Device Details


Overview

Name | Version: Stax 1.0
Author: MattS6464
Device Type: Instrument
Description: Stax is a free, compact, and versatile polyphonic synthesizer. Whether you're sketching ideas or crafting unique sounds, Stax provides intuitive macro controls, a dynamically changing user interface, and expressive features. At its core, Stax builds on the concept of stacking square waves at octave intervals to emulate saw waves—but with a twist. By leveraging pulse width modulation, it allows you to deconstruct and reshape these waves into entirely new and unique sounds.

To see Stax in action, watch the below YouTube video or, explore the included Ableton Live project (created in Live 11.3.35).
https://youtu.be/4GXcYI4y_tg


Key Features:

Dynamic Interface: Stax’s display changes to show an appropriate UI for the last dial you adjusted for easy visualization, with direct editing available for the Envelope and LFO displays.

Powerful Oscillator: Three macro controls allow a variety of tonal combinations, opening up an expansive range of sounds.

Flexible Filter: Choose from four filter modes—Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, and Notch.

Modulation:
One LFO with adjustable rate in both synced and free time, morphable waveform, and fade-in time.
One envelope with full ADSR control.
Both modulators can be mapped to both the Filter Cutoff and Magic dial in a streamlined modulation matrix.

Velocity Sensitivity: Stax responds to velocity input, making your performances more dynamic and expressive. Adjust the sensitivity from fixed to fully responsive.

Mono/Poly Modes: Switch between monophonic mode (with note retriggering) or polyphonic mode, supporting up to 8 voices.

Glide and Pitch Bend: Smooth pitch transitions with adjustable glide (0ms to 1s) and pitch bend functionality (±2 semitones).

Output Gain Control: Fine-tune the output level for optimal balance and avoid clipping on stacked polyphonic sounds.


Why You’ll Love Stax:
Stax’s intuitive design, compact interface, and responsive controls make it effortless to bring your ideas to life. Best of all, it’s completely free to download and use, with an optional payment option to support the creation of future tools and devices.


This device has been tested and works in Live 11 and 12 Suite and will work with Max 8.5.8 and above (earlier versions may work but have not been tested).

Details

Live Version Used: 12.0.5
Max Version Used: 8.6.2
Date Added: Nov 30 2024 12:37:15
Date Last Updated: Dec 04 2024 23:49:09
Downloads: 0
Website: https://matts6464.gumroad.com/l/Stax
License: Commercial
Average Rating (2)

Log in to rate this device

5



Comments

Good Device, Lots of options/parameters to edit. Also super simple. But one bloody problem mate.... CPU EFFICIENCY. Its all fun and games until you try to group 2 or 3 "Stax" to play at the same time. FIRST COMMENT 🔥


Really like this device, please fix !!!
Great device, really easy to use and super effective. Another banger from MattS6464!
Thanks both for your feedback!
I've just published v1.2 of Stax which should reduce the CPU load as well as a couple more small tweaks.
You should receive an email with a link to v1.2, if not you can re-download it for free from the above Gumroad link!

Login to comment on this device.

Browse the full library