Parameters & Modulation
Understanding how parameters work is fundamental to building expressive plugins in BeatConnect. This guide explains the parameter system, modulation, and how to create powerful performance controls.
Base Value vs Current Value
Every parameter in BeatConnect has two values:
| Value | Description | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Base Value | What you set directly (knob position, slider) | White indicator/thumb |
| Current Value | Actual runtime value = Base + Modulation | Yellow indicator |
How It Works
Current Value = Base Value + Modulation Amount
When no modulation is applied, current value equals base value. When an LFO or Macro modulates the parameter, the current value moves around the base value.
Example: A filter cutoff with:
- Base value: 1000 Hz (where you set the knob)
- LFO modulation: ±500 Hz
- Current value: Sweeps between 500 Hz and 1500 Hz
The base value is your “center point” - modulation moves the current value relative to it.
Why This Matters
This two-value system enables powerful sound design:
- Set a foundation - The base value is your starting point
- Add movement - Modulation creates variation around that point
- Maintain control - Adjusting the base value shifts the entire modulation range
In the UI, watch for the yellow indicator showing where the parameter actually is at any moment.
Linking Parameters to Controls
When you add a widget to the faceplate (knob, slider, toggle), you link it to a node parameter. This binding means:
- Moving the faceplate control changes the parameter’s base value
- The parameter name appears on the control
- Users interact with your plugin through these linked controls
How to Link a Parameter
- Add a widget (knob/slider) to the faceplate
- Select the widget
- In the Inspector, find Parameter Binding
- Choose the target node
- Choose the parameter
Now that faceplate knob directly controls that parameter’s base value.
One Widget, One Parameter
Each faceplate widget links to one parameter. To control multiple parameters with one knob, use a Macro (see below).
The Autolink Feature
Autolink is a quick-connect tool that automatically connects matching ports between two nodes.
How to Use Autolink
- Click the link icon (🔗) on a node’s title bar
- The node highlights as the “source”
- Click another node
- BeatConnect automatically connects matching ports:
- L output → L input
- R output → R input
- Mod output → Mod input (if applicable)
When to Use Autolink
- Quick prototyping - Rapidly build signal chains
- Standard connections - Most audio routing follows L→L, R→R patterns
- After adding nodes - Quickly wire new effects into your chain
Manual Connections
For non-standard routing (like sending only the left channel, or connecting to specific parameters), drag connections manually from port to port.
Macros: Multi-Parameter Control
A Macro is a special node that controls multiple parameters simultaneously with a single knob. It’s the solution for creating meaningful performance controls.
Why Use Macros
Without macros, complex sound changes require adjusting multiple knobs. With a macro, one control can:
- Increase filter cutoff AND decrease resonance
- Boost drive on multiple stages simultaneously
- Cross-fade between dry and wet on several effects
- Create complex “morph” controls
Creating a Macro
- Add a Macro node from the Collection panel
- Open the Macro window (double-click the node)
- Click Add Link to connect parameters
- Adjust the response curve for each link
Macro Link Settings
Each parameter linked to a macro has its own settings:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Range | How much of the macro’s movement affects this parameter (0-100%) |
| Offset | Shifts the center point (-100% to +100%) |
| Curve Type | Linear, Exponential, Logarithmic, or S-Curve |
| Curve Amount | How pronounced the curve is |
| Invert | Flip the direction (macro up = parameter down) |
| Min/Max | Constrain the output to a specific range |
Curve Types Explained
| Curve | Behavior | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Linear | Constant rate of change | General use, predictable response |
| Exponential | Slow start, fast finish | Frequency controls, dramatic builds |
| Logarithmic | Fast start, slow finish | Volume controls, natural response |
| S-Curve | Slow at extremes, fast in middle | Crossfades, smooth transitions |
Example: “Intensity” Macro
Create a single “Intensity” knob that:
- Increases distortion drive (Linear, 0-80%)
- Increases filter cutoff (Exponential, builds toward end)
- Decreases reverb mix (Inverted, clears space as intensity rises)
- Increases output gain slightly (Linear, 0-30%, compensates for perceived loudness)
Now one knob creates a musically coherent “more intense” transformation.
The Parameter Slider in Macro Windows
In the Macro window, each linked parameter shows a special slider:
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ████████████████░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ │ ← Slider
│ ○ ● │
│ base current │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
- White dot (○): Base value - drag to adjust
- Yellow dot (●): Current value - shows modulation effect
- Yellow region: The modulation range
This visualization helps you understand exactly how the macro affects each parameter.
Modulation Sources
BeatConnect provides several modulation sources:
LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator)
Generates repeating waveforms for rhythmic modulation:
- Tremolo (modulate volume)
- Vibrato (modulate pitch)
- Filter sweeps (modulate cutoff)
- Auto-pan (modulate stereo position)
See Modifiers & Modulation for LFO details.
Envelope Follower
Tracks the amplitude of incoming audio:
- Auto-wah (loud notes open filter)
- Dynamic effects (intensity follows playing dynamics)
- Ducking (one sound controls another)
Macro
Manual control via a single knob:
- Performance controls
- Preset morphing
- Simplified interfaces
Modulation Amount
When connecting a modulation source to a parameter, you set the modulation amount:
- 0%: No effect
- 50%: Half the modulator’s range applied
- 100%: Full range applied
- Negative values: Inverted response
The formula:
Current Value = Base Value + (Modulator Output × Mod Amount × Parameter Range)
Best Practices
For Base Values
- Set base values to your “default” or “neutral” sound
- Consider where you want the modulation to center around
- Remember: modulation adds to the base, so leave headroom
For Macros
- Name macros meaningfully: “Intensity”, “Warmth”, “Space”
- Use appropriate curves for each parameter type
- Test the full range of the macro to avoid extreme values
For Linking
- Link the most important parameters to faceplate controls
- Group related controls visually
- Use consistent control sizes for similar functions
For Autolink
- Use for quick prototyping
- Verify connections are what you intended
- Use manual connections for complex routing
Common Patterns
Filter with LFO Modulation
- Set filter cutoff base value to mid-range
- Connect LFO to cutoff with 30-50% mod amount
- Adjust LFO rate for sweep speed
- The current value sweeps around your base setting
Macro for “Wet/Dry” Control
- Create a Macro
- Link reverb mix (0-100%, linear)
- Link delay mix (0-100%, linear)
- Link chorus mix (0-50%, linear - less extreme)
- One knob now controls overall effect wetness
Dynamics-Responsive Filter
- Add Envelope Follower
- Connect to filter cutoff
- Set positive mod amount for auto-wah (loud = bright)
- Or negative for ducking effect (loud = darker)
Troubleshooting
Parameter not responding to modulation?
- Check that mod amount isn’t 0%
- Verify the modulator is outputting (check its rate/depth)
- Ensure the parameter can be modulated (some are static)
Modulation too extreme?
- Reduce mod amount
- Adjust the macro’s Range setting
- Change base value to leave more headroom
Autolink not connecting?
- Ensure both nodes have compatible ports
- Check that ports aren’t already connected
- Try manual connection for specific port routing