Modbap Launches Record Emulation Plug-In

Modbap has announced Wax Theory, which they describe as a record emulation effect for music producers and beatmakers. This latest release in Modbap's oneTHNG series of single-purpose plug-ins uses a single groove-position control to shape distortion, surface noise, wobble and tone, bringing the changing character of record playback into the DAW. Here's the details direct from the company...

Wax Theory places the needle at the center of the creative process. A single SIDE control emulates moving the stylus across the record from the lead-in at the outer edge toward the run-out near the label. As groove speed falls, tracing distortion, surface noise, wobble and bandwidth change together, inviting musicians and producers to find the character of a record by ear. Available in VST3 and AU formats for macOS and Windows, it brings Modbap's hands-on approach to drums, loops, samples, keys and full mixes.

"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," said Corry Banks, founder of Modbap. "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."

One Control Across the Whole Side
SIDE sweeps from the lead-in (fully counterclockwise) to the run-out (fully clockwise). Across an LP side, groove speed drops from roughly 51 cm/s to 21 cm/s. Turn inward and tracing distortion climbs, wobble deepens and the top end closes down, while surface noise increases when DUST is enabled. Live readouts show time into the side, groove radius and the linear velocity under the stylus.
 
The Record and the Needle
FORMAT switches between three playback models: a 12-inch, 33_ rpm LP, a 7-inch, 45 rpm single and a 10-inch, 78 rpm shellac record. Each behaves differently. The 78 has narrower bandwidth, a busier surface and a speed error that is unique to each instance.
 
STYLUS sets the pickup that reads the groove. HIFI is the cleanest, with the widest bandwidth. DJ uses a larger conical profile, which adds tracing distortion and a presence lift and rolls off the top end. WORN adds the rasp of a flattened tip, audible even in quiet passages, with tighter low end. DUST adds a surface bed, clustered ticks, a scratch pop once per revolution and bearing rumble, all read by the cartridge alongside the music.
 
Designed for Movement
STOP simulates braking the platter according to the selected record format. When activated, pitch drops, wobble slows and the top end collapses until playback stops. Switch STOP off and the platter spins back up, bringing incoming audio back to pitch. STOP is latching and automatable, and smoothed knob changes and crossfaded switching keep performance moves clean across the panel.
 
Every instance gets its own repeatable pressing, including its dust pattern, warp phase and 78 speed error, and it is saved with the session. The interface scales from 75 to 200 percent. There are 25 factory presets across five categories, plus Locker, Favs and Drops for organizing sounds.
 
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 instance's pressing recalls with the session.
• Latency is 512 samples, host-compensated.

 

Pricing and Availability:
Introductory price is $29.99 USD (regularly $39.99 USD). Available as a digital download directly from Modbap and through dealers. It supports macOS 11 or later on Apple Silicon and Intel, and Windows 10 or later, 64-bit. A free 14-day trial is available.

More information:

• Wax Theory

• Modbap Launches Fidelity Theory 12-Oct-26
• NAMM 2024: Modbap - Meridian 25-Jan-24