LFO
ControlLow-frequency oscillator for parameter modulation.
Generates periodic or random control signals at frame-rate (~60 Hz) or
audio-rate (~48 kHz). Connect the value output to any numeric parameter
for animation, or wire it into other control operators.
Supports seven waveforms including two random modes: sample & hold
(stepped random on each cycle) and smooth random (Catmull-Rom
interpolated). Use the gate input to reset phase and trigger fade-in;
use beat_phase with rate_mode=sync for tempo-locked modulation.
Source operators/control/lfo/lfo.h
Tips
- Use unipolar mode when driving parameters that expect 0-1 (like mix knobs).
- Connect a Clock's beat_phase output and set rate_mode=sync for tempo-locked sweeps.
- The slew param smooths all waveforms — useful for softening square or S&H steps.
Parameters
| Name | Type | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| frequency | Oscillation rate in Hz (ignored when synced to beat_phase). | |||
| waveform | Shape of the output wave. sample_hold and smooth_random use the seed param. | |||
| rate_mode | free = internal clock, sync = driven by beat_phase input. | |||
| polarity | bipolar = -1..1, unipolar = 0..1. | |||
| slew | Smooths output transitions. Higher values = more lag. |
Inputs
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| gate | Rising edge resets phase and starts fade-in timer. | |
| beat_phase | External phase source (0-1 sawtooth from Clock) for sync mode. |
Outputs
| Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| value | The computed LFO signal. |
Related Operators