Macro Node

A performance control hub that lets you control multiple parameters simultaneously with a single knob. Essential for creating meaningful, intuitive plugin interfaces.

Overview

Property	Value
Category	Utility
Inputs	None (control source)
Outputs	Mod (modulation signal)
Parameters	Value (0-100%), Smoothing

Why Use Macros

Without macros, creating a “more intense” sound might require:

• Increasing drive
• Raising filter cutoff
• Boosting high frequencies
• Reducing reverb

With a macro, all of this happens with one knob turn.

Parameters

Value (0-100%)

The main macro control. This single knob drives all linked parameters according to their individual settings.

• 0%: All linked parameters at their minimum mapped values
• 100%: All linked parameters at their maximum mapped values
• 50%: Middle position, parameters at their curve midpoints

Smoothing (0-100ms)

Applies smoothing to the macro output, preventing zipper noise when automating or quickly adjusting the control.

• 0ms: Instant response, may cause zipper noise
• 10-30ms: Smooth response, good for most uses
• 50-100ms: Very smooth, creates gradual transitions

Linking Parameters

Adding Links

1. Open the Macro window (double-click the node)
2. Click Add Link
3. Select the target node
4. Select the target parameter
5. Adjust the link settings

Link Settings

Each linked parameter has independent settings:

Setting	Range	Description
Range	0-100%	How much macro movement affects this parameter
Offset	-100% to +100%	Shifts the center point
Curve Type	Linear/Exp/Log/S	Response curve shape
Curve Amount	0-100%	How pronounced the curve is
Invert	On/Off	Flip the direction
Min	0-100%	Minimum output value
Max	0-100%	Maximum output value

Curve Types

Type	Response	Best For
Linear	Constant rate	General use, predictable
Exponential	Slow → Fast	Frequency, dramatic builds
Logarithmic	Fast → Slow	Volume, natural response
S-Curve	Slow → Fast → Slow	Crossfades, smooth

The Curve Preview

Each linked parameter shows a small curve preview:

┌────────────┐
│    ╱──     │  ← Response curve
│  ╱        │
│╱          │
│- - - - - -│  ← Base value line
└────────────┘

• Blue curve: How macro value maps to parameter output
• Dashed line: The parameter’s base value
• Yellow crosshair: Current position (macro input → parameter output)

The Parameter Slider

Below each curve preview is a dual-value slider:

• White thumb: Base value (drag to adjust)
• Yellow indicator: Current value (base + modulation)
• Yellow region: Modulation range

This shows you exactly what the macro is doing to each parameter in real-time.

Example Configurations

”Intensity” Macro

Make sounds more aggressive:

Target	Range	Curve	Notes
Distortion Drive	80%	Exp	Builds toward the end
Filter Cutoff	60%	Exp	Opens up gradually
EQ High Gain	40%	Linear	Adds brightness
Reverb Mix	50%	Linear, Inverted	Clears space
Output Gain	20%	Linear	Compensates loudness

”Warmth” Macro

Add analog character:

Target	Range	Curve	Notes
Tape Saturation	70%	Linear	Main warmth
EQ Low Shelf	40%	Linear	Bass boost
EQ High Shelf	30%	Linear, Inverted	Reduce harshness
Tube Drive	50%	Exp	Subtle to rich

”Space” Macro

Control ambience:

Target	Range	Curve	Notes
Reverb Mix	100%	Linear	Main space control
Reverb Decay	60%	Exp	Size grows with mix
Delay Mix	70%	Linear	Adds depth
EQ High Cut	40%	Log	Darkens at extremes

”Morph A↔B” Macro

Crossfade between two sounds:

Target	Range	Curve	Notes
Sound A Volume	100%	S-Curve, Inverted	Fades out
Sound B Volume	100%	S-Curve	Fades in
Filter Cutoff	50%	Linear	Tonal shift

Macro on the Faceplate

To expose a macro as a user control:

1. Add a Knob widget to your faceplate
2. Bind it to the Macro node’s Value parameter
3. Rename the control to something meaningful (“INTENSITY”, “WARMTH”)
4. Size it prominently - macros are often main controls

Best Practices

Naming

Give macros meaningful names that describe the result, not the technical function:

• “INTENSITY” not “Multi-parameter control”
• “WARMTH” not “Saturation and EQ”
• “SPACE” not “Reverb and delay mix”

Curve Selection

• Exponential: For parameters where users want fine control at low values (frequency, drive)
• Logarithmic: For parameters where high values need fine control (volume)
• S-Curve: For crossfades and smooth transitions
• Linear: When proportional response is intuitive

Testing the Full Range

Always test macro at 0%, 50%, and 100%:

• Does it sound good at all positions?
• Are there any extreme/unusable settings?
• Is the change musically meaningful throughout?

Using Multiple Macros

Create distinct “axes” of control:

• Macro 1: Intensity/drive
• Macro 2: Space/ambience
• Macro 3: Character/color
• Macro 4: Special/performance

Automation

Macros are ideal automation targets because:

• One parameter controls many
• Musically meaningful changes
• Smooth transitions with proper curves

Map macros to:

• MIDI CC for hardware control
• DAW automation for studio use
• Mod wheel for performance

Comparison with Direct Modulation

Approach	Best For
Macro	User-controlled morphing, performance, presets
LFO	Rhythmic, automatic movement
Envelope Follower	Dynamics-responsive effects

Macros and modulation sources can even be combined - an LFO can modulate the macro itself for evolving, complex textures.

Related

• Parameters & Modulation - Understanding base vs current values
• Modifiers & Modulation - LFOs and envelope followers
• LFO Node - Automatic modulation source