be used. The index ranges from 1 to the number of values.

2. The CV Source
This can be any CV stream in Numerology, whether generated by a Sequencer, LFO, Envelope, FaderBox, MIDI to CV module, or any module that can combine or process those signals. So after you have chosen a parameter to modulate, you should decide how you want to modulate it. Here are some examples:

• LFO : For regular consistent cycling through the value range, low-frequency oscillators are the tool of choice.
  
  
• Envelope : For dramatic value changes that only happen occasionaly, or are triggered by some other event (such as a MIDI note), the Envelope is great. Since Envelopes need to be triggered, they are usually used on conjunction with some other CV source that can trigger them, such as a Gate Sequencer.
  
  
• Modulation Sequencer : Mod Sequencer is great both for stepped, rhythmic cycles and for longer, smooth automation-type curves. In fact, the Numerology Modulation Sequencer is very good at mimicking both LFO's and Envelopes. When in doubt, use a sequencer!

3. The ParamMod Circuit
The final part of a parameter modulation setup, is some module that has a ParamMod feature, which takes CV signals and converts them in the Parameter Change events to be sent to the target module.

There are four different ways you can add ParamMod to a project, the first two are very easy to use, and the second two aren't too hard either.

All module parameters that can be modulated or controlled remotely have a contextual menu that you can open by either holding down the control key on your keyboard, and clicking and holding the mouse, or, if you have a multi-button mouse, by clicking and holding the right-most mouse button. The items in this menu allow you to setup MIDI remote control over the parameter or setup param mod.

• Bring up the contextual menu for the parameter you want to modulate, and choose "Add Modulation" from the menu.
• Choose the type of modulation source you want to add (LFO, Sequencer or Envelope).
• You can also modify the min and max value ranges of the modulation range, or leave them as is.
• Click "OK".

Numerology will add the necessary modules to setup the modulation. For LFOs, Sequencers and sequence-triggered Envelopes, you should be able to start the master transport and see the value change right away. If you picked a manually-triggered Envelope, then click the play button on the Envelope to get it running.

This is the next easiest option:

• Pick "Add Modulation" from the "Stack" menu.
  
  
• Choose the target module and parameter. If the parameter is indexed, choose the index.
  
  
• Choose the type of modulation you want to add.
  
  
• You can also modify the min and max value ranges of the modulation range, or leave them as is.
  
  
• Click "OK"

Numerology will add the necessary modules to setup the modulation. For LFOs, Sequencers and sequence-triggered Envelopes, you should be able to start the master transport and see the value change right away. If you picked a manually-triggered Envelope, then click the play button on the Envelope to get it running.

The Modulation Seq, LFO and Envelope modules have a ParamMod function built into them. When you use either of the "Add Modulation" menu items discussed above, one of those three modules will be added to the stack and adjusted to modulate the correct parameter. You also have the option of adding one of these modules and adjusting their ParamMod settings directly:

• Add a ModulationSeq, LFO, or Envelope module to your stack. Add it somewhere in the stack before the target module.
  
  
• Open the advanced settings panel for the module you just added, by clicking on the small triangle in the lower-left corner of the module.
  
  
• Choose values for the Target Module and Target Param menus. Also set the Index if appropriate.
  
  
• Set the Output Range of the module to cover the range of values you want for the target parameter. You might need to refer to the Reference Documentation for the target module to determine what that range is.
  
  
• Un-mute the ParamMod section.

This is the "manual mode" for setting up ParamMod. It takes a bit more time to setup than the previous methods, but is also the most flexible. If you are going to use a CV source other than an LFO, Envelope or Modulation Seq, then this is the approach you need to take.

• First off, determine what your CV source for modulation will be, such as a TripleXY or a FaderBox, each of which offers several CV sources you can work with.
  
  
• Now add a ParamMod module to the same stack as your CV Source. This module is in the "CV Processing" group of the "Advanced" Module Library. It has two "voices" of ParamMod function that you can use. They are fully independent.
  
  
• Switch to the routing panel for that stack, and route your CV source (or sources) to the ParamMod module.
  
  
• Back on the front panel view of the module, choose the target module and target parameter you want to modify. When you choose the target parameter, the Min and Max value fields will update to indicate the legal range of values the parameter can be set to. Now is the time to adjust these values if you want to limit the ParamMod range.
  
  
• Some parameters, such as the "StepValue" parameters of some sequencers, have multiple values that can be set. Those are called "indexed" parameters. If you specify an indexed parameter as your target parameter for modulation, the "Index" field will pop up and you should choose which index you want to modify.
  
  
• Decide if you want AutoScale on or off. If it is on, it will assume the incoming CV's value range is [-1, +1], and scale it so that it covers the ranges specified by the min and max values. If it is off, no scaling is applied, but the value range will be clipped to the min and max values. This latter mode is very useful if your CV source has the same range as the parameter you plan to modify.
  
  
• Now un-mute the ParamMod voice you have setup, and try it out.