LFO Modifier
A low-frequency oscillator that generates modulation signals to animate parameters throughout your plugin.
Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Modifiers |
| Version | 1 |
| Inputs | Mod (optional chaining) |
| Outputs | Mod |
Parameters
| Parameter | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | 0Hz - 20Hz | 1Hz | Oscillation speed |
| Depth | 0% - 100% | 100% | Output amplitude |
| Offset | -100% - +100% | 0% | DC offset |
| Shape | See below | Sine | Waveform shape |
Waveform Shapes
| Shape | Description | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Sine | Smooth continuous wave | Natural, organic |
| Triangle | Linear ramps up and down | Smooth, predictable |
| Sawtooth | Ramps up, drops down | Rising tension |
| Square | Alternates between extremes | Rhythmic, on/off |
Connecting to Parameters
LFO modifiers connect to node parameters via the Mod output:
Method 1: Direct Connection
- Drag from the LFO’s Mod output
- Drop onto a parameter in the target node’s Inspector
- The parameter now animates with the LFO
Method 2: Via Link Node
- Connect LFO to a Link Node
- Use Link Node’s routing to target multiple parameters
- Useful for complex modulation setups
Visualizer
The LFO Visualizer shows:
- Current waveform shape
- Phase position
- Output level in real-time
Modulation Depth
The final modulation amount is:
modulation = LFO_output × Depth × parameter_mod_amount
Each target parameter has its own mod amount setting in the Inspector, allowing different intensities per destination.
Tips
- Use Sine for subtle, natural movement
- Square works great for tremolo or rhythmic gating
- Add Offset to shift the modulation center point
- Chain multiple LFOs for complex modulation
- Very slow rates (0.1Hz) create gradual evolving textures
Example Uses
Vibrato
- Target: Pitch parameter
- Rate: 5-6Hz
- Depth: 10-20%
- Shape: Sine
Tremolo
- Target: Volume parameter
- Rate: 4-8Hz
- Depth: 50-100%
- Shape: Sine or Triangle
Auto-Pan
- Target: Pan parameter
- Rate: 0.5-2Hz
- Depth: 100%
- Shape: Sine
Filter Sweep
- Target: EQ frequency or filter cutoff
- Rate: 0.1-0.5Hz
- Depth: 50%
- Shape: Triangle
Rhythmic Gate
- Target: Volume parameter
- Rate: Sync to tempo (via host BPM)
- Depth: 100%
- Shape: Square
Shader Modulation
LFO outputs can also drive visual shader parameters in the Faceplate. See Modifiers & Shader Modulation for details.