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ModulAir
Polyphonic Modular Synthesizer
Version 1.1
© 2018-2019 by Björn Arlt @ Full Bucket Music
http://www.fullbucket.de/music
VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
The Audio Units logo is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
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Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................4
Acknowledgments............................................4
Architecture....................................................5
ModulAirFX (VST)............................................5
Common Section.............................................6
Modules.........................................................7
Module Patching And Source Highlighting...............7
Oscillators Modules..............................................8
Oscillator...............................................................8
Dual Oscillator........................................................8
Linear FM Oscillator.................................................9
Formant Oscillator...................................................9
Wavetable Oscillator..............................................10
Dual Noise............................................................10
Filter Modules...................................................11
Filter (Ladder).......................................................11
Filter (K35)...........................................................11
Filter (Comb)........................................................12
Resonators...........................................................12
St.Filter (Ldr.), St.Filter (K35), St.Filter (Comb),
St.Resonators.......................................................13
Equalizer..............................................................13
Parametric EQ.......................................................13
Filter Bank........................................................14
Amplifier Modules..............................................15
Amplifier..............................................................15
Mixer...................................................................15
Stereo Mixer.........................................................16
Signal Processor....................................................16
Blender................................................................17
Processor Modules.............................................18
Ring Modulator......................................................18
Audio S/H.............................................................18
Hilbert.................................................................19
Bit Reducer...........................................................20
Dual Saturator......................................................20
Analyzer...........................................................21
Modulator Modules............................................22
Envelope..............................................................22
Dual Envelope.......................................................22
Quad Envelope......................................................23
Dual Linear Envelope.............................................23
LFO.....................................................................24
Dual LFO..............................................................24
Sample & Hold......................................................25
Sequencer Modules............................................26
Sequencer............................................................26
Beat Sequencer.....................................................26
Sequential Switch..................................................27
Audio Switch.........................................................27
Sequencer Clock...............................................28
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Effect Modules..................................................29
Phaser.................................................................29
BBD Delay / Stereo BBD Delay................................29
Dual Delay Line.....................................................30
Reverb.................................................................30
Tool Modules.....................................................31
Voltage Processor..................................................31
LAG/Adder............................................................31
Sample Delay.......................................................32
Modulation Signal Delay/M2G..................................32
Gate Tools............................................................33
Oscilloscope..........................................................33
Miscellaneous Functionality..............................34
Options Menu...................................................34
MIDI Learn.......................................................34
Custom Tuning..................................................34
MIDI CC Sources...............................................34
Frequently Asked Questions.............................35
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Introduction
ModulAir is a polyphonic modular software synthesizer plug-in for Microsoft Windows
(VST) and Apple macOS (VST/AU). It is written in native C++ code for high
performance even on “lighter” systems. The main features are:
● Fully modular architecture
● Up to 18 modules per patch
● Polyphonic (up to 64 voices) and monophonic Master modules
● External signal processing possible
● TUN/SCL/KBM micro-tuning file import
● MIDI Learn – all parameters can be controlled by MIDI CC
● Double precision audio processing
● Plug-in supports Windows and macOS (32 bit and 64 bit)
ModulAir is (although now officially released) a work in progress with only a bunch
of quirky presets and a lousy documentation. Note that I am constantly adding
modules and stuff to it.
If you experience any problems that you cannot resolve by following the suggestions
in the Frequently Asked Questions: Please send a mail to full.bucket@gmx.net .
Please tell me what OS (Windows, MacOSX, 32 or 64 bit) and Host/DAW
software you are using! Also send me a mail if you have suggestions or comments.
And please note: I will not add “virtual cables” dangling on the screen. Instead I will
stay with the “plug” concept that I already use with my other plug-ins (FB-3X00
series, blooo, scrooo, qyooo, etc.).
Acknowledgments
First I wanted to thank Cockos and Oli Larkin for developing and maintaining the
WDL(-OL)/IPlug framework, and Laurent Bergman for his French manuals.
The TUN/SCL file handling source code is adapted from Mark Henning at https://
www.mark-henning.de/.
Furthermore a BIG THANKS to Tim Stinchcombe and Will Pirkle for their in-
depth analysis of the K35 filter chip.
Last not least another THANK YOU! to Manfred Hasenfus and to the KVR Audio
community, especially to bjporter, BlackWinny, Halonmusic, Dee.P.Tree, fmr,
and martin_l.
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Architecture
ModulAir is a modular synthesizer that can hold up to 18 modules. Each module can
either be a polyphonic Voice module or a monophonic Master module:
• Voice modules are used for the individual synthesizer voices (typically
oscillators, filters, modulators etc.).
• Master modules are used for overall sound processing of all voices (e.g. effects
like delay or reverb).
However, there is no limitation in the way that modules are used – it is perfectly OK to
create a (in this case necessarily monophonic) synthesizer completely out of Master
modules. And it is also possible to add Reverb as a Voice module (which then of
course will only reverberate the individual voice). The following diagram shows the
signal flow of ModulAir.
