Learn u-he Diva: the interactive synth guide by Distrikt Audio

What does WAVEFORM (OSC 1) do in u-he Diva?

Morphs OSC 1 smoothly through its shapes: from ramp through triangle and saw to square, then narrower pulses. Each shape has different harmonics, so it changes the basic color of the sound.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• SHAPE MOD: SHAPE MOD moves this knob's position for you; on pulse settings that is PWM.
• FM 1>2/3: OSC 1 also drives FM into OSC 2 and 3, so its shape colors the FM.
• VOLUME (OSC 1): OSC 1 VOLUME sets how loudly this shape goes into the filter.
• WAVEFORM (OSC 2): Different shapes on OSC 1 and OSC 2 blend into a richer tone than one alone.

Tip: Saw for bright leads and basses, square for hollow, woody sounds, triangle when you want it soft.

What does RANGE (OSC 1) do in u-he Diva?

The octave switch, in organ footage: 32' is lowest, 8' is normal pitch, 2' is highest. Every step is one octave.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• RANGE (OSC 2): Set OSC 2 an octave above or below OSC 1 for a bigger, layered tone.
• RANGE (OSC 3): OSC 3 one or two octaves below OSC 1 works as a sub oscillator.
• SYNC (OSC 2): With SYNC on, OSC 1 sets the pitch you hear, because OSC 2 restarts with it.
• TRANSPOSE: TRANSPOSE shifts the whole synth in semitones; RANGE shifts only OSC 1 in octaves.

Tip: Stack oscillators an octave apart for size, or drop everything to 32' for subs.

What does WAVEFORM (OSC 2) do in u-he Diva?

Same as OSC 1: morphs OSC 2 from ramp through triangle and saw to square, then narrower pulses. Mixing two different shapes gives a richer tone than one alone.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• WAVEFORM (OSC 1): Pick a different shape than OSC 1 so the two layers add new harmonics.
• SYNC (OSC 2): Synced, a bright saw or pulse on OSC 2 gives the most cutting sync sound.
• SHAPE MOD: Switch on shape mod for OSC 2 and SHAPE MOD moves this knob for you.
• VOLUME (OSC 2): OSC 2 VOLUME sets how much of this shape reaches the filter.

Tip: Try saw on OSC 1 and square on OSC 2, a classic thick lead.

What does DETUNE (OSC 2) do in u-he Diva?

Tunes OSC 2 against OSC 1. A tiny amount gives slow beating and width, more gives a sour smear. It acts like a 5-turn knob: turned past 5 or -5 it can even flip the octave.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• RANGE (OSC 2): RANGE picks the octave of OSC 2; DETUNE fine tunes it from there.
• SYNC (OSC 2): With SYNC on, DETUNE changes the tone of OSC 2 instead of its pitch.
• DETUNE (OSC 3): Detune OSC 2 and OSC 3 in opposite directions for a wider three-oscillator sound.
• VOLUME (OSC 2): Bring up OSC 2 VOLUME to hear the detune beating against OSC 1 clearly.

Tip: Detune by ear until the wobble speed feels right for the track.

What does FM 1>2/3 do in u-he Diva?

Frequency modulation: OSC 1 wiggles the pitch of OSC 2 and OSC 3 (both equally) at audio speed. That creates new overtones for complex, dissonant or bell-like sounds.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• WAVEFORM (OSC 1): OSC 1 is the modulator, so its WAVEFORM changes the color of the FM.
• RANGE (OSC 2): Octave steps between OSC 1 and OSC 2 keep FM harmonic; odd ratios sound clangy.
• DETUNE (OSC 2): Detuning OSC 2 away from OSC 1 makes the FM more dissonant and bell-like.
• FM (OSC1): FM 1>2/3 moves oscillator pitch; the filter's FM knob moves the cutoff instead.

Tip: A little FM adds grit to basses, a lot gives bells and clangs.

What does RANGE (OSC 2) do in u-he Diva?

Octave switch for OSC 2, same footage as OSC 1 (32' to 2').

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• RANGE (OSC 1): Same footage as OSC 1 keeps OSC 2 a unison layer; one step away adds an octave.
• DETUNE (OSC 2): RANGE picks the octave of OSC 2; DETUNE fine tunes it from there.
• SYNC (OSC 2): With SYNC on, changing RANGE alters the tone of OSC 2, not the note you hear.

Tip: One octave above OSC 1 adds brightness, one below adds weight.

What does RANGE (OSC 3) do in u-he Diva?

Octave switch for OSC 3, same footage as OSC 1 (32' to 2').

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• RANGE (OSC 1): Drop OSC 3 one or two octaves below OSC 1 for a sub.
• WAVEFORM (OSC 3): A low RANGE plus a triangle or square WAVEFORM gives a clean, round sub.
• VOLUME (OSC 3): With OSC 3 down an octave, its VOLUME sets how much weight you add.
• DETUNE (OSC 3): RANGE picks the octave of OSC 3; DETUNE fine tunes it from there.

Tip: Common trick: OSC 3 one or two octaves down as a sub.

What does DETUNE (OSC 3) do in u-he Diva?

Tunes OSC 3 against OSC 1, just like DETUNE on OSC 2. Detune OSC 2 one way and OSC 3 the other for a wide three-oscillator sound.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• DETUNE (OSC 2): Detune OSC 3 opposite to OSC 2 so the three oscillators spread wider.
• RANGE (OSC 3): RANGE picks the octave of OSC 3; DETUNE fine tunes it from there.
• SYNC (OSC 3): With SYNC on, DETUNE changes the tone of OSC 3 instead of its pitch.
• VOLUME (OSC 3): OSC 3 VOLUME sets how loud the detuned layer sits in the mix.

Tip: Tune OSC 3 by ear to a fifth above for instant power chords from one key.

What does TUNE MOD do in u-he Diva?

How much the chosen source moves the pitch of the oscillators whose upper switches are on. Bipolar: turn it left for the opposite direction.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• TUNE MOD SOURCE: The source label and upper switches decide what drives TUNE MOD and which oscillators move.
• DECAY (ENV 2): With ENV 2 as source, ENV 2 DECAY sets how fast the pitch sweep falls back.
• SYNC (OSC 2): Tune mod on a synced OSC 2 sweeps its tone instead of its pitch: the classic sync sweep.
• VIBRATO: VIBRATO always moves all pitch with LFO 1; TUNE MOD adds a separate, per-oscillator pitch mod.

Tip: With the default ENV 2 source and a short ENV 2 decay you get pitch zaps for kicks and plucks. An LFO source gives sirens.

What does SYNC (OSC 2) do in u-he Diva?

Hard sync: OSC 2 restarts every time OSC 1 starts a new cycle. Changing the pitch of OSC 2 then changes its tone instead of the note.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• DETUNE (OSC 2): Once synced, sweeping DETUNE changes the harmonics of OSC 2 instead of its pitch.
• TUNE MOD: Switch on tune mod for OSC 2 with ENV 2 as source for an automatic sync sweep.
• RANGE (OSC 1): OSC 2 restarts with every cycle of OSC 1, so OSC 1 sets the pitch you hear.
• SYNC (OSC 3): SYNC on OSC 3 does the same; both oscillators lock to OSC 1.

Tip: Sync on, then sweep DETUNE or the tune mod of OSC 2: the classic tearing sync lead.

What does SYNC (OSC 3) do in u-he Diva?

Hard sync: OSC 3 restarts every time OSC 1 starts a new cycle, so its pitch changes the tone instead of the note.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• DETUNE (OSC 3): Once synced, DETUNE on OSC 3 changes its tone instead of its pitch.
• RANGE (OSC 1): OSC 3 restarts with OSC 1, so OSC 1 decides the pitch you hear.
• SYNC (OSC 2): Both sync switches lock to OSC 1, so OSC 2 and OSC 3 can be synced together.

Tip: Same trick as OSC 2, layered for an even more aggressive lead.

What does SHAPE MOD do in u-he Diva?

How much the chosen source moves the WAVEFORM of the oscillators whose lower switches are on. Bipolar. On square and pulse settings this is pulse width modulation (PWM).

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• SHAPE MOD SOURCE: The source label and lower switches decide what drives SHAPE MOD and which oscillators morph.
• WAVEFORM (OSC 1): Set WAVEFORM to 8.00 (a 25% pulse) and SHAPE MOD to 10.00 for maximum PWM.
• RATE (LFO 2): LFO 2 is the default source, so its RATE sets how fast the shape moves.

Tip: LFO 2 (the default source) slow plus a bit of SHAPE MOD gives the moving shimmer of vintage strings.

What does TUNE MOD SOURCE do in u-he Diva?

Click this label to pick the source for TUNE MOD (ENV 2 by default, as shown here). The three upper switches choose which oscillators get the pitch modulation.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• TUNE MOD: TUNE MOD sets how much the source chosen here moves the switched-on oscillators.
• DECAY (ENV 2): With ENV 2 as source, the ENV 2 shape becomes a pitch sweep on every note.
• RATE (LFO 1): With LFO 1 as source, LFO 1 RATE sets the speed of the pitch wobble.
• DETUNE (OSC 2): Modulating only OSC 2 makes its detune against OSC 1 drift over time.

Tip: Switch only OSC 2 on for detune that moves over time.

What does SHAPE MOD SOURCE do in u-he Diva?

Click this label to pick the source for SHAPE MOD (LFO 2 by default, as shown here). The three lower switches choose which oscillators morph.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• SHAPE MOD: SHAPE MOD sets how much the source chosen here moves the switched-on waveforms.
• RATE (LFO 2): With LFO 2 as source, LFO 2 RATE sets how fast the shapes move.
• WAVEFORM (OSC 1): Only switched-on oscillators morph; their WAVEFORM knob is the starting shape.

Tip: Pick LFO 2 here, switch on an oscillator and raise SHAPE MOD.

What does WAVEFORM (OSC 3) do in u-he Diva?

Shape of OSC 3, with the same smooth morph as OSC 1. Often set to triangle or square and tuned low as a sub oscillator.

Where it is: Oscillators panel.

How it connects:

• RANGE (OSC 3): A low RANGE plus a triangle or square here gives a clean sub.
• VOLUME (OSC 3): OSC 3 VOLUME sets how much of this shape you hear.
• SHAPE MOD: Switch on shape mod for OSC 3 and SHAPE MOD moves this knob for you.

Tip: Set RANGE of OSC 3 one step lower than OSC 1 for weight.

