Unleash Creativity with Wwise: Building a Random Generator

Unleash Creativity with Wwise: Building a Random Generator

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Modulators in Wise 2.1 Modulator Envelope 2.2 LFO
3. The Need for a Random Generator
4. Creating a Random Voltage Generator 4.1 Creating a Noise Generator in Wise 4.2 Tracking the Envelope of the Noise Signal 4.3 Using an RTPC to Change Parameters
5. Testing the Random Generator in Unity
6. Overcoming Challenges with the Meter Effect
7. Applying the Random Generator to Real-World Scenarios 7.1 Creating a Wind Sound Effect 7.2 Adjusting Volume and Filters with RTPCs
8. Conclusion
9. Highlights
10. FAQs

Article: Creating a Random Voltage Generator in Wise

Introduction

In this episode of "I Dream of Lies," we will explore the world of modulators in Wise, a powerful audio authoring tool. Specifically, we will focus on the use of modulator envelopes and LFOs to create real-time design and parameter modulation in Wise. However, while these modulators are undoubtedly powerful, there is one crucial element missing—the absence of a random voltage generator. In this article, we will learn how to create our own random generator in Wise and explore its applications in sound design.

Understanding Modulators in Wise

Before diving into the creation of a random voltage generator, let's briefly revisit some key concepts about modulators in Wise. Modulator envelopes and LFOs (Low-Frequency Oscillators) are essential tools for real-time parameter manipulation. While we covered these topics in a previous episode, it's crucial to refresh our memory before delving into the world of random generators.

The Need for a Random Generator

If you're familiar with modular synthesizers, you'll understand the significance of a random voltage generator. These generators are vital for introducing unpredictability and variation into sound design. Unfortunately, Wise does not currently offer a built-in random generator. But fear not, as we can get creative and develop our own solution.

Creating a Random Voltage Generator

To create our random voltage generator, we need to think outside the box. Since Wise lacks a dedicated random generator, we will utilize an audio noise signal and track its envelope. By harnessing the power of the meter effect plugin in Wise, we can extract the envelope of the noise signal and use it to modulate other parameters through an RTPC (Real-Time Parameter Control).

Creating a Noise Generator in Wise

The first step in our journey is to create an audio noise signal. In Wise, we can achieve this by instantiating a noise generator as a sound source. Once created, we route the noise generator to an audio bus, which we'll aptly name "dummy." This step ensures that our noise remains separate from the final output, allowing us to focus solely on its envelope.

Tracking the Envelope of the Noise Signal

To track the envelope of the noise signal, we need to introduce the meter plugin. By instantiating the meter plugin on the dummy bus, we can visualize and capture the envelope of the noise signal during playback. However, bear in mind that the meter display only works during the capture session for buses in the master mixer hierarchy.

Using an RTPC to Change Parameters

Now, it's time to put the envelope to use. We create an RTPC, aptly named "random," to receive the envelope values outputted by the meter plugin. To ensure that the range of the random RTPC matches the movement of the envelope, we scale the values accordingly. Additionally, setting appropriate defaults for the random RTPC enhances the control and usability of the generator.

Testing the Random Generator in Unity

While we have successfully created a random voltage generator in Wise, we cannot fully audition its effects within the Wise authoring tool. To truly test and experience the generator in action, we need to integrate it into a game engine such as Unity. By incorporating our Wise project into Unity and playing the generated sound, we can witness the results and fine-tune our generator accordingly.

Overcoming Challenges with the Meter Effect

While testing our random generator, we may encounter challenges related to the meter effect and parameter attribution. Wise restricts the auditioning of changes involving the meter effect and the attribution of some parameters to an RTPC. However, by implementing clever workarounds like adjusting the gain levels and routing, we can overcome these limitations and make our random generator work seamlessly.

Applying the Random Generator to Real-World Scenarios

With a functional random generator at our disposal, let's explore its practical applications in sound design. One such application is creating a wind sound effect. By using the random generator to modulate the volume and manipulate a low-pass filter, we can achieve a realistic and dynamic wind sound. The possibilities are endless, and with creativity, the random generator can enhance a wide range of sound effects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Wise may lack a pre-built random voltage generator, we have demonstrated that with a little ingenuity, we can create our own. By harnessing the capabilities of the meter effect and RTPCs, we can introduce randomness and variability into our sound designs. The applications of the random generator are vast, and its flexibility empowers sound designers to push the boundaries of creativity in their projects.

Highlights:

• Modulators in Wise: Understanding the power of modulator envelopes and LFOs.
• The Need for a Random Generator: Exploring the importance of random voltage generators in sound design.
• Creating a Random Voltage Generator: A step-by-step guide to developing a custom random generator in Wise.
• Overcoming Challenges: Tackling limitations with the meter effect and auditioning changes in Wise.
• Applying the Random Generator: Exploring practical applications of the random generator in sound design.
• Conclusion: Emphasizing the significance of creativity and flexibility in the absence of a built-in feature.

FAQs:

Q: Can Wise's modulator envelopes and LFOs be used for real-time design? A: Yes, modulator envelopes and LFOs in Wise are ideal for real-time parameter manipulation.

Q: Does Wise have a built-in random voltage generator? A: No, but we can create our own random generator using clever techniques.

Q: Can the random generator be integrated into Unity for testing purposes? A: Yes, by integrating our Wise project into Unity, we can fully test and experience the random generator.

Q: What are the practical applications of the random generator? A: The random generator can be used for various sound effects, such as creating dynamic wind sounds.

Q: Are there any limitations when working with the meter effect in Wise? A: Yes, auditioning changes involving the meter effect and parameter attribution may pose challenges, but clever workarounds can be implemented.