The voice signals generated by the Voice modules are shaped by individual ADSR
envelope generators and then summed up to form the Voices Sum stereo signal. This
signal along with an external input signal can be used to feed the Master modules.
The final output can then be selected from the output of a Master module (if
applicable) or the Voices Sum signal.
While audio signals cannot be sent directly from Voice modules to Master modules or
vice versa, it is possible to send modulation and/or gate/trigger signals from Master
modules to Voice modules. This way one can create global LFOs or sequencers and
trigger sources.
ModulAirFX (VST)
In some VST hosts you cannot use ModulAir as an VST effect (due to the definition of
the VST 2.4 protocol). The ModulAirFX VST component is a simple wrapper for
ModulAir to circumvent this problem – just make sure to install the ModulAirFX
component into the same folder as ModulAir itself.
Voice Modules
(polyphonic)
Voices
ADSR + Sum
Master Modules
(monophonic)
Master
Sum
External Input
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Common Section
The Common section is used to select and
(re)name the current program, apply MIDI
Learn, and invoke the Options Menu.
Furthermore you can set the following
parameters: Pitch Bend range (±24 notes),
Portamento time and mode (always on or Legato
only), Custom Tuning, MIDI CC Sources, and
the number of voices (polyphony). Using the
Drone button right below the Voices control you
can “play” a droning note without sending any
MIDI input to ModulAir.
To send a signal to the left and/or right Voices
Sum signal it has to be “plugged” into the LEFT
and/or RIGHT plugs of the gray Voices section.
Clicking on a plug opens a menu where you can
select the signal source that you want to assign
to the plug. The LEFT/RIGHT plugs will glow red
if no signal is connected to them.
The volume envelope of a voice signal is shaped
by an ADSR generator with adjustable trigger mode (Single or Multiple). Thus, you do
not have to add extra Amplifier and Envelope modules (although you can) for your
sound patch. If you turn Release to the very right (i.e. to 1.00), the ADSR goes into
HOLD mode. Note that this may have a heavy impact on CPU performance!
Whatever signal should be sent to the final output of ModulAir has to be plugged into
the LEFT/RIGHT plugs of the light-red Master section. Again, these plugs will glow red
if no signal is connected to them – and in this case you will not hear any sound on the
respective stereo channel! The final output volume is controlled by the Volume knob.
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Modules
Currently there are 51 different module types available of which 18 different modules
can be used per program at the same time. The module types are divided into the
following groups:
• Oscillators (6 types)
• Filters (7 + 4 stereo versions)
• Amplifiers (4 + 1 stereo version)
• Processors (6)
• Modulators (7)
• Sequencers (5)
• Effects (4 + 1 stereo version)
• Tools (6)
You can add/change a module by clicking the header of the respective slot and
selecting the desired module from a context menu. If you right-click the header you
can move the module to a different slot. Alternatively you can drag & drop the module
to the new location. If you drag it to the Common section, its outputs will be
automatically plugged to the output plugs of the respective section (Voice or Master).
Of course this will only work for modules that feature at least one audio output (like
oscillators, amplifiers or filters).
Clicking on the top-left button (labelled with “V” for Voice or “M” for Master) will
change a Voice module to a Master module or vice versa.
Module Patching And Source Highlighting
To patch a module plug just click on the plug symbol and select the required source
signal from the context menu. Audio signals are color-coded in blue, modulation
signals in yellow, and Gate signals in orange.
When you hover over a module plug, the source module of the plug (or its subsection
when the module offers more than one output) will be highlighted in the respective
color code. You can turn this feature of in the Options Menu.
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Oscillators Modules
Oscillator
The Oscillator module is a standard band-limited oscillator with
the following parameters:
Waveform: Selects the waveform (Sine, Saw, Pulse or Triangle).
Sync: Source oscillator for Hard Sync.
Pitch: Shifts the frequency up or down in semitones by a
maximum of two octaves.
Tune: Fine tuning in cents of plus/minus one semitone.
Reset: Gate/trigger source for resetting the oscillator’s phase.
Phase: Phase (in degrees) to which the oscillator will be reset.
(Phase) Mod: Source for reset phase modulation.
Shape: Shape of the waveform. If Pulse is selected this will
correspond to pulse width modulation.
(Shape) Mod: Source and amount for shape modulation.
(Frequency) Mod: Source and amount for frequency modulation.
The Oscillator module has one audio and one Sync output.
Dual Oscillator
The Dual Oscillator module features two band-limited oscillators
A and B with the following parameters:
Waveform A/B: Selects the waveform (Sine, Saw, Pulse or
Triangle).
Pitch A/B: Shifts the frequency up or down in semitones by a
maximum of two octaves.
Tune A/B: Fine tuning in cents of plus/minus one semitone.
Shape A/B: Shape of the waveform. If Pulse is selected this will
correspond to pulse width modulation.
Mod A/B: Source and amount for frequency modulation.