What does VOLUME (OSC 1) do in u-he Diva?

Level of OSC 1 going into the filter. Higher levels drive the filter harder, which can add warmth and saturation.

Where it is: Mixer panel.

How it connects:

• VOLUME (OSC 2): Balance OSC 1 against OSC 2 before you shape the tone with the filter.
• FEEDBACK: FEEDBACK returns filtered signal into this same mixer, on top of the oscillator levels.
• CUTOFF: Everything mixed here passes through the filter, so CUTOFF shapes it next.
• FM 1>2/3: Turn OSC 1 down to hear only the FM'd OSC 2 and 3; FM still works.

Tip: Balance the oscillators first, before you touch the filter.

What does VOLUME (OSC 2) do in u-he Diva?

Level of OSC 2 going into the filter.

Where it is: Mixer panel.

How it connects:

• VOLUME (OSC 1): Set OSC 2 a bit below OSC 1 for a supporting layer, equal for a full unison.
• DETUNE (OSC 2): The more OSC 2 you mix in, the stronger its detune beating against OSC 1.
• WAVEFORM (OSC 2): This knob sets how much of the OSC 2 shape reaches the filter.

Tip: Bring OSC 2 in slightly detuned to make a single oscillator sound twice as wide.

What does VOLUME (OSC 3) do in u-he Diva?

Level of OSC 3 going into the filter. In this demo OSC 3 is a square one octave down, so you hear it as weight under the sound.

Where it is: Mixer panel.

How it connects:

• RANGE (OSC 3): With OSC 3 an octave or two down, this knob sets the amount of sub weight.
• WAVEFORM (OSC 3): A triangle or square on OSC 3 keeps the added low end clean.
• VOLUME (OSC 1): Keep OSC 3 under OSC 1 so the sub supports rather than replaces the main tone.

Tip: Check low end on small speakers: if the sound vanishes, OSC 3 is doing all the work.

What does NOISE do in u-he Diva?

Mixes in the noise generator. A little adds air and breath, a lot becomes snares, wind and risers.

Where it is: Mixer panel.

How it connects:

• PINK / WHITE: The PINK/WHITE switch below this knob sets the color of the noise you mix in.
• CUTOFF: Noise goes through the filter too, so CUTOFF darkens or brightens it.
• ENV 2 (filter mod): With ENV 2 snapping the filter open, a touch of noise adds a click to each note.
• DECAY (ENV 2): A short ENV 2 DECAY keeps that noise burst short and percussive.

Tip: A touch of noise plus a short ENV 2 on the filter makes plucks click through a busy mix.

What does FEEDBACK do in u-he Diva?

Routes the filtered sound back into the mixer, a loop that thickens it. A little fattens the low end, more adds grit, growl and eventually screaming overtones.

Where it is: Mixer panel.

How it connects:

• CUTOFF: FEEDBACK taps the signal after the filter, so CUTOFF changes what gets fed back.
• EMPHASIS: High EMPHASIS plus high FEEDBACK can howl quickly; raise them together with care.
• OUTPUT: FEEDBACK can add a lot of level, so lower OUTPUT to compare fairly.
• VOLUME (OSC 1): The fed back signal joins the oscillator levels in the mixer.

Tip: A quick way to give a clean bass more body and dirt. Lower OUTPUT afterwards.

What does PINK / WHITE do in u-he Diva?

Tone switch below NOISE. Pink noise contains mostly low frequencies, white noise is full range and brighter.

Where it is: Mixer panel.

How it connects:

• NOISE: You only hear this switch when NOISE is turned up.
• CUTOFF: White noise has more highs, so it reacts more clearly to CUTOFF sweeps.

Tip: Pink for warm breathy pads, white for crisp hats and risers.

What does CUTOFF do in u-he Diva?

The low-pass filter turns down everything above this frequency. Open it for bright, close it for dark and muffled.

Where it is: Filter (VCF) panel.

How it connects:

• EMPHASIS: EMPHASIS boosts a peak right at the cutoff, so moving CUTOFF moves that peak.
• ENV 2 (filter mod): ENV 2 moves the cutoff on every note, starting from where this knob sits.
• KYBD: KYBD raises the cutoff for higher notes, on top of this setting.
• LFO 2 (filter mod): LFO 2 sweeps the cutoff up and down around this knob's position.

Tip: Close the filter until the sound loses its shine, then back off a hair. Most synth mix problems are cutoff problems.

What does EMPHASIS do in u-he Diva?

Resonance: boosts a narrow peak right at the cutoff. A little adds bite, a lot makes the filter whistle and sing.

Where it is: Filter (VCF) panel.

How it connects:

• CUTOFF: The peak sits at the cutoff, so sweeping CUTOFF sweeps the resonance.
• ENV 2 (filter mod): With ENV 2 sweeping the cutoff, emphasis makes the sweep squelch: the acid sound.
• 12dB / 24dB: The peak sounds different in 12dB and 24dB mode, so recheck EMPHASIS after switching.
• FEEDBACK: High EMPHASIS plus FEEDBACK can howl quickly; raise them together with care.

Tip: Emphasis plus a filter envelope is the whole acid sound.

What does 12dB / 24dB do in u-he Diva?

Filter slope. 24dB (the original ladder) cuts the highs steeply for a round, classic sound. 12dB is gentler and brighter, so more of the buzz gets through.

Where it is: Filter (VCF) panel.

How it connects:

• CUTOFF: The switch decides how steeply sound above the cutoff is turned down.
• EMPHASIS: The resonant peak changes character between modes, so recheck EMPHASIS after switching.

Tip: 24dB for basses and pads, 12dB when a lead needs to cut through.

What does KYBD do in u-he Diva?

Key follow: how much the cutoff rises with higher notes. Bipolar. At zero, high notes sound duller than low ones.

Where it is: Filter (VCF) panel.

How it connects:

• CUTOFF: KYBD adds to the CUTOFF setting, more for higher notes.
• ENV 2 (filter mod): KYBD is the third cutoff mod, beside the ENV 2 and LFO 2 knobs.
• EMPHASIS: With high EMPHASIS and KYBD up, the resonant peak follows the notes you play.
• KYBD (ENV 2): ENV 2 KYBD changes filter envelope speed per note; this knob changes filter brightness.

Tip: Raise it on leads and keys so every octave sounds equally bright.

What does ENV 2 (filter mod) do in u-he Diva?

How much the source opens the cutoff on every note. The source label is ENV 2 by default; click it to choose another. Bipolar: turn left to close instead.

Where it is: Filter (VCF) panel.

How it connects:

• CUTOFF: This knob sets how far ENV 2 pushes the cutoff from where CUTOFF sits.
• DECAY (ENV 2): ENV 2 DECAY sets how fast the filter closes again after the snap.
• ATTACK (ENV 2): A slow ENV 2 ATTACK makes the filter open gradually instead of snapping.
• SUSTAIN (ENV 2): ENV 2 SUSTAIN sets how open the filter stays while you hold the key.

Tip: Low cutoff, ENV 2 up, short ENV 2 decay: the classic pluck.

What does LFO 2 (filter mod) do in u-he Diva?

Second cutoff modulation. Its source label is LFO 2 by default; click it to choose another. Bipolar. Turn it up and the filter moves on its own.

Where it is: Filter (VCF) panel.

How it connects:

• RATE (LFO 2): LFO 2 is the default source, so its RATE sets how fast the filter moves.
• CUTOFF: The LFO swings the cutoff around the CUTOFF knob position.
• WAVEFORM (LFO 2): LFO 2 WAVEFORM sets the shape of the filter movement.
• SYNC (LFO 2): Sync LFO 2 to tempo to lock the filter movement to the groove.

Tip: Slow LFO, small amount: movement you feel more than hear. Fast and deep: wobble.

What does FM (OSC1) do in u-he Diva?

Bipolar filter FM: OSC 1 moves the cutoff at audio rate. Adds buzzy, aggressive harmonics. A Ladder extra, not on the original hardware.

Where it is: Filter (VCF) panel.

How it connects:

• CUTOFF: OSC 1 wobbles the cutoff at audio rate around the CUTOFF position.
• FM 1>2/3: FM 1>2/3 moves oscillator pitch; this knob moves the filter cutoff instead.
• WAVEFORM (OSC 1): OSC 1 is the source, so its WAVEFORM shapes the character of the grit.
• RANGE (OSC 1): The octave of OSC 1 sets the FM speed, so RANGE changes the grit too.

Tip: Small amounts make basses growl without more distortion.

What does ATTACK (ENV 1) do in u-he Diva?

How long the volume takes to rise after you press a key. Zero is an instant hit, long makes the sound swell in.

Where it is: Envelope 1 panel.

How it connects:

• DECAY (ENV 1): After the attack peaks, DECAY takes over and brings the level down to SUSTAIN.
• VCA: Only shapes the volume while the VCA menu is set to ENV 1, not Gate.
• VEL (ENV 1): VEL scales how high this attack peak reaches, depending on how hard you play.
• KYBD (ENV 1): KYBD makes the attack shorter on high notes and longer on low notes.

Tip: A few milliseconds removes clicks. A long attack turns any sound into a soft, swelling pad.

What does DECAY (ENV 1) do in u-he Diva?

How long the volume takes to fall from the peak down to the sustain level. On the ADS model the same time is also used for the release.

Where it is: Envelope 1 panel.

How it connects:

• SUSTAIN (ENV 1): Decay falls toward the SUSTAIN level; with sustain at full, decay has nothing to do.
• RELEASE (ENV 1): On ADS, switching RELEASE on reuses this decay time as the fade after key up.
• ATTACK (ENV 1): Starts right where the attack peak ends.
• KYBD (ENV 1): KYBD shortens this decay on higher notes, like a real plucked string.

Tip: With sustain at zero, decay alone sets how long a pluck rings.

What does SUSTAIN (ENV 1) do in u-he Diva?

The volume level that holds while you keep the key down. Zero turns any sound into a pluck, full is organ mode.

Where it is: Envelope 1 panel.

How it connects:

• DECAY (ENV 1): Sets the level DECAY falls to; at full sustain decay is silent.
• RELEASE (ENV 1): Once you let go, the level fades from here to zero over the release.
• SUSTAIN (ENV 2): Pair low volume sustain with low ENV 2 sustain for plucks that close and fade together.

Tip: Lower it a bit on basses so every note has a clear front.

What does RELEASE (ENV 1) do in u-he Diva?

On the ADS model this is an on/off switch. On, the note fades out after key up using the DECAY time. Off, the sound stops as soon as you let go. The Analogue and Digital models have a full RELEASE knob instead.

Where it is: Envelope 1 panel.

How it connects:

• DECAY (ENV 1): On ADS, the release reuses the DECAY time, so decay sets how long the tail lasts.
• RELEASE (ENV 2): Match it with ENV 2 release so the filter does not snap shut while the note rings.
• SUSTAIN (ENV 1): The fade starts from the sustain level you are holding.

Tip: Before you switch it on, set DECAY to a release time that suits the sound.

What does VEL (ENV 1) do in u-he Diva?

Velocity: how much the envelope level is scaled by how hard you hit the key. Since ENV 1 drives the volume, harder hits play louder.

Where it is: Envelope 1 panel.

How it connects:

• VEL (ENV 2): Same idea for ENV 2: with both up, hard hits get louder and brighter.
• ATTACK (ENV 1): Scales the height of every stage, starting from the attack peak.
• VCA: Only changes the volume while ENV 1 drives the VCA.

Tip: Turn it up for playable keys, down for steady basses that should not jump around.

What does KYBD (ENV 1) do in u-he Diva?

Keyboard follow for envelope times: it scales attack, decay and release by note number. Higher notes get shorter envelopes, lower notes longer.

Where it is: Envelope 1 panel.

How it connects:

• DECAY (ENV 1): Shortens the decay on high notes so they ring for less time.
• ATTACK (ENV 1): Also shortens the attack on high notes and lengthens it on low ones.
• KYBD (ENV 2): Set both the same so volume and filter shapes scale together across the keys.
• KYBD: Different job: the filter KYBD moves cutoff with pitch, this one changes envelope times.

Tip: Great for natural sounding plucks across a wide range, like a real piano or plucked string.

What does ATTACK (ENV 2) do in u-he Diva?

How long ENV 2 takes to rise. Since ENV 2 drives the filter by default, a slow attack makes the sound get brighter over time.

Where it is: Envelope 2 panel.

How it connects:

• ENV 2 (filter mod): The filter only opens if the ENV 2 knob at the filter is turned up.
• DECAY (ENV 2): After the attack peaks, DECAY brings ENV 2 back down to its sustain.
• ATTACK (ENV 1): Keep it shorter than this one if the filter should open while the note is already audible.
• TUNE MOD: With TUNE MOD on ENV 2 (the default source), this also sets a pitch rise time.

Tip: Slow ENV 2 attack on a pad: it blooms open on every chord.

What does DECAY (ENV 2) do in u-he Diva?

How fast ENV 2 falls back to its sustain level. On the filter this is how quickly each note closes after its bright start. On ADS it also sets the release time.

Where it is: Envelope 2 panel.

How it connects:

• ENV 2 (filter mod): Sets how fast the filter closes after the ENV 2 knob opened it.
• SUSTAIN (ENV 2): Falls toward the SUSTAIN level, which decides how bright held notes stay.
• CUTOFF: The filter closes back down to the CUTOFF knob position (plus sustain).
• TUNE MOD: With TUNE MOD on ENV 2, a short decay gives a quick pitch zap.

Tip: Short for clicky plucks, medium for wah, long for slow sweeps.

What does SUSTAIN (ENV 2) do in u-he Diva?

Where ENV 2 stays while the key is held. On the filter it decides how bright held notes remain.

Where it is: Envelope 2 panel.

How it connects:

• DECAY (ENV 2): Sets the level that DECAY falls to.
• ENV 2 (filter mod): How much this held level opens the filter depends on the ENV 2 filter knob.
• CUTOFF: Held notes sit at CUTOFF plus this sustain amount.

Tip: Some sustain keeps long notes from going dull.

What does RELEASE (ENV 2) do in u-he Diva?

Release of ENV 2 after you let go. On the ADS model it is an on/off switch that reuses the DECAY time; Analogue and Digital have a full RELEASE knob.

Where it is: Envelope 2 panel.

How it connects:

• RELEASE (ENV 1): Switch both on together, or the filter can close before the volume fades.
• DECAY (ENV 2): On ADS, the release reuses the ENV 2 DECAY time.
• ENV 2 (filter mod): Decides how gently the filter closes after key up.

Tip: Match it to ENV 1 release so the filter does not snap shut while the note still rings.

What does VEL (ENV 2) do in u-he Diva?

Velocity: how much the ENV 2 level is scaled by how hard you play. With ENV 2 on the filter, harder hits sound brighter.

Where it is: Envelope 2 panel.

How it connects:

• ENV 2 (filter mod): Scales how far the ENV 2 knob opens the filter on each note.
• VEL (ENV 1): Use with ENV 1 VEL so hard hits are both louder and brighter.
• ATTACK (ENV 2): Scales the height of the whole ENV 2 shape, starting at the attack peak.

Tip: Expressive keys and plucks: play softer for darker notes.

What does KYBD (ENV 2) do in u-he Diva?

Keyboard follow for ENV 2 times: it scales attack, decay and release by note number, so higher notes get faster filter envelopes.

Where it is: Envelope 2 panel.

How it connects:

• DECAY (ENV 2): Makes the filter close faster on high notes.
• KYBD (ENV 1): Set them alike so volume and filter timing scale together.
• KYBD: Different job: filter KYBD moves cutoff with pitch, this changes ENV 2 times.

Tip: Keeps plucks snappy in the high register.

What does RATE (LFO 1) do in u-he Diva?

Fine speed control of LFO 1. It pushes the speed up or down from the value set in SYNC. Since LFO 1 drives VIBRATO, this is the vibrato speed.

Where it is: LFO 1 panel.

How it connects:

• SYNC (LFO 1): SYNC sets the base speed or note value; RATE nudges it faster or slower.
• VIBRATO: Sets how fast the VIBRATO wobbles; VIBRATO sets how deep.
• RATE MOD (LFO 1): RATE MOD moves this speed from another source, like the mod wheel.
• DELAY (LFO 1): With DELAY, the vibrato fades in at this speed.

Tip: Around 5 to 6 Hz sounds like a human vibrato.

What does DEPTH MOD (LFO 1) do in u-he Diva?

How much a source controls the LFO's strength. The box next to it picks the source, ModWheel by default. With the source set to none, the knob simply turns the LFO down.

Where it is: LFO 1 panel.

How it connects:

• VIBRATO: VIBRATO sets the pitch amount, but the LFO level also depends on DEPTH MOD.
• DELAY (LFO 1): DELAY fades the LFO in over time, DEPTH MOD scales it from a source.
• RATE MOD (LFO 1): Same kind of source box, but RATE MOD changes speed instead of strength.

Tip: Leave it on ModWheel to add vibrato by hand while you play.

What does DELAY (LFO 1) do in u-he Diva?

Fades the LFO in, from immediate up to about 20 seconds.

Where it is: LFO 1 panel.

How it connects:

• VIBRATO: Fades the vibrato in, so short notes stay straight and long notes start to wobble.
• RESTART (LFO 1): The fade starts again whenever the LFO restarts on a new note.
• DEPTH MOD (LFO 1): Both change LFO strength: DELAY over time, DEPTH MOD from a source like the mod wheel.

Tip: Vibrato that only appears on long notes, like a singer.

What does WAVEFORM (LFO 1) do in u-he Diva?

Shape of the LFO: sine, triangle, saw up, saw down, square hi-lo, square lo-hi, random hold or random glide.

Where it is: LFO 1 panel.

How it connects:

• POLARITY (LFO 1): Polarity shifts this shape so it swings only upward.
• PHASE (LFO 1): Phase chooses where in this shape each note starts.
• VIBRATO: The shape you pick here is the shape of the vibrato.

Tip: Sine for smooth vibrato, square for trills, random hold for sample-and-hold blips.

What does SYNC (LFO 1) do in u-he Diva?

Sets the base speed: three free time ranges, or one of 24 note values locked to your song tempo.

Where it is: LFO 1 panel.

How it connects:

• RATE (LFO 1): RATE fine tunes the speed up or down from the value chosen here.
• RESTART (LFO 1): SYNC sets speed; RESTART decides when the cycle starts over.
• VIBRATO: A tempo-synced LFO 1 gives rhythmic pitch wobble instead of natural vibrato.

Tip: Sync to 1/8 or 1/4 so movement grooves with the track.

What does RESTART (LFO 1) do in u-he Diva?

When the LFO restarts. Sync: never restarts, so all notes share one LFO in phase. Gate: restarts on every note at the PHASE position. Single: one shared LFO that starts over only when you play again after letting go of every key. Random: restarts at a random point per note.

Where it is: LFO 1 panel.

How it connects:

• PHASE (LFO 1): On gate (and single) the LFO restarts at the PHASE position; random ignores PHASE.
• DELAY (LFO 1): Each restart also restarts the DELAY fade-in.
• SYNC (LFO 1): Not the same thing: SYNC sets speed, the 'sync' restart option means never restart.

Tip: Gate for the same movement on every note, sync for chords that move together.

What does PHASE (LFO 1) do in u-he Diva?

Where in its cycle the LFO starts when a note restarts it. Ignored when RESTART is set to random.

Where it is: LFO 1 panel.

How it connects:

• RESTART (LFO 1): Phase only matters when RESTART restarts the LFO; random ignores it.
• WAVEFORM (LFO 1): Picks which part of the waveform you hear first, e.g. top or bottom of a square.
• RATE (LFO 1): At slow rates the start point is very audible; at fast rates much less.

Tip: With RESTART on gate, set it so every note starts with the vibrato going the same way.

What does RATE MOD (LFO 1) do in u-he Diva?

How much another source changes the LFO speed. The box next to it picks the source (none by default; try ModWheel or KeyFollow).

Where it is: LFO 1 panel.

How it connects:

• RATE (LFO 1): Adds to or subtracts from the speed RATE sets.
• VIBRATO: Changes how fast the vibrato goes while you play.
• DEPTH MOD (LFO 1): RATE MOD changes speed, DEPTH MOD changes strength, each with its own source box.

Tip: KeyFollow as source makes vibrato faster on higher notes, like many acoustic players.

What does POLARITY (LFO 1) do in u-he Diva?

LFOs are normally bipolar and swing up and down. Switch it on for unipolar: the whole wave shifts up so it only goes positive.

Where it is: LFO 1 panel.

