User Manual
Version 1.0
Four classic modulators in a single plugin, based on Airwindows algorithms:
StereoChorus, AutoPan, Tremolo and GalacticVibe.
Original source code released under an open license (MIT) by Chris Johnson.
Air-G MODS brings together four modulators in one plugin: Chorus, AutoPan, Tremolo and Vibrato. A selector chooses which one is active, and only that effect processes the audio; the others stay on standby.
When you switch effects the background colour changes and that effect's own controls appear. Better still, each effect remembers its own settings: move from one to another and back, and everything is just as you left it. That lets you set up all four and compare them instantly.
Every effect has two parts: its own controls (the large knobs in the centre) and a set of common controls shared by all (TEMPO, SYNC, MIX, OUT and WIDTH), explained in the next section.
Pick an effect with the MODE selector, set its centre knobs, and shape it with the common controls. The blue dot in the centre (the LED) pulses at the effect's rate, so you can read its movement at a glance.
These controls work the same way across all four effects (with one exception in Vibrato, noted below).
The left-hand knob chooses the effect: Chorus, AutoPan, Tremolo or Vibrato. It has four detented positions. Only the chosen effect is heard; its name shows below the knob.
Sets the effect's rate in note values locked to the host tempo (1/4, 1/8, dotted 1/8, triplets, and so on). It takes over when SYNC is on.
Switches between free and synced rate. Off: the centre speed knob (SPEED or RATE) drives it, by hand. On: TEMPO drives it, in note values. With SYNC on, the centre speed knob and TEMPO are linked: move either one and the other follows.
Blends the unprocessed (dry) signal with the processed one. At centre, half and half.
Effect output level, from -12 to +12 dB. At centre, 0 dB (no change).
Adjusts the stereo width at the output. At centre nothing changes; toward one side it collapses to mono; toward the other it opens up the stereo image.
The blue dot in the centre pulses at the active effect's rate. In Vibrato, which has no adjustable rate, it stays lit steadily.
The plugin is resizable while keeping its aspect ratio.
The Chorus thickens and widens the sound with a gentle modulation that simulates several slightly detuned, time-shifted copies. Great for adding body and stereo movement to synths, guitars, keys or vocals.
Rate of the chorus movement. Higher means a faster sweep. With SYNC on, TEMPO sets it.
How far it departs from the original pitch. Higher means a wider, more pronounced effect. At slower speeds the depth feels broader.
The AutoPan moves the sound from side to side across the stereo field automatically, with a slightly organic motion (not perfectly regular, on purpose). Perfect for bringing movement and life to pads, arpeggios and textures.
Speed of the left-to-right sweep. With SYNC on, TEMPO sets it.
The relationship of the movement between the two channels. At centre it acts like a tremolo (level rises and falls together); toward the sides, a full side-to-side pan; in between, a circular motion that comes and goes.
Cuts the centre of the image to emphasise the sides, opening the effect up further.
In AutoPan, the common MIX control acts as its dry/effect blend.
The Tremolo raises and lowers the level rhythmically. It is not your average tremolo: it alternates between saturated and more "hollow" zones to give it a vintage, slightly strange character — very Airwindows.
Rate of the tremolo. With SYNC on, TEMPO sets it.
Intensity of the effect. Near the middle the level dip is most pronounced; toward the maximum a characteristic double pulse appears.
The Vibrato (taken from Airwindows' Galactic reverb) applies a gentle pitch variation with a Leslie-like character. The left and right channels move in quadrature, producing a widening with movement. Unlike the others, it has no adjustable rate: the character comes from the "drift".
Amount of pitch variation. Higher means a more exaggerated, "swirling" effect, from a subtle widening to a pronounced vibrato.
In Vibrato, TEMPO and SYNC are inactive (there is no rate to sync) and the LED stays lit steadily. The common MIX control acts as its dry/effect blend.
Chorus with medium DEPTH and WIDTH toward the open side. Adds body and stereo without losing the centre.
Slow AutoPan (or SYNC at 1/2) with PHASE in between, for a circular sway that breathes.
Tremolo with SYNC on at 1/8 or 1/16, for a beat locked to the track's tempo.
Vibrato with medium DRIFT and MIX to taste, for a gentle swirl over keys or organs.
Since each effect keeps its own state, you can set up all four and compare them instantly with the MODE selector.
Air-G MODS uses four Airwindows algorithms by Chris Johnson: StereoChorus (Chorus), AutoPan, Tremolo and GalacticVibe (Vibrato). Thanks to Chris for sharing his work under an open license, which makes plugins like this one possible.
Air-G MODS v1.0 — Air-G Audio. The modulation algorithms are the work of Chris Johnson / Airwindows and are used under the terms of his open license (MIT).