Wavefolding basics – Erica Synths EDU DIY Wavefolder Eurorack Module Kit User Manual

Page 7

Advertising
background image

WAVEFOLDING BASICS

Before we can start designing our circuit, we’ll first need to make sure we understand
what wavefolding actually is. Thankfully, that term is pretty hard to misinterpret.

A

wavefolder quite literally takes a waveform and folds it in on itself

. Here’s what that

would look like with a triangle wave as the input signal.

As you can see, everything above the folding threshold is folded inward – so that the tip
of the original triangle now points down. In practice, this would create a bunch of
additional overtones that give the resulting output an almost metallic feel.

Of course not all types of waveforms are equally suited as an input signal here. You won’t
gain anything by folding a square wave, for example – on the contrary, you’ll just lose a bit
of volume.

Try it with a sawtooth wave, though, and you’ll notice that if you set the folding threshold
just right, the result is actually a perfect triangle wave.

7

Advertising