Specifications

MALSTRÖM SYNTHESIZER
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The Modulator section
The Malström features two Modulators (mod:A and mod:B) These are in fact an-
other type of oscillators, called LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators). They each
generate a waveform and a frequency, much like osc:A and osc:B. However,
there are a couple of important differences:
• Mod:A and mod:B do not generate sound. They are instead used for modu-
lating various parameters to change the character of the sound.
• They only generate waveforms of low frequency.
Furthermore, both modulators are tempo syncable and possible to use in one
shot mode, in which case they will actually work like envelopes.
Modulator parameters
The two Modulators have a few controls in common, but there are also some dif-
ferences. Both the common parameters and the ones that are unique for each
Modulator (the destinations) are described below.
D To activate/deactivate a Modulator, click the On/Off button in the
top left corner.
When a Modulator is activated, the button is lit.
An activated Modulator
Curve
This lets you select a waveform for modulating parameters. Use the spin con-
trols to the right of the display to cycle through the available waveforms. Some of
these waveforms are especially suited for use with the Modulator in one shot
mode (see below).
Rate
This knob controls the frequency of the Modulator. For a faster modulation rate,
turn the knob to the right.
The Rate knob is also used for setting the time division when synchronizing the
Modulator to the song tempo (see below).
One Shot
To put the Modulator into one shot mode, click this button so that it is lit.
Normally, the Modulators will repeat the selected waveforms over and over
again, at the set rate. However, when one shot mode is activated and you play a
note, the Modulator will play the selected waveform only once (at the set rate)
and then stop. In other words, it will effectively be turned into an envelope gen-
erator!
Note that even though all waveforms can be used with interesting results, some
waveforms are explicitly well suited for use in one shot mode. For example, try
using the waveform with just one long, gently sloping curve.
Sync
Clicking this button so that it is lit synchronizes the Modulator to the song
tempo, in one of 16 possible time divisions.
! When sync is activated, the Rate knob is used for selecting the de-
sired timedivision. Turn the Rate knob and observe the tool tip for
an indication of the timedivision.
A/B selector
This switch is used for deciding which oscillator and/or filter the Modulator
should modulate - A, B or both. With the switch in the middle position, both A
and B will be modulated.
Destinations
The following knobs are used for determining what each of the two modulators
should modulate.