Use envelopes for signal-reactive modulation and LFOs for constant movement — in dub, almost nothing stays static

Pheek distinguishes two modulation sources by purpose. An envelope reacts to an incoming signal — when a sound comes in, it makes the filter react — which is ideal for accentuating or attenuating notes and creating an organic feel. An LFO gives constant movement independent of note triggers (synced to tempo or free), producing ‘the illusion that things are constantly on the go’ and blurring the lines of linear arrangements. The governing attitude in dub techno is that if a plugin has a parameter, it shouldn’t stay static — it should move, even a little. Common targets are filter frequency and resonance, but the principle extends to nearly every parameter.

Examples

Envelope on the filter so each chord hit briefly opens the cutoff (reactive/organic). LFO slowly sweeping the filter or reverb size over bars for constant, arrangement-blurring motion.

Assessment

For a dub techno chord pad, set up one envelope and one LFO modulation: name a target for each and explain what each contributes (reactive accent vs constant movement).