1 Answer
In audio processing, a voltage-controlled filter bank (VCFB) is a system that uses a series of filters (usually low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, or band-stop filters) whose characteristics (like cutoff frequency, resonance, or gain) are controlled by an external voltage. This allows for flexible and dynamic sound manipulation.
Here's the breakdown of its function:
- Create evolving sounds: Since the filters can change over time based on the voltage input, this allows for evolving soundscapes, like sweeps or transitions.
- Modulate the sound: By applying a control voltage (CV), the filter parameters can change according to external modulation sources (like an LFO or envelope generator), adding movement or rhythmic changes to the sound.
In short, a voltage-controlled filter bank helps shape and manipulate audio by breaking it into different frequency bands and allowing you to adjust each band dynamically with voltage, giving you control over how the sound evolves over time.
Here's the breakdown of its function:
- Filter Bank: A filter bank is a collection of different filters that can process an audio signal in various frequency ranges. It divides the signal into multiple frequency bands, each being processed separately.
- Voltage-Controlled: The term "voltage-controlled" means that the filters' parameters (such as cutoff frequency, resonance, or bandwidth) can be adjusted in real-time by applying an external voltage. This gives the audio engineer or musician the ability to change the sound dynamically.
- Audio Manipulation: By using a VCFB, you can:
- Create evolving sounds: Since the filters can change over time based on the voltage input, this allows for evolving soundscapes, like sweeps or transitions.
- Modulate the sound: By applying a control voltage (CV), the filter parameters can change according to external modulation sources (like an LFO or envelope generator), adding movement or rhythmic changes to the sound.
- Applications in Audio: A VCFB is commonly used in synthesizers, effects units, or modular audio systems. It's great for shaping sounds, creating complex textures, or controlling different frequency bands separately for more precise sound design.
In short, a voltage-controlled filter bank helps shape and manipulate audio by breaking it into different frequency bands and allowing you to adjust each band dynamically with voltage, giving you control over how the sound evolves over time.