Modulation System

The modulation system in Layers offers dynamic and versatile control over sound shaping, featuring five modulation sources: three Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFOs), one AHDSR Envelope, and one Velocity Modulator. This system allows users to assign modulators to various parameters, indicated by a thin ellipse around each target knob’s value indicator, providing intuitive control and flexibility.

Drag-and-Drop Mapping

Modulators can be easily assigned to any compatible target using a drag-and-drop interface. The bottom panel displays all available modulators, which can be dragged onto any target parameter, enhancing usability and creative workflow.

Modulation Control Interface

The modulation system consists of three distinct pages, accessible through an edit panel:

1. Modulator Page: This page allows users to adjust individual parameters for each of the five modulation sources. A selection panel on the left side lets users choose which modulator to control, providing detailed customization options for each source.
2. Matrix Page: The matrix page presents a comprehensive table of modulation sources (x-axis) against modulation targets (y-axis). This view enables users to see all possible modulation mappings at a glance and to adjust the modulation amount for each source-target pair, streamlining the modulation assignment process.

Table Page: This page displays all active modulation mappings, providing a clear overview of the current configuration. Users can see which modulator sources are mapped to which targets and adjust additional parameters such as modulation intensity, mode, and inversion settings, allowing fine-tuning and deeper control over the

Modulators Sources

The modulation system offers three distinct types of modulators: Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFOs), a Velocity Modulator, and an AHDSR Envelope. Each modulator provides unique control options to shape and enhance the audio output.

1. Low-Frequency Oscillators (LFOs):

The three LFOs are time-variant modulators designed to provide dynamic modulation over time. Users can select from various waveshapes, including sine, triangle, saw, square, and random. Additionally, two special options are available:

• Step Mode: Functions as a step sequencer, where users can determine the number of steps for precise rhythmic modulation.
• Custom Mode: Allows users to draw their own waveshape, enabling unique modulation patterns tailored to their creative needs.

The LFOs feature several control options:

• Phase Offset Knob: Adjusts the phase of the LFO. In Step Mode, this knob controls the number of steps.
• Free/Sync Button: Toggles between ‘Free’ mode, where the LFO rate is measured in Hertz (Hz), and ‘Sync’ mode, where the rate is synchronized to the host’s BPM, allowing for tempo-based modulation.
• Loop/Retrigger Button: In ‘Loop’ mode, the LFO will continuously repeat without interruption. In ‘Retrigger’ mode, the LFO restarts with each new MIDI event (note press).
• Intensity Knob: Controls the depth or amount of modulation applied by the LFO to the target parameter.

2. Velocity Modulator:

The Velocity Modulator is a MIDI-dependent modulator that responds to the velocity of incoming MIDI notes. It modulates the target parameter based on the intensity of the note press, providing a dynamic response to playing style. The Velocity parameters are mapped to the modulation amount using a draggable table. Users have the following options:

• Inversion Option: Inverts the modulation process, where harder note presses result in lower modulation values and vice versa.
• Intensity Knob: Controls the depth of the velocity-based modulation, allowing for subtle or pronounced effects depending on the user’s needs.

3. AHDSR Envelope Modulator:

The AHDSR Envelope Modulator shapes the modulation based on an adjustable envelope comprising Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain, and Release phases. Each stage is measured in milliseconds, providing precise control over the modulation curve. Users can adjust these parameters in two ways:

• Knobs: Directly control each stage of the envelope (Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain, Release).
• Draggable AHDSR Panel: Offers a visual interface to shape the envelope by dragging points, providing an intuitive way to sculpt the modulation curve.

Modulator Targets

This is a list of the current parameters in Layers that are able to be modulated by the modulator sources: