Loquelic Vereor#

A synthesizer built around interpretations of three classic synthesis algorithms

Loquelic Vereor's interface

Overview#

Loquelic Vereor is a complex oscillator built around interpretations of three classic synthesis algorithms with dual pitch control. It creates a huge variety of sounds parameterized by four tone and two pitch controls. Despite its old-school roots, Loquelic Vereor is more than capable in the context of contemporary sound design. If you need some leads for your house track or a drone for your newest film score, Loquelic Vereor’s easy-to-use timbral controls and deep modulation system make up an inspiring palette for any application.

Loquelic Vereor is heavily inspired by our hardware roots, and its structure is similar to complex oscillator modules, which are rarely found in the world of software. Loquelic Vereor has two oscillators, but they are used to modulate each other in different ways instead of simply being mixed together, creating unique timbres that are far more complex and varied than those found in more traditional multi-oscillator subtractive synthesizers.

Loquelic Vereor is a perfect extension to any producer’s toolkit. Creating the perfect melody, bassline, or sound effect has never been easier – and you’ve never heard anything quite like Loquelic Vereor.

Installation#

Windows#

Log into portal.noiseengineering.us Navigate to the “Plugins” tab, and click the link that says “Download for Windows” Double-click the downloaded file to run it. NE Products will use your web browser to authenticate your plugins. Log into your Portal account on the webpage that opens if prompted, then return to NE Products. Click on “Install/Update Plugins”. Close NE Products, run your DAW, and your plugins will appear!

Mac#

Log into portal.noiseengineering.us Navigate to the “Plugins” tab, and click the link that says “Download for Mac” When the download completes, open the installer file and follow the instructions. Open NE Products. On Mac, it can be found with Finder in Applications or with Spotlight. NE Products will use your web browser to authenticate your plugins when you run it. Log into your Portal account on the webpage that opens if prompted, then return to NE Products. Click on “Install/Update Plugins”. Once plugins are installed, the message at the top of the screen will display “Your plugins are up to date.” Close NE Products, run your DAW, and your plugins will appear!

Ableton Live troubleshooting
If you've installed your plugins but they aren't showing up in Ableton Live, please open Live, navigate to the Plugins tab in Preferences, and make sure that Use VST3 Plug-In System Folders is turned to On.

Uninstallation#

Run NE Products again, and click “Uninstall Plugins.” If you’d like to also remove their preset files, click “Uninstall Plugins and Presets.” Doing this removes all presets in the factory directories, including user-created presets, so please copy any files you’d like to save to a different location before performing this action.

Shortcuts#

Cmd/Ctrl+Click or Cmd/Ctrl+Mouse wheel
For finer control, hold Cmd (Mac) or Ctrl (PC) while moving a parameter.
Double click
Resets any parameter to its default state.
Scroll
Hover over any parameter and scroll to adjust. Scroll+Cmd (Mac) or Scroll+Ctrl (PC) give finer control.

All of these work to edit step levels in LFO Step shape as well.

Function descriptions#

Complex oscillators come from the world of hardware, starting with the famed Buchla synthesizers. In contemporary hardware, a complex oscillator is a pair of oscillators that modulate each other and are often processed by wavefolders. Here at NE, we like to put our own spin on things, so our complex oscillator uses three unique algorithms, giving you sounds you have never heard.

VO
The VO algorithm is roughly based off of the VOSIM algorithm described in Curtis Roads’s epic Microsounds. This algorithm amplitude modulates a carrier by an exponential to create a more complex harmonic structure. The simplest carrier is a sinusoid which produces a spectrum with a Gaussian distribution centered on the carrier. More complicated waveforms produce Gaussians around each harmonic, producing spectra similar to comb filtered noise. Pitch A is the fundamental frequency of the carrier. Pitch B is the retrigger frequency of the exponential decay.
FOLD
Sets the wavefold threshold on the final wavefolder
MORPH
Changes the waveform of oscillator A
MOD
Phase modulates oscillator A by oscillator B
DAMP
Sets the decay constant on oscillator B relative to its period
SS
Algorithm SS is a highly modified version of summation synthesis originally developed by James Moorer.
FOLD
Sets the wavefold threshold on the final wavefolder
MORPH
Changes the waveform of all oscillators
MOD
Phase modulates oscillator A by oscillator B
DAMP
Controls the generated spectra with higher values producing higher power harmonics.
PM
The PM algorithm is a naive time-domain two-oscillator phase-modulation implementation that combines both oscillators with amplitude modulation.
FOLD
Sets the wavefold threshold on the final wavefolder
MORPH
Changes the waveform of both oscillators
MOD
Phase modulates the oscillators by each other
DAMP
Blends between oscillator A and B through their product (AM)

