Ring modulation multiplies an incoming audio signal with a secondary carrier signal, producing sum and difference frequencies while suppressing the originals. This process removes conventional harmonic relationships and generates metallic, resonant, and non-harmonic sidebands. It is used to dramatically alter the timbre of source material into an unnatural or disorienting texture.
How the songs in the archive use it
Warrior on the edge of time by Hawkwind runs spoken vocals through an EMS VCS3 ring modulator paired with a Watkins Copicat tape delay, imparting a resonant, metallic detachment.
How to do it in Logic Pro
This technique multiplies an audio signal against an internal oscillator to produce metallic, non-harmonic sidebands. Use it on percussion, synths, or vocals to create robotic textures and clangorous industrial tones.
Insert Ringshifter as an audio effect onto your track.
Select OSC Ring Mod to engage the internal sine wave carrier.
Set Linear/Exponential to Lin for fine pitch tuning across the carrier range.
Tune the Frequency control to dial in resonant, metallic sidebands matching the timbre of your track.
Balance the Dry/Wet mix to blend the clanging transformation with the dry signal.
Plug-in
Control
Value
Listen for
Ringshifter
OSC Ring Mod
On
amplitude modulation producing sum and difference tones
Ringshifter
Linear/Exponential
Lin
linear frequency control response
Ringshifter
Frequency
340 Hz
metallic, bell-like timbre
Ringshifter
Dry/Wet
45%
balanced blend of original tone and metallic ring
A general method with Logic Pro's own plug-ins. Control names are checked against Apple's manual; the values are starting points, so adjust them by ear.
Songs that use it (1)
What each track sheet's analysis found, with the sheet's own score. Analysis, not verified credits.
Warrior on the edge of time by HawkwindRing Modulated Vocal Processing: Spoken vocal routed through EMS VCS3 ring modulator and Watkins Copicat tape delay for disorienting metallic, resonant spatial detachmentSheet score 8/10 · Source given: Production analysis of Rockfield tape techniques · Open the full track sheet
Want these sounds in your own mixes? Every song above has a full track sheet with its signal chains and a step-by-step recreation for your DAW. Open Track DiveAll techniques