The Dual Oscillator module has two audio and two Sync outputs
(one per oscillator A and B).
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Linear FM Oscillator
The Linear FM Oscillator module is a band-limited oscillator that
allows for linear frequency modulation. It has the following
parameters:
Waveform: Selects the waveform (Sine, Saw, Pulse or Triangle).
Sync: Source oscillator for Hard Sync.
Pitch: Shifts the frequency up or down in semitones by a
maximum of two octaves.
Tune: Fine tuning in cents of plus/minus one semitone.
Reset: Gate/trigger source for resetting the oscillator’s phase.
Phase: Phase (in degrees) to which the oscillator will be reset.
(Phase) Mod: Source for reset phase modulation.
Lin. FM: Source and amount for linear FM.
(Lin. FM) Mod: Source and amount for linear FM modulation.
(Frequency) Mod: Source and amount for frequency modulation.
The Linear FM Oscillator module has one audio and one Sync output.
Formant Oscillator
The Formant Oscillator module is an oscillator that generates
waveforms with an adjustable spectrum relative to the base
frequency or a fixed frequency. It has the following parameters:
Mode: Selects the oscillator mode.
• Fixed: The spectrum will be centered at a fixed frequency.
• Partial: The spectrum will be centered relative to a partial of
the base frequency.
• Ring: The spectrum will be centered relative to a fractional
multiple of the base frequency.
(Formant Frequency): Fixed frequency/partial/multiple of the
center of the spectrum.
Spread: Adjusts the bandwidth of the generated spectrum.
(Formant Frequency) Mod: Source and amount for Formant
frequency modulation.
Pitch: Shifts the frequency up or down in semitones by a maximum of two octaves.
Tune: Fine tuning in cents of plus/minus one semitone.
(Frequency) Mod: Source and amount for frequency modulation.
The Formant Oscillator module has one audio and one Sync output.
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Wavetable Oscillator
This module is a band-limited wavetable oscillator with the
following parameters:
Waveform: Selects the current wavetable. The Wavetable
Oscillator can read Serum WAV and Waldorf Blofeld SysEx
wavetable files. Any other WAV file will be treated as a wavetable
of 2048 samples with at most 64 subsequent wavetable entries.
Sync: Source oscillator for Hard Sync.
Pitch: Shifts the frequency up or down in semitones by a
maximum of two octaves.
Tune: Fine tuning in cents of plus/minus one semitone.
Reset: Gate/trigger source for resetting the oscillator’s phase.
Phase: Phase (in degrees) to which the oscillator will be reset.
(Phase) Mod: Source for reset phase modulation.
Shape: Shape of the waveform. If Pulse is selected this will
correspond to pulse width modulation.
(Shape) Mod: Source and amount for shape modulation.
(Scan Mode): Sets the mode of transition when scanning the wavetable. Interpolation
will interpolate between the different waves while Raw will perform hard-switching.
(Frequency) Mod: Source and amount for frequency modulation.
The Oscillator module has one audio and one Sync output.
Dual Noise
The Dual Noise module features two noise generators A and B with
the following parameters:
White A/B: Level of the white noise.
Pink A/B: Level of the pink noise.
(White Mod A/B): Source and amount for white noise amplitude
modulation.
(Pink Mod A/B): Source and amount for pink noise amplitude
modulation.
The Dual Oscillator module has five audio outputs (White Noise
A and B, Pink Noise A and B, and the sum of all four noise
signals).
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Filter Modules
Filter (Ladder)
The Filter (Ladder) module is a self-resonating multi-mode ladder
filter with the following parameters:
Input A/B: Level and source of the input signal.
Boost: Boosts the input signal at the input stage of the filter and
attenuates the output by the same amount.
Mode: Filter mode (Bypass, Lowpass 6–12–18–24 dB/Oct.,
Highpass 6–12–18–24 dB/Oct., Bandpass 6–12 dB/Oct., Allpass
6–12–18–24 dB/Oct.).
Cutoff: Cutoff frequency of the filter.
Resonance: Resonance/feedback level.
(Resonance Mod): Source and amount for resonance modulation.
Track: Amount of keyboard tracking.
(Frequency) Mod: Source and amount for cutoff frequency
modulation.
The Filter (Ladder) module has one audio output.
Filter (K35)
The Filter (K35) module is a multi-mode filter modeled after the
legendary K35 filter chip with the following parameters:
Input A/B: Level and source of the input signal.
Boost: Boosts the input signal at the input stage of the filter and
attenuates the output by the same amount.
Mode: Filter mode (Bypass, Lowpass, Highpass).
Cutoff: Cutoff frequency of the filter.
Resonance: Resonance/peak level.
(Resonance Mod): Source and amount for resonance modulation.
Track: Amount of keyboard tracking.
(Frequency) Mod: Source and amount for cutoff frequency
modulation.
The Filter (K35) module has one audio output.
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Filter (Comb)
The Filter (Comb) module is a comb filter (a very short delay with
variable delay time) with the following parameters:
Input A/B: Level and source of the input signal.