Tone page#

Loquelic Vereor's timbre controls highlighted

Pitch A/Pitch B
Right-click to bring up the modulation window for broad-range pitch modulation.
oct (Pitch A/Pitch B)
Changes the pitch of the oscillator by octaves.
semi (Pitch A/Pitch B)
Changes the pitch of the oscillator by semitones.
cent (Pitch A/Pitch B)
Changes the pitch of the oscillator by cents.
Principal
Enables oscillator sync.
  • A: Oscillator B syncs to oscillator A.
  • X: Sync is disabled.
  • B: Oscillator A syncs to oscillator B.
Algorithm
Selects the synthesis algorithm used to generate sound. Descriptions of the different modes can be found in the section titled titled Function Descriptions above.
Fold/Morph/Mod/Damp
The four main tonal parameters of Loquelic Vereor. Parameter functionality varies by mode and is described in the section titled Function Descriptions above.
Type
Selects the envelope type used to control the dynamics of the synthesizer: Percido or ADSR.

Loquelic Vereor's envelope controls highlighted

Percido#

A simple attack/decay envelope with three parameters:

Time
Sets the overall length of the envelope.
AT/DC
Sets the ratio of attack to decay within the period set by Time.
Slope
Sets the curve of the envelope.

Loquelic Vereor's envelope controls highlighted

ADSR#

An ADSR envelope, common in many synthesizers.

Attack
Controls the attack time for the envelope: this sets the amount of time it takes the envelope to go from minimum to maximum.
Decay
Controls the decay time for the envelope: this sets the amount of time it takes the envelope to go from the peak reached in the Attack stage to the level set in the Sustain stage.
Sustain
Sets the sustain level of the envelope: this is the level the envelope holds at after the Attack and Decay stages while a note is held down.
Release
Sets the release time for the envelope: this is the amount of time it takes the envelope to go from the `Sustain level to minimum.

Slope Changes the curve of the Attack, Decay, and Release stages of the envelope.

Loquelic Vereor's filter controls highlighted

Volume
Sets the output level of the plugin.
Filter Mix
Controls the mix between a VCA and a VCA+filter.
Resonance
Resonance control for the filter. At high values, the Resonance modulates the filter cutoff frequency for added harmonic content. This parameter will only be audible if the Blend parameter is set higher than minimum.
Env Amount
Controls how much the envelope opens the filter.
Cutoff
Sets the minimum frequency for the filter.
Pitch Track
Controls how much the filter’s frequency tracks the notes being played.
Type
Sets the filter type: LP (lowpass), BP (bandpass), or HP (highpass). The filter will only be audible if the Filter Mix parameter is set higher than minimum.

Chorus Enables a vintage-inspired chorus. 0 is off, I is some, and II is a lot.

Velocity Toggles whether or not the synth’s dynamics change based on MIDI velocity.

Loquelic Vereor's preset controls highlighted

Presets#

Presets are stored in the computer’s file system, and the controls below allow for modification and navigation through the files and folders of presets. You can create a new preset “Category” by creating a subfolder in the preset directory, and saving new presets within it.

load
Load a preset.
save
Save a new preset.
< > (category)
Loads the next/previous folder of presets in the preset directory.
< > (preset)
Loads the next/previous preset.
nudge
Applies a small amount of randomization to all tonal parameters and modes. Randomization can be bypassed per control in individual parameter modulation menus. Useful for creating slight variations of sounds.
rand
Completely randomizes all tonal parameters and modes. Randomization can be bypassed per control in individual parameter modulation menus. Use this to create inspiring new sounds and ideas.
reset
Resets all parameters to their default settings.

