Modbap release Wax Theory

Eurorack experts launch vinyl-inspired plug-in

When praised Eurorackers Modbap revealed their first software effect recently, they stated it was the first release in a new family of creative effects plug-ins. The second member of that family has now arrived, and this time around, the company have drawn their inspiration from vinyl records.

Wax Theory has been designed to make any track sound as if it were being played back from a vinyl, and emulates the subtle differences in sound that are caused as a stylus travels between the outer and inner edges of a disc. a large central control governs the effect: at fully clockwise, it emulates a groove speed of around 51cm/second, while fully anti-clockwise drops the speed to around 21cm/second - the speeds correspond to those found at the outer and inner edges of a standard LP. As groove speed falls, the likes of tracing distortion, surface noise, wobble and bandwidth all change simultaneously.

A Format option offers three types of vinyl emulation: LP, a 12-inch 33.3RPM record; 45, a seven-inch 45RPM single; and 78, a 78RPM shellac record, while three Stylus options - HiFi, DJ and Worn - offer a choice of three overall tonal profiles. a Stop control then emulates platter braking, facilitating a range of slow-down, stop and start-up effects, while some additional noise is on offer courtesy of a Dust switch.

Key Features

A Playable Record Side: One Side control ties groove position to changing distortion, wobble, bandwidth and surface noise.

Three Formats, Three Styli: Pair LP, 45 or 78 playback with HiFi, DJ or Worn pickup profiles.

Surface Detail: Dust adds noise, clustered ticks, a repeating scratch pop and bearing rumble.

Platter Control: An automatable Stop gesture brakes and restarts playback.

Repeatable Character: Each instances pressing recalls with the session.

Latency: 512 samples, host-compensated.

A record has a whole life across one side, and where you drop the needle, what type of needle, vinyl noise, what format of vinyl - LP, 45, 78 - it all influences what you hear. With Wax Theory, we wanted to make that relationship something you could play. You can find a clean outer groove, move into a worn part of the side, change the stylus or bring the platter to a stop. The character comes from how those parts work together, and one control lets you explore it without losing the idea you started with. - Corry Banks, Founder, Modbap

Compatibility Wax Theory is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 11 and higher. VST3 and AU plug-0in versions are available. Note that there is no AAX version, so Pro Tools is not supported.

Pricing & Availability Wax Theory is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $29.99 until 31 October 2026, when it will increase to $39.99.

in.modbap.com/plugins/onethng/wax

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