In our Generator, you'll see a panel labeled "Modulation (LFO)". If you're not an audio producer, this might look intimidating. But it's actually a simple and powerful tool for making your soundscapes feel more *alive*.
What Does LFO Stand For?
LFO stands for Low-Frequency Oscillator.
- Oscillator: A tool that generates a sound wave (like our Tone Generator).
- Low-Frequency: This oscillator moves *so slowly* (e.g., once every 5 seconds) that you don't "hear" it as a pitch. Instead, you "feel" it as a rhythmic pulse or a wave.
Think of an LFO as an invisible, robotic hand that automatically turns a knob up and down for you, over and over again.
How to Use the LFO Panel: A Simple Guide
Let's make a "pulsing" sound to understand this. Go to the Generator and follow along.
- Set up a basic tone:
- Beat Frequency: 10 Hz
- Tone Volume: 80%
- Press Play. You'll hear a steady, constant tone.
- Turn on the LFO:
- Go to the "Modulation (LFO)" panel.
- Click the "LFO Disabled" button. It will turn "LFO Enabled".
- Set the LFO Parameters:
- Target: Make sure it's set to "Tone Volume (Tremolo)". This tells the "robotic hand" which knob to turn (the Tone Volume knob).
- Waveform: Set to "Sine". This means the knob will be turned up and down smoothly.
- LFO Frequency: Set to 0.2 Hz. This means the wave will take 5 seconds to complete one "up and down" cycle (1 / 0.2 = 5).
- LFO Depth: Set to 100%. This means the "robotic hand" will turn the knob all the way down to 0% and all the way up to 80%.
Now, listen. Instead of a flat, boring tone, you'll hear the binaural beat's volume *slowly fading out and fading back in*, over and over. You just created a "Tremolo" effect!
What Do the LFO Targets Do?
The "Target" dropdown is the most important setting. It tells the LFO what to control.
- Tone Volume (Tremolo):
The LFO controls the Tone Volume. This is great for creating a "pulsing" or "wave" sound, like the ocean. - Carrier Freq (Vibrato):
The LFO controls the base pitch of the tone. This creates a "vibrating" or "wavering" sound, like a sci-fi theremin. - Noise Filter Freq (Sweep):
This is a fun one. Add some Brown Noise, then set this target. The LFO will "sweep" the filter up and down, making the noise sound "brighter" and "darker," like a "whoosh" sound. - Noise Volume (Noise Tremolo):
Just like the Tone Volume target, but for the background noise. This can make your noise "pulse" in time with your tone, or at a different rhythm.
Pro-Tip: Set the LFO Frequency to a very low value (like 0.05 Hz) and the Target to "Noise Filter Freq". This will create a very slow, evolving, atmospheric soundscape that never sounds boring.
That's it! The LFO isn't scary—it's just a way to add movement to your sound. Play with it, and you'll be designing professional-sounding audio in no time.