How it connects:

• WAVEFORM (LFO 1): Shifts the chosen waveform so it only swings above zero.
• VIBRATO: Unipolar vibrato only pulls pitch up, never below the note.
• DEPTH MOD (LFO 1): Polarity sets the direction, DEPTH MOD sets how strong the swing is.

Tip: Unipolar vibrato only bends notes up, a little like a guitarist bending strings.

What does RATE (LFO 2) do in u-he Diva?

Fine speed control of LFO 2, pushing it up or down from the SYNC value. LFO 2 is the default source for the second filter mod and for shape mod.

Where it is: LFO 2 panel.

How it connects:

• SYNC (LFO 2): SYNC sets the base speed or note value; RATE nudges it faster or slower.
• LFO 2 (filter mod): Sets how fast the filter moves; the LFO 2 filter knob sets how far.
• SHAPE MOD: Sets the speed of pulse width or shape movement.
• RATE MOD (LFO 2): RATE MOD moves this speed from another source.

Tip: Slow for evolving pads, fast for wobble.

What does DEPTH MOD (LFO 2) do in u-he Diva?

How much a source controls the strength of LFO 2. The box next to it picks the source. With the source set to none, the knob simply turns LFO 2 down.

Where it is: LFO 2 panel.

How it connects:

• LFO 2 (filter mod): Scales LFO 2 before it reaches the filter, so the wobble can be played in.
• SHAPE MOD: Also scales the shape movement driven by LFO 2.
• DELAY (LFO 2): DELAY fades LFO 2 in over time, DEPTH MOD scales it from a source.

Tip: Mod wheel as source to bring in a wobble during a build-up.

What does WAVEFORM (LFO 2) do in u-he Diva?

Shape of LFO 2: sine, triangle, saw up, saw down, square hi-lo, square lo-hi, random hold or random glide.

Where it is: LFO 2 panel.

How it connects:

• LFO 2 (filter mod): The filter follows this shape when the LFO 2 filter knob is up.
• SHAPE MOD: The shape modulation follows this waveform too.
• POLARITY (LFO 2): Polarity shifts the shape so it only swings one way.

Tip: Saw down on the filter gives rhythmic pumping, random hold gives bleepy texture.

What does SYNC (LFO 2) do in u-he Diva?

Sets the base speed of LFO 2: three free time ranges, or one of 24 note values locked to your song tempo.

Where it is: LFO 2 panel.

How it connects:

• RATE (LFO 2): RATE fine tunes the speed from the value chosen here.
• LFO 2 (filter mod): Tempo-synced LFO 2 on the filter gives wobbles that lock to the beat.
• RESTART (LFO 2): SYNC sets speed; RESTART decides when the cycle starts over.

Tip: 1/4 or 1/8 for groove-locked filter movement.

What does RESTART (LFO 2) do in u-he Diva?

When LFO 2 restarts. Sync: never restarts, all notes in phase. Gate: restarts every note at the PHASE position. Single: one shared LFO that starts over only when you play again after letting go of every key. Random: random start per note.

Where it is: LFO 2 panel.

How it connects:

• PHASE (LFO 2): On gate the LFO restarts at the PHASE position; random ignores PHASE.
• DELAY (LFO 2): Each restart also restarts the DELAY fade-in.
• LFO 2 (filter mod): Gate gives every note the same filter wobble from its first moment.

Tip: Gate for wobble basses so every note starts the same.

What does PHASE (LFO 2) do in u-he Diva?

Where in its cycle LFO 2 starts when a note restarts it. Ignored when RESTART is set to random.

Where it is: LFO 2 panel.

How it connects:

• RESTART (LFO 2): Phase only matters when RESTART restarts the LFO; random ignores it.
• WAVEFORM (LFO 2): Picks which part of the waveform each note begins on.
• LFO 2 (filter mod): Decides whether each note starts with the filter wobble high or low.

Tip: Line up filter wobbles so they always start open.

What does DELAY (LFO 2) do in u-he Diva?

Fades LFO 2 in, from immediate up to about 20 seconds.

Where it is: LFO 2 panel.

How it connects:

• LFO 2 (filter mod): Fades the filter wobble in instead of starting at full depth.
• RESTART (LFO 2): The fade starts again whenever LFO 2 restarts on a new note.
• SHAPE MOD: Also fades in the waveform movement, since SHAPE MOD uses LFO 2 by default.

Tip: Filter movement that only kicks in on held notes.

What does RATE MOD (LFO 2) do in u-he Diva?

How much another source changes the speed of LFO 2. The box next to it picks the source (none by default).

Where it is: LFO 2 panel.

How it connects:

• RATE (LFO 2): Adds to or subtracts from the speed RATE sets.
• LFO 2 (filter mod): Makes the filter wobble change speed while a note plays.
• DEPTH MOD (LFO 2): RATE MOD changes speed, DEPTH MOD changes strength.

Tip: An envelope or the mod wheel on rate mod makes wobbles speed up or slow down.

What does POLARITY (LFO 2) do in u-he Diva?

Bipolar (up and down) or unipolar. Unipolar shifts the whole wave up so it only goes positive.

Where it is: LFO 2 panel.

How it connects:

• LFO 2 (filter mod): Unipolar LFO 2 only pushes the cutoff up from the knob position.
• WAVEFORM (LFO 2): Shifts the chosen waveform so it stays above zero.
• SHAPE MOD: Unipolar shape mod only moves the waveform one way.

Tip: Unipolar for filter movement that only opens, never closes below the cutoff.

What does VIBRATO do in u-he Diva?

How much LFO 1 moves the pitch of the oscillators. A touch makes leads feel human, a lot sounds seasick.

Where it is: Tuning (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• RATE (LFO 1): LFO 1 RATE sets how fast the vibrato wobbles.
• DEPTH MOD (LFO 1): The LFO 1 level also depends on DEPTH MOD, by default the mod wheel.
• DELAY (LFO 1): DELAY fades the vibrato in after the note starts.
• WAVEFORM (LFO 1): The LFO 1 waveform is the shape of the vibrato.

Tip: Combine with LFO 1 DELAY so vibrato only comes on long notes.

What does GLIDE do in u-he Diva?

Portamento: the pitch slides from one note to the next instead of jumping. This knob sets the basic glide speed.

Where it is: Tuning (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• MODE: In Mono or Legato mode you get classic single-line slides.
• GLIDEMODE: Decides whether every slide takes the same time or wide jumps take longer.
• RANGE (glide): RANGE sets how far below the target note the slide starts.
• GLIDE2: GLIDE2 makes OSC 2 and 3 slide slower or faster than OSC 1.

Tip: Short glide on a mono bass gives rubbery 303-style slides.

What does GLIDE2 do in u-he Diva?

Bipolar offset to the glide time of OSC 2 (Dual VCO and Triple VCO) and OSC 3 (Triple VCO), so the oscillators arrive at the target note at different times.

Where it is: Tuning (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• GLIDE: Only does something when GLIDE is up; it offsets that glide time.
• DETUNE (OSC 2): Like DETUNE, it makes OSC 2 drift against OSC 1, but only during slides.
• RANGE (glide): Both shape the slide: RANGE sets the start, GLIDE2 the timing of OSC 2 and 3.

Tip: A little Glide2 gives slides a lush, slightly out-of-tune smear.

What does RANGE (glide) do in u-he Diva?

How far below or above the target the slide begins, a u-he speciality. Turn it down and the slide starts near the new note, so you only hear its last part.

Where it is: Tuning (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• GLIDE: GLIDE sets the slide speed, RANGE sets how far away it starts.
• GLIDEMODE: Both shape the slide: GLIDEMODE sets timing, RANGE the starting distance.
• GLIDE2: With low RANGE and some GLIDE2, oscillators scoop in slightly apart.

Tip: Turn it down for small, sloppy scoops into notes, like a singer finding the pitch.

What does GLIDEMODE do in u-he Diva?

Time: a small step and a big leap both take equally long to slide. Rate: the slide moves at a steady speed, so big leaps need more time than small steps.

Where it is: Tuning (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• GLIDE: Decides whether the GLIDE knob means a fixed time or a fixed speed.
• RANGE (glide): RANGE shortens the distance of the slide; in rate mode that also shortens the time.
• MODE: In Mono or Legato, this decides how long each slide between notes lasts.

Tip: Time keeps slides tight to the groove, rate sounds more natural on wide leaps.

What does FINE do in u-he Diva?

Fine tunes the whole synth by up to one semitone up or down.

Where it is: Tuning (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• TRANSPOSE: TRANSPOSE moves in whole semitones, FINE covers everything in between.
• DETUNE (OSC 2): FINE moves all oscillators together; DETUNE moves OSC 2 against OSC 1.
• UP (bend): Pitch bend moves pitch live while you play, FINE sets a fixed offset.

Tip: Match a sample that is slightly out of tune.

What does TRANSPOSE do in u-he Diva?

Shifts the whole synth in semitone steps, up to 24 semitones (two octaves) either way.

Where it is: Tuning (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• FINE: TRANSPOSE moves in semitones, FINE handles anything smaller.
• RANGE (OSC 1): RANGE jumps one oscillator by octaves, TRANSPOSE moves the whole synth by semitones.
• UP (bend): Bend range is added on top of the transposed pitch.

Tip: Move a preset into the key or register of your track.

What does UP (bend) do in u-he Diva?

How far the pitch wheel bends up, in semitones. Set separately from DOWN.

Where it is: Tuning (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• DOWN (bend): UP and DOWN are independent, so you can bend up 2 and down 12.
• GLIDE: Bends glide smoothly by themselves; GLIDE only affects jumps between notes.
• TRANSPOSE: Bends start from the transposed pitch.

Tip: 2 for subtle bends, 12 for octave dives.

What does DOWN (bend) do in u-he Diva?

How far the pitch wheel bends down, in semitones. Set separately from UP.

Where it is: Tuning (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• UP (bend): Independent of UP, so a big dive does not make upward bends huge.
• TRANSPOSE: Bends start from the transposed pitch.
• MODE: In Mono mode a deep bend reads as one dramatic dive.

Tip: Set a big down range for dramatic drops on basses.

What does MICROTUNING do in u-he Diva?

Loads a tuning file (.tun) for scales outside standard Western tuning. The button next to it switches microtuning on or off.

Where it is: Tuning (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• FINE: FINE shifts everything evenly, microtuning changes the spacing between notes.
• TRANSPOSE: Transpose still works on top of a microtuning.

Tip: Try a non-Western scale for unusual melodic ideas.