Boost: Boosts the input signal at the input stage of the filter and
attenuates the output by the same amount.
Mode: Feedback mode (Positive, Negative).
Cutoff: Cutoff frequency of the filter.
Resonance: Resonance/feedback level.
(Resonance Mod): Source and amount for feedback modulation.
Track: Amount of keyboard tracking.
CLR: Gate/trigger source for clearing the delay filter.
(Frequency) Mod: Source and amount for cutoff frequency
modulation.
The Filter (Comb) module has one audio output.
Resonators
The Resonators module features three resonating filters known
from the Korg PS-3100/3300 synthesizers with the following
parameters:
Input A/B: Level and source of the input signal.
Mix: Mix between input and filtered signal.
(Frequency) A: Center frequency of resonator A.
(Frequency) B: Center frequency of resonator B.
(Frequency) C: Center frequency of resonator C.
(Frequency) Mod: Source and amount for center frequency
modulation.
The Resonators module has four audio outputs (Mix, Resonator A,
Resonator B, Resonator C).
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St.Filter (Ldr.), St.Filter (K35), St.Filter (Comb), St.Resonators
These four modules are stereo versions of the filter modules mentioned above.
Left/Right: Level and source of the left/right input signal.
For additional parameters see the respective “mono” modules.
The stereo modules have exactly two audio outputs (Left and Right).
Equalizer
The Equalizer module is a 10-stage graphic equalizer with the
following parameters:
Input A/B: Level and source of the input signal.
(Mono/Stereo): Switch from mono (A+B) to stereo input (A|B).
Frequency Bands (16kHz – 30Hz): Level of the respective
frequency band in decibel.
The Equalizer module has two audio outputs.
Parametric EQ
The Parametric EQ module is a 5-stage parametric equalizer with
the following parameters:
Input A/B: Level and source of the input signal.
(Mono/Stereo): Switch from mono (A+B) to stereo input (A|B).
Frequency 1 – 5 (16kHz – 16000Hz): Frequency of the respective
band in Hertz.
Level 1 – 5: Level of the respective frequency band in decibel (-18
to +18 dB).
The Parametric EQ module has two audio outputs.
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Filter Bank
The Filter Bank module is a 10-stage resonator bank typically used
as the synthesis block of a vocoder in conjunction with the
Analyzer. It has the following parameters:
Input: Level of the left input signal.
Left(M): Source of the left input signal. If no source is plugged
into the Right plug, the Filter Bank works in Mono mode.
Right: Source of the right input signal.
Shift: Shifts all frequency bands up or down.
(Sharpness): Resolution of the resonators (SOFT or SHARP).
Frequency Bands (A – J): Frequency of the respective frequency
band in Hertz along with its gain modulation source.
The Filter Bank module has two audio outputs.
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Amplifier Modules
Amplifier
The Amplifier module is a dual/stereo amplifier with the following
parameters:
Input A/B: Level and source of the input signal.
Pan A/B: Panorama of the input signal.
(Pan Mod) A/B: Source and amount for panorama modulation.
Mod A/B: Source and amount for amplitude modulation.
(Mode):
• A+B means that the two modulation sources affect both
input signals A and B.
• A|B means that the left modulation source only affects
input A while the right modulation source only affects
input B.
The Amplifier module has two audio outputs (Left and Right).
Mixer
The Mixer module is a four-channel mixer with the following
parameters:
Input: Level and source of the respective input signal.
Pan: Panorama of the respective input signal.
Output: Total output volume.
The Mixer module has two audio outputs (Left and Right).
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Stereo Mixer
The Stereo Mixer module is a four-channel stereo mixer with the
following parameters:
Input L+R: Source and level of the respective input signal.
Output L+R: Total output volume of the respective channel.
The Stereo Mixer module has two audio outputs (Left and Right).
Signal Processor
The Signal Processor module features four amplifiers with the
following parameters:
Input A/B/C/D: Source of the input signal.
Mod A/B/C/D: Source and amount for amplitude modulation.
The Signal Processor module has five audio outputs (Signal A to D
and Summed Output).
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Blender
The Blender module features two amplifiers that can blend
between two signal inputs. It has the following parameters:
Inputs A/B: Source of the two input signals of each section.
(Blend) A/B: Source and amount for blending between the two
inputs of each blender section.
The Blender module has two audio outputs (Blender A and B).
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Processor Modules
Ring Modulator
The Ring Modulator module features two Ring modulators with the
following parameters:
Input A1/A2: Sources of the inputs for Ring modulator A.
Input B1/B2: Sources of the inputs for Ring modulator B.
Amount: Intensity of Ring modulation.
Mod: Source and amount for Ring intensity modulation.
The Ring Modulator module has two audio outputs (Ring
Modulator A and B).
Audio S/H
The Audio S/H module resamples the incoming signal at a
different rate. It has the following parameters:
Input: Source of the input.
