FOLD

Distortion Synthesis Plugin

Fold is a distortion synthesis audio effect plugin that only the engineers at Delta Sound Labs could dream up. Calling on their background in modular hardware design, the team has found a novel approach to creating warmth and distortion in software. By using an assortment of modules in an in-series FX chain, Fold imbues input signals with harmonically rich overtones and, if pushed to the extremes, completely transforms them with a unique form of distortion.

At the heart of Fold is its wavefolding engine. First pioneered by synth legend Don Buchla, wavefolding is the act of folding a wave back on itself after reaching a given threshold. While this naturally produces distortion and harmonics, Fold also ships with a bit crusher module to further smash the input signal. Fold's combination of oversampling, distortion, and wavefolding results in tones that are timbrally rich on one hand, and over-the-top destroyed on the other, even with simple periodic input signals.

To tame the sound, Fold comes with an analog emulation of a resonant low-pass filter that offers more control over any unhinged results. Each parameter is also syncable to its own LFO, each of which has an amount slider and may be synced to a host tempo within a DAW for more creative sound design and mixing effects. Fold also ships with a number of professionally designed presets that showcase the versatility of its engine.

Features

Hard and Soft Clip Distortion Morphing
Wavefolding
Bit Crushing
Analog Low and High Pass Filter Emulations
Four Syncable LFOs with Mappable Phase Reset Buttons
Three LFO Waveform Types
Mono and Stereo Processing
x16 Oversampling
Factory and User Presets
Optimized Preset Navigation

The Modules and Effects

HP Filter

New TPT high-pass filter with resonance control.

Drive

Permits a hard clip or soft clip distortion relative to the slider underneath the Drive slider. You can crossfade between soft and hard clip distortion.

Wavefolding

Wavefolding is a type of distortion synthesis that occurs when the amplitude of an audio input exceeds a defined threshold. The peaks that exceed the defined threshold are inverted into a series of folds producing rich timbres and textures. This kind of distortion synthesis excels when used on simple sounds like sinusoids or standing waves, even single guitar notes.

Crush

Bit crusher emulation. 0% = original signal; < 100% = degraded signal.

LP Filter

This low-pass filter is an analog emulation of a resonant low-pass filter. There is a resonance control underneath the filter slider.

LFO

Each module has its own dedicated Low Frequency Oscillator. Each LFO has its own dedicated amount slider located next to the LFO Speed slider. You can choose from sine, square and saw waveform types.

FX Amount

Not to be confused with Dry/Wet, this control allows the user to control how much the in-series processing chain affects an incoming audio signal.

Presets Combo Box

Use the preset combo box to select any of our factory presets or make and recall your own presets. You can use the nudge buttons to quickly audition presets.

Stereo/Mono Combo Box

Use the combo box to choose mono or stereo processing.

Creative Strategies with Fold

Fold yields extremely interesting results with low frequencies—try folding your kick drum, any bass register instruments, or simply a sine wave from your synth! Fold can also be used to add high-frequency energy to a synth lead line. This works well in combination with Fold's FX Amount parameter, allowing you to dial in the exact amount of energy you want. Distortion has long been essential to guitar players—Fold's unique combination of distortion and wavefolding on electric guitars is worth a lengthly exploration. Try with chords or even bass lines on lower registers.