A powerful synthesizer and sound platform built for endless hours of inspiration.
Welcome to Current!
Thank you for purchasing Current by Minimal Audio.
This manual covers the key features of Current: a next-generation synth, sampler, and FX engine designed to unlock your creativity. Whether you're building cinematic textures, futuristic leads, or evolving soundscapes, Current gives you the tools to do it all.
We’ll continue improving Current with regular updates, new features, and expanded content in Stream, our cloud-based library of presets, samples, and wavetables.
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What is Current?
A Powerful Synthesizer
Current is a virtual instrument. It runs as a plug-in in all major DAWs, such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools, and as a standalone application that needs no DAW.
It includes multiple types of synthesis and sampling methods, a flexible effects rack, MIDI effects, full modulation capabilities, and an integrated sound platform called the Stream.
Built for everyone
We believe that creators of all experience levels deserve a powerful tool that meets their unique needs. Current is designed to inspire endless hours of music-making, whether you prefer to explore presets or dive deep into crafting your own custom patches.
Always something new
Thanks to our cloud-connected Stream, Current can continuously access new presets and sounds without you ever having to leave your project. Regular updates include new features, effects, optimizations, and other enhancements.
How to Install Current
Download the installer
To access the most up-to-date installers, please log in to your user account and open the My products page. From there, locate Current and download the relevant installer for your operating system.
Note that when connected to the internet, Current will notify you if a new update is available and you can choose to download it directly from the plug-in.
Quit your DAW
Before installing, make sure to save and quit any projects that are currently open. If the Current standalone app is running, quit it as well. This is required for the update to work properly.
Install Current
Open the installer, which will be named either Current.pkg (macOS) or Current.exe (Windows).
The installer will guide you through the necessary steps for installation. You can choose to install VST2, VST3, AU (macOS), and AAX (Pro Tools) plug-in formats, as well as the standalone application.
On Windows, the standalone application is installed to Program Files\Minimal\Current with a Start menu shortcut.
Open your DAW
Once the installation is complete, open your DAW and locate Current in your audio plug-ins folder, or launch the Current app. See Standalone App for more info on the standalone application.
Note that sometimes restarting your computer is required before the plug-in will show up. If the issue persists, look into options for rescanning plug-ins in your DAW, or contact our support team for further assistance.
Each DAW is different. For more information on loading plug-ins, reference your DAW’s manual.
Standalone App
Overview
Current includes a standalone application, so you can play it without a DAW. The standalone application is installed alongside the plug-in formats. On Windows, the installer adds a Start menu shortcut. See How to Install Current for more info.
Audio/MIDI Settings
To choose your audio and MIDI devices, open the global settings dropdown and select Audio/MIDI Settings…, or click the Current logo in the top bar. This opens the Settings window, which has three sections.
Audio
Driver. Choose the audio driver type. Shown on Windows.
Input. Choose the audio input device, or None.
Output. Choose the audio output device.
Sample rate. Set the sample rate of the audio device.
Buffer size. Set the buffer size of the audio device, shown in samples and milliseconds.
Show control panel. Opens the driver's own control panel. This button is shown when the driver has one.
MIDI
Inputs. Select the MIDI inputs you want to play from.
Tempo. Set the tempo used for synced features, in place of a DAW's project tempo.
Global Tune. Set the reference frequency for A4. See Global Settings for more info.
Computer keyboard. When enabled, you can play Current from your computer keyboard. This is on by default. See Key Commands for the key layout.
System Requirements
Operating Systems
Our plug-ins fully support:
macOS 10.11 and higher (including native Apple silicon)
Windows 10 and higher
Plug-in Formats
Current is available in the following formats:
VST2
VST3
AU (macOS)
AAX (Pro Tools)
Standalone application
To use Current as a plug-in, you need a 64-bit digital audio workstation (DAW) that supports third-party plug-ins in at least one of these formats. The standalone application needs only an audio output device.
Internet Connection
An internet connection is required for activation, but not for general use.
Current’s Stream view offers a cloud-connected sound platform where you can download new presets and sounds directly from the plug-in. While an internet connection is required to browse new content, the Stream also functions offline, allowing you to search and use everything you've already downloaded without needing to be online.
Parameter Locking
Parameters and settings in Current can be locked so they keep their value when you load presets.
Right-click a knob, slider, button or dropdown and choose Lock. Choose Unlock from the same menu to release it. Locked controls are shown in brackets. Settings that are not automatable can be locked too.
Oversampling and Audio accuracy have their own Lock item in the global settings dropdown. MPE mode and Global Tune are locked by default, since they describe your setup rather than the sound.
Overview and Navigation
Overview
Current features four primary views: Play, Engine, Effects, and Stream. You can access each view by clicking the corresponding button in the left navigation bar.
Each view contains nested panels that offer functionality tailored to that view's specific goal. This layout helps you stay focused in one area of the instrument while navigating between sections.
Note that you can set the Default view in the Additional Settings so that your preferred view is always open when creating a new instance.
Current's powerful sound engine includes two wavetable oscillators, a granular sampler, an additive sub oscillator, and a time-stretching sampler. These modules can be combined in different ways to create complex, hybrid sounds. Two morphing filters and dedicated FM and mixer panels provide additional sound shaping and routing options. This semi-modular approach makes sound design both accessible and deeply customizable.
Current includes two high-fidelity wavetable oscillators powered by spectral processing, delivering alias-free waveform reproduction. Use the Position knob to explore dynamic timbral shifts across waveforms, enabling richly expressive patches.
Explore a diverse library of wavetables from raw analog classics to bowed strings and aggressive bass growls. Customize each wavetable with wave and warp effect slots, including formant shifting, wave shaping, and filtering. You can also drag and drop your own audio files to create custom wavetables.
Sculpt precise, powerful low-end with an additive synthesis engine that uses sine wave partials. Fine-tune harmonic content, apply wave-shaping and pitch envelopes, and inject movement into your bass with spectrum effects.
Load loops, one-shots, or noise from the Stream or your personal collection. Advanced time-stretching keeps everything in sync with your project tempo, making the sampler a versatile layer or centerpiece in any patch.
Route filters in series or parallel with morphing, comb, and vowel modes. Perfect key tracking ensures tuned resonance for musical and resonator-style effects.
Unlock deep modulation possibilities with a flexible FM/AM system. Any module can modulate another or even itself enabling harmonic enrichment, instability, and experimental textures. A built-in noise source adds an extra edge.
The mixer panel gives you a clear view of your signal flow. Control levels, solo sources, send direct outputs, and shape your overall patch with intuitive gain controls.
Presets and Sounds
Overview
Current supports the creation of custom user preset packs that integrate seamlessly into the Stream browser and PlayView. You can fully customize pack artwork, name, description, and metadata, making it easy to organize personal libraries or distribute third-party content.
In addition, Current’s factory content (wavetables, samples, presets) can be relocated to an external drive, allowing for more flexible storage when managing large libraries.
In this section, we will explain how to create your own preset packs that can be browsed in the Stream. This will allow you to easily utilize the Stream for third-party or preset packs and customize the pack artwork that is shown in the Play view.
You have the option to fully customize the pack's name, art, tagline, and description. Additionally, each preset can be saved with tags, allowing for easy searchability.
Creating a Pack
To create a pack, open the global settings dropdown and choose Presets and content → Create user pack…. Enter a name and click Create pack. Current creates the pack folder with placeholder art and a pack.json file that can be opened using a text editor. Inside the JSON, you will find a place for the pack's tagline and description.
Here are the ways you can customize the pack:
Pack name: the name of the folder.
Pack contents: any presets contained in the folder.
Pack artwork: add a PNG with the name primary_image.png to the pack folder.
Pack tagline: update the tagline contained within the pack.json file.
Pack description: update the description contained within the pack.json file.
After modifying the pack, it is necessary to select Presets and content → Rescan preset folders from the global settings dropdown for the changes to take effect. Please note that you only need to do this once after making a change, as all instances of Current will be updated.
Top Bar
The top bar offers quick access to essential controls and settings, including account information, notifications, global settings, and options for loading and saving presets.
1. Current Logo (Standalone)
In the standalone app, the Current logo in the top bar is a button that opens the Audio/MIDI Settings window. See Standalone App for more info.
2. Tooltips
Click here to enable in-app tooltips. Once activated, hover over any control to learn more about its functionality.
3. Account Info
Click here to view your Minimal Audio account and license information. You can also log out of the plugin from this panel, freeing up one of your seats for use on another computer.
4. Notifications
Click here to view any active messages or alerts, such as available updates or missing preset warnings. A red dot will appear over the bell icon when there are active notifications to check.
5. Preset Browser
Click on the currently loaded preset's name to open the preset popup and browse all downloaded presets.
6. Save Preset
Open the save popup. Enter a preset name and choose the pack to save to. The same dropdown also offers Show user presets and Create user pack. Enable Embed user content to store any user samples and wavetables inside the preset. Use Search tags to find tags, click a tag to apply it, and review your choices under Selected. Clear removes them all. Click Save to finish.