Tonality: Typically, the resampled signal is constructed of band-
limited pulse steps. With this control the steps can be gradually
changed to a saw-like shape.
(Fixed Frequency On/Off): Switches between keyboard-controlled
and fixed frequency.
(Fixed Frequency): Fixed resample frequency (when fixed
frequency is on).
Pitch: Shifts the resample frequency up or down in semitones by a
maximum of two octaves (when fixed frequency is off).
Tune: Fine tuning of the resample frequency in cents of
plus/minus one semitone (when fixed frequency is off).
Mod: Source and amount for resample frequency modulation.
The Audio S/H module has one audio output.
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Hilbert
The Hilbert module features two Hilbert transforms, a Sine/Cosine
generator and a dual Ring modulator. These sections can be
combined to setup a Bode frequency shifter. The module has the
following parameters:
Hilbert Input A/B: Source of the input for the Hilbert transforms.
(Sine/Cosine Generator On/Off): Switches the Sine/Cosine
generator on or off.
(Sine/Cos) Frequency: Fixed frequency of the Sine/Cosine
generator.
(Sine/Cos Frequency) Mod: Source and amount for frequency
modulation of the Sine/Cosine generator.
Ring Input A1/A2: Sources of the inputs for Ring modulator A.
Ring Input B1/B2: Sources of the inputs for Ring modulator B.
The Hilbert module has nine audio outputs (Hilbert A Real, Hilbert
A Imaginary, Hilbert B Real, Hilbert B Imaginary, Cosine, Sine, Ring A, Ring B,
Ring A+B).
Example: Frequency shifting using the Sine/Cosine
generator
• Switch Sine/Cosine Gen to “on”
• Plug the signal to Hilbert Input A
• Plug Hilbert A Real to Ring A1
• Plug Hilbert A Imag. to Ring A2
• Plug Cosine to Ring B1
• Plug Sine to Ring B2
• Use the Ring A+B output
Example: Frequency shifting using
another signal
• Switch Sine/Cosine Gen to “off”
• Plug the signal to Hilbert Input A
• Plug the other signal to Hilbert Input B
• Plug Hilbert A Real to Ring A1
• Plug Hilbert A Imag. to Ring A2
• Plug Hilbert B Real to Ring B1
• Plug Hilbert B Imag. to Ring B2
• Use the Ring A+B output
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Bit Reducer
The Bit Reducer module features two bit reducers with the
following parameters:
Input A/B: Source and level of the input.
Scale A/B: Scale (pre-amplification) of the input signal.
Bits A/B: Number of (virtual) bits of reduction.
Mod A/B: Source and amount for bit reduction modulation.
The Bit Reducer module has two audio outputs (A and B).
Dual Saturator
The Dual Saturator module features two saturation/distortion units
with the following parameters:
Input A/B: Source and level of the input.
Drive A/B: Amount of saturation/distortion of the input signal.
(Drive) Mod A/B: Source and amount for saturation/distortion
modulation.
Compensate A/B: Amount of output level compensation.
The Dual Saturator module has two audio outputs (A and B).
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Analyzer
The Analyzer module is a 10-stage resonator bank typically used
as the analysis block of a vocoder in conjunction with the Filter
Bank. It has the following parameters:
Input: Level and source of the left input signal.
LAG: Smoothing of the output modulation signals.
(Sharpness): Resolution of the resonators (SOFT or SHARP).
Frequency Bands (A – J): Frequency of the respective frequency
band in Hertz.
The Analyzer module has ten modulation outputs (one per
frequency band).
How To Build A Simple Vocoder (Example):
A simple vocoder would use the polyphonic signal of an Oscillator voice module and
feed it into a Filter Bank master module which is modulated by an Analyzer master
module – the latter being fed with an external signal (see figure below).
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Modulator Modules
Envelope
The Envelope module is an exponential ADSR generator with the
following parameters:
Gate: Sources of the two gate/trigger inputs.
Attack: Attack time.
Decay: Decay time.
Sustain: Sustain level.
Release: Release time.
(Attack) Mod: Source and amount for Attack time modulation.
(Decay) Mod: Source and amount for Decay time modulation.
(Sustain) Mod: Source and amount for Sustain level modulation.
(Release) Mod: Source and amount for Release time modulation.
The Envelope module has one modulation output.
Dual Envelope
The Dual Envelope module features two exponential ADSR
generators with the following parameters:
Gate A/B: Source of the gate/trigger input.
Attack A/B: Attack time.
Decay A/B: Decay time.
Sustain A/B: Sustain level.
Release A/B: Release time.
The Dual Envelope module has two modulation outputs (A and B).
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Quad Envelope
The Quad Envelope module features four exponential AD
generators with the following parameters:
Gate A/B/C/D: Source of the gate/trigger input.
Attack A/B/C/D: Attack time.
Decay A/B/C/D: Decay time.
The Quad Envelope module has four modulation outputs (A to D).
