Adjusting the time of the Modulation (pitch)

Software Instruments Prophet V
#1

I’m working on getting a “drop” sound for use in a cover band in Urgent ( https://youtu.be/pVe4nMDr8VY?t=140 ). Part of this is modulating the pitch with an envelope type control. In this case I’m using the Advanced Modulations page (see pic below), but I can’t figure out how to make it so:

  1. It doesn’t reset to another pitch at the end of the highlighted envelope section
  2. Extend the time for that last section (marked with an arrow and line)

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Any help will be appreciated.

PS: For a bonus, my next programming job will be to create the falling LFO sound behind the sax around this time. Probably similar in approach but with an LFO also modulating the pitch.

#2

Hi @patazzmusic ,

I don’t have access to those videos.

I’m not sure what you mean.

At the end of the curve you show the value is zero. So there will be no modulation since the Function Polarity is set to UNIPOLAR.
If you deselect UNIPOLAR, then you will get modulation at the end too.

I hope this is it.

#3

Hi @LBH , you’ve helped me before. Thanks in advance.

Note: YouTube is not as ubiquitous as I had assumed :slight_smile:

Maybe you could find another service for these. The song is Urgent by Foreigner.
The First sound is about 2 minutes and 20 seconds into the song, and it happens multiple times. I could also capture a small portion and provide ti in a PM if that’s helpful.

What I’m trying to figure out is how to make the last section of the pitch envelope, which is at the bottom of it’s range. However, since it’s “looping”, it quickly returns to the high point of the process (since it’s initial , attack is near to zero).

Maybe stating what I’m trying to do would be more advantageous.

  • Hit a key
  • Slow attack at the starting pitch (fade in)
  • After a length of time (perhaps 2 beats or 1000 ms) Start at a specific pitch
  • Hold that pitch for a short period of time (perhaps 2 beats or 1000 ms) start to drop the pitch
  • Have a long pitch drop
  • Fade the amplitude as the pitch drops (fade out)

The second sound only happens once (I think) at about the 2 minute 50 second mark. It is an oscilating, descending sound used to transition into the sax solo.

#4

Hi again @patazzmusic. You are welcome.

If i understand correct, then the first sound is sounding owl/ fluty like.
At that time i think it’s possible the pitch modulation was made manual using the pitch wheel.
Perhaps it was done using a envelope modulating the pitch. That depend on the synth used, if this was possible.
It was not done using an LFO as i doubt it could retrigger to be in correct phase.
If you wish to use a function, then i would set it to ENV mode. Polyphonic and Unipolar. The rate perhaps sync 1/2 bar or whatever works. Then simply have a little attack time to the Sustain point where you set the modulation amount to match the needed pitch. When you release the keys you’ll get the modulation down again, but only if the sound also have enough release time set too.
I think it’s a rather simple envelope with attack time, sustain at max and release time.
Play the keys to raise the pitch, release the keys to get the pitch back to normal. Repeat.

The second sound i can’t really hear in the videos i’ve found. It sound like a LFO was used to create that sound. Again the envelope only fade out if the envelopes have the needed release time.

I hope this helps.

#5

Agreed. Much of the work on Foreigner 4 was actually Thomas Dolby, though there were others, and the pitch bend trick is definitely what I hear as each occurance is slightly different.

For my purposes I need to do this with little interaction as I’ve got 3-4 parts to be played and dedicating two hands (notes and pitch bend) requires me to automate more.

The second is something that I’m going to work on in more depth.

Thanks again -