7. Additional Settings
Open the global settings dropdown. This provides options such as adjusting the window size, initializing the current preset, and much more. Please see the Additional Settings page for more info.
8. Cloud Status
This icon indicates whether you are in Cloud or Local mode, and it also shows if any downloads are currently in progress.
9. Output Gain & Limiter
At the far right of the top bar, you'll find an output gain slider and a soft-clip limiter button.
Current features a flexible FM system, allowing any sound source to frequency modulate (FM) or amplitude modulate (AM) another module, including itself. This capability can be used for FM synthesis or to introduce extra harmonics and instability into your patches. A noise source is also available for adding extra grit.
On the left side of each row, you’ll find the name of the carrier, which is the module that will be modulated based on the other settings.
FM/AM
1. Source. Select what modulates the carrier: Feedback (the carrier modulates itself), any other sound source, Noise, or the output of Filter 1 or Filter 2.
2. Amount. Adjust the depth of the modulation being applied.
3. Mode. Choose between through-zero frequency modulation and a unique form of amplitude modulation. Note that the sampler does not support AM/FM when in Flex mode.
Mixer Panel
Overview
Current includes an engine mixer panel. The mixer panel offers a centralized view for adjusting each sound source’s level, with additional options like solo, direct out, and engine output gain.
Mixer
1. Solo. Solo an individual sound source; only one sound source can be soloed at a time. You can also solo a sound source by Command-clicking (macOS) or Ctrl-clicking (Windows) on its icon button in the respective engine tab.
2. Direct Out. When active, the sound source will not pass through the filters or effect rack.
3. Level. Adjust the gain of each individual sound source. This control functions identically to the Level control found on the individual sound source panels.
4. Engine Output Gain. Set the output gain for the polyphonic synth engine before it is sent to the effect rack. This feature is useful for gain staging before reaching the effects rack or for modulating the level of all sound sources simultaneously.
Effects View
Overview
The Effects View contains Current’s effect rack with nine freely loadable effect slots.
You can also edit and assign modulation from the modulation control bar and adjust settings in the keyboard area.
1. Effect Rack
Current’s effect rack includes effects such as Cluster Delay, Morph EQ, and more. The rack allows you to load up to nine effects of any type and reorder them to craft your perfect effect chain. You can also save these chains as rack presets for easy reuse across different patches.
In Current's effect view, click on any effect slot to open the effect selector. Hover over an effect to load it into the selected slot.
3. Modulation Control Bar
The modulation control bar, located at the center of the Effects View, lets you easily assign modulation via drag and drop, access the mod matrix for detailed editing, swap modulator types, and open individual modulator panels.
Current’s keyboard area features an arpeggiator and chord generator for quickly creating melodies and chord progressions.
On the right side of the keyboard, you'll find the key and scale selectors. Aligning these with your track ensures that the arp and chord modules will always play in key.
The Stream is Current’s cloud-connected preset and sound browser.
It provides access to new presets, samples, and wavetables that are organized into themed packs. As packs are added, they will appear here, providing a continuous stream of inspiring material for you to draw from.
Finding what you're looking for is made easy with text search and a comprehensive tagging system. You can preview, favorite, and load everything directly into the instrument. This allows you to build your library and stay in the flow.
1. Stream Tabs
View presets, samples, or wavetables, by selecting the relevant tab at the top of the Stream View.
2. Sort Options
The current search results can be sorted in the following ways:
Shuffle. Display search results in random order.
Sort A-Z. Sort search results alphabetically.
Recent. Sort search results by most recent, ensuring that new packs and sounds appear at the top.
3. Local & Cloud Mode
These buttons allow you to toggle between Local and Cloud modes in the Stream.
In Local mode, the Stream behaves as if there is no internet connection, so you can only browse packs and sounds that are already downloaded.
Cloud mode gives you access to everything available in the Stream, whether you've downloaded it or not.
4. Search Controls
On the left side of the Stream View, you'll find all the search controls.
Here, you can switch between expansion pack and individual sound searches, search by text, apply high-level filters like "Favorites," "Owned," and "User," and use tag-based filtering to find exactly what you're looking for.
5. Browser Area
Here, you’ll see the current pack or sound search results.
Packs. Each expansion pack includes a description, ownership and favorited status, and a button to download or purchase the pack through our website.
Click on a pack to explore its contents and discover the exact sound you're looking for.
Presets & Sounds. Each preset or sound includes an audio preview along with essential information such as the pack name and preset type.
You can favorite and download the individual sound or load it immediately using the button on the left.
Filters
Overview
Current includes two multi-mode filters. The filters can be routed in series or parallel and provide a variety of types, including morphing, comb, vowel, and more. Perfect key tracking is also available for perfectly tuned resonance and resonator effects.
1. Filter Types
Filter Type (Top Bar). Choose from a variety of filter types, including morphing, comb, formant, and more.
The Filter Type menu groups the filter types into six categories: Basic, Morphing, Creative, Formant, Comb and Phaser.
The Morphing category includes the morphing filter at four slopes: Morph 12, Morph 24, Morph 36 and Morph 48.
2. Display Controls
Filter Inputs. Choose which sound sources will be sent through the filter.
Filter Mix. Control the balance between the incoming signal and the filtered output.
3. Filter Controls
Cutoff. Adjust the filter's frequency in Hz or as a semitone offset in key track mode.
Key Track Mode. When activated, the filter will track the pitch of each individual note in the same way as the oscillators, and Cutoff will offset this frequency in semitones. Key-tracked cutoff follows the Global Tune setting.
Resonance. Adjust the resonance of the filter. Higher values will result in sharper peaks in the frequency spectrum.
Filter Spread. Adjust the relative cutoff of the left and right channels to create wide stereo filtering effects. Positive values gradually increase the right filter and lower the left filter. Negative values have the opposite effect.
Morph. Manipulate the internal filter configurations to create more nuanced and complex effects. The filter will be changed in different ways depending on the selected filter type.
The precision of filter modulation follows the Audio accuracy setting in Global Settings.
4. Filter Routing
Series Routing. In Series mode, Filter 2 processes the output of Filter 1. It is also possible to add an input source to Filter 2 separately from Filter 1.
Parallel Routing. In Parallel mode, both filters will work independently of each other. Any combination of the two separate filters can be used to process each input.
Chord Generator
Overview
Current’s keyboard area includes a chord generator that can be used to quickly create chord progressions.
The chord and arp tabs can be dragged to change their order, enabling the arpeggiation of chords or the transformation of arpeggios into chord sequences.
The on-screen keyboard marks generated notes with a ring. See Keyboard & Scales for more info.
1. Chord Tab
Chord tab. Click on the tab to view the chord generator. The Arp and Chord can be reordered by dragging either of their tabs.
2. Chord Sets
Chord Set Preset. Each preset consists of seven chords, one for each note in the currently selected scale. These chords will automatically snap to the key to the right of the keyboard, making it easy to match them to your track.
Random Chord Preset. Click the shuffle button next to the chord set preset to load a random chord set.
Scale Degree. To select a chord, click on its corresponding button here. The individual chord settings are displayed on the right when selected and can be adjusted separately for each note in the scale. If you want to copy a chord from one note in the scale to another, simply drag and drop the button.
3. Chord Type & Voicing
Chord Type. Choose one of three base chord types on which the rest of the chord will be built.
Natural. A basic triad chord consisting of intervals 1, 3, and 5.
Sus Low. A suspended chord consisting of intervals 1, 2, and 5.
Sus High. A suspended chord consisting of intervals 1, 4, and 5.
Chord Voicing. Choose an additional voicing option to be applied after adding or subtracting notes from the chord.
Inversions. Standard inversion options that can be used to create smoother chord progressions.
Creative. These are unique voicing options that can produce massive stacked chords or spread out the notes across multiple octaves.
4. Additional Controls
Interval Grid. This grid of buttons allows you to add or subtract individual intervals from the currently selected chord, including options for one octave above and below. Note that this will affect which voicing options are available.
Strum. Adjust the spacing between each note in the chord to create an effect similar to strumming a guitar. Positive settings will strum from the lowest notes in the chord up to the highest, while negative settings will start high and end low.
Randomize Chord. Use smart randomization to generate settings for the currently selected chord.
Arpeggiator
Overview
Current’s keyboard area includes an arpeggiator that can be used to quickly create melodies.
The arp and chord tabs can be dragged to change their order, enabling the arpeggiation of chords or the transformation of arpeggios into chord sequences.
The on-screen keyboard marks generated notes with a ring. See Keyboard & Scales for more info.
1. Arpeggiator Tab
Arpeggiator Tab. Click on the tab to view the arpeggiator. The Arp and Chord can be reordered by dragging either of their tabs.
2. Note Pattern
Note Mode. Choose the melodic pattern that will be applied to the currently playing notes.
One-Shot Mode. When activated, the arpeggiator will play through the note pattern once and then stop.
Steps. Set the number of times that each note will be transposed according to the current Shift setting.
Step Shift. Adjust the interval that the arpeggiator transposes with each additional Step. This shifting is automatically locked to the currently selected scale.