Modulation#

All Noise Engineering plugins feature a comprehensive routing system making use of a variety of modulation types and sources. When modulation is enabled on a parameter, a box showing the range of enabled modulation will appear, and a small indicator will move within the range box showing the exact position of the modulation.

A slider with modulation enabled

Types of modulation#

Parameters can be modulated from a variety of sources:

LFOs
Four onboard LFOs that offer a variety of modes, from simple waveforms to envelopes to step sequencers. More detail on LFO modes can be found in the section below titled Modulation Page.
Mac 1-4
Macros. Four macro sliders can be assigned to any number of parameters. The macros can in turn be mapped to MIDI controllers, automated, or modulated with other LFOs.
Note
Changes value based on what note is currently played; the note range can be changed in Modulation > Other.
Env
Envelope. The onboard dynamics envelope of the synth. The modulation range of the envelope can be adjusted with the Envelope Index control on Modulation > Other.
Pressure
MIDI pressure. The modulation range of pressure can be adjusted with the Pressure Index control on Modulation > Other
Vel
MIDI note velocity.
Off Vel
Release velocity/off velocity; the velocity value when the note is released.
Slide
MIDI MPE slide.
Random
A random value that is generated for each note.
Learn CC
Parameters can be assigned to MIDI CC. MIDI Learn must be enabled on Config > MIDI.

Modulation Assignment#

When a parameter is right-clicked (Control+click on Mac), a context menu appears with modulation routing options:

The context menu for modulation assignment

Parameter slider
A copy of the parameter being modulated, for easy adjustment.
QT (Pitch only)
Quantizes the incoming modulation to semitone values when checked. Only appears when modulating the Pitch parameter.
On
Each modulation source has a checkbox; when checked, modulation from that source is enabled.
Index
Sets the amount of modulation from a particular source. Fully left, modulation is bypassed.
Dir
Direction. Sets the polarity and inversion of incoming modulation.
  • --> (unipolar): modulates from the point selected on the parameter up to the level indicated by the Index setting
  • <-> (bipolar): modulates around the center point set by the parameter
  • <-- (inverted unipolar): opposite modulation from unipolar
  • >-< (inverted bipolar): opposite modulation from bipolar
Curve
Each modulation source has a Curve slider that changes how modulation affects the parameter. In the center, modulation is linear, and the parameter movement matches incoming modulation exactly. To the right modulation is more logarithmic, and to the left more exponential.
Allow Randomize
When checked, this parameter can be randomized when “rand” (Tone page) is clicked.
Learn CC
Click this to enable MIDI CC learn on a parameter. Move a parameter on your MIDI controller and the plugin will exit learn mode and the parameter will now respond to that CC. If clicked by mistake, click Waiting on CC to exit learn mode. Click Forget CC to remove an assignment.
For this button to be visible, MIDI Learn must be enabled on Config > MIDI.
Clear modulation
Resets modulation checkboxes, amounts, direction, and curve. Does not affect CC assignments.

Modulation Page#

Click the modulator names in the left column to navigate to that modulator's page and edit settings. The left half of the page shows modulator settings, and the right half shows modulator routings.

The LFO page

LFO 1-4#

Index
Sets the modulation range of the LFO.
Type
Sets the type of LFO. Options include Wave, Step, and ADR, described in detail in the sections below.
Sync
Sets the source of timing for the modulator. * Free: A single completely freerunning LFO; never resets. * Transport: Speed is set in seconds, but the LFO follows the transport of the DAW. * Tempo: A single LFO that is synced to the DAW’s tempo and transport. * Poly Free: Each note played gets its own LFO; LFOs are reset at the start of each note. * Poly Tempo: A tempo-synced LFO is created per note; LFOs reset at the start of each note.
Reset LFO
Resets the LFO back to its default state, respecting Type.