What does VOLUME do in u-he Diva?

Gain of the voice amplifier. Positive values can subtly overdrive the amplifier.

Where it is: Amplifier (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• OUTPUT: VOLUME sets each voice before the effects, OUTPUT is the final master level.
• VOL MOD: VOL MOD moves the level up and down from this setting.
• VCA: The VCA decides when the sound is heard, VOLUME how loud.

Tip: Gain-stage presets so they sit at similar levels, or push it for a little extra grit.

What does PAN do in u-he Diva?

Shifts the voice or voices to the left or right in the stereo field.

Where it is: Amplifier (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• PAN MOD: PAN MOD moves the position around the point PAN sets.
• STACK: Stacked voices can be spread apart with PAN MOD set to StackIndex.
• LEFT (delay time): Delay taps can add width on top of where PAN places the dry sound.

Tip: Use PAN MOD with a slow LFO for gentle auto-panning.

What does VCA do in u-he Diva?

What drives the amplifier: ENV 1 (the default) or a simple Gate that switches the volume on and off with the key. Gate frees ENV 1 for other modulation.

Where it is: Amplifier (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• ATTACK (ENV 1): With ENV 1 selected, the ENV 1 knobs shape the volume of every note.
• RELEASE (ENV 1): On Gate, the sound stops right at key up, whatever ENV 1 release says.
• VOLUME: VOLUME sets the level the VCA opens to.

Tip: Gate for organ-like hard on/off notes, then use ENV 1 somewhere else, like pitch or shape.

What does VOL MOD do in u-he Diva?

Volume modulation from the source chosen in the box next to it (none by default). It actually changes the filter output level, so it can also affect FEEDBACK.

Where it is: Amplifier (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• VOLUME: Moves the level up and down from where VOLUME sets it.
• FEEDBACK: It works on the filter output, so changing it also changes how hard FEEDBACK drives.
• RATE (LFO 2): With LFO 2 as source, LFO 2 RATE sets the tremolo speed.

Tip: An LFO here gives tremolo, velocity gives dynamics.

What does PAN MOD do in u-he Diva?

Modulates the stereo position from the source chosen in the box next to it.

Where it is: Amplifier (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• PAN: Moves the stereo position around the point PAN sets.
• STACK: With StackIndex as source, it spreads the STACK voices across the stereo field.
• RATE (LFO 2): With LFO 2 as source, RATE sets the auto-pan speed.

Tip: Set the source to StackIndex to spread unison voices apart. A slow LFO gives auto-pan.

What does MODE do in u-he Diva?

How notes play. Poly: normal chords. Mono: one note, every new note restarts the envelopes. Legato: one note, envelopes only restart after a gap. Duo: two notes at once, with OSC 2 playing the top one. Poly2: like Poly, but voices in their release are reused first.

Where it is: Voice (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• GLIDE: Mono or Legato plus GLIDE gives smooth slides between notes for basses and leads.
• NOTE PRIORITY: NOTE PRIORITY only matters in Mono and Legato. Duo ignores it.
• VOICES: In Poly and Poly2, VOICES caps how many notes can sound at once.
• ATTACK (ENV 1): In Legato, overlapping notes do not restart ENV 1, so the attack only plays after a gap.

Tip: Mono or Legato plus GLIDE for basses and leads. Duo for a two-note split lead.

What does STACK do in u-he Diva?

Unison: sets how many voices play on every note. Offset them against each other with STACK TUNE on the TRIMMERS page or the StackIndex mod source. Stacking costs a lot of CPU.

Where it is: Voice (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• TRIMMERS tab: STACK TUNE on the TRIMMERS page sets each stacked voice's pitch, up to 2 octaves either way.
• VOICES: Every note now uses several voices, so CPU rises quickly with many notes.
• DETUNE (OSC 2): DETUNE offsets oscillators inside one voice. STACK duplicates whole voices. Both thicken the sound.
• MODE: In Mono or Legato, STACK turns a single note into a thick unison lead.

Tip: Try 2 or 4 for leads. Big stacks sound huge solo but can get messy in a mix.

What does NOTE PRIORITY do in u-he Diva?

Only for Mono and Legato modes: which note sounds when you hold several. Last plays the newest note, lowest the lowest, highest the highest.

Where it is: Voice (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• MODE: Only works when MODE is Mono or Legato. Poly and Duo ignore it.
• GLIDE: Priority picks which held note sounds, and GLIDE slides the pitch over to it.

Tip: Lowest for basslines, last for leads.

What does VOICES do in u-he Diva?

The maximum number of voices (2 to 16) before Diva steals old notes for new ones.

Where it is: Voice (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• MODE: Matters in Poly and Poly2. Mono and Legato only ever play one note.
• STACK: Each note uses STACK voices, so CPU climbs fast with big stacks and many voices.
• ACCURACY: Higher ACCURACY costs CPU per voice. Fewer voices keep heavy settings glitch free.
• RELEASE (ENV 1): Long ENV 1 releases keep voices busy, so a low limit steals them sooner.

Tip: Lower it on CPU heavy presets to avoid audio glitches.

What does ACCURACY do in u-he Diva?

How detailed the analog modeling is: draft, fast, great or divine. Higher levels sound better, especially resonance and FM, but cost more CPU. It is a global setting.

Where it is: Voice (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• OFFLINE ACC: OFFLINE ACC on Same reuses this setting when you bounce. Best overrides it for rendering.
• EMPHASIS: Low accuracy makes resonance cruder, so high EMPHASIS shows the difference most.
• FM 1>2/3: In draft, FM sounds rough. Higher accuracy cleans it up.
• VOICES: Higher accuracy costs CPU per voice. Lower VOICES if great or divine starts to glitch.

Tip: Play in fast or great, and set OFFLINE ACC to best for the final bounce.

What does OFFLINE ACC do in u-he Diva?

The accuracy used when your DAW renders offline (bounce or export). Same uses the ACCURACY setting, best always renders at top quality.

Where it is: Voice (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• ACCURACY: Same copies ACCURACY. Best renders at top quality whatever you play with.
• EMPHASIS: Best rendering mainly improves resonance and FM detail that sounded rough while playing.

Tip: Set it to best: you get full quality in the bounce without the CPU cost while playing.

What does CLOCK do in u-he Diva?

The step length for the arpeggiator, as a note value. It is always locked to your DAW tempo.

Where it is: Clock and arpeggiator (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• MULTIPLY: MULTIPLY scales this step length from half to double, for dotted or triplet feels.
• SWING: SWING shuffles the steps this clock creates.
• ARP: The arpeggiator plays one note per CLOCK step.

Tip: 1/16 for running arps, 1/8 for calmer patterns.

What does MULTIPLY do in u-he Diva?

Scales the CLOCK step length from 0.50 (half as long, twice as fast) to 2.00 (twice as long).

Where it is: Clock and arpeggiator (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• CLOCK: Multiplies the CLOCK step: 1.50 turns 1/16 into dotted 16ths.
• ARP: Changes the arp speed without touching the CLOCK menu.

Tip: 1.50 on a 1/16 clock gives dotted 16ths, about 0.67 gives triplets.

What does SWING do in u-he Diva?

Shuffle for the clock: delays every second step. At 50% the steps fall into a triplet feel (2:1), at 100% a dotted feel (3:1), the strongest shuffle.

Where it is: Clock and arpeggiator (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• CLOCK: Shuffles pairs of CLOCK steps, so on 1/16 you get a 16th note shuffle.
• ARP: You hear it on the arpeggiator, so switch ARP on to hear the shuffle.
• MULTIPLY: MULTIPLY changes the step length, SWING changes the timing inside each pair of steps.

Tip: A little swing makes arps groove like a house record.

What does ARP do in u-he Diva?

Switches the arpeggiator on or off. Held notes then play one after another as a pattern.

Where it is: Clock and arpeggiator (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• CLOCK: CLOCK sets how fast the arp steps, always locked to the DAW tempo.
• MODE (arp): MODE sets the order the held notes play in.
• OCTAVES: OCTAVES spreads the pattern over 1 to 4 octaves.
• MODE: With voice MODE on Mono, each arp note cuts off the last, good for basslines.

Tip: Hold a chord, set CLOCK to 1/16, done.

What does MODE (arp) do in u-he Diva?

Note order: played (the order you pressed them), up, down, up+dn 1 (normal up and down), up+dn 2 (repeats the top and bottom notes) or random.

Where it is: Clock and arpeggiator (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• ARP: Only does anything with ARP switched on.
• OCTAVES: The note order combines with OCTAVES and the Progression menu to make the full pattern.
• CLOCK: Each note of the order lands on one CLOCK step.

Tip: Up+dn for flowing trance arps, random for glitchy ideas.

What does OCTAVES do in u-he Diva?

How many octaves (1 to 4) the arp pattern covers. How it moves between them is set by the Progression menu next to it.

Where it is: Clock and arpeggiator (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• ARP: Only works with ARP on. At 1 the pattern stays in the octave you play.
• MODE (arp): MODE sets the note order, the Progression menu decides how octaves are stepped through.
• RANGE (OSC 1): Arp octaves go up from where you play, so lower RANGE if the top gets shrill.

Tip: 2 octaves turns a simple chord into a big sweeping pattern.

What does SYNC (arp) do in u-he Diva?

Strict host sync for the arpeggiator: the pattern locks tightly to your DAW's song position.

Where it is: Clock and arpeggiator (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• ARP: Only matters while the arpeggiator is on.
• CLOCK: The arp steps at the CLOCK value, synced to the host.

Tip: Turn it on when the arp has to stay locked to the grid of your track.

What does PROGRESSION do in u-he Diva?

How the arpeggiator moves through the OCTAVES: Serial, Round, Leap or Repeat.

Where it is: Clock and arpeggiator (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• OCTAVES: Progression only has an effect when OCTAVES is above 1.
• MODE (arp): MODE sets the note order, progression sets the octave movement.

Tip: Try Leap for jumpy, wide patterns from a simple chord.

What does RESTART (arp) do in u-he Diva?

Restarts the arp pattern after a set number of notes.

Where it is: Clock and arpeggiator (MAIN tab) panel.

How it connects:

• MODE (arp): The restart point cuts the MODE pattern short and starts it again.
• CLOCK: Counted in CLOCK steps.

Tip: Restart after 3 or 5 notes for patterns that cross the bar line in interesting ways.

What does ON / OFF (FX 1) do in u-he Diva?

