Polydactyl#

Mastering-grade multiband dynamics processor

Overview#

Polydactyl is a multiband dynamics processor designed for anything from delicate mastering tasks to creative sound design. Polydactyl has four adjustable bands as well as pre and post processors. Each band features limiting, compression, expansion, noise gating, and various saturation and distortion controls. Polydactyl’s transparent dynamics processing and huge range from subtle and utilitarian to extreme and transformative makes it an invaluable tool in your DAW.

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.

Global controls and meters#

Volume In:

Changes the level of the signal coming into the plugin.

Volume Out:

Adjusts the output level of the plugin.

Frequency spectrum

Displays the audio output across a frequency spectrum from 20hz-20khz. The vertical lines can be clicked and dragged to adjust the band splits for the processors, and the horizontal lines can be clicked and dragged to adjust the levels of the bands.

In/Out meters

Displays audio levels for incoming and outgoing audio. The green bar shows RMS level, the yellow outline shows peak level, and the green bar shows maximum peak. If the signal peaks above 0dB at any time the maximum peak bar will turn red.

Envelope display

Shows audio processing over time. The dark gray is input audio, and light gray is output. The orange and cyan line shows the difference in amplitude: orange is compression, and cyan is expansion. Magenta shows the gain difference from input to output.

| |

Pauses the envelope graph.

Scale

Changes the speed (time scale) of the envelope graph.

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.

Processor select and band buttons#

Polydactyl contains six dynamics processors: Pre, Low, L Mid, H Mid, High, and Post. The processors each have independent controls and can be selected using the named band buttons or by clicking on the frequency spectrum.

The processors also feature the following buttons:

B (bypass)

Bypasses all processing for that band.

S (solo, split bands only)

Solos a band so only sound in its frequency range can be heard. Soloing a band bypasses Post processing.

L (link)

Links the controls of the Low, L Mid, H Mid, and High processors. When this is enabled, adjusting a parameter on one band will make the same adjustment on all other bands.

Processor controls#

Each processor has its own dynamics and distortion parameters. To edit a processor’s settings, select it by clicking on the relevant band button, or in the frequency spectrum.

Static curve meter

Shows the curve applied to incoming audio, and the level of audio being processed.

In and out meters

Displays audio levels for incoming and outgoing audio. The green bar shows RMS level, the yellow outline shows peak level, and the green bar shows maximum peak. If the signal peaks above 0dB at any time the maximum peak bar will turn red. The descending blue/pink bar shows positive/negative gain reduction respectively.

Blend

Dry/wet blend: at left, only the unprocessed signal is passed through, and at right, only the processed signal is passed through. Points in the middle are a blend of both signals (useful for effects like parallel processing).

Gain

Adjusts the level of the signal into the limiter. Higher settings increase average level and reduce dynamics.

Saturate

Increases saturation after Gain.

Room

Turning this up increases the amount of compression applied to the signal.

Floor

Increases the amount of expansion applied to the signal; at high levels this adds a noise-gating effect.

Release

Adjusts the rate of the envelope extractor. Lower settings result in more aggressive processing.

Stereo Link

At right, the same dynamics processing is applied to both channels. At left, the left and right channels are processed separately. Points in between are a mix. Settings toward the right can emphasize stereo imaging but can also create unwanted emphasis on either channel.

Soft Drive

Increases the amount of soft clipping.

Soft Blend

Blends between the unclipped signal at left and the soft clipped signal at right.

Zero Pop:

Turning this up adds zero-crossing distortion to the signal.

Hard Drive

Increase the amount of hard clipping.

Hard Blend

Blends between the unclipped signal at left and the hard clipped signal at right.

[name] Out

Adjusts the output level of the processor.

Weight Low (Pre and Post bands only)

This controls a low-shelf EQ in the sidechain path, increasing or decreasing the dynamics processor’s sensitivity to low-end signals.

Weight High (Pre and Post bands only)

This controls a high-shelf EQ in the sidechain path, increasing or decreasing the dynamics processor’s sensitivity to high-end signals.

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.

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 step sequencers. More detail on LFO modes can be found in the section below titled “Modulation page.”

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.

Env

Envelope follower. Turns the dynamics of the incoming signal into a modulation source.

MIDI CC

Parameters can be assigned to MIDI CCs. (Note: MIDI mapping of effects is not supported in all DAWs.)

Modulation Assignment#

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

Parameter slider

A copy of the parameter being modulated, for easy adjustment.

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 (only visible when MIDI Learn is checked on the Config > Interface page)

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.

Clear modulation

Resets modulation checkboxes, amounts, direction, and curve. Does not affect CC assignments.

Modulation Page#

Click the sections in the left column to navigate to that page and edit modulator settings and routings.

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.

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.

Reset LFO

Resets the LFO back to its default state, respecting Type.

Type: Wave#

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#

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.

Macro#

Mac 1-4

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

Env#

Envelope

An indicator of the current Envelope modulator value.

Index

Sets the range of the Envelope modulator.

Clear#

Clear All Modulation

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

Clear All CC Assignments

Clicking this clears all MIDI CC mappings.

Modulated parameters column#

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.

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.

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#

Interface tab#

Size

Sets the size of the plugin window.

Hue

Sets the color scheme of the plugin.

Fire

Adds some attitude to the plugin GUI.

Static

Adds some retro flare to the plugin GUI.

Light Mode

Inverts the plugin GUI.

Tooltips

Enables helpful tooltips when you mouse over parameters.

Enable scroll wheel

Allows parameters to be edited with the mouse wheel.

MIDI Learn

Enables MIDI mapping (right-click/cmd-click a parameter to bring up the modulation menu and click Learn CC).

Help tab#

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#

• Aldo Lamana
• Broken Circuits
• Hans Besselink
• James Tobias
• Josh Sager
• Kerry Leva
• Matt Lange
• Starthief
• Yugo Oshima