This week's patch shows how you can use the Gemini 2412 VCF (otherwise a twin or 2 filters) to create stereo panning effects, by using an LFO and 2 VCAs. It's easy to create stereo amplification or panning of a sound just by using a pair of VCAs in the same manner as detailed in this video, or just in post-processing, but where's the fun in that?? Actually filtering and shaping the sound in stereo, using two filters that can have completely unique settings, is much more sonically interesting, and offers a huge range of sound possibilities.

The Gemini 2412 is perfect for this kind of usage, as in addition to providing 2 completely independent SEM-style VCFs, it also has a very flexible mixer section allowing the two filters to be used and controlled together, in parallel or in series. With Low Pass, Band Pass, High Pass, and variable Lowpass-Highpass filtering modes, all selectable by a switch, and with individual outputs for LP, BP and HP - it provides almost limitless tone-shaping possibilities.

Here is how you can make a single oscillator sound huge using pulse width modulation at audio rate - using a normal-speed VCO as a mod source rather than a dedicated LFO. Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis uses the same principle, but modulating the pitch of a waveform at extreme speeds to create additional harmonics, and thus an entirely new sound. Here we are modulating the shape of the wave itself, which also creates additional harmonic content and produces a new and more complex timbre. This process requires a fair amount of experimenting and fine-tuning, but the results can sound massive.

Have a listen to the Black Corporation Kijimi playing 'Everything in Its Right Place' by Radiohead.