A periodic modulation of the amplitude (level) of the sound is known as a tremolo. This modulation is controlled with an LFO in Vintage Electric Piano. The Fender Rhodes suitcase piano features a stereo tremolo. Other electric pianos have a simple, often obtrusive, mono tremolo that can introduce an unusual polyrhythmic feel to performances.
On/off button: Turn the Tremolo effect on or off.
Rate knob and field: Set the speed of the tremolo effect (LFO frequency). The rate is set in Hz values, or bar/beat values when the Sync button is turned on.
Sync button: Synchronize the Tremolo effect to the host application tempo. The Rate knob sets bar and beat values, including triplets.
Intensity knob and field: Set the amount of amplitude modulation.
Stereo knob and field: Determine the relative phase shift between the left and right channels.
A value of 0 changes the level of both channels—in phase.
A value of 180 (out-of-phase modulation), results in a stereo tremolo effect that is also known as auto panning. This is similar to manually turning the pan pot from side to side.
Tip: The original Wurlitzer Piano has a mono tremolo with a fixed modulation rate of 5.5 Hz. For an authentic Wurlitzer sound, select a Stereo value of 0 degrees. For Rhodes sounds, set the Stereo value to 180 degrees. The settings in between result in spacious effects—especially when low Rate knob values are used.