Droplets

A plucky, 5-voice polyphonic MIDI synth with experimental bouncing-ball tremolo effect.

This is a ZOIA reproduction of a favourite custom MicroKorg patch of mine; a bright polyphonic synth with a per-note sawtooth tremolo effect that starts fast and ramps down in rate over time, like a ‘reverse bouncing ball’ effect. The (reverse) bouncing ball acts on each individual note and with velocity sensitivity, which creates nice intricate patterns. The mod wheel speeds up (or down) the rate of tremolo, and the pitch bend wheel separates the tremolo rate of each note randomly.
I also added the option to invert the tremolo, so it speeds up over time (like an ACTUAL bouncing ball), which adds a whole different flavour.

It’s a very expressive patch, capable of playing melodic lead lines or – with sustained chords – to form gentle beds of plucky sounds. Like tears in uhh, wait… like DROPLETS in rain.

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[OVERVIEW]
-Input/Output: Stereo input (goes straight dry through), Stereo out
-CPU load: Around 80%
-Build: Initial version built with firmware 2.80
-MIDI: I always use channel 10 and if controls are set to CC’s I use CC channels 21/36 (see CONTROLS section for details).
-CV Inputs: Unused.
-CV Outputs: Unused.

[REVISIONS]
1.0: Initial patch.

[CONTROLS]
Most controls are on the “UI” page and are labeled (see below for a “Picture Manual” in the comments).
The Stereo Output module with gain parameter is on the “IO” page.

MIX (sets the level of the synth)
TREM PHASE (sets amount of randomized modulation of each note)
TREM BASE RATE (sets base tremolo speed)
TREM RATE MOD (sets depth of tremolo envelope modulation)
INVERT TREM (toggle to invert the ‘bouncing ball’ direction)

BRIGHTNESS (sets PWM depth to brighten tone)
DECAY (sets decay and release time)
SUSTAIN (sets sustain level)
BYPASS VEL (toggle to bypass velocity)

ZEBU LEFT/RIGHT button = Unused.
ZOIA LEFT / MID / RIGHT stomp = Unused.

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[PATCH STRUCTURE]
It starts with a 5-note MIDI input module. Then there are 5 identical voices; a triangle oscillator with PWM enabled (PWM sets the brightness, basically) into a VCA.
All 5 voices sum into a multifilter, which goes into a mild reverb lite into a stereo spread module.
Every voice has its own sawtooth LFO that goes into a multiplier which is modulated with an ADSR envelope. The LFO of each note is retriggered when the note is pressed, giving each note its own individual deceasing or increasing tremolo rate.
I also added a CV switch so the ADSR envelope can be inverted, so you can choose whether your notes bounce faster or slower.
That’s pretty much it, not that complex but it sounds great!

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[THOUGHTS/IDEAS/PLANS]
This patch is done, no future plans, though I might make some variations with the same principle but different sounds.

If there’s any bugs/questions/remarks/requests or suggestions for improvement, please let me know!
Enjoy!

(Image: unkown)

2 comments on “Droplets
  • jflo031 on said:

    If I could ask for a little help (I’m a Zoia newbie). Running the 3.0beta firmware. The patch loads just fine, but I can’t get any audio out other than the dry signal through the input/output jacks. I’m trying to run an Arturia Keystep into the midi in port and I get nothing. Any tips? Clearly I’m doing something wrong. Was this designed with a specific controller in mind?

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      1693 PM
    • Platform:
    • Category: Sound Synthesizer
    • Revision: 1.0
    • License: Do What The F*ck You Want To Public License
    • Modified: 2 years ago
    • Views: 2241
      Likes: 7
      Downloads: 644
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