Macomate 88

Macomate is a physical modeling audio effect plugin that uses banks of tunable comb filters to create resonant, string-like timbres from any input signal. Originally developed in 2004-2005, this is a modern JUCE reworking with extensive new capabilities supporting VST3, AUv3 (iOS), and Standalone on macOS and Windows.

Key Features

• 88-voice comb filter grid — MIDI-addressed resonators with per-voice control over pitch, decay, brightness, stiffness, pan, output level, velocity sensitivity, and pitch glide
• Bidirectional digital waveguides — Scattering junction modeling with an adjustable rattle model that simulates loose object collisions at the bridge
• Tension modeling — Three physics models (A, B, C) produce distinct pitch-bend behaviors during attacks, from dramatic bends to subtle shimmer
• Per-voice ADSR envelopes — Attack, decay, sustain, and release shaping per resonator
• Tuning map support — 13 built-in tunings (12-TET, 19-TET, 31-TET, 53-TET, Pythagorean, Just Intonation, Maqam Rast, Maqam Bayati, Pentatonic, Shier Lu, Harmonic 16/32) plus custom .tun file import/export; separate maps for Comb, Feedback, and Quantizer
• Live quantization of comb filter tuning live tuning of comb filter tuning for subtle instabilities or dramatic effects
• 8 snapshots with morphing — Recall and morph between preset configurations with configurable morph time (0–10 seconds)
• Feedback delay — Three delay types (Regular, Tape, Waveguide) with tempo sync or midi pitch following; feedback path includes SVF, Analog-ZDF, and Ladder filter models with LP/BP/HP responses; frequency shifter for pitch-shifted feedback
• Per-voice LFO — LFOs targeting pitch, pan, and brightness
• Envelope modulator — Sidechain-aware depth/time modulation with envelope follower
• ADAA drive stage — Low-aliasing drive stage in feedback path
• Feedback dynamics — Compressor and soft-knee limiter in the feedback path
• Quantizer — Multiple pitch quantization modes with visualization

Perfect For

• Sympathetic string resonance effects
• Physical modeling and acoustic simulation
• Otherworldly reverbs and cave-like spaces
• Experimental sound design and texture creation
• Microtonal and alternative tuning exploration
• Adding organic, resonant character to any audio source

System Requirements

• macOS 11+ or Windows 10+ (desktop), planned: iOS 13+ (AUv3)
• VST3, AU, or Standalone compatible host (desktop), AUv3 host (iOS)