Extremum extreme effects processor
WHAT IS IT
INTRODUCTION
Extremum is an effects processor built with one huge goal: to turn even the most simple sounds into insanely interesting, tonally
rich and exciting new material. It features a collection of phaser, chorus and filter algorithms comprised of up to 256 stages and 16
feedback lines – all of which apply radical but finely controllable transformations. And to take it even further, Extremum has its own
tempo-synchronised modulator with multiple waveforms, variable lag and chaos.
It would not be a Sinevibes product if Extremum did not feature a stylish, animated user interface. With its clean layout and colourcoded controls, you will hardly ever need to glance into the user manual. The graphics also do not tax your Mac’s main processor
and support displays with retina resolution.
SPECIFICATIONS
– Six extreme effect algorithms: 256-stage phaser, 24-stage chorus, 16-stage positive/negative comb filter, 8-stage positive/negative
barber-pole phaser.
– Modulation generator with 8 waveforms, adjustable lag and periodic chaos.
– Advanced transport sync algorithm with support for tempo and time signature automation.
INTERFACE OVERVIEW
Effect type
Parameter two modulation depth
Effect dry/wet balance
Modulation chaos (randomisation)
Effect parameter one
Effect parameter two
Modulation lag (smoothing)
Modulation rate
Modulation waveform
THE BASICS
WARNING
Since there are so many effect stages in Extremum, high processor load is expected and normal. Also, due to their
multiple feedback lines, Extremum’s algorithms become very sensitive when the input signal’s most prominent
frequencies match the effects’ internal resonance frequencies. Be careful when working with loud, energetic material.
EFFECT
Extremum includes a total of six different effect algorithms set with the type selector: 256-stage phaser, 24-stage chorus, 16-stage
comb filter with negative and positive feedback, and 8-stage barber-pole phaser with negative and positive feedback. Each selector
in the user interface responds to clicking and as well as dragging for faster operation. The dry/wet balance slider adjusts the mix
between the dry input and processed signal. On this and every other slider, command-click sets its default value. Effect’s parameter
sliders change their title according to the selected algorithm type: e.g. feedback and frequency for a phaser, or detune and speed
for a chorus. The primary parameter of the effect can be modulated.
MODULATOR
Extremum features a modulation generator that is always synchronised to your host’s tempo and transport location. Eight
waveform shapes are available (triangle, saw, square, pulse, trapezoid, notch, 3x and 4x staircase) and its rate can go in a wide
range from 128th note to 16 bars. Modulator lag function changes shape transitions from fast and snappy to slow and smooth. The
chaos function makes the modulator randomise its amplitude for each individual cycle. To modulate the effect’s primary parameter,
drag the modulation depth slider right or left (the latter effectively inverts the waveform polarity). The modulation start and end
depth points change according to the position of the effect’s parameter slider.
EFFECTS GUIDE
256x phaser is comprised out of 16 phasers each with 16 all-pass filter stages and a feedback line, technically totalling 256 phaser
stages and 16 feedback lines. It’s a really radical effect that produces very deep notches and high peaks in the sound’s spectrum,
sometimes sounding similar to a vibrating membrane or an array of resonant filters.
24x chorus is made up of three 8-voice chorus units. Each voice has its pitch modulated by a low-frequency sine oscillator with a
phase offset relative to other voices. Together with feedback in each of the three chorus units, it produces a very lush, buttery
ensemble effect, spreading the sound wide in the stereo space.
16x comb +/- are series of 16 comb filters, which are essentially delay lines with short time and positive or negative feedback in
each line. Depending on the feedback type, this effect accentuates even or odd harmonics in relation to its fundamental frequency,
producing various resonator, tube or jet effects that, respectively, resemble either a saw (+) or a square (-) waveform.
8x b-pole +/- are barber-pole phasers comprised of 8 frequency shifters each of which mixes itself with the original signal and
adds a positive or negative feedback line in the chain. This effect creates very characteristic, pronounced phasing/filtering that goes
down (+) or up (-) seemingly endlessly.
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