Using external modulation with Razor

Razor is a very advanced synth but sometimes we want just a little bit more, let’s check out how we can expand Razor with some additional LFO’s!

The beauty of working inside NI Reaktor is that you basically have a huge modular system to work with.

You can expand every synth or sampler with whatever you want by connecting modules (effects, filters, etc.) in the edit mode.

The first step is still making a sounds off course!

For this sound I’ve chosen the synced noise and the pulse to saw oscillators.

The pulse to saw is pretty basic, it will play a saw or pulse wave depending on where you set the pulse/saw knob, pretty straight forward right!

The synced noise module is a bit more special, the noise is created by randomizing the different partial amplitudes.

To make the noise less random and more “synced” you set the dynamic knob to the far right, now it is going to sound the same each time you press the key.

If you set the knob to the left it will sound a bit different with every key strike, great to add some variety and humanization.

After these oscillators I used the EQ decay filter, a great filter that allows you to create some movement with the decaying bands.

You can either let one frequency band rise in volume or lower it, this depends on the position of the slider for that band.

When all this is set and you have your effects in place it is time to add some more modulation.
We have modulated some stuff with the LFO’s but I needed just one more.

To do that I go into the edit view of Reaktor by clicking on the little wrench icon in the top left.
After I’ve done that I can right click anywhere on the panel next to the synth and load additional modules.

You choose your modulator there and it will pop up next or below Razor.
Connecting modules depends on the specific module that you’ve chosen, but for the LFO it is very simple.

In the automation box click on the drop-down menu that says “Send To” and select Razor.
If you do that you will get a huge list of possible knobs and sliders to modulate.

There is a lot of stuff that you can do here, you can even modulate the on/off knobs of the modules.
Have some fun with this and try making different chains of effects and modulators, this will often result in unexpected and cool sounds, you won’t regret it!

Tip: If you want to learn more about Reaktor in general check out the ADSR video’s by “salamanderanagram” he does an excellent job on explaining everything inside Reaktor and even how to create your own modules, definitely recommended!

Take care guys and have fun with these amazing Reaktor possibilities!