Alternate Steps. When active, any additional Steps that are added will be inserted between each note that is played through the arpeggiator. When inactive, each note played through the arpeggiator will be played in sequence, shifted, and then repeated.
Step Offset. Shift the arp pattern forward or backward by a certain number of steps.
3. Rhythmic Pattern
Rhythmic Mode. Choose from a variety of rhythmic patterns to apply to the arpeggiation. The patterns range from simple backbeats to complicated sequences, and even exponential rhythms.
Swing. Adjust the amount of swing that will be applied to the arpeggiation.
Rhythm Start. Shift the arpeggiator rhythm forward or backward by a certain number of steps.
Exponential Curve. Adjust the intensity of the currently selected exponential rhythm.
Step Length. Set the length of each step according to the Rate and the currently selected rhythmic pattern.
Rate. Adjust the speed at which new notes are generated by the arpeggiator.
Rate Sync. When activated, the arpeggiator Rate will be set as a BPM-synced value. Otherwise, it will be set in milliseconds.
Skip. Set the percentage chance that an arpeggiator note will be randomly skipped. This is a great way to add unpredictability to the arpeggiator.
Keyboard and MIDI Effects
Overview
Current’s keyboard area brings together essential voicing controls, pitch modulation, and scale-based music tools all integrated into a performance-ready interface. On the left, you’ll find powerful creative tools like the Arpeggiator and Chord Generator, which can be reordered to shape how notes and harmonies are generated. On the right, key and scale settings ensure everything stays in tune with your project.
Key Functions
Keyboard Scale & Root Selection
Define the root note and scale to keep all generated notes in key. The Arpeggiator and Chord Generator both follow this setting, making it easy to lock in harmonically.
Voicing Controls
Adjust global pitch, voice count, glide, and legato behavior for expressive and playable patches.
Mod & Pitch Wheel Settings
Customize mod wheel depth, pitch bend range, and performance responsiveness directly from the panel.
Arpeggiator
Melodic & Rhythmic Patterns
Choose from note modes, rhythmic styles, swing, and skip probabilities to generate dynamic sequences.
Step Controls
Customize how patterns evolve over time with transposition shifts, alternate steps, offsets, and one-shot behavior.
Rate & Sync
Set speed in BPM or milliseconds and fine-tune groove with swing and exponential shaping.
Chord Generator
Chord Sets & Scale Matching
Each chord set includes seven chords that snap to the selected scale, with drag-and-drop reordering and editing.
Chord Type & Voicing
Build from triads or suspended chords and apply inversions or advanced voicings for richer textures.
Creative Controls
Add/remove intervals, adjust strum timing, and use smart randomization to spark new ideas quickly.
Good to Know
The Arp and Chord tabs can be reordered by dragging their labels enabling arpeggiated chords or chorded arps.
Scale Lock ensures scale settings stay consistent when switching presets.
The on-screen keyboard marks generated notes with a ring. See Keyboard & Scales for more info.
The Play View provides a fresh and expressive approach to sound design.
This view includes an interactive XY pad connected to four macro controls, providing ways to interact with presets. You can also see an overview of the current preset and sound engines, with options to bypass, solo, or quickly access each sound source for detailed editing.
Whether you're using presets from the Stream or creating your own from scratch, the Play View is designed to help you stay in the flow.
1. Macro XY pad
The XY pad displays the current preset pack art and includes two draggable handles, each linked to two macros that control key parameters within the preset.
When hovering over an XY pad handle, the corresponding macros are highlighted, and vice versa. A circular icon next to each macro name indicates whether it will be adjusted by horizontal or vertical movements on the XY pad.
You can also rename each macro by clicking on its text label.
Note that the circular pack art can be customized for user packs. See Creating Preset Packs for more info.
2. Preset info
The preset info area displays the name of the currently loaded preset along with its associated pack. Here, you can favorite the current preset or load the previous, next, or a random preset.
Note that preset loading matches the preset popup in the Top Bar, including the selected pack and search filters.
3. Engine Overview
The engine area offers an overview of each engine module. Clicking on a module's name takes you directly to it in the Engine View for further editing. You can also bypass and solo each sound source directly from the Play view.
4. Keyboard & Scales
The bottom section of the Play View includes a keyboard along with controls for setting Current's scale and root note.
Many presets utilize Current's arpeggiator and chord generator, which require a specific key and scale, so it's recommended to set these to match your project. You can also lock the currently selected scale to ensure it remains consistent across presets.
The on-screen keyboard marks generated notes with a ring. See Keyboard & Scales for more info.
This plugin supports native MIDI Learn, letting you map the knobs and sliders on your MIDI controller directly to plugin parameters with no DAW configuration required.
Mappings are saved with the plugin instance, so they recall with your project and persist across preset changes. You can also save them to a file for reuse, and set a default map that loads automatically with every new instance.
Learning a Control
Right-click the knob or slider you want to control and select Learn MIDI.
Move a control on your MIDI controller. The parameter is now mapped and follows your hardware.
Repeat for any other parameters you want to map.
Closing the plugin window cancels a pending Learn MIDI.
Editing a Mapping
Right-click a mapped control to change or clear its mapping:
Unlearn MIDI CC. Removes the mapping. The menu shows which CC is assigned, for example Unlearn MIDI CC 74.
Relearn MIDI. Reassigns the control to the next knob or fader you move.
How Mappings Behave
MIDI CCs respond on all channels (omni).
Each parameter responds to a single CC. Learning a new CC on a parameter replaces its previous assignment.
A single CC can drive several parameters at once. Learning the same CC on another parameter keeps both mappings.
Saving and Loading MIDI Maps
Open the Global Settings menu and select MIDI Map:
Save MIDI Map. Saves all current mappings to a .ma_midimap file.
Load MIDI Map. Restores mappings from a previously saved file.
Restore default map. Replaces the current mappings with your saved default map. Available once a default map has been set.
Clear MIDI Map. Removes all mappings, showing a confirmation of how many will be removed.
MIDI maps are specific to each plugin, so a map saved with one Minimal Audio product can't be loaded into another.
Using a Default MIDI Map
Open the Global Settings menu and select MIDI Map → Set Default Map. This makes the currently loaded map the default for every new plugin instance, so your controller always maps to the plugin the same way.
To remove the default, select Clear MIDI Map, then Set Default Map again to save an empty map as the default.
Keyboard & Scales
Overview
Current's keyboard area features essential keyboard and synth voicing controls, along with an integrated Arpeggiator and Chord Generator that can be accessed on the left side of the keyboard.
While the Arpeggiator or Chord Generator is active, the on-screen keyboard shows the notes they generate in real time: generated notes are marked with a ring on their keys, alongside the notes you are holding. This makes it easy to see exactly which notes a chord or pattern is producing.
1. Scale
On the right side of the keyboard, you'll find the key and scale selectors. Aligning these with your track ensures that the arp and chord modules will always play in key.
Scale Root. Choose the root note for the currently selected scale. The scale will be used by the arpeggiator and chord generator to produce notes that are always in key. Therefore, make sure to match it with your project.
Scale. The currently selected scale will be used by the arpeggiator and chord generator to ensure that they always stay in key. Make sure to match both the scale and its root note to your project.
Scale Lock. When active, the scale and root note will remain the same while changing presets.
2. Voicing
Global Pitch. Adjust the pitch of all sound sources simultaneously. To change the tuning reference (for example A = 432 Hz), use Global Tune in the global settings.
Glide. Set the amount of time it takes for overlapping notes to glide from the previous note.
Voices. Set the maximum number of voices that can be played at the same time. If the maximum number of voices is exceeded, the oldest voices will be deactivated. Current will operate in monophonic mode when the voice count is set to one.
Legato Mode. When active, modulation will only re-trigger if there are no overlapping notes. This allows you to play multiple notes with modulation being triggered only at the beginning of that sequence.
3. Mod & Pitch Wheel
Mod Wheel. Adjust the depth of the mod wheel modulator.
Pitch Wheel. Adjust the pitch bend amount.
Pitch Bend Range (PB). Set the pitch bend wheel's range in semitones.
Mod Matrix
Overview
Current's modulation matrix offers a dedicated popup for editing all aspects of modulation across an entire preset.
The mod matrix popup can operate in two different ways:
View a complete overview of all modulation assignments within a preset.
Focus on modulation connections for a specific parameter or modulator.
Full Mod Matrix
To view all modulation connections at once, click the “Matrix” button on the far left of the modulation control bar.
Each connection has Source, Destination, Amount, Depth Mod and Depth Amount columns.
Optional connection filtering is available at the top of the full matrix popup. Under "Filter by:", you can select a modulation source (Modulator) or destination (Destination) to display all associated connections. Use the bypass button to toggle connection filtering on and off.
Parameter & Modulator Popups
It is often useful to focus on the connections associated with a specific parameter or modulator without having to sort through all existing modulation connections. Current makes it possible to quickly open the mod matrix popup for any control or modulator.
To open the popup for an individual parameter or modulator, hold down the Command key (macOS) or Ctrl key (Windows) and click on a knob, slider, text slider, or modulator in the modulation control bar. Alternatively, you can right-click and select "View in Mod Matrix."
