TESLA SYNTHESIS part I
TESLA COIL ANALOGUE SYNTHESIS
Using the KORG minilogue
VCO 1 (Voltage Controlled Oscillator)
4th 8ve Square Wave
A Maximum (+1200 cents) on the PITCH pot
Moderate shape/complexity/duty-cycle SHAPE pot value
Output level 70%
VCO 2
3rd 8ve Square wave
Slight detune on PITCH pot
Increase in shape/complexity/duty cycle value
Output Level 50%
MODULATION
100% cross modulation (Osci. 1 modulates the pitch of Osci. 2)
0 PITCH EG (Envelope Generator) DEPTH
Both the SYNC (osc 2 phase forcibly synchronised with osci 1 phase, which creates a complex waveform with harmonic overtones) and RING (osci 1 to 2, the output is the sum and difference of the frequencies created by both osci) switches are off.
Finally, the NOISE pot is set to output 70% of White noise.
The VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter) pot is at it’s maximum (cutoff frequency for Low Pass Filter) ensures no cutoff shaping is occurring. Resonance (LPF ‘Q’ or peak) is at 0 while the EG INT (Intensity) is set to 100% (see EG below)
The FILTER is set to 2 pole (rolling off 12db per octave)
For consistency, the KEY TRACK and VELOCITY switches are left off, these would otherwise allow key position or velocity to affect the cutoff frequency of the filter.
The AMP EG provides a precise control signal that varies over time to modify the VCA VOLTAGE CONTROLLED AMPLIFIER level. Instant attack, slow decay, maximum sustain and quick release. The EG , a precise control signal that varies over time, has a quick attack, and moderate (approx. 50%) decay, sustain and release.
In the LFO (low Frequency Oscillator) section of the panel, I have a high rate, high intensity triangle wave with no EG modulation. switching between the PITCH and CUTOFF TARGET switch I was able to produce pitched and “pitchless” Tesla coil sounds.
The Delay section is bypassed and the sequencer will be untouched. The mode is set to Duo so I could record a 2 note octave sample to replicate the many frequencies contained within the coil arc audio spectrum.
I am very pleased with the results.
The next stage is to implement these samples into a Kontakt 5 instrument so melodies and button samples can easily processed to be implemented in VR testing.
