Tides SMOOTHNESS applies a low-pass filter (CCW) or wavefolder (CW) to shape waveform texture

The SMOOTHNESS control on Tides has a dual character: counter-clockwise from noon applies a 2-pole low-pass filter to smooth the waveform edges, making slopes softer and rounder; clockwise from noon engages a wavefolder that adds kinks and bumps along the slope. This gives Tides a built-in waveshaping stage ranging from ultra-smooth (LP-filtered) to folded and harmonically rich (wavefolder). In LFO mode this affects modulation shape; in VCO mode it adds timbral variety.

Examples

Set Tides to cyclic (LFO) mode. At SMOOTHNESS noon: triangular waveform. Full CCW: rounded triangle (sine-like). Full CW: folded waveform with multiple bumps per cycle. Patch to VCO FM to hear the spectral difference.

Assessment

Describe what happens to the Tides output waveform at SMOOTHNESS full CCW, full CW, and noon, and name the DSP process responsible for each extreme.