The popup also opens automatically when you drop a modulator onto a text slider. See Modulating Text Sliders.
Engine View
Overview
The Engine View is where you'll find all of Current's core oscillators, filters and more.
It includes five sound engines, two filters, dedicated FM and mixer panels, a modulation control bar, and a keyboard section with two MIDI effects.
1. Sound Sources
Current features two wavetable oscillators, a granular engine, an additive sub oscillator, and a time-stretching sampler engine. These sound sources can be navigated by clicking on their respective tabs.
Each sound source tab includes one or two buttons with icons corresponding to the tab's sound sources. Clicking this icon toggles the sound source on or off. Command-click (macOS) or Ctrl-click (Windows) on the tab icon to solo a sound source. Right-click the icon to access solo and direct out options.
Current features two multi-mode filters, a flexible FM system, and an engine mixer panel. Click on a panel tab to open it for detailed editing.
Learn more about each panel here:
The modulation control bar, located at the center of the Engine View, lets you easily assign modulation via drag and drop, access the mod matrix for detailed editing, swap modulator types, and open individual modulator panels.
Learn more about the modulation system here:
Current’s keyboard area features an arpeggiator and chord generator for quickly creating melodies and chord progressions.
On the right side of the keyboard, you'll find the key and scale selectors. Aligning these with your track ensures that the arp and chord modules will always play in key.
Learn more about the keyboard area here:
Effects Rack
Overview
Current's flexible effect rack allows you to load up to nine effects of any type and reorder them to create your ideal effect chain. You can also save these chains as rack presets for easy reuse across different patches. Virtually all Minimal Audio effects are available in the rack, including Cluster Delay, Morph EQ, and Rift's distortion algorithms, which are featured in the Polar Distortion effect.
1. Rack settings
The effect rack features full effect chain bypassing, along with options to save and load rack presets.
2. Effect slots
Click on a slot to view and edit the currently loaded effect. You can rearrange the order of effects by dragging and dropping each slot. On the left side of the effect slot, you'll find the bypass button, allowing you to toggle an individual effect on and off. On the right side, the effect selector button lets you swap between different effect types, or choose Clear Effect to empty the slot. Additionally, you can copy and paste effect slots by holding Option (macOS) or Alt (Windows) while dragging and dropping the slots.
3. Effects
All effects support sub-presets, making it easy to quickly find inspiration or save your settings for use in another patch. Learn about each individual effect here:
Morphing LFO
Overview
The LFO modulator can morph between four classic waveforms, with the ability to randomize each shape for smooth random modulation, sample and hold shapes, and more. Additionally, trigger modes and fade controls allow it to adapt to various use cases, from attack-decay envelopes to freely looping random shapes.
1. Trigger Modes
Choose how the modulator responds to incoming MIDI notes:
Timeline. The modulator will not respond to MIDI and will instead be synced to the DAW's timeline position.
Trigger. The modulator will be triggered by incoming MIDI and loop continuously after being triggered.
One-Shot. The modulator will be triggered by incoming MIDI and will only play through once each time a note is played.
Rate. Adjust the LFO Rate.
Rate Mode. Choose whether the rate is set in Hz or synced to the BPM, with straight, triplet and dotted options.
Randomize. Adjust the amount of LFO randomization. Note that each waveform randomizes in a unique way.
Level. Attenuate and invert the LFO’s output signal. This will impact the modulation wherever it is assigned.
LFOShape. Choose from sine, triangle, downward ramp, or square LFO shapes. When SNAP is disabled, these shapes can be continuously morphed.
ShapeSnap. Enable snapping between LFO shapes. When disabled, the LFO shapes are continuously morphed.
Phase. Adjust the phase offset of the LFO. This setting determines the starting point of the LFO when triggered. In Timeline mode, it adjusts the phase offset relative to the DAW's timeline position.
Fade In / Fade Out. One control that sets how quickly the LFO fades in or out. A value of zero will result in no fade. Not available in Timeline mode.
Moving the Sound Library
Overview
All presets, samples, and wavetables downloaded from the Stream are stored in the “Factory” folder within Current’s application support directory. If you’re downloading a large amount of content, this folder can become quite large, so you may want to move it to an external drive or another location.
Note that no user presets or samples are stored in this folder.
Moving the factory folder
Follow these steps to store this content library in a custom location on your computer or an external drive:
Quit your DAW and the Current standalone app to ensure no instances of Current are running.
Locate the “Factory” folder at the following paths:
macOS: Mac HD/Library/Application Support/Minimal/Current
Windows: C:\ProgramData\Minimal\Current
Move the Factory folder to your preferred location.
Open Current and select “Locate.” Then, navigate to the folder’s new location.
Restart your DAW so the changes apply to all instances of Current.
If the Factory folder has been saved in multiple locations, you can choose the desired one by selecting Presets and content → Locate factory folder… from the global settings dropdown.
Envelope Follower
Overview
The envelope follower can be used to create modulation signals from nearly any point within the polyphonic synthesis engine. It can track the amplitude of individual sound sources, both pre and post level control, allowing you to apply the dynamics of one sound source onto another, create internal sidechain ducking, and much more.
1. Input Source
Follower Source. Choose which sound source(s) the envelope should follow.
The Engine out option will use all active sound sources after they have passed through the Engine filters, but before they pass through the Effects rack.
Individual sound sources are also available, enabling you to create ducking effects between modules.
The Post Level options include the gain from the module's Level control, while the Pre Level options do not.
Sidechain follows the plugin's sidechain input, so an external track can drive modulation.
Invert Level. When activated, the envelope follower will be inverted, making it easier to use for ducking effects.
Attack Time. Set the amount of time it takes for the envelope follower to reach the maximum level of the input signal.
Release Time. Set the amount of time it takes for the envelope follower to return to a lower value when the input signal becomes quieter.
Sync. Enable BPM synchronization for the envelope follower's attack and release.
Level. Scale the follower's output, to attenuate it or to boost it on quiet sources. This will impact the modulation wherever it is assigned.
Envelope
Overview
The envelope modulator is a 5-stage AHDSR (Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelope with per-stage curve control and optional BPM-sync. It offers Looping and One-Shot modes, expanding its functionality for LFO tasks, one-shot wavetable scanning, and more.
1. Envelope Modes
Choose between three modes for how the envelope behaves.
Standard. This mode provides classic envelope behavior that tracks the note on and off.
One-Shot. In this mode, the envelope will play through all of its stages. The sustain stage will no longer hold while a note is down, but its level can still be set. This is great for percussive sounds and for scrubbing through a one-shot sample or wavetable.
Loop. In this mode, the envelope will loop through the attack, hold, and decay stages. The sustain stage will be ignored, and the release will still be triggered when the note ends. This can be used to create "function generator" signals similar to those found in many modular synths.
2. Envelope Controls
Attack. Set the attack time.
Hold. Set the hold time.
Decay. Set the decay time.
Sustain. Set the level held while the note is down, after the attack, hold and decay stages.
Release. Set the release time.
Sync. When active, all envelope stages will be synced to the current BPM.
Curve. Adjust the response of the envelope stage from exponential (negative) to linear (0%) and logarithmic (positive). The Attack, Decay and Release stages each have a curve control. The Hold stage has none.
Time Scale. Set the time scale for the envelope graphic.
Automatic Time Scale. When active, the time scaling of the envelope graphic will always snap to the smallest value that displays the entire envelope.
Envelope Level. Adjust the level of the envelope. This can be used to attenuate and invert the output of the modulator, allowing for adjustment everywhere it is being used.
Modulation
Overview
Current’s modulation system provides deep control through an intuitive visual interface located at the center of the Engine and Effects views. From this central Modulation bar, you can assign, edit, and manage modulators like Envelopes, LFOs, and Curve Sequencers, as well as access full modulation routing via the Mod Matrix.
Modulation is assigned via drag-and-drop, right-click, or from the matrix, with all assignments clearly displayed as modulation sliders beside knobs and sliders. Text sliders show no modulation indicator; their modulation is edited in the Mod Matrix. Each modulator type can be swapped on the fly, preserving connections and making experimentation easy.
Key Functions
Modulation Control Bar
Access all modulators, assign modulation, swap modulator types, and open the matrix from a centralized UI.
Modulation Matrix
View and manage all modulation assignments, either globally or per control/modulator, with advanced filtering and connection bypass.
Depth Modulation
Modulate the amount of modulation (e.g., macro → LFO depth) using nested connections—controlled directly from the modulation slider.
Multiple Assignments
Any parameter can accept multiple modulation sources, managed via a dropdown next to the control.
Keyboard & MPE Modulators
Built-in support for velocity, pitch bend, pressure, and other MIDI/MPE signals with fully editable response curves and ranges.
Envelope
A 5-stage AHDSR with looping, one-shot, and synced behavior ideal for both classic envelopes and creative modulation.
Morphing LFO
Morph between shapes with rate sync, trigger modes, fade-in, randomization, and phase offset.
Curve Sequencer
A versatile draw-based modulator with grid-snapping, shape tools, randomization, and sub-presets.
