Modulation
INFO
Modulation here means LFOs (low-frequency oscillators) changing values over time — not knob macro setup (see Mapping) and not external MIDI learn (see External mapping).
The S32 has 16 LFOs. Each can drive multiple targets in the active project.
LFO → device parameter
Route an LFO to any rack device parameter (filter cutoff, arp rate, delay time, …):
- Open the device parameter list (rack grid → device).
- Highlight the parameter row.
- Long-press Select → Options → Modulation → Assign LFO → pick the source LFO.
One LFO can modulate many parameters. Assigned rows show an LFO badge (~ and LFO number) beside the value:
INFO
Each project has a hard limit of 64 LFO assignments (one slot per distinct target). Changing the source LFO or range on an already-assigned target still works when the table is full; adding a brand-new target shows LFO ASSIGNMENTS FULL (64 MAX).
Remove LFO modulation
Long-press Select on the assigned row → Options → Modulation → Remove LFO.
Create and edit LFOs under Main Menu → S32 LFOs:
LFO → LFO parameter
An LFO can modulate another LFO’s parameters (rate, depth, phase, …) within the same domain (S32 LFOs or CV16 LFOs — not cross-domain).
- Main Menu → S32 LFOs → select the target LFO → open its editor.
- Highlight the parameter row (e.g. Rate).
- Long-press Select → Options → Modulation → Assign LFO → pick the source LFO.
The assigned row shows the same LFO badge. Remove it with Options → Modulation → Remove LFO (same as device parameters).
INFO
More examples and loop rules: LFOs — LFO-to-LFO.
Loop prevention
WARNING
The firmware blocks assignments that would close a cycle in the LFO graph (self-modulation, A→B→A, longer loops). Fan-out (one LFO → many targets) is fine; routing back to an upstream LFO is not.
INFO
Knob → LFO via macro mode S32 LFO Parameter is configured under Mapping — it does not use the LFO assignment graph.
LFO → macro (MIDI message)
For MIDI message macro modes (CC, program change, 14-bit CC, channel aftertouch, poly aftertouch, NRPN, RPN, pitch bend, SysEx), an LFO can modulate the macro output — the values the macro sends when you turn the knob (within the macro’s min/max range).
While that LFO is off, turning the knob still sends the MIDI message. When the LFO is on, the modulation sends the value and the knob does not send it as well.
INFO
Device parameter and S32 LFO parameter macro modes are mapping targets for the knob itself, not LFO-to-macro modulation slots.
Changing Mode to Disabled, Device Parameter, S32 LFO, CV16 LFO, or CV16 CTRL removes that Assign LFO. Changing among MIDI message modes (for example CC to NRPN) keeps it. Assign the LFO again if you come back to a MIDI message mode.
Assign from Perform
- Configure the macro (e.g. CC mode) — see Setting up macros.
- On Perform, enter edit mode and Turn the encoder select that macro row.
- Long-press Select → Options → Modulation → Assign LFO → pick the source LFO.
When a modulator is assigned, the macro row shows ~L# in the MIDI routing column, and the big pot may show LFO shadows on modulated macros:
The menu is titled Macro N - Options for the selected macro (1-based). Assign LFO, Edit LFO, Enable/Disable, and Remove LFO live under Modulation, like device and LFO parameter Options. Remove LFO and Disable LFO ask for confirmation first (including the LFO and macro numbers); enabling an LFO applies immediately.
Summary
| Route | Where you assign | Badge / indicator |
|---|---|---|
| LFO → device param | Device parameter list → Options → Modulation → Assign LFO | ~L# on parameter row |
| LFO → LFO param | LFO editor → Options → Modulation → Assign LFO | ~L# on parameter row |
| LFO → macro (MIDI) | Perform edit → macro row → Options → Modulation → Assign LFO | ~L# on macro row + pot shadows |
| Knob → macro / param | Macro grid (Perform) or Options → Mapping → Internal mapping | Knob-macro dots — Mapping |
| External → param | Parameter list → Options → Mapping → External mapping | External badge — External mapping |