Switches Effect 1 on or off.

Where it is: Effect 1 panel.

How it connects:

• EFFECT TYPE (FX 1): Turns on whatever effect type the slot menu has selected.
• ON / OFF (FX 2): Effect 1 feeds Effect 2, so both can run in series.

Tip: Toggle it while a note plays to hear what the effect really adds.

What does EFFECT TYPE (FX 1) do in u-he Diva?

Picks the effect for this slot: Chorus, Phaser, Plate, Delay or Rotary. The square button next to it switches the slot on or off. The demo switches the slot to Chorus so you can hear it.

Where it is: Effect 1 panel.

How it connects:

• EFFECT TYPE (FX 2): The two slots run in series: this one feeds Effect 2.
• WET (plate): Each type has its own controls. On Plate, WET sets how much reverb you hear.
• FEEDBACK (delay): Plate here plus Delay in slot 2 means the echoes repeat the reverb too.

Tip: Chorus on pads and keys for width, Plate for space.

What does WET (plate) do in u-he Diva?

Level of the reverb. More wet pushes the sound further back.

Where it is: Effect 1 panel.

How it connects:

• DRY (plate): Balance against DRY: lower DRY with high WET pushes the sound far back.
• DECAY (plate): A long DECAY makes the same WET level sound much bigger.
• PREDELAY: PREDELAY keeps the dry attack clear, even at higher WET levels.
• DAMP: DAMP darkens what WET adds, so a damped tail can take more wet.

Tip: Raise until you notice it, then back off a little.

What does DECAY (plate) do in u-he Diva?

How long the reverb takes to fade out.

Where it is: Effect 1 panel.

How it connects:

• SIZE (plate): SIZE sets how big the space is, DECAY how long it rings. Set them together.
• DAMP: DAMP decides how fast the highs die within the decay time.
• WET (plate): Long decay with low WET gives depth without washing out the mix.

Tip: Match the tail to the tempo so it clears before the next phrase.

What does DRY (plate) do in u-he Diva?

Level of the untreated sound coming out of the plate.

Where it is: Effect 1 panel.

How it connects:

• WET (plate): DRY and WET are separate levels: DRY the untreated sound, WET the reverb.
• EFFECT TYPE (FX 2): Since the slots run in series, DRY also changes how much clean sound reaches Effect 2.

Tip: Keep it at full and blend in reverb with WET.

What does PREDELAY do in u-he Diva?

A short delay before the reverb starts. It keeps the original sound close and clear.

Where it is: Effect 1 panel.

How it connects:

• WET (plate): Keeps notes clear, so you can raise WET without washing them out.
• DECAY (plate): PREDELAY sets when the tail starts, DECAY how long it lasts after that.
• SIZE (plate): Big SIZE plus some predelay suggests a large hall with distant walls.

Tip: Some predelay keeps vocals and plucks clear while still sounding big.

What does DIFFUSION do in u-he Diva?

Adds a little chaos to the reverb, which reduces metallic ringing in the tail.

Where it is: Effect 1 panel.

How it connects:

• DECAY (plate): On long DECAY tails, diffusion stops metallic ringing from building up.
• DAMP: DAMP darkens the tail, DIFFUSION smooths its metallic ring: two ways to tame it.
• WET (plate): The more WET you use, the more any metallic ring shows, so raise diffusion too.

Tip: Raise it if the reverb sounds metallic or ringy.

What does DAMP do in u-he Diva?

Makes high frequencies in the reverb fade faster than lows, like carpets and curtains in a room. More damp, warmer and darker tail.

Where it is: Effect 1 panel.

How it connects:

• DECAY (plate): With a long DECAY, damp makes the tail get warmer as it fades.
• WET (plate): A damped tail sits further back, so you can use more WET without harshness.
• LP (delay): Same idea as the delay LP: both darken the effect, not the dry sound.

Tip: Damp the tail so it does not fight your hats.

What does SIZE (plate) do in u-he Diva?

Size of the virtual space, from tiny bathroom to huge cathedral.

Where it is: Effect 1 panel.

How it connects:

• DECAY (plate): Big SIZE with short DECAY sounds open but tidy. Both high gives a cathedral.
• PREDELAY: Add PREDELAY on big sizes to keep the dry sound up front.

Tip: Smaller sizes keep a mix tight even with some reverb.

What does ON / OFF (FX 2) do in u-he Diva?

Switches Effect 2 on or off.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• EFFECT TYPE (FX 2): Turns on whatever effect type the slot menu has selected.
• ON / OFF (FX 1): Effect 2 receives the output of Effect 1.

Tip: Bypass the delay to check that the dry sound works on its own.

What does CENTER VOL (delay) do in u-he Diva?

Level of the center delay tap. Together with SIDE VOL it sets how loud the echoes are.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• SIDE VOL (delay): CENTER VOL sets the middle tap, SIDE VOL the left and right taps.
• CENTER (delay time): This is the level of the tap whose time CENTER sets.
• FEEDBACK (delay): With high FEEDBACK echoes pile up, so keep CENTER VOL lower to stay tidy.

Tip: Keep echoes quieter than the dry signal so they sit behind it.

What does FEEDBACK (delay) do in u-he Diva?

Sets how many echoes you hear before they die away. Turned fully up, with the HP and LP filters wide open, the echoes never stop.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• CENTER (delay time): Repeats arrive at the CENTER time. FEEDBACK sets how many you hear.
• LP (delay): Each repeat passes the LP filter again, so more feedback means darker and darker echoes.
• HP (delay): At 100 with HP at minimum the loop never fades. Raise HP to let it die out.
• WOW: WOW builds up over many repeats, so long feedback makes it more obvious.

Tip: One or two repeats for groove, long feedback for dub throws.

What does DRY (delay) do in u-he Diva?

Level of the original sound passing through the delay.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• CENTER VOL (delay): Echo level of the center tap, balanced against this dry level.
• SIDE VOL (delay): Echo level of the side taps, balanced against this dry level.

Tip: Keep it up and set the echo level with CENTER VOL and SIDE VOL.

What does EFFECT TYPE (FX 2) do in u-he Diva?

Effect type of the second slot: Chorus, Phaser, Plate, Delay or Rotary. It comes after Effect 1. Shown here as Delay.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• EFFECT TYPE (FX 1): Effect 2 comes after Effect 1, so a delay here echoes the Effect 1 sound.
• FEEDBACK (delay): On Delay, FEEDBACK sets how long the echoes keep repeating.
• CENTER VOL (delay): On Delay, CENTER VOL and SIDE VOL set how loud the echoes are.

Tip: Delay in slot 2 after a chorus or plate in slot 1.

What does SIDE VOL (delay) do in u-he Diva?

Level of the left and right taps.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• CENTER VOL (delay): SIDE VOL sets the left and right taps, CENTER VOL the middle one.
• LEFT (delay time): LEFT sets the timing of the left tap this knob turns up.
• RIGHT (delay time): RIGHT sets the timing of the right tap this knob turns up.

Tip: Side taps louder than center for wide, bouncing echoes.

What does HP (delay) do in u-he Diva?

High-pass filter inside the delay feedback. Each repeat loses more bass.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• LP (delay): HP and LP together form a band around the repeats. Narrow it for telephone echoes.
• FEEDBACK (delay): Each repeat passes HP again, so high feedback makes later echoes thinner and thinner.
• CENTER VOL (delay): Cleaner low end in the echoes lets you raise the echo level without mud.

Tip: Keeps echoes from muddying the low end.

What does LP (delay) do in u-he Diva?

Low-pass filter inside the delay feedback. Each repeat gets darker.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• FEEDBACK (delay): Each repeat passes LP again, so more feedback means darker and darker echoes.
• HP (delay): LP and HP together set the band of the repeats.
• DAMP: Like DAMP on the plate, it darkens the effect while the dry sound stays bright.

Tip: Dark repeats sit behind the dry sound instead of on top of it.

What does WOW do in u-he Diva?

Slow tape-style wobble on the delay, from subtle and spacey to almost seasick.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• FEEDBACK (delay): With more FEEDBACK the wobble builds up over the repeats, sounding more like tape.
• LP (delay): Wow plus a low LP gives the dark, wobbly sound of worn tape echo.

Tip: A little wow makes digital-clean echoes feel like tape.

What does LEFT (delay time) do in u-he Diva?

Delay time of the left tap, synced to your DAW tempo. Whole numbers are exact 16th notes.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• RIGHT (delay time): Different LEFT and RIGHT times make echoes bounce across the stereo field.
• CENTER (delay time): Unlike CENTER, LEFT does not set the feedback time. It is a single echo.
• SIDE VOL (delay): SIDE VOL sets how loud the left tap is.

Tip: Different left and right times give a wide, bouncing delay.

What does CENTER (delay time) do in u-he Diva?

Delay time of the center tap, synced to your DAW tempo. Whole numbers are exact 16th notes. It also sets the feedback time, so all repeats follow it.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• FEEDBACK (delay): CENTER sets the feedback time, so every repeat arrives at this interval.
• CENTER VOL (delay): CENTER VOL sets how loud this tap is.
• LEFT (delay time): Set CENTER to 3 and LEFT or RIGHT to 2 or 4 for layered rhythmic echoes.

Tip: 3 is the classic dotted eighth echo.

What does RIGHT (delay time) do in u-he Diva?

Delay time of the right tap, synced to your DAW tempo. Whole numbers are exact 16th notes.

Where it is: Effect 2 panel.

How it connects:

• LEFT (delay time): Different LEFT and RIGHT times make echoes bounce across the stereo field.
• CENTER (delay time): Unlike CENTER, RIGHT does not set the feedback time. It is a single echo.
• SIDE VOL (delay): SIDE VOL sets how loud the right tap is.

Tip: Set it different from LEFT for bouncing stereo echoes.

What does MAIN tab do in u-he Diva?

Shows Tuning, Amplifier and Pan, Voice, and Clock and Arpeggiator settings.

Where it is: Page tabs panel.

How it connects:

• GLIDE: GLIDE and the other tuning controls live on this page.
• STACK: Voice settings like STACK and MODE are here too.
• ARP: The clock and arpeggiator also sit on the MAIN page.

Tip: Glide, vibrato, stack and the arp live here.

What does MODIFICATIONS tab do in u-he Diva?

Extra modulation the module panels do not have, like resonance mod, filter FM mod, feedback mod and FM depth mod, plus helper processors: rectify, invert, quantize, lag, multiply and add.

