pooplog's swims synth
pooplog666@hotmail.com

type: synths

The SWIMS is a unique semi-complex synth, but it is also super fast. There are a million of them so that you can select the one with only the options that you want-to keep it super fast. I never intended these for public use, which explains the cryptic interface. I originally designed all of my machines to use less than 3% cpu on a p233. Buzz crashes constantly on my athlon (I can't even get the audio card config menu to come up), so I probably will stop developing machines for Buzz and move on to another better supported platform.

first: what are these funny names?

for example
8-swims-de is a:
8 stage width modulation synth - dual - envelope

the DUAL means it has a carrier signal as well
and the ENVELOPE means that it has an envelope control

Let me explain all the parameters, perhaps that might help you understand how it works:

ADSR: This is your envelope. It is designated by the -E in the synth name.
ATTACK
DECAY
SUSTAIN
RELEASE

SWIMS SECTION:
Fine Tune - Well, that's kinda obvious as well
Width 1:2 - this is where it gets interesting. This is the width ratio of the waveform.
you've heard of pulse modulation, well, this lets you modulate the width
of any type of waveform. It is the ratio between the first and second
half-cycle of the wave.
WFS 1 - this is the wave form shape of the first half cycle. the other neat thing about
swims is that you get to pick a waveform for each half-cycle. generally you would
like to pick a positive wave shape.
WFS 2 - same as above but the second half cycle. generally you should pick a negative.
these parameters repeat depending on the number of desired stages in your total waveform.
DUAL Section: Carrier waveform. It is designated by the -D in the synth name. This is
another waveform that gets mixed with your waveform that is generated in
the SWIMS section. Why? Sometimes you want to add a sine that is an octave lower
to add fatness, for example.
C transpose - the transpose of the carrier in tones relative to the swims synth
C Fine tune - kinda obvious
Carrier A:B - this works the same as Width 1:2 but just for the carrier
CS A - same as WFS 1 but just for the carrier
CS B - same as WFS 2 but just for the carrier
Mix WF:C - this is the mix between the SWIMS wavefore and the Carrier waveform

GOOD LUCK!
pooplog