Envelope Follower
Converts amplitude from any source (pre/post level) or the sidechain input into a modulation signal. Great for dynamic FX or internal ducking.
Enable MPE support
Overview
Current fully supports MPE with the standard +/- 48 semitone pitch bend range.
The flexible Keyboard modulator panel offers additional customization options for each MPE value, allowing you to customize how Current responds to your performances.
To enable MPE in Current, follow these steps:
Ensure MPE support is enabled in your DAW.
Click on one of the keyboard modulators on the right side of the modulation control bar to open the keyboard modulators.
Click on “MPE” on the far right of the modulator panel to enable MPE in Current.
Assign the desired MPE modulators to parameters. Note that MPE modulators are not pre-assigned.
MPE mode is locked by default, so loading a preset never changes it. Set it once per instance and it stays that way, even when a preset was saved in the other mode.
In the standalone app, you can also enable MPE from the MIDI section of the Audio/MIDI Settings window. See for more info.
Your DAW may require you to manually enable MPE mode. Follow these steps to enable MPE in Ableton Live:
Connect your MPE-capable hardware, controller, or phone app with your computer.
Open Live’s Preferences: Link/MIDI.
Activate the MPE button for each device.
Right-click on Current's "Device Title Bar" in Ableton and select "Enable MPE Mode"
For more information on enabling MPE in Ableton, see .
Other common DAWs MPE Support Guide:
Keyboard & MPE Modulators
Overview
The keyboard and MPE modulators offer modulation sources for standard MIDI sources like velocity and pitch bend, as well as MPE-specific sources such as Slide and Press.
Each source can be restricted to a specific range, and its response can be adjusted from exponential to logarithmic to achieve the exact type of response required.
Note that these modulators are not pre-assigned to any parameters.
1. Keyboard Mode
Choose between Standard and MPE keyboard modes:
Standard. Classic MIDI keyboard controls, such as velocity and mod wheel.
MPE. Offers all available polyphonic expression values, such as glide and pressure.
While you can use an MPE controller in Standard mode and vice versa, it’s recommended to adjust the setting to match your controller to enable all associated features.
The keyboard mode is locked by default, so loading a preset never changes it. Set it once per instance to match your controller.
Each keyboard modulation source's response can be customized to best suit your patch and playing style. Simply click and drag the circular handles to adjust the input and output ranges, and drag the diagonal line to shift the curve from exponential to logarithmic.
You can also set these ranges using the text values at the bottom, which is helpful when you need precise control.
Input Min. Set the input value that results in the minimum output. This is useful for focusing the key modulator on a specific range of input values.
Input Max. Set the input value that results in the maximum output. This helps to narrow the key modulator’s focus to a particular range of input values.
Output Min. Set the minimum modulation value. This can be used to attenuate and offset the key modulator value before it affects any parameters.
Output Max. Set the maximum modulation value. This also attenuates and offsets the key modulator value before it influences any parameters.
Import User Samples and Wavetables
Overview
Current supports multiple ways to import your wavetables and samples.
Drag and drop. Drag and drop an individual audio file or folder onto the waveform display.
File browser. Hover over the waveform display and click the 'Folder' icon to open a file browser. Choose this option if you would like to import multiple audio files or folders.
Import Behavior
Audio files. Selected files will be added to the "User" pack.
Folders. Entire folders will be imported as individual packs.
Note. Subfolders will not be imported so ensure folders contain only audio files.
When adding wavetables, you will be prompted with different import options:
Import Existing Wavetable
Use this for third-party wavetables ready to be loaded.
Slice Instrument, Slice Synth, Slice With Pitch
These use algorithms to slice the audio file into individual frames to create a wavetable. For more information on wavetable import options, see .
Current’s additive sub oscillator is built to produce precise and powerful low-end with minimal effort.
Additive synthesis uses a bank of sine waves, known as partials, to simulate different waveforms. This is especially useful for a sub oscillator because it allows you to select the desired number of harmonics. It also enables harmonic mixing and other creative effects to create movement in the low-end.
Features such as an integrated pitch envelope, additive wave-shaping, and spectrum effects make it a comprehensive tool for all bass-related needs.
Sub Waveform (Top Bar). Choose the waveform type for the sub oscillator. The sub oscillator utilizes additive synthesis to provide a high degree of control over the low-end harmonics in your patch.
Partials. Specify the number of partials (harmonics) that the sub oscillator can produce. A single partial means that the oscillator generates a simple sine wave. Adding more partials will introduce upper harmonics that depend on the current sub oscillator mode.
Monophonic Mode. When activated, the sub oscillator will be forced into monophonic mode, even if the rest of the instrument is polyphonic. This can be useful for maintaining a clean, present low-end while still being able to play chords using the other engine modules.
Sub Lock.
Additional Settings
Current’s global settings offer deep control over workflow, system behavior, and customization. From preset management and graphics performance to oversampling and parameter locking, the global menu provides access to everything needed to tailor the plugin to your environment.
To access these options, click the gear icon in the top right of Current’s interface.
Presets and content
Initialize preset – Resets to the default patch.
The following are found in the Presets and content submenu.
Show user presets – Opens your user preset folder for organizing content.
Locating the factory folder
Keyboard & MPE
Respond to velocity, note number, pressure, or MPE dimensions like Slide, Strike, and Press—with full curve and range editing.
When enabled, the sub oscillator will be forced to play within a one-octave range. This can be used in a variety of creative ways, particularly when combined with other engine modules.
Sub Lock Range. Set the lowest note that can be played when sub lock is active. For example, if you set the range to start with C, all notes will be transposed to the same octave, and C will be the lowest available note.
Octave. Transpose the tuning of the sub oscillator by one or more octaves.
Tuning Mode
This section explains how to set the tuning of the sub oscillator.
Key: This option provides standard key tracking behavior with variable semitone offset.
Fixed: This option forces the sub oscillator to be tuned to a specific note, regardless of the notes played on the keyboard.
Ratio: This option allows you to shift the tuning up or down by multiplying or dividing it by a whole number ratio. It is particularly useful for FM synthesis and creating layers based on the harmonic series.
Scale: Lock the tuning to the root note of the currently selected scale. Notes on the keyboard will be ignored, and the tuning will be transposed when the scale changes.
Semitone (Key Tuning). Transpose the tuning of the sub oscillator in semitones.
Fixed Note (Fixed Tuning). Set the fixed note for the sub oscillator, which will remain constant regardless of the notes played on the keyboard.
Tuning Ratio (Ratio Tuning). Set the tuning of the sub oscillator by multiplying or dividing its current frequency with a whole number ratio.
Scale Tuning Interval (Scale Tuning). Set the fixed tuning interval relative to the currently selected scale to the right of the keyboard.
Oscillator Phase. Set the start phase of the oscillator in degrees.
Sub / Harmonics Level (Display). Drag the two handles in the display to set the Sub and Harmonics levels. Both can be automated from your DAW.
Partials, Octave, Semitone and Phase can be modulated by dropping a modulator onto them. See Modulating Text Sliders.
Detune. Adjust the amount of detuning in the upper harmonics. This detuning is applied to each harmonic differently, resulting in a rich yet stable sound that is perfect for sub-bass.
Detune Modulation. Adjust the amount of modulation applied to detuning of upper harmonics. This uses internal LFOs that track the oscillator's frequency to create additional movement and flavors of detuning.
Direct Out. When active, the sub oscillator will not pass through the filters or effects rack. This is useful for keeping the low end of your audio signal clean while still being able to process the rest of your patch.
Spectra Mode. Choose from a variety of additive spectrum effects.
Spectra. Adjust the currently selected spectrum effect. This control sets the balance between harmonics in various ways. Modulating it can be a great way to introduce movement to your low end.
Knock Amount. Adjust the amount of pitch envelope applied to the sub oscillator. This can be used to quickly create kicks, 808s, stabs, or any bass sound that requires some punch!
Knock Decay. Set the duration for the pitch envelope's decay. The knock envelope has been carefully tuned to maximize the sweet spots.
Drive Type. Choose from a variety of distortion types that are carefully tuned for sub-bass.
Drive Amount. Adjust the amount of gain applied to the sub before passing through the currently selected distortion type. This gain is applied differently to each partial in the sub-oscillator to better emphasize the low end.
Pitch. Adjust the pitch of the sub oscillator in semitones.
Fine. Adjust the pitch of the sub oscillator in cents.
Width. Adjust the stereo width of the upper harmonics. This works especially well with MOD active, but it can also be used to add some mono-compatible widening if there are enough partials.
Level. Adjust the gain of the sub oscillator.
Overview
1. Sub Controls
2. Harmonic Detuning & Routing
3. Effects
4. Generic Controls
Create user pack… – Creates a new user pack with editable metadata and placeholder art.
Rescan preset folders – Refreshes the list of available presets.
Install factory packs – Downloads over 2GB of official presets, wavetables, and samples.
Locate factory folder… – Select the location of your factory content. Useful if moved to another drive.
Embed session content – Embeds user wavetables and samples into your DAW's session.
