Ring Modulator block

Available on which products

• Axe-Fx III: 1 block
• FM9: 1 block
• FM3: 1 block
• Axe-Fx II: 1 block
• AX8: 1 block
• FX8: 1 block

Channels or X/Y

• Axe-Fx III and FM9 and FM3: 2 channels
• Axe-Fx II: no
• AX8: no
• FX8: no

About ring modulators

A ring modulator produces the sum and difference of frequencies in multiple waveforms. This often results in 'robotic' sounds.

Ring modulation in Wikipedia

"I absolutely hate ring modulators so I was determined to make one that could actually be used in a musical context rather than making robot noises." [1]

Ring Modulator types

The Ring Modulator block has three types:

• Classic
• SSB Upper
• SSB Lower

“SSB Upper” and “SSB Lower” select the upper and lower sidebands of the modulation.

Pitch Tracking

When this is enabled, the frequency of the oscillator tracks the pitch of the notes on the fretboard.

Tips, tricks and troubleshooting

Factory presets

The Ring Modulator block is present in a few factory presets. Search the Factory presets page for "ring".

Octaver

The Ring Modulator works great as an Octaver (adding a low octave):

• Enable Pitch Tracking
• Set FREQ MULTIPLIER to 0.500
• Turn down HIGH CUT FREQUENCY.

For even more funky business: add a Phaser or an Auto-Wah effect.

Tremolo

You can turn the Ring Modulator into a Tremolo. Read this

Phaser / Uni-vibe

You can turn the Ring Modulator into a phaser or uni-vibe. Read this.

Pedal control

Attach a pedal to the FREQ parameter to create a special effect.

Multitap Delay

The Multitap Delay block can apply a ring modulation effect to delay trails.

Fuzz

Put a tracking ring modulator before a fuzz for a "filthy" fuzzy low octave.