Type: Wave#

The LFO page with a Wave LFO selected

Speed/Beats
Sets the rate of the LFO. In unsynced modes, this is a slider that sets the rate in seconds. In synced modes (Tempo and Poly Tempo), this is a fraction that sets the rate in beats (for example, 4/1 would be equal to 1 bar in 4/4 meter). If a synced mode is selected, the rate can be doubled or halved with the *2 and /2 buttons respectively.
Shape
Morphs between different waveforms.
saw/sin/tri/sqr/was
Selects a shape preset for the waveform. Choose saw, sine, triangle, square, or inverted saw.
Phase
Changes the starting point of the wave.
0/90/180/270
Selects a preset for the phase of the waveform.
Time Warp
Skews the timing of the waveform.
Noise
Adds randomness to the waveform.
Color
Only visible when Noise is above minimum. Changes the intensity of randomness added to the waveform.

Type: Step#

The LFO page with a Step LFO selected

Speed/Beats
Sets the rate of the sequencer. In unsynced modes, this is a slider that sets the rate in seconds. In synced modes, this is a fraction that sets the rate in beats (for example, 4/1 would be equal to 1 bar in 4/4 meter). If a synced mode is selected, the rate can be doubled or halved with the *2 and /2 buttons respectively.
Count
Sets the steps in the sequencer; the up and down arrows change the count by one, and the *2 and /2 buttons respectively double or halve the count.
Smooth
Adjusts how smooth the transition between steps is.
Time Warp
Skews the timing of the sequencer.
Random
Adds per-step randomization to the sequence.
Graph
Edit your sequence here by clicking and dragging or use the preset buttons:
  • rand: Randomizes the sequence entirely.
  • nudge: Slightly changes the values of each step.
  • up: Generates an ascending pattern across the steps.
  • dn: Generates a descending pattern across the steps.
  • ud: Creates a triangle pattern across the steps.
  • du: Creates an inverted triangle pattern across the steps.

Type: ADSR#

The LFO page with an ADR LFO selected

Polyphony
When checked, a new envelope is created for each voice. When unchecked, a single envelope is generated for all voices.
Loop
When set to once, the envelope goes through a single cycle per note press. When set to loop, the envelope will loop as long as a note is playing.
Attack
Controls the attack time for the envelope; this sets the amount of time it takes the envelope to go from minimum to maximum.
Decay
Controls the decay time for the envelope; this sets the amount of time it takes the envelope to go from the peak reached in the Attack stage to the level set in the Sustain stage.
Sustain
Sets the sustain level of the envelope: this is the level the envelope holds at after the Attack and Decay stages while a note is held down.
Release
Sets the release time for the envelope; this is the amount of time it takes the envelope to go from the Sustain level to minimum.
Slope
Sets the curve of the envelope with linear in the center.

Macro#

The Macro page

Mac 1-4
Four sliders that can be assigned to any number of other parameters, and modulated by LFOs or MIDI CCs.

Other#

The Other page

Note
An indicator of the current Note modulator value.
Start
Sets the lowest note in the Note modulator range. Notes below this give the minimum value.
Interval
Sets the highest note in the Note modulator range. Notes above this give the maximum value.
Envelope
An indicator of the current Envelope modulator value.
Index
Sets the range of the Envelope modulator.
Pressure
An indicator of the current Pressure modulator value.
Index
Sets the range of the Pressure modulator.
Velocity
An indicator of the current Velocity modulator value.
Off Vel
An indicator of the current Off Velocity modulator value.
Slide
An indicator of the current Slide modulator value.
Random
An indicator of the current Random modulator value.

Clear#

The Clear page

Clear All Modulation
Clicking this removes all modulation routings from the patch. Use it wisely.

Modulated parameters tab#

When a modulator (LFO, Macro, or Other) is assigned to a parameter, the parameter will appear in this list when on that modulator’s page. For instance, if LFO 1 is modulating Attack, click LFO 1 on the left side to view the modulation amount, curve, and checkbox for Attack (and any other LFO 1 modulated parameters) on the right.