Embed preset content – Embeds user wavetables and samples into user presets by default.
Standalone
Audio/MIDI Settings… – Opens the audio and MIDI device settings. This item is shown in the standalone app only. See Standalone App for more info.
Documentation & Support
View manual – Opens the full online documentation.
Walkthrough – A submenu with Engine and Stream. Each re-launches the guided walkthrough for that view and resets the current preset.
Support – A submenu with Get help, which opens the support page, Collect support info, View logs and Log settings.
Audio Engine & Playback
Global Tune… – Opens a small panel where you set the reference frequency for A4.
Internal BPM – Scales the internal tempo relative to the DAW's tempo.
Oversampling – Increases global audio quality at the cost of CPU. Ideal for FM/AM or extreme pitch shifting. Lock keeps the setting when loading presets.
Audio accuracy – Choose how precisely the engine updates modulation and internal processing. Lock keeps the setting when loading presets.
Engine settings – A submenu with Glide mode (Legato, Release, or Always for voice glide behavior), Limit to one voice per note, Output processed MIDI and Add mod wheel to MPE slide.
Playback behavior – A submenu with Reset on start and Reset on stop.
MIDI
MIDI map – A submenu for saving, loading, clearing and setting a default MIDI map. See MIDI Learn for more info.
Graphics Settings
Default view – Choose which view opens by default.
Window size – Set default plugin window dimensions.
Frame rate – Controls animation smoothness.
Enable OpenGL – Helps avoid graphical issues on some setups.
Current’s wavetable oscillators feature two effect slots that can further manipulate the waveform in various ways. The 40+ effects include spectral processing, formant shifting, harmonic effects, waveshaping, and more. All processing is done in the frequency domain, ensuring an exceptionally clear sound with virtually zero aliasing.
1. Wave Effects
Choose from a variety of different waveform manipulation effects. The Wave effects range from hard sync and other classic wave-shaping techniques to detuned flanging and bit reduction.
Pitch: Effects that shift the harmonic spectrum up and down to create oscillator sync and harmonic series effects.
Scan. A unique approach to hard sync, using overlapping grains to achieve smooth oscillator sync with formant-shifting characteristics.
Series. Shifts up and down the harmonic series. Downward shifts stay locked to the waveform length, resulting in an intriguing formant-shifting effect.
Sync. Classic hard sync with depth control determining the sync rate.
Press. A variation on hard sync that separately syncs each half of the waveform, preserving more of its original tonal qualities.
Shape: Phase modulation effects that can be used to create pulse width modulation and other wave-shaping effects.
Skew. Emulates the classic pulse width modulation found in vintage synthesizers.
Bend. Similar to pulse width modulation, but it forces the waveform towards the center or outer edges rather than shifting it left or right.
Pinch. Compresses or expands the waveform toward its center or outer edges, similar to Bend but with a fuller, more aggressive sound.
Twist. Generates an effect similar to FM feedback using the original waveform to modulate its own phase.
Time: Delay-based effects that produce flanging, detuning, and similar effects:
Reflect. Uses four copies of the waveform delayed in different directions, creating a sound that blends hard sync with flanging.
Flange. Classic flanging effect where the wavetable is copied, delayed, and layered with the original waveform.
Drift. Combines flanging and phase rotation. Modulating this effect can produce detuned oscillator sounds.
Dense. Multiple copies of the wavetable are delayed and inverted, resulting in a complex effect similar to multiple parallel flangers and phase shifters.
Fold. Zero aliasing wavefolder effects reminiscent of classic "West Coast" synths, along with unique algorithms:
Asym. Asymmetrical wavefolding generating both even and odd harmonics.
Sine. Sine wave-based wavefolding that produces relatively clean odd harmonics.
Wrap. Intense hard wrap wavefolding that results in aggressive harmonics with noticeable discontinuities.
Reduce. Zero aliasing bit crushing, sample reduction, and other decimating effects:
Crush. Classic bit crushing that allows you to either maximize or minimize the waveform’s individual bits.
Bitwise. Bitwise processing that generates complex waveforms.
Redux. Sample rate reduction synced to the current waveform length.
Chop. Zeros out a variable portion of the waveform, producing a sound similar to pulse width modulation but with a distinctly thin character.
Choose from a variety of spectral-based effects in the Warp section. These include spectral filtering, phase manipulation, formant shifting, harmonic effects, distortion, and more.
Filter. Spectral filter effects based on standard filter types:
Smooth. Lowpass or highpass filter with a gentle slope.
Steep. Lowpass or highpass filter with an aggressive slope.
BPF. Bandpass filter with adjustable bandwidth.
Notch. Single notch filter for precise frequency cutting.
Spectral. Advanced effects that harness the spectral engine for precise harmonic and phase manipulation.
Parse. Independently manipulates the gain of even and odd harmonics to create a complex spectrum.
Phaser. Spectral phaser effect with exceptionally smooth notches and an even frequency response.
Ripple. Similar to Phaser, but preserves lower harmonics while rotating the phase of higher harmonics for a wet, dispersion-like sound.
Data. Creates extreme, evenly spaced notches for a clean, digital spectrum.
Formant. Effects that alter the waveform’s formants via spectral processing. Note: these effects have no impact on a saw wave due to its perfectly even spectral content.
Shift. Shifts formants up or down in frequency. Lower harmonics are preserved when shifting up.
Spread. Shifts even and odd harmonics in opposite directions, creating complex spectrums and vowel-like sounds.
Contrast. This effect emphasizes or minimizes the difference between quiet and loud harmonics.
Harmonic. Effects that manipulate individual harmonics in ways reminiscent of additive synthesis.
Stack. Adds a harmonically shifted version of the spectrum to the original. Negative values replace the original spectrum with the shifted one, while positive values layer them together.
Shift. A unique frequency shifter that adjusts the spectrum without creating inharmonic content, unlike traditional frequency shifters.
Stretch. Positive values expand harmonics toward higher frequencies, while negative values compress them toward lower frequencies, which also results in a lowpass filter effect.
Clip. Spectral distortion and compression effects with zero aliasing.
Soft. Positive values apply soft clipping, thickening the sound, while negative values fold the waveform, producing thinner harmonics.
Hard. Similar to Soft, but with hard clipping for a more aggressive tone.
Tube. Asymmetrical clipping that generates even harmonics, reminiscent of analog vacuum tubes.
Maximize. Positive values compress the waveform, and negative values expand it.
Sampler Engine
Overview
Current’s sampler can be used to play loops, one-shots, noise, and any samples from the Stream or your personal library.
It includes an advanced time-stretching algorithm that allows you to easily adjust the tempo of loops and other sounds to fit into your projects. This makes it well-suited to serve as the center of a patch, as well as a source for layering anything that is needed.
1. Sample Controls
Fade In. Set the percentage of the sample that will fade in when a note starts.
Fade Out. Set the percentage of the sample that will fade out before the sample ends. Note that this is only available in one-shot mode.
Crossfade. Set the amount of crossfade applied when the sample loops. Note that this is only available in the loop playback modes.
Start. Set the sample's start point.
End. Set the sample's end point.
Loop Start. Set the sample's loop start point. This can be set independently of the primary start by toggling the Start Link button.
Start Link. When activated, the loop start and primary start will be linked. Otherwise, each one can be set independently.
Warp Mode
Choose between two sampling modes, each with a different set of features.
Repitch. In this mode, the speed of samples changes as their pitch changes, similar to classic samplers. Unison controls are also available in this mode, allowing for densely layered samples.
Flex. This mode utilizes a high-quality time-stretching algorithm to maintain the original sample's timing, regardless of pitch. This time stretching can be manipulated to produce a variety of interesting effects.
The sampler includes two modes that are ideal for different use cases.
Flex Mode
Flex mode provides high-quality time and pitch manipulation, making it the ideal choice for samples where you want to adjust playback speed and pitch independently—such as changing the tempo of a loop without affecting its pitch.
When using Flex mode, the following controls become available:
Source Material. Choose from three time-stretching modes that are tuned for specific types of samples.
Source BPM. Set the BPM of the source sample. Setting the BPM to that of the currently loaded sample ensures that the sample is correctly stretched to match your project. Note that this is set automatically when loading factory content.
Flex Speed. Set the playback speed of the sample independently of its pitch.
Speed Mode
Free. This mode allows you to freely adjust the speed, creating totally fluid time-stretching effects.
Ratio. In this mode, Speed will be locked to a whole ratio, allowing for quick and precise time stretching.
Repitch Mode
Repitch mode offers classic sample playback behavior, where playback speed and pitch are interconnected. Unison controls are also accessible in this mode.
When using Repitch mode, the following controls become available:
Filter Mode. Select a basic filter type that the sampler will be sent through.
Filter Cutoff. Set the cutoff frequency for the filter.
Unison Voices. Set the number of unison voices. Adding more voices will create a denser sound, but it will also require somewhat more CPU.
Unison Detune. Adjust the amount of detuning between the unison voices.
Root Note. Set the current sample's root note to ensure that it accurately tracks notes on the keyboard. This setting is automatically configured when loading samples downloaded from the Stream.
