Time Modulator

Time Modulator is a recreation of a legendary 1970s analog delay processor, one of the most sophisticated time-based effects units ever created. Originally designed in the mid-1970s, this iconic unit achieved an unprecedented 95dB signal-to-noise ratio through innovative dual BBD (Bucket Brigade Delay) architecture combined with modified dbx 303 compander technology.

This plugin faithfully recreates the complete signal path of the original unit, including the proprietary ADL-70-D (Dynamic) and ADL-60-S (Static) delay modules, custom-modified dbx 303 compander boards, and the sophisticated internal LFO system. From the warm analog swirl heard on Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" to the otherworldly flanging on David Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes," from the thunderous bass processing on Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" to the iconic Darth Vader voice effects in Star Wars, Time Modulator captures the distinctive characteristics that made this legendary processor essential for both musical productions and groundbreaking sci-fi movie sound effects throughout the 70s and 80s.

Beyond faithful hardware emulation, Time Modulator introduces modern enhancements like comprehensive automation support and professional parameter smoothing. All while maintaining the authentic analog character and complex sonic interactions that defined an era of creative sound design.

Key Features

• Authentic dual BBD architecture:
  • Reticon SAD1024 BBD simulation with proper 1024-stage characteristics.
  • ADL-70-D Dynamic Module: Continuously variable 1–25ms primary delay.
  • ADL-60-S Static Module: Auxiliary delay with stable timing for complex effects.
  • Voltage-controlled clock generation with anti-aliasing and reconstruction.
• Modified dbx 303 compander system:
  • St. Croix's custom modifications optimized for outboard gear applications.
  • 95dB signal-to-noise ratio with sophisticated encode/decode processing.
  • Linked compressor/expander operation around delay modules.
  • Custom VCA filters and RMS detector pre-emphasis circuits.
• Complete LFO waveform set:
  • Six authentic waveforms: Sine, Square, Saw, Triangle, SSC, Random.
  • 0.1–10Hz frequency range with musical voltage control characteristics.
  • Function mode-specific behavior and waveform shaping.
  • Dual-phase output for authentic stereo delay modulation.
• 6-Preset system:
  • Flange presets 1–3: Matched delay ratios inspired by classic flanging configurations.
  • Delay presets 1–3: Extended delay times for echo and doubling effects.
  • Carefully tuned delay ranges and time relationships.
  • Seamless preset switching with parameter interpolation.
• Three function modes:
  • Audio Delay: Clean delay mode with extended timing for echo effects.
  • Time Mod: Primary flanging/modulation mode with complex feedback.
  • Phase Shift: Phase-based effects with quadrature LFO relationships.
• Authentic LED monitoring:
  • Time CV Limit LED: Indicates when CV modulation hits limiting rails.
  • Overload LED: Monitors input level after Input Level control.