This set of audio example MP3s illustrate key ideas discussed in the Cubase workshop in SOS August 2022, which you will find here:
www.soundonsound.com/techniques/cubase-12-fx-modulator
Cubase 12 FX Modulator Rhythmic Effects Audio Example JW 01.mp3
This audio example is split into four sections as follows:
(1) the unprocessed Padshop sound based upon the Mellow preset used as the starting point;
(2) a simple quarter-note on/off modulation of the Level parameter in FX Modulator’s Volume module. Note the audible clicking sound as the modulation switches the Level between maximum and zero;
(3) as for the previous section but with the Smooth control set to 5% to remove the clicking;
(4) as for the previous example but with the Time control set to 1/8 to produce a faster rhythmic effect.
Cubase 12 FX Modulator Rhythmic Effects Audio Example JW 02.mp3
The same Padshop preset is used as the starting point for this audio example. It is split into six sections as follows:
(1) and (2) two different modulation curves for Level created simply by combining curve elements from the Factory bank as described in the main text;
(3) and (4) two further different modulation curves for Level created from the curve element presets created and stored within the user Banks as shown in one of the screenshots within the main article;
(5) an example where the vertical range of the modulation data points has been compressed to produce a more subtle effect;
(6) using the Mix and Smooth control to change the nature of the rhythmic effect.
Cubase 12 FX Modulator Rhythmic Effects Audio Example JW 03.mp3
The same Padshop preset is used as the starting point for this audio example. It is split into five sections as follows:
(1) using the Filter Bank to constrain the frequency range that the Level modulation effect is applied resulting in the lower frequencies have a rhythmic element while the upper frequencies produce a sustained sound;
(2) using two instances of FX Modulator with both providing rhythmic modulation of Level within the Volume effect module. As the example plays, the Mix control within each FX Modulator instance is being automated to adjust the influence of each instance and therefore vary the rhythmic effect;
(3) a single instance of FX Modulator using both the Volume module to create a rhythmic effect (as in the previous examples) but with the Filter module also added and gradual modulation of both the Frequency and Q parameters applied to produce a tonal change as the part plays;
(4) and (5) simply take the same original Padshop pad and apply a couple of more complex FX Modulator preset as examples of what can be done when the same editing principles are applied to processing chains using other combinations of modules.