NANDroid
Key Features
- Four squarewave oscillators routed through cascading NAND logic gates for complex noise generation
- Built-in LFOs provide rhythmic modulation of the gate-based synthesis engine
- Resonant filter shapes the raw noise output into more musical or focused textures
- MIDI note value available as a modulation source for pitch-tracking noise control
- MIDI gate functionality lets you trigger and hold noise bursts in time with your arrangement
- Two installation options: standard installer (.exe) or portable ZIP for manual setup
- Inspired by real Lunetta-style hardware modular circuits for authentic digital-logic sound character
Description
NANDroid by Fugue State Audio is a noisebox synthesizer that generates sound through virtual logic gate circuits. Inspired by the developer's own TrigPulser module from a hardware Lunetta-style modular system, it routes four squarewave oscillators through a chain of NAND gates to produce chaotic, unpredictable tonal textures.
The architecture works by feeding oscillator outputs into NAND gates, with those gate outputs then feeding into yet another gate stage. This cascading logic creates complex harmonic interactions that shift and evolve in ways traditional oscillators cannot replicate.
LFOs and a built-in filter extend the original hardware concept into more controllable territory. Version 1.01 added MIDI note value as a modulation source, giving users pitch-tracking control over the noise generation engine.
NANDroid is not designed for playing conventional melodic parts. MIDI notes gate the audio output so sound plays only when notes are held, but the pitch of incoming notes has no effect on the generated frequencies.
Built with SynthEdit using modules from RoyTech, Elena, Time Domain Modules, and QTN, the plugin ships as a Windows-only 64-bit VST3 instrument with both installer and portable ZIP options available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can NANDroid play melodies or chords?
No. NANDroid is a noisebox synth, not a traditional melodic instrument. MIDI notes gate the audio output on and off, but the pitch of the note has no effect on the generated sound. It is designed for noise textures and experimental sound design.
What is a Lunetta-style modular synth?
A Lunetta synth is a type of DIY modular synthesizer built around digital logic chips (like NAND gates and flip-flops) rather than traditional analog oscillators. NANDroid recreates this approach in software, using four squarewave oscillators feeding NAND gates to generate its characteristic chaotic sounds.
Does NANDroid work on macOS or Linux?
No. NANDroid is a Windows-only plugin requiring Windows 7 SP1 or later (64-bit). There is no macOS or Linux version available. It was built with SynthEdit, which produces Windows VST3 plugins.
What changed in version 1.01?
Version 1.01 added MIDI note value as a modulation source. This means the pitch of incoming MIDI notes can now modulate parameters within the synth engine, giving more expressive control over the noise generation despite not affecting the fundamental pitch output.