Dual Linear Envelope
The Dual Linear Envelope module features two linear ADSR
generators with the following parameters:
Gate A/B: Source of the gate/trigger input.
Attack A/B: Attack time.
Decay A/B: Decay time.
Sustain A/B: Sustain level.
Release A/B: Release time.
The Dual Linear Envelope module has two modulation outputs
(A and B).
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LFO
The LFO module is a low frequency oscillator (LFO) with the
following parameters:
Waveform: The waveform of the LFO (Sinoid, Trapezoid, Pulse,
Random).
Shape: The shape of the waveform. For example a trapezoid with
shape 0.00 results in a triangle waveform, while shape -1.00
results in a falling and +1.00 in a rising saw-like waveform.
Phase: The starting phase when the LFO is reset.
Rate: The LFO rate.
(Mod Rate): Source and amount of LFO rate modulation.
Depth: The LFO depth/intensity.
(Depth Mod): Source and amount of LFO depth modulation.
Sync: Rate of to-host synchronization.
Reset: Gate/trigger source for LFO reset.
The LFO module has two modulation outputs: LFO (bipolar) and LFO+ (unipolar).
Dual LFO
The Dual LFO module features two low frequency oscillators
(LFOs) with the following parameters:
Waveform A/B: The waveform of the LFO (Sine, Triangle, Saw
Down, Saw Up, Square, Random).
Rate A/B: The LFO rate.
Depth A/B: The LFO depth/intensity.
(Depth Mod A/B): Source and amount of LFO depth modulation.
Sync A/B: Rate of to-host synchronization.
Reset A/B: Gate/trigger source for LFO reset.
The Dual LFO module has four modulation outputs: LFO A
(bipolar), LFO A+ (unipolar), LFO B (bipolar), LFO B+ (unipolar).
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Sample & Hold
The Sample & Hold module features two Sample & Hold units and
an additional noise generator. It has the following parameters:
White: Level of the white noise.
Pink: Level of the pink noise.
Rate A/B: The Sample & Hold rate.
Trigger A/B: Trigger source for Sample & Hold (overrides Rate).
Input: The input source for Sample & Hold.
The Sample & Hold module has two audio outputs (White Noise
and Pink Noise) and two modulation outputs (A and B).
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Sequencer Modules
Sequencer
The Sequencer module is an eight-step analog-style sequencer
with the following parameters:
Clock: Trigger source for the sequencer clock.
Reset: Trigger source for the sequencer reset.
Link: Modulation source for sequencer link; when linking the
sequencer with another sequencer module, the output of the other
module should be added to the Link input.
It works as follows: If the sequencer is in non-looping mode and
has finished the last sequence step, then the output of the
sequencer will be determined by the Link input.
(Loop): Switches the sequencer from looping to non-looping.
Steps: The number of active sequencer steps.
Step 1–8: The value of the respective sequencer step.
The Sequencer module has one modulation output and twelve
trigger outputs: Clock, Clock Link (clocks only in non-looping mode when the
sequencer has finished the last sequence step), Reset (clocks when the sequencer
resets to step 1), Stop, Step 1–8 (clocks for each individual step).
Beat Sequencer
The Beat Sequencer module features four sixteen-step trigger
sequencers with the following parameters:
Clock: Trigger source for the sequencer clock.
Reset: Trigger source for the sequencer reset.
Div: Clock division factor.
(Loop): Switches the sequencer from looping to non-looping.
Steps: The number of active sequencer steps.
Step 1–16 A/B/C/D: The status (on/off) of the respective
sequencer step.
The Beat Sequencer module has nine trigger outputs: Clock,
Clock Div, Clock Link (clocks only in non-looping mode when the
sequencer has finished the last sequence step), Reset (clocks
when the sequencer resets to step 1), Stop, Line A–B (clocks for
the individual sequencer lines).
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Sequential Switch
The Sequential Switch module is an eight-step sequencer that
switches between up to eight modulation inputs. It has the
following parameters:
Rate: The sequencer rate.
Clock: Trigger source for the sequencer clock (overrides Rate).
C.Div: Clock division factor.
Reset: Trigger source for the sequencer reset.
Link: Modulation source for sequencer link; when linking the
sequencer with another sequencer module, the output of the other
module should be added to the Link input.
It works as follows: If the sequencer is in non-looping mode and
has finished the last sequence step, then the output of the
sequencer will be determined by the Link input.
(Loop): Switches the sequencer from looping to non-looping.
Steps: The number of active sequencer steps.
In 1–8: The modulation source inputs of the respective step.
The Sequential Switch module has one modulation output and fourteen trigger
outputs: Clock, Clock Div, Clock Link (clocks only in non-looping mode when the
sequencer has finished the last sequence step), Reset (clocks when the sequencer
resets to step 1), Stop, Step Active (clocks each time a step with active modulation
input is reached), Step 1–8 (clocks for each individual step).
Audio Switch
The Audio Switch module is an eight-step sequencer that switches
between up to eight audio inputs. It is identical to the Sequential
Switch module with the difference that it switches audio signals
instead of modulation signals.
