Oscillators

The Cosmo PD-101 features two independent oscillator lines (Line 1 and Line 2). Each line generates sound through a phase distortion process: a phase accumulator is warped by an algorithm, then used to index into a base waveform.

Dual Line Architecture

Each line operates independently with its own:

  • Algorithm — the phase distortion function (see Algorithms)
  • Base Waveform — the carrier wave that the warped phase indexes into
  • Octave — pitch offset in octaves
  • Detune — fine and coarse pitch offset for stereo width / chorus effect
  • Envelope — 8-step step-function for pitch (DCO), warp (DCW), and amplitude (DCA)
  • Algo Blend — mix between the primary algorithm and a secondary algorithm

Line Select

The Line Select control (labeled L1, L2, L1+L2, L1+L1', L1+L2') determines which outputs are summed to the final audio:

Setting What It Does
L1 Only Line 1 audible
L2 Only Line 2 audible
L1 + L2 Both lines summed
L1 + L1' Line 1 + Line 1 with its secondary (blended) algorithm
L1 + L2' Line 1 + Line 2 with its secondary (blended) algorithm

Base Waveforms

Each line selects a base waveform — the raw carrier that the warped phase indexes into:

Waveform Character
Cosine Smooth, even harmonics. Default for CZ-101 algorithm.
Sine Pure fundamental. Clean, hollow tones.
Triangle Odd harmonics, softer than saw.
Saw Full harmonic series. Bright, buzzy.
Square Odd harmonics only. Hollow, reedy.

Tip: The base waveform has a dramatic effect on the final sound, especially with subtler warp algorithms. Try saw for bright leads, sine for deep basses, and square for hollow pad characters.

Detune

Detune adds a slight pitch offset between the two lines, creating a chorus effect or stereo width:

  • Detune (Coarse) — shifts Line 2's pitch by whole semitones (set via detuneNote)
  • Detune (Fine) — shifts Line 2's pitch by sub-semitone cents (set via detuneFine)
Detune Amount Effect
0 cents Mono, no detune
5–15 cents Subtle stereo shimmer
20–50 cents Obvious chorus effect
100+ cents Distinct interval (harmony / dissonance)

Algo Blend

Each line has a secondary algorithm that can be blended with the primary. The Algo Blend knob (0–100%) crossfades between:

  • 0% — Only the primary algorithm
  • 50% — Equal mix of primary and secondary
  • 100% — Only the secondary algorithm

This effectively doubles the available timbral palette. For example:

  • Primary: Bend + Secondary: Fold = a pitch-bend with wavefolding character
  • Primary: CZ101 + Secondary: Sync = classic CZ tone with sync-style edge

Modulation Mode

The Mod Mode switch controls how the two lines interact at the mixer stage:

Mode Behavior
Normal Standard additive mixing (L1, L2, or L1+L2)
Ring Ring modulation: L1 × L2 × ringGain — produces sum/difference frequencies, metallic tones
Noise Adds a noise component scaled by the signal level — textured, lo-fi character

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