Octave. Transpose the tuning of the sampler by one or more octaves.
Tuning Mode
This section explains how to set the tuning of the sampler.
Key: This option provides standard key tracking behavior with variable semitone offset.
Fixed: This option forces the sampler to be tuned to a specific note, regardless of the notes played on the keyboard.
Ratio: This option allows you to shift the tuning up or down by multiplying or dividing it by a whole number ratio. It is particularly useful for FM synthesis and creating layers based on the harmonic series.
Scale: Lock the tuning to the root note of the currently selected scale. Notes on the keyboard will be ignored, and the tuning will be transposed when the scale changes.
Semitone (Key Tuning). Transpose the tuning of the sampler in semitones.
Fixed Note (Fixed Tuning). Set the fixed note for the sampler, which will remain constant regardless of the notes played on the keyboard.
Tuning Ratio (Ratio Tuning). Set the tuning of the sampler by multiplying or dividing its current frequency with a whole number ratio.
Scale Tuning Interval (Scale Tuning). Set the fixed tuning interval relative to the currently selected scale to the right of the keyboard.
Octave, Semitone and Crossfade can be modulated by dropping a modulator onto them. See .
Playback Mode. Choose how the sample will play back when triggered:
One-shot. Play through the sample once and then stop.
Loop →. Play through the sample and loop.
Loop → ←. Play through the sample and loop back and forth.
Sample Reverse. Reverse the current sample.
Random Start. Adjust how much randomization is applied to the sample start position.
Sample Gain. Apply additional gain to the sample. This can be useful for matching the sample's level to the rest of your patch without having to use the Level control.
Pitch. Adjust the pitch of the sampler in semitones.
Fine. Adjust the pitch of the sampler in cents.
Pan. Adjust the panning of the sampler.
Level. Adjust the gain of the sampler.
Wavetable Oscillators
Overview
Current includes two wavetable oscillators that utilize spectral processing to perfectly reproduce a series of waveforms with virtually no aliasing or other artifacts.
You can navigate through these waveforms using the Position knob to create timbral movement and build expressive patches.
The Stream provides a wide variety of wavetables ranging from raw analog tones to expressive bowed strings, powerful bass growls, and much more. Once a wavetable is loaded, it can be further manipulated using the wave and warp effect slots, which include formant shifting, wave shaping, filtering, and other creative possibilities.
You can also import and create your own wavetables by dragging an audio file onto the waveform display.
1. Wavetable Controls
Position. Set the position of the currently loaded wavetable. Each wavetable consists of multiple frames that can be played back in any sequence you like when combined with modulation.
Wave Effect Type. Choose from a variety of different waveform manipulation effects. The Wave effects range from hard sync and other classic wave-shaping techniques to detuned flanging and bit reduction. Choose None to bypass the slot.
Wave Effect Amount. Adjust the amount of waveform manipulation. This is a great way to customize the current wavetable or add additional movement to a patch.
Warp Effect Type. Choose from a variety of different spectral warping effects. The Warp effects use frequency-domain and additive processes to apply filtering, formant shifting, harmonic shifting, and other unique effects. Choose None to bypass the slot.
Warp Effect Amount. Adjust the amount of spectral warping. This is a great way to customize the current wavetable or add additional movement to a patch.
Learn what each wavetable effect does here: .
Unison Voices. Set the number of unison voices. Adding more voices will create a denser sound, but it will also require somewhat more CPU.
Unison Detune. Adjust the amount of detuning between the unison voices.
Unison Width. Adjust the stereo width of the unison effect. This combines panning and phase manipulation to create a wide stereo image. Note that this will manipulate the stereo image even without detuning or phase randomization.
Octave. Transpose the tuning of the wavetable oscillator by one or more octaves.
Tuning Mode. This section explains how to set the tuning of the wavetable oscillator.
Key. This option provides standard key tracking behavior with variable semitone offset.
Fixed. This option forces the wavetable oscillator to be tuned to a specific note, regardless of the notes played on the keyboard.
Ratio. This option allows you to shift the tuning up or down by multiplying or dividing it by a whole number ratio. It is particularly useful for FM synthesis and creating layers based on the harmonic series.
Scale. Lock the tuning to the root note of the currently selected scale. Notes on the keyboard will be ignored, and the tuning will be transposed when the scale changes.
Semitone (Key Tuning). Transpose the tuning of the wavetable oscillator in semitones.
Fixed Note (Fixed Tuning). Set the fixed note for the wavetable oscillator, which will remain constant regardless of the notes played on the keyboard.
Tuning Ratio (Ratio Tuning). Set the tuning of the wavetable oscillator by multiplying or dividing its current frequency with a whole number ratio.
Scale Tuning Interval (Scale Tuning). Set the fixed tuning interval relative to the currently selected scale to the right of the keyboard.
Blend. When activated, the oscillator will smoothly interpolate between adjacent frames to create a smoother sound. When inactive, it is much easier to set the wavetable position to a specific frame.
Oscillator Phase. Set the start phase of the oscillator in degrees.
Random Phase. Adjust how much randomization will be applied to the oscillator's phase when a new voice starts. If you want the oscillator phase to always start at the same point, then set this to 0%. Phase randomization is especially useful when using unison because it will help decorrelate the unison voices and create a diffused sound.
Waveform Fade. Adjust the amount of fade windowing at the beginning and end of the current wavetable frame. Note that this windowing occurs after the Wave effect and before the Warp effect.
Fundamental. Toggle the first harmonic of the waveform on or off. This can be useful when combining the wavetable oscillator with a sub-oscillator.
Octave, Semitone, Oscillator Phase and Waveform Fade can be modulated by dropping a modulator onto them. See .
Pitch. Adjust the pitch of the wavetable oscillator in semitones.
Fine. Adjust the pitch of the wavetable oscillator in cents.
Pan. Adjust the panning of the wavetable oscillator.
Level. Adjust the gain of the wavetable oscillator.
It is possible to create your own wavetables using Current’s wave-slicing algorithm. To access the import options, simply drag and drop an audio file onto the wavetable display. This will bring up the different import options.
Import Existing Wavetable. Import an existing wavetable file without applying any processing. Use this option if you have wavetables from other synthesizers or third-party packs that you would like to use.
Slice Instrument. This option is most effective for organic sounds. It aims to preserve the original waveform with minimal distortion.
Slice Synth. This option is most effective for synthesized sounds. It normalizes each frame to ensure a consistent volume level in the waveform.
Slice With Pitch. This uses the Slice Instrument import algorithm but provides a text editor where you can enter the pitch of the source material. If you know the original pitch of the sound, this is often the best option.
Modulation System
Overview
Minimal Audio's modulation system is centered around the modulation control bar, located in the middle of both the Engine and Effects views.
Here, you can quickly view all modulators, assign modulation via drag-and-drop, access the mod matrix, change a modulator’s type, and open modulator views for further editing.
Click the Matrix button to open the full modulation matrix. Here, you can view and edit all modulation connections at once, and filter them by source or destination. Learn more on the Mod Matrix page.
Click on a modulator to open its panel and adjust its settings. Additionally, you can copy and paste modulators by holding Option (macOS) or Alt (Windows) while dragging and dropping.
You can assign modulation by dragging the modulator's circular icon and dropping it onto a knob, slider or text slider. Modulation can also be assigned via the Mod Matrix or by right-clicking on a control and selecting "Add modulator".
The nine central modulator types can be swapped by clicking the modulator’s name. Options include , , , and . Swapping modulator types will preserve all existing modulation assignments, allowing you to easily alter the movement throughout a patch.
On the right side of the modulation control bar, you'll find the , which offer immediate access to modulation sources like velocity and pitch bend. To access the MPE mode option, open the key modulator panel. When MPE mode is active, all six keyboard modulators switch to MPE controls, such as Strike and Slide. Learn more about how to .
Once a modulation connection is created, most modulation settings can be adjusted directly from the knob or slider. Additional settings can be edited in the or by right-clicking on the control.
Once modulation is assigned, a circular "modulation slider" appears next to the control. This slider allows you to adjust how much modulation is applied to the parameter.
Drag the modulation slider to adjust the modulation depth.
Right-click to access options for bipolar modulation, connection bypass, or to update the modulation assignment.
Option-Shift-click (macOS) or Alt-Shift-click (Windows) on the modulation slider to toggle bipolar mode.
You can also drag another modulator onto the modulation slider to modulate the connection’s depth.
"Depth Modulation" refers to modulating the amount of one modulation connection using another modulator. A common example would be using a macro knob to control how much an LFO modulates a parameter.
You can create a depth modulation connection by dragging and dropping any modulator onto an existing modulation slider or by using the .
Once assigned, you can control the depth modulation amount by dragging the modulation slider. To adjust the original modulation as if no depth modulation were assigned, hold the Shift key and drag the modulation slider.
Right-click to access options for bipolar modulation and to update the modulation assignment.
Once multiple modulators are assigned to a parameter, a "▼" icon will appear next to the control. Clicking this icon opens a popup where you can select which modulation slider to display for editing.