Where it is: Page tabs panel.

How it connects:

• EMPHASIS: Resonance Mod here lets a source move EMPHASIS, which the filter panel cannot do.
• FEEDBACK: Feedback Mod lets a source change the mixer FEEDBACK amount.
• FM (OSC1): Filter FM Mod lets a source change how much OSC 1 modulates the cutoff.
• FM 1>2/3: FM and Cross Mod Depth lets a source move the FM 1>2/3 amount.

Tip: Quantize an LFO for stepped filter patterns, or modulate resonance for talking sweeps.

What does TRIMMERS tab do in u-he Diva?

Analog imperfection per voice: voice detune per oscillator, voice drift, random variance of cutoff, envelope times, pulse width and glide, plus STACK TUNE and the Voice Map.

Where it is: Page tabs panel.

How it connects:

• STACK: STACK TUNE here sets the pitch of each stacked voice.
• DETUNE (OSC 2): Voice detune here detunes each voice per oscillator, on top of the DETUNE knobs.
• CUTOFF: Variance adds random slop to cutoff per voice, so notes differ slightly in brightness.
• GLIDE: Variance also randomizes glide times per voice.

Tip: Raise the variance for a looser, more vintage feel. Keep detune low for good tuning.

What does SCOPE tab do in u-he Diva?

An oscilloscope that shows Diva's output waveform, before the effects.

Where it is: Page tabs panel.

How it connects:

• WAVEFORM (OSC 1): Turn WAVEFORM and watch the shape change on the scope.
• CUTOFF: Close CUTOFF and watch the sharp corners of the wave round off.
• EMPHASIS: High EMPHASIS shows up as ringing ripples on the wave.
• WET (plate): The scope shows the signal before the effects, so reverb never appears on it.

Tip: Watch what WAVEFORM and the filter do to the shape.

What does PRESETS tab do in u-he Diva?

The preset browser: folders on the left, presets in the middle, info about the current preset on the right. It also has text search and tags.

Where it is: Page tabs panel.

How it connects:

• PRESET NAME: Clicking the PRESET NAME display picks presets from the same folder you chose here.
• SAVE: Saved presets show up in the browser. The User folder is meant for your own sounds.
• EFFECT TYPE (FX 1): The PRESETS page hides the effects. Switch back to another page to see them.

Tip: Load a preset, then open this game next to it and find every knob.

What does PRESET NAME do in u-he Diva?

Shows the loaded preset. Click the arrows on either side to step through presets, or the middle to pick one from the current folder. While you move a knob it shows that knob's value.

Where it is: Top bar panel.

How it connects:

• PRESETS tab: The display steps through the current folder; the PRESETS tab opens the full browser.
• SAVE: SAVE writes your changes as a new preset, which then appears in this display.
• CUTOFF: Turning any knob, like CUTOFF, briefly shows its exact value here.

Tip: Step through presets and watch which knobs move. It is the fastest way to learn how sounds are built.

What does SAVE do in u-he Diva?

Saves the current sound as a preset in the folder selected in the browser. Right-click it to check or change the file format.

Where it is: Top bar panel.

How it connects:

• PRESETS tab: Select the target folder in the PRESETS browser first, then SAVE stores the preset there.
• PRESET NAME: Once saved, your new preset shows up in the preset display and can be stepped to.
• OUTPUT: Set OUTPUT before saving so the preset loads at a level that matches your others.

Tip: Save versions while you work (Bass 01, Bass 02) so you can always go back.

What does OUTPUT do in u-he Diva?

The final volume of the preset. It does not change the tone at all.

Where it is: Top bar panel.

How it connects:

• VOLUME: Use OUTPUT, not amp VOLUME, to balance presets: OUTPUT never changes the tone.
• FEEDBACK: Mixer FEEDBACK can add a lot of level, so pull OUTPUT down to compare fairly.
• PRESET NAME: Matching OUTPUT across presets makes stepping through them a fair comparison.

Tip: Use it to match levels between presets instead of the amp VOLUME knob.

TRIPLE VCO

Three VCOs with morphing waveforms, octave RANGE switches, DETUNE, SYNC and FM, plus a mixer with a level for each oscillator, NOISE and FEEDBACK. Big, fat and simple: the classic Diva starting point.

DUAL VCO

Two VCOs. Each has buttons for its waveforms, the pulse has its own PW and PWM faders, CROSS MOD lets VCO 1 modulate VCO 2 and one MIX fader balances them. There is no mixer, so the central slot becomes a high-pass or Feedback.

DCO

A single digitally controlled oscillator: switch PULSE and SAWTOOTH on or off, add a SUB oscillator one octave down and NOISE with faders, and move the pulse width with PW and PWM. Very stable tuning: the classic chorus pad and bass sound.

DUAL VCO ECO

A CPU friendly pair of VCOs: VCO 1 with waveform buttons and PW, VCO 2 with its own tuning and a RING switch, balanced with MIX. Great for many voices and metallic ring tones.

DIGITAL

Two oscillators with shapes the analog models cannot make: Multisaw, TriWrap, Noise, Feedback, Pulse, Sawtooth and Triangle. Each shape has two knobs of its own, plus MIX, RING, CROSS and SYNC.

FEEDBACK

The central slot holds a single FEEDBACK knob: the filter output is fed back into the input for thickness and grit, like in the Triple VCO mixer.

HPF | POST

A high-pass that sits after the main filter. Turned fully down it boosts the bass instead; turn it up and it thins out the low end.

HPF | PRE

A high-pass that sits before the main filter: it removes lows before they reach the VCF, so the filter reacts differently to the sound.

HPF | BITE

A full high-pass filter with its own CUTOFF, resonance (PEAK) and two revisions, before the main filter. Together with the low-pass it makes band-pass and snarly vowel sounds.

VCF | LADDER

The classic 24 dB ladder low-pass with a 12 dB option. Deep, round and squelchy, and the bass gets thinner as EMPHASIS goes up.

VCF | CASCADE

A cascade low-pass with 24 and 12 dB slopes and a ROUGH switch that makes the resonance less tame. Brighter and smoother than the ladder.

VCF | MULTIMODE

A multimode filter: MODE picks LP4, LP2, BP or HP, so the same knobs can cut the highs, keep only a band or cut the lows.

VCF | BITE

A gritty low-pass whose tone depends a lot on how loud the input is. PEAK screams early, and the two revisions sound different. Made for aggressive basses and leads.

VCF | UHBIE

A silky 2-pole state variable filter. MIX morphs from low-pass through a band (reject or pass, set with BR / BP) to high-pass, so one knob sweeps the character of the filter.

ADS

The simple Minimoog style envelope: ATTACK, DECAY and SUSTAIN knobs. RELEASE is a switch: on, the release uses the DECAY time; off, notes stop quickly.

ANALOGUE

A classic analog ADSR with four knobs. Curves bend like a real capacitor charging and discharging, which sounds natural and punchy.

DIGITAL

A digital ADSR with straight lines. C makes the segments S-shaped, Q steps them for a lo-fi feel.

What does PW (pulse width) do in u-he Diva?

Pulse width of the pulse wave. At the bottom it is a square, pushing it up makes the pulse narrower, thinner and more nasal.

How it connects:

• PWM (pulse width mod): PWM moves the width up and down around where PW sets it.
• WAVEFORM (VCO 1): Only does something while a pulse waveform is playing.
• PULSE: On the DCO the PULSE selector has to be on.

Tip: A narrow pulse sits well in busy mixes because it leaves room for the low end.

What does PWM (pulse width mod) do in u-he Diva?

Pulse width modulation: LFO 2 moves the pulse width up and down. The pulse starts to shimmer, like two detuned oscillators.

How it connects:

• PW (pulse width): PWM swings the width around the PW setting.
• RATE (LFO 2): LFO 2 sets how fast the width moves.

Tip: Slow PWM on a pulse is the classic lush string and pad sound from one oscillator.

What does TUNE MOD TARGET do in u-he Diva?

Picks which oscillator the tune modulation moves: VCO 1, BOTH, VCO 2 or SPLIT (the two move in opposite directions).

How it connects:

• SYNC (OSC 2): With SYNC on, moving VCO 2 changes the tone instead of the pitch.
• TUNE MOD: TUNE MOD sets how far the pitch moves.

Tip: Modulate only VCO 2 for sweeping, synced lead tones while VCO 1 holds the pitch.

What does WAVEFORM (VCO 1) do in u-he Diva?

The buttons pick the waveform of VCO 1: triangle, sawtooth, pulse or noise. The lit button is the one you hear.

How it connects:

• PW (pulse width): PW and PWM shape the pulse button.
• MIX (VCO 1 / VCO 2): MIX sets how loud VCO 1 is against VCO 2.
• WAVEFORM (VCO 2): VCO 2 has its own buttons.

Tip: Saw for bright and full, pulse with PWM for movement, triangle for soft subs.

What does WAVEFORM (VCO 2) do in u-he Diva?

The waveform buttons of VCO 2: triangle, sawtooth, pulse or sine.

How it connects:

• WAVEFORM (VCO 1): Pick a different shape than VCO 1 for a richer blend.
• RANGE (OSC 2): RANGE 2 sets the octave of VCO 2.
• CROSS MOD: CROSS MOD lets VCO 1 bend the pitch of VCO 2.

Tip: A sine on VCO 2 one octave down adds weight without making the sound brighter.

What does CROSS MOD do in u-he Diva?

VCO 1 modulates the pitch of VCO 2 at audio speed. Small amounts add grit, more gives metallic and bell like tones.

How it connects:

• WAVEFORM (VCO 2): The waveform of VCO 2 is what gets bent.
• RANGE (OSC 2): The octave ratio between the oscillators changes the overtones.
• MIX (VCO 1 / VCO 2): You hear the result through VCO 2, so it has to be in the MIX.

Tip: Combine with SYNC for aggressive, tearing leads.

What does MIX (VCO 1 / VCO 2) do in u-he Diva?

Balances the two oscillators: bottom is only VCO 1, top only VCO 2, the middle both at equal level. These models have no volume knob per oscillator.

How it connects:

• WAVEFORM (VCO 1): The waveform of VCO 1 comes in from the bottom of the fader.
• WAVEFORM (VCO 2): The waveform of VCO 2 comes in from the top.
• DETUNE (OSC 2): Detune only beats when both oscillators are in the mix.

Tip: Start in the middle, then lean towards the oscillator that carries the character.