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Sequencer Clock
The Sequencer Clock module features a clock trigger source, two
gate/trigger signal switches, a gate/trigger signal join, and two
Modulation–to–Gate converters. It has the following parameters:
Rate: The clock rate.
(Clock On/Off): Switch and source for enabling the clock signal.
Switch 1/2: Source of a gate/trigger signal to enable/disable.
(Switch 1/2 On/Off): Switch and source for enabling the
respective gate/trigger signal.
(Join Input 1–3): Source of the Join input signal.
(M2G Input A/B): Source of the M2G input signal.
(M2G Threshold A/B): Threshold of the M2G. If the input signal is
higher than the threshold, the gate output of the M2G will be
active, else it will be inactive.
The Sequencer Clock module has six gate/trigger outputs (Clock, Switch 1, Switch 2,
Join, M2G A, M2G B).
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Effect Modules
Phaser
The Phaser module is a 4-stage Phaser effect with integrated LFO.
It has the following parameters:
Input A/B: Level and source of the input signal.
(Mono/Stereo): Switch from mono (A+B) to stereo input (A|B).
Center: Center frequency of the Phaser in Hertz.
Separation: Separation of the frequencies of the four stages.
Feedback: Feedback amount.
(Frequency Mod): Source and amount for center frequency
modulation.
Mix: Mix between original and effect signal.
Rate: The LFO rate.
Depth: The LFO depth/intensity.
The Phaser module has two audio and two modulation (LFO) outputs.
BBD Delay / Stereo BBD Delay
The BBD Delay and Stereo BBD Delay modules simulate a (stereo)
bucket brigade delay with the following parameters:
Input A/B: Level and source of the input signal.
Time: Delay time.
(Time Range): Range of the delay time.
(Time) Mod: Source and amount for delay time modulation.
Freeze: Freezes the delay signal.
(Freeze Trigger): Trigger signals to freeze the delay signal.
Feedback: Feedback amount.
Mix: Mix between original and effect signal.
Quality: The quality of the effect signal.
The BBD Delay module has one while the Stereo BBD Delay
module has two audio outputs.
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Dual Delay Line
The Dual Delay Line module features two delay lines with the
following parameters:
Input A/B: Level and source of the input signal.
Delay A/B: Delay time.
Clear A/B: Gate/trigger source for clearing the delay line.
Feed Forward: Feed forward coefficient of the delay line.
Feed Back: Feed back coefficient of the delay line.
Setting the Feed Forward coefficient to the exact negative value of
the Feed Back coefficient will result in an Allpass filter delay.
The Dual Delay Line module has two audio outputs (A and B).
Reverb
The Reverb module simulates a stereo reverb with the following
parameters:
Input A/B: Level and source of the input signal.
(Mono/Stereo): Switch from mono (A+B) to stereo input (A|B).
Predelay: Predelay time.
Size: Size of the reverberation room.
Damp: Damping of the reverb.
Length: Length of the reverb.
Spread: Stereo spread of the reverb signal.
Mix: Mix between original and effect signal.
The Reverb module has two audio outputs (Left and Right).
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Tool Modules
Voltage Processor
The Voltage Processor module features four modulation signal
processors with the following parameters:
Input A/B/C/D: Source of the input signal.
Scale A/B: Amplitude of the input signal.
Offset A/B: Constant offset added to the input signal.
Mod C/D: Source and amount for amplitude modulation of the
input signal.
The Voltage Processor module has four modulation outputs
(Processor A to D).
LAG/Adder
The LAG/Adder module features two LAG generators and two
adders for modulation signals with the following parameters:
Input A/B: Source of the LAG generator input signal.
Rate A/B: Rate of the LAG generator.
(Adder Input C1/C2): Sources and levels of the Adder C inputs.
(Adder Input D1/D2): Sources and levels of the Adder D inputs.
The LAG/Adder module has four modulation outputs (LAG A,
LAG B, Adder C, Adder D).
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Sample Delay
The Sample Delay module features six sample delays with the
following parameters:
Input A–F: Source of the input signal.
Delay A–F: Delay of the input signal (1 to 15 samples).
Since each module of ModulAir delays its input signal by one
sample, the Sample Delay is useful for compensating the delay
between different signal paths. For example if you mix two audio
signals A and B where B is routed through an extra module (e.g. a
filter), the signal “phase” between A and B will differ by one
sample. If you pass signal A through a Sample Delay, the resulting
signals will be “in sync” again.
The Sample Delay module has six audio outputs (Delay A to F).
Modulation Signal Delay/M2G
The Modulation Signal Delay/M2G module features a modulation
signal delay, a modulation signal adder and two Modulation–to–
Gate converters. It has the following parameters:
(Delay) Input A/B: Source of the delay input signal.
Delay: Delay time.
Feedback: Feedback of the delay.
(Adder Input 1/2): Sources and levels of the adder inputs.
