Documentation
PulseFold v1.4
Rhythmic modulation plugin for evolving, pulse-based movement. Complete reference guide.
Download PulseFold
VST3 and AU formats for macOS 10.14+ and Windows 10+
Download for macOS Download for WindowsOverview
PulseFold generates rhythmic modulation curves designed to add movement and life to static sounds. Unlike standard LFOs, PulseFold creates asymmetric, phrase-aware modulation that evolves over time rather than repeating mechanically.
The plugin works by generating a stream of pulses with controllable density, shape, and drift. These pulses can modulate volume, filter cutoff, panning, or any parameter in your DAW through host automation.
Parameters
| Parameter | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | 0.1Hz - 20Hz | Base frequency of the pulse generator |
| Density | 0% - 100% | Probability of pulse occurrence per cycle |
| Drift | 0% - 100% | Amount of variation in timing and amplitude |
| Shape | 0 - 4 | Pulse contour: Sharp, Soft, Exponential, Plateau, Random |
| Depth | 0% - 100% | Output amplitude of the modulation signal |
| Smooth | 0% - 100% | Lowpass filter on output for softer transitions |
| Sync | On/Off | Lock rate to host tempo |
| Output | -12dB to +6dB | Final output level with soft clip indicator |
Shape Modes
Sharp
Fast attack, immediate decay. Best for staccato rhythms and transient emphasis. Creates distinct, separated pulses with clear definition.
Soft
Sine-like contours with gradual attack and release. Useful for subtle breathing effects and gentle swells.
Exponential
Asymmetric curve with slow rise and fast fall. Mimics natural acoustic envelopes. Excellent for tension/release patterns.
Plateau
Quick attack, sustained hold, quick release. Creates gate-like effects with controlled sustain portion.
Random
Per-pulse variation in shape based on internal probability. Adds organic irregularity while maintaining overall timing.
Using Drift
The Drift parameter is central to PulseFold's character. At 0%, pulses are perfectly consistent. As Drift increases:
- Timing varies by up to ±20% from the base rate
- Amplitude fluctuates between pulses
- Occasional pulses are skipped based on Density probability
- Long-term evolution creates phrases rather than loops
For best results, start with moderate Drift (30-50%) and adjust to taste. High Drift values work well for ambient textures; low values suit tight rhythmic applications.
Host Automation
PulseFold exposes all parameters for host automation. Recommended workflows:
- Automate Density to build intensity over a section
- Modulate Shape alongside musical phrases
- Use Depth as a macro control for effect return amount
System Requirements
- macOS: 10.14 or later, Intel or Apple Silicon, 64-bit only
- Windows: Windows 10 or later, 64-bit only
- Formats: VST3, AU (macOS only)
- DAW: Any VST3/AU compatible host with parameter automation support
Installation
macOS
- Download and unzip the archive
- Copy
PulseFold.vst3to~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/ - Copy
PulseFold.componentto~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/ - Restart your DAW
Windows
- Download and unzip the archive
- Copy
PulseFold.vst3toC:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\ - Restart your DAW
Changelog
v1.4 (March 2026) — Added Shape randomization, improved CPU usage on Apple Silicon
v1.3 (January 2026) — Added Smooth parameter, fixed automation timing in Ableton Live
v1.2 (November 2025) — UI scaling improvements, added tooltips
v1.1 (September 2025) — Initial public release