Here’s my LMNF PhD (Look Mum No Filter – Phase Distortion Module)
This phase distortion module is based on the ideas developed by Casio in the 80s and employed in their CZ line of synths, with further inspiration from ALM/Busy Circuits’ interpretation of the same principles in their recent CIZZLE module.
In this implementation a phasor ramp is ‘bent’ in order to read through the different stages of sine or cosine functions at different speeds and in that way generate a wealth of waveforms. The cosine, for example, turns into a sawtooth with the ‘bend’ set to half, or a pulse wave with the bend set to full. (See Phase Distortion Workshop patch on Discord.)
Since modulating the amount of ‘bend’ simulates opening and closing a filter to some extent, filters could be dispensed with in the CZ synths. The missing aspect of filter resonance (and feedback) was compensated for with the addition of a ‘Res’ waveform, which in turn became a characteristic feature of the CZ ‘sound’.
A further feature of the CZ synths was that waveforms could be woven into each other (alternated) in order to generate more complex waveforms. In my implementation the secondary waveform (B) can be set to alternate either halfway through the cycle, or upon its completion, and the switch point can follow either the main sine or negative cosine waveforms, the B input waveform, or the phasor ramp (Saw), each option shaping the sound in further ways. (Further details in the module description.).
LMNF PhD Demo Basic Kraftwerk.audulus4 (495.6 KB)