(M2G Input A/B): Source of the M2G input signal.
(M2G Threshold A/B): Threshold of the M2G. If the input signal is
higher than the threshold, the gate output of the M2G will be
active, else it will be inactive.
The Modulation Signal Delay/M2G module has two modulation
outputs (Delay, Adder) and two gate/trigger outputs (M2G A,
M2G B).
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Gate Tools
The Gate Tools module features two gate modifiers, two trigger
dividers and a gate/trigger signal join. It has the following
parameters:
(Modifier Input A/B): Source of the Modifier input signal.
Length A/B: Length of the modified gate signal.
(Length) Mod A/B : Source and amount for length modulation of
the modified gate signal.
(Divide Input C/D): Source of the Divider input signal.
(Divisor C/D): Divisor of the Divider.
(Join Input 1–4): Source of the Join input signal.
The Gate Tools module has five gate/trigger outputs (Gate A,
Gate B, Divider C, Divider D, Join E).
Oscilloscope
The Oscilloscope is a simple tool for viewing audio or modulation
signals. It has the following parameters:
Input A: Audio or modulation signal input A. This input is also
used for triggering the oscilloscope.
Input B: Audio or modulation signal input B.
(Mode): In A+B mode the two input signals A and B are added
while in XY mode input A drives the horizontal and input B the
vertical axis of the display (great for creating Lissajous curves).
Time: Time resolution (0.5 milliseconds to 2 seconds).
Trig.: Trigger level of signal A. Note that the trigger bypasses the
attenuation of input A – this way you can trigger the oscilloscope
even if the input level knob is set to 0.
(Trigger Mode): Trigger on raising or falling edge of signal A.
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Miscellaneous Functionality
Options Menu
When clicking on the Menu button, a context menu opens with the following options:
Copy Program Copy current program to internal clipboard
Paste Program Paste internal clipboard to current program
Load Program Load a program file containing a patch to ModulAir's
current program
Save Program Save ModulAir's current program to a program file
Load Bank Load a bank file containing 64 ModulAir patches
Save Bank Save ModulAir’s 64 patches to a bank file
Init Program Initialize the current program
Highlight Sources Check to activate source highlighting
Check Online for
Update
When connected to the Internet, this function will
check if a newer version of ModulAir is available at
fullbucket.de
Visit fullbucket.de Open fullbucket.de in your standard browser
MIDI Learn
Assigning MIDI controllers to ModulAir parameters is done via the MIDI Learn
function. To activate MIDI Learn, click on the respective button and wiggle both the
MIDI controller and ModulAir’s parameter that you want to link. If you want to unlearn
the assignment, right-click the MIDI Learn button (the label now reads “UNLEARN”)
and activate it. Now wiggle the MIDI controller or the parameter that you want to
unlearn.
Custom Tuning
For micro-tonal playing, you can load a TUN or SCL and KBM micro-tuning definition
file by clicking on the Custom Tuning FILE button. Once you have loaded such a file
you can switch micro-tuning on and off. For more information about micro-tuning
check the Microtonal Synthesis website at http://www.microtonal-synthesis.com/
and Mark Henning’s website at https://www.mark-henning.de/.
MIDI CC Sources
16 MIDI controller signals can be used as modulation sources. To assign a MIDI CC to
one of the 16 sources press the SET button and choose the respective controller. The
same way works to unassign a controller.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install ModulAir (Windows 32 bit version)?
Just copy the files modulair.dll from the ZIP archive you have downloaded to your
system's or favorite DAW's VST plug-in folder. Your DAW should automatically register
the ModulAir VST plug-in the next time you start it.
How do I install ModulAir (Windows 64 bit version)?
Just copy the file modulair64.dll from the ZIP archive you have downloaded to your
system's or favorite DAW's VST plug-in folder. Your DAW should automatically register
the ModulAir VST plug-in the next time you start it.
Note: You may have to remove any existing (32 bit) modulair.dll from your VST
plug-in folder or else your DAW may screw the versions up...
How do I install ModulAir (Mac VST/AU universal 32/64 bit)?
Locate the downloaded PKG package file modulair_1_1_0_mac.pkg in Finder (!) and
do a right- or control-click on it. In the context menu, click on “Open”. You will be
asked if you really want to install the package because it comes from an “unidentified
developer” (me ). Click “OK” and follow the installation instructions.
What is the plug-in ID of the ModulAir?
The ID is fbMD.
Will you support ModulAir?
Yes. If you have problems, found a bug, or have some suggestions about ModulAir
please send me a mail: full.bucket@gmx.net .
How do I know if a new version of ModulAir is available?
When connected to the Internet, open the Options menu (see section Options Menu)
by clicking the disk icon and select the entry “Check Online for Updates”. If a new
version of ModulAir is available on fullbucket.de the respective information will be
shown in a message box.
It crashes…!
You have been warned: Introduction
I get no sound!
Have you checked that a signal is connected to the overall output plugs in the
Common Section?
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