ModulAir
Key Features
- 57 module types including virtual analog, FM, wavetable, and spectral formant oscillators plus ladder, Korg-style, comb, and resonator filters
- Up to 18 modules per patch with 64-voice polyphony and double-precision audio processing
- Color-coded drop-down menu patching system that replaces tangled virtual cables with a clean, readable interface
- Built-in vocoder, three 8-step sequencers, and a 4-channel 16-step trigger sequencer for rhythmic and melodic programming
- MTS-ESP dynamic micro-tuning support plus TUN/SCL file import for microtonal and alternate tuning exploration
- Full MIDI Learn with CC control on all parameters and a resizable user interface
- Native C++ engine optimized for extremely low CPU consumption even with complex modular patches
Description
ModulAir by Full Bucket Music is a modular polyphonic synthesizer plugin with 57 module types, up to 18 modules per patch, and 64-voice polyphony. Written in native C++ with double-precision audio processing, it delivers surprisingly low CPU usage even with complex patches.
The modular architecture covers oscillators (virtual analog, FM, wavetable, spectral formant), multiple filter models (ladder, Korg-style, comb, resonators), sequencers, envelopes, LFOs, ring modulation, and a vocoder. Rather than virtual patch cables, ModulAir uses drop-down menus and color-coded routing that keeps the interface clean and readable.
The oscillators and filters produce detailed, characterful sound across the frequency range. Users have compared its audio quality favorably to Voltage Modular, noting stable patches and impressive synthesis capabilities from a single developer.
ModulAir supports MTS-ESP dynamic micro-tuning by ODDSound along with TUN/SCL tuning file import, making it well-suited for microtonal and experimental composition. All parameters are fully MIDI-learnable, and the resizable UI (added in v1.3.3) adapts to any screen size.
The current beta (v1.3.3) runs on Windows and macOS in VST2, VST3, AU, and CLAP formats with Universal Binary 2 support for Apple Silicon. The download is approximately 4.5 MB with no registration or activation required.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does ModulAir compare to VCV Rack?
Both are modular synthesis environments, but ModulAir runs as a VST/AU/CLAP plugin inside your DAW while VCV Rack is primarily a standalone application (with a paid VST version). ModulAir uses drop-down menus instead of virtual cables, supports up to 64-voice polyphony, and has notably lower CPU usage.
Does ModulAir support micro-tuning and alternative scales?
Yes. ModulAir supports MTS-ESP by ODDSound for dynamic micro-tuning across multiple plugins, and it can also import TUN and SCL tuning files directly. This makes it particularly suited for microtonal, just intonation, and non-Western scale work.
Is ModulAir still in beta and actively developed?
The current version (1.3.3) is labeled beta, but it has been in continuous development since 2018 with major updates adding dozens of new module types. Full Bucket Music has a strong track record of maintaining their plugins long-term across their entire catalog.
How many presets does ModulAir include?
ModulAir ships with a modest collection of presets that the developer describes as "quirky." The real strength is in building patches from scratch using the 57 available module types. The KVR One Synth Challenge #117 featured ModulAir and produced many community-created patches.
