MICRONIX - README for macOS

Thank you for downloading MICRONIX FREE.

MICRONIX FREE is a monophonic (single-note), multi-engine software
synthesizer based on the open-source DSP code of Mutable Instruments
Plaits, developed by Émilie Gillet. It extends the original with
DAW-oriented controls and modulation features.

It includes all 24 Plaits-derived synthesis models, covering a wide range
of sounds such as analog-style synthesis, FM, wavetable, granular,
physical modeling, and percussion. With LFO-based timbral modulation,
ADSR/LPG switching, Legato, and Glide, it can be used to create basses,
leads, and experimental electronic sounds.

This is an independent product by Push and Groove.
It is not an official Mutable Instruments product, nor is it affiliated
with or endorsed by Mutable Instruments.

1. Overview

MICRONIX FREE is a monophonic synthesizer with one engine offering
24 Plaits synthesis models.
It receives MIDI notes as an instrument in your DAW and generates audio.

2. Main Features

■ 24 Plaits Synthesis Models
Includes 24 synthesis models derived from Plaits.
Use the model selector to switch between a variety of sound engines,
including Virtual Analog, FM, Wavetable, Granular, Physical Modeling,
and Percussion.
To explore each model, refer to the model names in the interface and
listen to how the sound changes.

■ Three Sound-Shaping Macros
Shape your sound using HARMONICS / TIMBRE / MORPH.
The sonic role of each knob varies depending on the selected model.
OUT/AUX MIX lets you continuously blend the two outputs of the original
Plaits engine.

■ Creative LFO Modulation
Includes five waveforms: Sine / Triangle / Square / Saw / Sample & Hold.
Choose one of five destinations: Pitch, Harmonics, Timbre, Morph,
or OUT/AUX Mix. Use Amount to adjust the modulation depth and polarity (±).
RATE supports both free-running operation and synchronization to DAW tempo.
When synchronized, the available divisions are 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/8T,
and 1/8D.
MIDI CC1 (Mod Wheel) controls how strongly the configured LFO Amount
is applied.

■ ADSR/LPG Switching
In ADSR mode, adjust Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release to shape the
amplitude envelope.
LPG mode uses the response of the Plaits-derived Low-Pass Gate, with
Decay and Color controls.
Some drum and physical modeling models have their own internal decay,
so the effect of LPG Decay varies by model.

■ Monophonic Performance
Operates in MONO mode, with last-note priority when MIDI notes overlap.
Supports Retrigger / Legato switching, Glide, Octave (-2 to +2), and
MIDI Pitch Bend (±2 semitones).
Note: Chord-based models may generate chords internally even when
receiving a single MIDI note.

■ Randomize / Restore
RANDOMIZE randomizes only Harmonics, Timbre, and Morph for the
currently selected model.
RESTORE provides one level of undo, restoring the previous three values.
Switching models, using INIT, or loading a DAW state clears the
RESTORE history.

■ Display and Output
Includes a real-time spectrum display, output level meter,
ADSR/LPG envelope display, Master, Bypass, and Init.

■ State Saving
Parameter settings are saved in your DAW project and restored when
the project is reopened.
The Free edition does not include standalone user preset saving/loading.

3. About MICRONIX PRO

MICRONIX PRO is the paid edition, offering expanded sound-design
capabilities beyond MICRONIX FREE.
It includes two engines (Engine A / Engine B), an advanced modulation
matrix, two LFOs, additional envelopes, a multimode filter,
mono/polyphonic performance, and preset management.
MICRONIX FREE and MICRONIX PRO can coexist as separate plug-ins.
Note: Their settings data is not automatically compatible.

Push and Groove: https://pushandgroove.com/

4. Getting Started (Basic Operation)

1. Insert MICRONIX FREE on an instrument track in your DAW.
2. Play or enter MIDI notes, then select a synthesis model using Model.
3. Adjust HARMONICS / TIMBRE / MORPH to shape the sound.
4. Select ADSR or LPG in AMP and adjust the sound's onset and decay.
5. Set the LFO waveform, Rate, Amount, and Destination to add variation.
6. Adjust Legato, Glide, Octave, and OUT/AUX Mix as needed.
7. Save your DAW project to store the current settings.

