017-Recipe-Audio_generators_drone.Rmd

# Recipe - Making a drone using some audio generators and effects {#recipe-audio-generator-drone}

```{{r, echo = FALSE}}
knitr::opts_chunk$set(echo = FALSE, out.width = "100%")
```

In this recipe we'll make a simple drone track using a variety of audio generators.

1.  Start by placing a Tree Tone audio generator on a track. I have chosen to
ensure that the output is pitched and that it conforms to the C minor pentatonic
scale. This will help integrate the sounds later.

```{r}
    knitr::include_graphics(path = file.path(here::here(), "images", "Recipe5_TreeTone.png"))
```

2.  On another track, add a Harmonic Generator (from the Drone Lab pack). This
is an instrument combining sine-wave drones oscillating at fixed pitches
relative to the Root note. We can experiment later with this to see how changes
to pitches or FM Ratio change the resulting sound, and maybe automate these via
LFO, but for now, let's keep the drone from this to be quite static.

```{r}
    knitr::include_graphics(path = file.path(here::here(), "images", "Recipe5_HarmonicGenerator.png"))
```

3.  Next let's add a real odd-ball: the Cellular Degradation plugin by Dillon
Bastan. As described in \@ref(tools-audio-generators), this is a weird
instrument combining 5 different stereo FM oscillators, and it can make some
VERY weird noises. That's what we're going to do here. Normally you "draw" into
the main panel to make cells "alive" and then the cellular birth and death
process retains these or allows them to "die". To automate that process we're
using another favourite Dillon Bastan plugin, the Strange Mod modulation device.
We can then use its chaotic modulation processes to automate "drawing" the X and
Y values. This should produce some very strange buzzy textures.

```{r}
    knitr::include_graphics(path = file.path(here::here(), "images", "Recipe5_CellularDegradation.png"))
```

4.  At this point I added a simple bass root note drone (on C1) using the Drift
instrument. This helps anchor our drone.

Since we want to balance the unexpected and predictable, here the bass drone
note, and Harmonic Generator provide the "anchor" around which we can place Tree
Tone (as a mildy chaotic process) and the Cellular Degradation as a VERY chaotic
process.

5.  From here, feel free to add effects on Return channels (Reverb and Delay are
good options) and / or apply resonant processing within the individual tracks -
like adding the Resonator or Spectral Resonator plugins. Experiment. See what
works. I found that putting a resonator on the Cellular Degradation track and
tuning additional resonance pitches within the C minor pentatonic scale helped
to "tame" the weirdness, if that's what you'd prefer. Another decent option (in
addition or instead) might be to drive the Cellular Degradation track using a
Saturator or distortion.

```{r}
      knitr::include_graphics(path = file.path(here::here(), "images", "Recipe5_CellularDegradation_Resonator.png"))
```

6.  Sometimes, if using an audio generator it helps to add a compressor
(occasionally a multiband compressor). This will reduce the peaks and can also
bring up some of the quieter moments (if you increase the make up gain). If
you're using additional processing like a resonator, this is also helpful since
it may "ping" the resonator with additional sounds, while avoiding very loud
moments that can catch the listeners ear.

7.  Press play. Sit back and relax.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can hear my version of this track here: [https://soundcloud.com/mikeksmith/5_audio_generator_drone/s-Nw7nwUKDhTg](https://soundcloud.com/mikeksmith/5_audio_generator_drone/s-Nw7nwUKDhTg?in=mikeksmith/sets/the-lazy-producer-recipes/s-PGMEWqfwKGz&si=14f7efead4c14501a4eac7ae8b892aed&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing){.uri}

```{r, echo=FALSE, results = "asis"}
htmltools::includeHTML(path = file.path("HTML","Recipe5-VariousAudioGenerators.html"))
```