Composing Without Keys: The LFO as a Composition Tool

Fortune, Dave

Abstract

The primary tools for the generation of melodic motifs within the field of contemporary electronic music are typically the Western, piano-style keyboard in conjunction with a DAW (digital audio workstation). In response to the growing trend of rejecting these technologies, the following paper explores the creative potential of one of the most primitive and commonplace synthesizer components, the LFO (low-frequency oscillator), for generating melodic content. The LFO’s conventional use is as a modulation source, one that can create cyclical variations in characteristics such as volume, timbre or pitch. Its use as a melodic tool has been explored to some extent within the domain of modular synthesis, however, modular synthesis’s inherent limitations make it less than ideal for this purpose. For example, convenient parameter recall, duplication, precise synchronization and multitimbrality are preferable characteristics that are difficult to achieve in the modular domain, particularly for users with access to limited resources. This paper focuses on research of the LFO’s capabilities within the digital domain, specifically within the Max/Max for Live environment. The research herein seeks to benefit the wider community of practitioners who wish to augment the existing conventional and generative methodologies available to them for musical creation.

• Online Publication Date: Jun 27, 2024
• Publication Date: Mar 27, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jun 27, 2025
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Pages: 52-68
• Series Title: Innovation in Music
• Book Title: Innovation in Music: Technology and Creativity
• Chapter Number: 4
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003118817-5