modulierende

Modulierende is a German term formed as the present participle and attributive adjective of the verb modulier en (to modulate). It denotes something that modulates a parameter, such as pitch, amplitude, or frequency, and is used to describe processes, signals, or musical passages that perform modulation. The form can function directly before nouns, with appropriate agreement, for example: die modulierende Melodie (a modulating melody), ein modulierendes Signal (a modulating signal), or modulierende Muster (modulating patterns).

In music theory, modulation refers to changing from one tonal center to another. A modulierende Passage describes a section of music that leads toward a new key, often through mechanisms such as pivot chords, secondary dominants, or common-tone modulation. The term highlights the ongoing action of modulation within the musical context rather than the end result alone.

In signal processing and electronic music, modulierende Signale describe signals used to vary a carrier signal to convey information or to sculpt timbre and dynamics. This usage encompasses common modulation schemes such as amplitude modulation and frequency modulation, as well as more complex control signals in synthesis.

Grammatically, modulierende is the attributive form and declines like an ordinary German adjective; its exact ending depends on gender, case, and article. The base verb is modulieren, and related terms include Modulation (the process), Modulator (the device or function that modulates), and modulierend as a short form used in some contexts.

See also: Modulation, Modulator, Modulieren.