What does SHAPE (revision) do in u-he Diva?

Picks the revision of the oscillator circuit: ideal, analog 1 or analog 2. The analog versions have the small waveform flaws of real hardware.

How it connects:

• WAVEFORM (VCO 1): Changes how every waveform button sounds.

Tip: Ideal for clean digital precision, analog for warmth.

What does PULSE do in u-he Diva?

Switches the pulse wave of the DCO on or off. In Diva this selector has several pulse shapes; a flat line means off.

How it connects:

• PW (pulse width): PW sets the width of this pulse.
• PWM (pulse width mod): PWM makes it shimmer.
• SAWTOOTH: Both waves can play at the same time.

Tip: Pulse plus PWM for the classic chorus pad, both PULSE and SAW together for a fat bass.

What does SAWTOOTH do in u-he Diva?

Switches the sawtooth of the DCO on or off. In Diva this selector also has variations of the saw; a flat line means off.

How it connects:

• PULSE: Saw and pulse add up to a thicker tone.
• SUB (level): The SUB adds the low octave underneath.

Tip: Saw alone for bright basses and leads.

What does SUB WAVE do in u-he Diva?

Picks the waveform of the sub oscillator, one octave below the DCO. Several square and pulse variations are available.

How it connects:

• SUB (level): The fader sets how loud the sub is.

Tip: A plain square is the safest choice for a solid low end.

What does SUB (level) do in u-he Diva?

Level of the sub oscillator, a square wave one octave below the DCO. It adds weight without making the sound brighter.

How it connects:

• SUB WAVE: The waveform of the sub.
• RANGE (OSC 1): The sub follows the RANGE of the DCO, always one octave lower.

Tip: Pull it up on basses, keep it low on pads so they do not get muddy.

What does RING do in u-he Diva?

Ring modulation: VCO 2 is multiplied by VCO 1. You hear the sum and difference of their frequencies, which sounds metallic and bell like.

How it connects:

• DETUNE (OSC 2): The tuning of VCO 2 decides which metallic tones appear.
• MIX (VCO 1 / VCO 2): The ring sound replaces VCO 2, so turn MIX towards VCO 2.

Tip: Detune VCO 2 to an odd interval and switch RING on for robotic and bell sounds.

What does SHAPE MENU (OSC 1) do in u-he Diva?

The waveshape of digital OSC 1. Diva has seven: Multisaw, TriWrap, Noise, Feedback, Pulse, Sawtooth and Triangle. The two knobs below change their meaning with the shape. The examples here play four of them.

How it connects:

• SHAPE KNOB 1 (OSC 1): The first knob below, its job depends on the shape.
• SHAPE KNOB 2 (OSC 1): The second knob below.

Tip: Multisaw is a supersaw in one oscillator: instant trance leads and wide pads.

What does SHAPE KNOB 1 (OSC 1) do in u-he Diva?

The first knob of the digital shape. Its label changes with the shape: DETUNE for Multisaw, PW for Pulse, HARMONICS for Sawtooth and Triangle.

How it connects:

• SHAPE MENU (OSC 1): The shape menu decides what this knob does.

Tip: On Multisaw turn it up slowly: the saws spread out and the sound gets wider.

What does SHAPE KNOB 2 (OSC 1) do in u-he Diva?

The second knob of the digital shape, for example MULTI for Multisaw, SPIKE UP for Pulse and BEND for Sawtooth and Triangle.

How it connects:

• SHAPE MENU (OSC 1): The shape menu decides what this knob does.
• SHAPE KNOB 1 (OSC 1): Works together with the first shape knob.

Tip: Use it after the first knob to fine tune the character of the shape.

What does SHAPE MENU (OSC 2) do in u-he Diva?

The waveshape of digital OSC 2, with the same seven shapes as OSC 1.

How it connects:

• SHAPE MENU (OSC 1): OSC 1 has its own shape menu.
• MIX (VCO 1 / VCO 2): MIX balances OSC 1 and OSC 2.

Tip: Pick a different shape than OSC 1 and blend them with MIX.

What does SHAPE KNOB 1 (OSC 2) do in u-he Diva?

The first shape knob of OSC 2. Like on OSC 1 its job depends on the shape menu.

How it connects:

• SHAPE MENU (OSC 2): The shape menu of OSC 2 decides what this knob does.

Tip: Set it different from OSC 1 so the two oscillators complement each other.

What does SHAPE KNOB 2 (OSC 2) do in u-he Diva?

The second shape knob of OSC 2.

How it connects:

• SHAPE MENU (OSC 2): The shape menu of OSC 2 decides what this knob does.

Tip: Small moves go a long way, check the sound after each change.

What does CROSS do in u-he Diva?

Cross modulation for the digital oscillators: OSC 1 modulates the pitch of OSC 2 at audio speed for FM style tones.

How it connects:

• SHAPE MENU (OSC 2): The shape of OSC 2 is what gets modulated.
• RING: RING is the other way to combine the two oscillators.

Tip: A little CROSS on a sine like shape gives electric piano and bell tones.

What does HQ (high quality) do in u-he Diva?

Renders the digital oscillators with higher quality and fewer aliasing artifacts, at the cost of more CPU.

How it connects:

• SHAPE MENU (OSC 1): Bright shapes like Multisaw benefit the most.

Tip: Switch it on for high notes and before you bounce the final track.

What does CUTOFF (HPF) do in u-he Diva?

Cutoff of the high-pass in the central slot: it removes everything below this frequency. In HPF POST it works after the main filter and boosts the bass when it is fully down; in HPF PRE and HPF BITE it works before the main filter.

How it connects:

• CUTOFF: The main filter cuts the highs, this one cuts the lows: together they make a band.
• PEAK (HPF BITE): In HPF BITE, PEAK adds resonance at this cutoff.

Tip: Thin out pads and leads so they do not fight with the bass and kick.

What does PEAK (HPF BITE) do in u-he Diva?

Resonance of the BITE high-pass: it boosts the frequencies right at its cutoff, for a nasal, vocal tone.

How it connects:

• CUTOFF (HPF): The peak sits at the high-pass cutoff.
• EMPHASIS: The main filter has its own resonance.

Tip: Some PEAK on the high-pass and the main filter makes snarly, talking sounds.

What does REV (HPF BITE) do in u-he Diva?

Picks one of two circuit revisions of the BITE high-pass. They react differently to loud signals and resonance.

How it connects:

• PEAK (HPF BITE): The revisions differ most with PEAK up.

Tip: Try both while PEAK is up, the difference is clearest there.

What does ROUGH (Cascade) do in u-he Diva?

Switches the Cascade filter between clean and rough. Rough lets the resonance get louder and less tame and drives the filter harder.

How it connects:

• EMPHASIS: Rough changes how far the resonance can go.
• 12dB / 24dB: The Cascade has the same 12 and 24 dB choice as the ladder.

Tip: Rough with EMPHASIS up for screaming leads, clean for smooth pads.

What does MODE (Multimode) do in u-he Diva?

Picks the response of the Multimode filter: LP4 and LP2 cut the highs (steep or gentle), BP keeps only a band around the cutoff, HP cuts the lows.

How it connects:

• CUTOFF: CUTOFF moves the edge or the band of whichever mode is picked.
• EMPHASIS: Resonance works in every mode.

Tip: BP with some EMPHASIS for thin, telephone like sounds that cut through any mix.

What does REV (Bite filter) do in u-he Diva?

Picks one of two circuit revisions of the Bite low-pass. The second one is harsher and more unstable when it is driven.

How it connects:

• EMPHASIS: On the Bite this knob is called PEAK; the revisions differ most when it is up.

Tip: Rev 2 for aggressive basses, Rev 1 for a tamer growl.

What does BR / BP (Uhbie) do in u-he Diva?

Sets what the middle of the Uhbie MIX is: BR (band reject, a notch that removes a band) or BP (band pass, only a band remains).

How it connects:

• MIX (Uhbie): You hear it when MIX is near the middle.

Tip: BR for phaser like hollow sounds, BP for thin, focused ones.

What does MIX (Uhbie) do in u-he Diva?

Morphs the Uhbie filter from low-pass (left) through a band in the middle to high-pass (right).

How it connects:

• BR / BP (Uhbie): The middle position is a band-reject or a band-pass, set with BR / BP.
• CUTOFF: All three responses share the same cutoff.

Tip: Automate MIX for filter sweeps that change character instead of just brightness.

What does RELEASE (ENV 1 knob) do in u-he Diva?

How long the sound fades after you let go of the key. The Analogue and Digital envelopes have this full knob; the ADS model only has a switch.

How it connects:

• SUSTAIN (ENV 1): Release starts from the sustain level.
• DECAY (ENV 1): On ADS the release reuses the decay time instead.

Tip: Set it so the tail ends right before the next note. Long for pads, short for tight basses.

What does RELEASE (ENV 2 knob) do in u-he Diva?

How long ENV 2 takes to fall back after you let go. On the filter it decides how fast the tail darkens.

How it connects:

• RELEASE (ENV 1 knob): Match it to the volume release.
• ENV 2 (filter mod): ENV 2 only moves the cutoff if this knob in the filter sends it there.

Tip: Keep it close to ENV 1 release so the filter does not snap shut while the note still rings.

What does C (curve, ENV 1) do in u-he Diva?

On the Digital envelope C makes each segment S-shaped instead of a straight line: softer starts and ends.

How it connects:

• DECAY (ENV 1): You hear it best on a long DECAY.
• Q (quantize, ENV 1): Q is the other switch of the Digital envelope.

Tip: Switch it on for smoother pads, leave it off for snappy, precise plucks.

What does Q (quantize, ENV 1) do in u-he Diva?

Quantize: the Digital envelope moves in steps instead of smoothly, a lo-fi, stepped effect.

How it connects:

• C (curve, ENV 1): C is the other switch of the Digital envelope.

Tip: Use it on slow envelopes for staircase like volume or filter moves.

What does C (curve, ENV 2) do in u-he Diva?

S-shaped segments for the Digital ENV 2.

How it connects:

• Q (quantize, ENV 2): Q is the other switch.
• ENV 2 (filter mod): You hear ENV 2 through the filter.

Tip: Smoother filter sweeps with curve on.

What does Q (quantize, ENV 2) do in u-he Diva?

Stepped movement for the Digital ENV 2.

How it connects:

• C (curve, ENV 2): C is the other switch.

Tip: Stepped filter sweeps with a slow ENV 2.