5. System Requirements

Supported OS:
  Intel Mac: macOS 10.15 Catalina or later
  Apple Silicon Mac: macOS 11 Big Sur or later
Supported processors: Intel Mac / Apple Silicon (Universal Binary)
Supported formats: AU (Audio Unit) / VST3 instrument
Recommended CPU: Intel Core i5 or higher, Apple M1 or higher,
                 or an equivalent or better processor
Supported DAWs: DAWs capable of loading compatible AU or VST3 instruments

Note: Actual performance varies depending on the DAW, synthesis model,
settings, and number of simultaneous voices.

6. Installing on macOS

The macOS edition is distributed as a DMG (disk image) containing
a .pkg installer.

1. If the download is provided as a ZIP file, extract it first.
2. Double-click the DMG file to open it.
3. Double-click the .pkg installer inside the DMG.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
5. After installation, fully quit your DAW and then reopen it.
6. Select the relevant product under "Push and Groove" in your DAW's
   instrument list.

Use the AU (Audio Unit) edition in Logic Pro, GarageBand, MainStage,
and similar applications.
Use the VST3 edition in a VST3-compatible DAW.

Typical AU/VST3 plug-in installation locations are listed below.
(You do not need to copy the files manually. These paths are provided
for troubleshooting if the plug-in is not recognized.)

AU (.component):
   /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components
   or ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components
VST3 (.vst3):
   /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3
   or ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3

Note: The installation location depends on the .pkg configuration.
Note: You may be asked for an administrator password during installation.

7. macOS Security / Apple Verification

A macOS security confirmation may appear during the first installation.
Confirm that you obtained the package from the official distribution
source, then follow the on-screen instructions.
Additional information may appear under System Settings >
Privacy & Security.

Note: This README does not guarantee the signing or notarization status
of the distribution package.

8. If the Plug-in Is Not Recognized or Produces No Sound

- Fully quit and restart your DAW, then rescan the plug-ins.
- Check that the AU is installed in
  ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components, or that the VST3 is installed in
  ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3.
- In Logic Pro, go to Logic Pro > Settings > Plug-in Manager to check
  the AU plug-in's validation status and rescan it if necessary.
- Insert the plug-in on a software instrument track, not as an effect.
- Check MIDI input, Master, Bypass, ADSR/LPG, and output routing.
- Restart your Mac if necessary.

9. Usage Notes

Volume: Depending on the synthesis model, Harmonics / Timbre / Morph,
and modulation depth, sudden volume changes or strong high-frequency
content may occur.
Start with the volume on your DAW or audio interface set low.

LFO: Only one modulation destination can be selected at a time.
The Free edition does not include a multi-route modulation matrix
like the Pro edition.

Synthesis models: Some drum and resonant models have internal envelopes
and respond differently to ADSR/LPG settings.

CPU: Processing load varies depending on the host sample rate,
model, and settings.

Settings compatibility: Free and Pro are separate products.
Cross-loading presets or states between them is not supported.

10. About Presets

Settings for the Free edition are saved within your DAW project.
There is no standalone USER preset browser or preset-saving function.

11. License and Disclaimer

Rights to MICRONIX-specific software, the GUI, product names, logos,
and other original components belong to Push and Groove or their
respective rights holders.
Third-party open-source software included in the product is governed
by its respective licenses.

This software is provided as is. Before use, check your volume levels
and DAW settings, and back up important projects and presets.
To the extent permitted by law, the developer is not liable for
damages arising from use of this software.

12. Third-Party Licenses

Mutable Instruments Plaits DSP / stmlib: Émilie Gillet, MIT License
(The original author attribution and MIT license text are retained
in the accompanying distribution.)
iPlug2: iPlug2 license (zlib-style)
Steinberg VST 3 SDK: MIT License
WDL Resampler: The applicable WDL license
Fonts and other components: Refer to THIRD_PARTY_LICENSES.txt and
LICENSES included in the distribution.

The rights to use, modify, and redistribute third-party components
under MIT and other applicable licenses are respected separately
from the rights to this product's original code.
The LICENSES folder and THIRD_PARTY_LICENSES.txt supplied with the
product contain the official license texts.

This product is not officially approved by, affiliated with, or
endorsed by Mutable Instruments or Émilie Gillet.

13. Credits

MICRONIX FREE
Developed by Push and Groove
Website: https://pushandgroove.com/
(C) 2026 Push and Groove. All rights reserved for original components.