The modulated parameters column

Group
Selects a category of parameters, grouped by location in the interface. For example, the Fold parameter is in the Oscillator group.
Param
Selects a parameter from the current Group category.
Add Route
Adds modulation routing for the selected parameter from the selected modulator.
Clr Routes
Click twice to remove all modulation assignments for the current modulator. To remove a single assignment simply uncheck the On box.
Add Rand
Adds a random modulation destination.
QT (Pitch only)
Quantizes the incoming modulation to semitone values when checked. Only appears when modulating the Pitch parameter.
On
Each modulation source has a checkbox; when checked, modulation from that source is enabled. When unchecked on this page, it is removed.
Index
Sets the amount of modulation from a particular source. Fully left, modulation is bypassed.
Dir
Direction. Sets the polarity and inversion of incoming modulation:
  • --> (unipolar): modulates from the point selected on the parameter up to the level indicated by the Index setting
  • <-> (bipolar): modulates around the center point set by the parameter
  • <-- (inverted unipolar): opposite modulation from unipolar
  • >-< (inverted bipolar): opposite modulation from bipolar
Curve
Each modulation source has a Curve slider that changes how modulation affects the parameter. In the center, modulation is linear, and the parameter movement matches incoming modulation exactly. To the right modulation is more logarithmic, and to the left more exponential.

Config Page#

The voicing page

Controls#

Tuning of A4
Offsets the base pitch of the synthesizer; defaults to contemporary “concert pitch” (A=440hz).
MIDI Learn
Enables MIDI mapping (right-click/cmd-click a parameter to bring up the modulation menu and click Learn CC).
MPE
Enables MPE control within the plugin.
Bend Range
Sets the pitch bend range in semitones.
MPE Bend Range
Sets the range of MPE pitch bend in semitones. Most controllers and DAWs expect the default value of 48 semitones.
Polyphony
Sets the maximum number of simultaneous voices the plugin can play.

Tuning#

12-tet
Sets the pitch scaling of the plugin to the default twelve-tone equal temperament tuning.
Load .scl
Allows the user to load Scala files for different tuning systems.

Graphics#

Static
Adds some retro flare to the plugin GUI.
Size
Sets the size of the plugin window.
Hue
Sets the color scheme of the plugin.
Fire
Adds some attitude to the plugin GUI.

Help#

Tooltips
Enables helpful tooltips when you mouse over parameters.
Get Manual
Opens the plugin product page.
I Need Help
Uploads anonymized system information used for troubleshooting and opens the support form. If you’re having an issue please press this button and fill out the form to tell us what the problem is! You can also always reach us at noiseengineering.us/pages/contact. Drop us a line and we’ll get back to you within two business days.
See All NE Plugins
Opens the plugin shop. Check out all the Noise!

Plugin Locations#

Plugin presets install to the following locations:

Windows
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Noise Engineering\
Mac
/Users/[name]/Library/Audio/Presets/Noise Engineering/

Noise Engineering plugins are installed to the default locations for the specified plugin formats. In a majority of cases, plugins will not need to be moved. In the rare instance that you need to move your VST plugins, find them in the following locations:

Windows
C:/Program Files/Common Files/VST3/Noise Engineering/
Mac
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

Note that AU and AAX plugins cannot be moved. For reference, they are installed here:

Mac AU
/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
Mac AAX
/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/Noise Engineering/
Windows AAX
C:/Program Files/Common Files/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/Noise Engineering/

About NE#

Noise Engineering is located in Los Angeles, California. We started around 2014 when Chief Noisemaker Stephen McCaul wanted a hobby for his off time from his day job and started making Eurorack modules in a spare bedroom at home. One thing led to another and a couple of years later, he and wife Kris Kaiser quit their day jobs and took the company full time. Noise Engineering has since grown in size and has established itself as a well-regarded and innovative synthesizer brand, with products in Eurorack, 5U, and multiple software platforms.

Special thanks#

  • Starthief
  • Dave Dean
  • Douglas Hill
  • Hans Besselink
  • James tobias
  • Josh Sager
  • Kerry Leva
  • Matt Lange
  • Rene Boscio
  • Shanda Nunez
  • Broken Circuits
  • Yugo Oshima