Polyverse Launches New Modal Filter Plugin

Polyverse has launched version 1.0.0 of its powerful new modal filter, Supermodal. Supermodal uses hundreds of narrow filter bands working in concert to emulate the resonating qualities of acoustic bodies — both real and imagined — resulting in never-before-possible sonic transformations. With its modal filter working in parallel with a classic zero-feedback state variable filter, Supermodal allows users to shape their audio into a host of attention-grabbing sounds that are at once exciting, unfamiliar, and eminently musical.

Two Become One

​At the heart of Supermodal are two powerful filter sections working in tandem. On the left of Supermodal’s interface users will find the Classic Filter, a zero-feedback state variable filter that can morph smoothly between lowpass, bandpass, and hipass filter modes with its ‘Type’ control. This features a fixed slope of 24dB per octave which evokes many well-known analog filters, and is capable of both sweet and chunky filter sounds thanks to input/output controls, and a built-in saturation algorithm that allow users to drive the filter with fat, musical results.

To the right of the Classic Filter is Supermodal’s namesake Modal Filter — a ‘meta-filter’ made up of hundreds of resonant bandpass filters. This features 27 different resonation behaviours (or variants) that organise its numerous bands to emphasise various harmonics (known as partials) across the frequency spectrum. These variants are grouped into 9 filter models including, ‘Vocal Formant’ with its Ah, Ih, and Oh variants; ‘Struck’ with Piano, Vibraphone, and Bell variants; and ‘Waveform’ with Saw, Square, and Hypersquare variants. This unique approach to filtering results in transformative sounds that are unlike anything possible with conventional filtering alone, while the ‘Damping’ and ‘Partials’ controls allow users to refine the sound of the filter to achieve their desired tonality.

The Classic Filter and Modal Filter are arranged in parallel which combines their outputs for more full-range filtering effects. A ‘Blend’ knob crossfades between them, allowing users to dial in a perfect balance between the two filters’ effects. Supermodal also features a Dry/Wet mix slider, enabling subtler effects that retain some characteristics of the original audio source.

Tactile Control

​As with all Polyverse plugins, Supermodal is designed to invite experimentation and discovery. Supermodal’s engaging and versatile user interface exemplifies this ethos with its intuitive and futuristic look. The trackball-like ‘Modal XY’ control enables users to seamlessly click, drag, and morph between filter models and variants on the fly. Morphing between variants allows users to play Supermodal like an instrument to create dynamic filtering effects. These transformations can also be automated, modulated, and tweaked via the ‘Model’ and ‘Xform’ sliders for additional precision.

Modulation Madness

​Supermodal also features a powerful modulation section. This should be familiar to users of Polyverse’s Manipulator plugin, and features four separate modulation slots, each assignable to one of Supermodal’s six modulation sources. These include an Envelope Follower, ADSR envelope, Midi/CV input, Sequencer, Random Generator, and the Meta Knob which can act as a macro for multi-parameter control. 

Nearly every parameter in Supermodal can be modulated, and the plugin’s modulation generators can even create cross-modulation by modulating each other for more complex effects. Modulation ranges can be adjusted with Supermodal’s colourful sliders, and allow positive or negative values to be set. Each modulation source is also switchable between mono and stereo, allowing for ear-catching spatial filter effects.

“We are pleased to share Supermodal 1.0.0 with both our public beta users and anyone waiting for the right time to jump in and explore this exciting new tool,” says Polyverse C.E.O Assaf Dar Sagol. “This release is the culmination of a lot of dreaming and hard work here at Polyverse. We also extend our deepest thanks to all the users who took the time to dive into the plugin and share their feedback over the last few months. Your input has been instrumental in helping us refine the Supermodal experience and has contributed to making version 1.0.0 even more fun, inviting, and rock solid than before. We look forward to hearing more from our community as they create wild new sounds the way only Supermodal can. Happy experimenting!”

Version 1.0.0 Updates Include:

• Filter stability and sound improvements
• Modulation Amount Sliders now labeled according to the active modulator
• Active Modulation Buttons are highlighted when hovering over modulation slots
• Random and Sequencer modulation modes now have a UniPolar function
• Sequencer: Arrow keys can be used to shift and invert phase
• Sequencer: Letter keys can be used to select a corresponding shape
• Additional expert-designed presets included
• Improved initial preset
• Right-click Preset Browse button to save a new preset without opening the preset list
• Ctrl – /= or Command -/= shortcuts to resize the plugin

A discounted public beta release of the plugin first became available in October, and all beta owners will be granted a free upgrade to version 1.0.0. For new users, Supermodal is available directly from the Polyverse website or affiliate retailers for US$99.