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 switching

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

Purpose

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

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 has three types:

• Classic
• SSB Upper
• SSB Lower

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

Factory presets

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

Parameters

Parameters table

Parameter	Axe-Fx III / FM9 / FM3
Type	yes
Frequency	yes
Frequency Multiplier	yes
High Cut Frequency	yes
Pitch Tracking	yes

Pitch Tracking

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

Tips and tricks

Octaver

The Ring Modulator works great as an Octaver (adding a low octave). Enable Pitch Tracking, set FREQ to 200Hz, FREQ MULTIPLIER to 0.500, and turn down HIGH CUT FREQUENCY.

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

Tremolo

You can conturn the Ring Modulator into a Tremolo, by turning down FREQUENCY all the way.

Fixed Flanger

"The Resonator block is basically a type of fixed flanger. Well, four of them in parallel actually."

Pedal control

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

Multitap Delay

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

Fuzz

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