Selecting a modulator will also highlight that modulation throughout the plugin and open the modulator panel when possible.
Most text sliders can be modulated, such as a sound source's Octave and Semitone.
Drag a modulator's circular icon onto the text slider and release. The connection is created and the Mod Matrix opens focused on that parameter, where you set the amount, bipolar mode and depth modulation.
Text sliders don't show a modulation slider or indicator, so reopen the matrix to edit a connection: Command-click (macOS) or Ctrl-click (Windows) the text slider, or right-click it and choose "View in Mod Matrix".
Curve Sequencer
Overview
The curve sequencer allows you to create custom modulation shapes using a variety of draw tools and precise editing features. It's versatile enough for both sequencing and LFO tasks. Use different shape tools to create rhythmic patterns, generate random shapes and save them as sub-presets, and more.
1. Curve Presets
The Curve modulator includes sub-presets that can be saved and loaded from the top bar of the preset area, allowing you to easily reuse your favorite modulation shapes.
2. Trigger Modes
Choose how the Curve responds to incoming MIDI notes:
Timeline. Locks the Curve to your DAW's timeline, keeping playback synchronized with the project position and tempo.
Trigger. Resets on incoming MIDI, then loops continuously.
One-Shot. Resets on incoming MIDI and plays through once per note.
Scrub. disables playback rate and lets you scan through the held Curve using the Phase control. This is useful for driving the Curve with another modulator or for remapping modulation behavior.
Rate. Adjust the Curve modulator’s rate in Hz or BPM-synced values.
Sync. Enable or disable BPM synchronization for Rate.
Phase. Sets the phase offset of the Curve, determining where the modulation cycle begins. In Timeline mode, it offsets the phase relative to the DAW's timeline position.
Snap. When active, the Phase offset snaps to the Curve's horizontal grid divisions.
Level. Attenuate or invert the modulator’s output. This affects every assignment that uses the Curve.
Undo. Undo previous changes to the Curve editor.
Redo. Redo previous changes to the Curve editor.
Horizontal Grid Division. Choose how the Curve Editor is rhythmically divided:
Standard. Grid divisions divisible by two.
Triplet. Grid divisions that fit onto a triplet grid.
Odd. Grid divisions that do not fit on a standard or triplet grid.
Vertical Grid Division. Choose how the Curve Editor's modulation level is divided. This can be useful for snapping the Curve to precise values needed for tasks such as pitch modulation.
Clear Curve. Reset the current Curve shape.
Snap to Grid. When active, all edits will snap to the horizontal and vertical grid.
Randomize Curve. Generate different types of modulation shapes.
Try changing the Curve's grid sizes to adjust how the shapes are generated.
Right-click on the randomize button to select a specific randomization type.
Random Shape. Randomly generate any of the following types.
Smooth. Shapes similar to sine waves.
Linear. Shapes similar to triangle waves.
Chaos. Complex shapes that are not always on the grid.
Use the Curve Editor to create custom modulation shapes.
When the mouse tool is selected, the following key commands are available:
Move Off Grid. Hold down Shift while dragging on a point.
Straighten Curve.Shift-click on a line or selection.
Move Segment.Command-click (macOS) or Ctrl-click (Windows) and drag on a line.
Delete Point.Double-click
Selecting points. With the mouse tool, drag across the editor to select the points inside the selection box. Shift-click a point to add it to the selection, or Command-click (macOS) / Ctrl-click (Windows) to toggle it. Drag any selected point to move the whole selection, press Delete or Backspace to remove it, and click an empty area to clear it. The first and last points of the Curve can't be selected.
On the right side of the Curve Editor, you'll find the draw tool buttons. The mouse tool allows for manual drawing and editing of shapes, while the other tools create shapes based on the current grid division settings.
Slope. Adjust the shape of the currently selected draw tool.
Invert. When active, the shape tools will be inverted, providing even more options.
Key Commands
Overview
The following key commands are available for all of our software products, assuming the relevant feature exists.
Parameter Controls (Knobs and Sliders)
Right-click or Control-click (macOS) to open a context menu with options to access the modulation matrix, modify modulation connections, reset the parameter, learn MIDI, or lock it to maintain its value between presets.
Command-click (macOS) or Ctrl-click (Windows) to open the modulation matrix for the selected parameter when supported.
Shift-click and drag on a knob or slider to fine-tune the parameter’s value.
Double-click on a knob or slider to reset it to its default value.
Regular click to toggle bypass.
Command-click (macOS) or Ctrl-click (Windows) to toggle soloing for the module.
Right-click or Control-click (macOS) to open a context menu with solo and direct out options.
Right-click or Control-click (macOS) on a modulator to open a context menu with options to access the modulation matrix, modify modulation connections, and reset the modulator to its default state.
Command-click (macOS) or Ctrl-click (Windows) on a modulator to open the relevant modulation matrix.
Option-click (macOS) or Alt-click (Windows) and drag on a modulator to copy and paste it to another modulator slot.
Option-click (macOS) or Alt-click (Windows) and drag on an effect slot to copy and paste it to another effect slot.
Use Up and Down arrows to navigate between packs and individual presets or sounds.
Press the Return key to open the selected pack or load the selected preset or sound.
Press the Escape key to exit an opened pack.
Use Up and Down arrows to navigate between packs and individual sounds.
Press the Return key to open the selected preset or sound.
Shift-click and drag a point to move it off-grid.
Shift-click on a line or selection to straighten the selected curves.
Command-click (macOS) or Ctrl-click (Windows) and drag a line to move it.
Double-click on a point to delete it.
When Computer keyboard is enabled in Audio/MIDI Settings, you can play Current from your computer keyboard while the app is focused. See for more info.
The middle letter row plays the white keys, starting from C on the A key, and the row above plays the black keys.
Z and X shift the octave down and up.
C and V lower and raise the velocity.
1 and 2 bend the pitch down and up.
Granular Engine
Current’s granular engine allows for the complete transformation of samples into new textures, sequences, rhythms, and more.
Granular processing breaks a sound into smaller pieces, known as grains, and enables you to rearrange and manipulate them in ways that would otherwise be impossible.
Load any sample from the Stream directly into the granular sampler or process sounds from your own library. The grains can be manipulated in various ways, allowing you to create granular sequences, massive clouds, stutter effects, and more.
Position. Set the primary playback position where grains will be generated.
Spray. Adjust the amount of randomization that is applied to the playhead of each grain when it starts playing.
Speed. Set the playback speed for the sample. A value of 100% will preserve the original timing. Higher values will play the sample faster, and lower values will play it slower, all the way down to 0%, where the playback will freeze.
Speed Sync. When activated, Speed will be synced to an even ratio. Note that this will only synchronize the sample to the DAW’s timeline if the
Global Settings
The global settings popup in Current offers various options for customizing your setup and performing actions. These include adjusting the plugin window size, enabling oversampling, creating a user preset pack, and more.
Access the popup by clicking the gear icon on the right side of Current’s Top Bar.
Initialize preset. Reset the current settings by loading the “Default” preset.
These options are found in the Presets and content submenu.
Show user presets. Open the folder containing Current’s user presets. Here, you can organize and customize your packs. Make sure to rescan preset folders after making any modifications.
Create user pack… Opens a popup where you name a new user preset pack. The pack is created with placeholder artwork and pack info. Refer to the Create User Preset Packs article for information on customizing packs.
Rescan preset folders. Rescan your user preset folders to ensure what you see in Current matches the contents of the Presets folder. Note that this process happens automatically when a new instance of Current is loaded.
Install factory packs. Download and install all factory packs included with Current, totaling over 2 GB of presets, wavetables, and samples. Note that content already downloaded will not be re-downloaded.
Drag with the mouse tool to select multiple points.
Press Delete or Backspace to delete the selected points.
Right-click on the random shape button (dice icon) to reveal randomization type options. This setting is unique to each Curve instance.
Segments. A combination of steps and linear ramps.
Gates. Sequences for turning signals on and off.
Ramp Down. Stab and downward sweeping shapes.
Ramp Up. Pumping and upward sweeping shapes.
on an existing point.
3. Curve Controls
4. Curve Editor Settings
5. Curve Editor
6. Draw Tools
Unison Width. Adjust the stereo width of the unison effect. This combines panning and phase manipulation to create a wide stereo image. Note that this will manipulate the stereo image even without detuning or phase randomization.
Layer Span. Adjust the spacing between the playheads of each individual grain layer.
Bipolar Span. When activated, the SPAN playheads will be evenly spaced around the primary playhead, which is determined by its position.
Stereo Offset. Adjust the offset between the left and right playheads. This can be used to create a variety of interesting stereo effects.
Offset Sync. When activated, the Offset time will sync to the current BPM.
Rate. Set the amount of time between when groups of grain layers are triggered.
Rate Mode
Free. Set the rate in seconds.
Sync. Set the rate as a division of the current BPM. This is useful for synced looping and stutter-like effects.
Track. In this mode, the grain rate will track currently playing notes with a semitone offset determined by Rate. This can be used to preserve the tonality of the sample as you play different notes.
Grain Size. Set the length of each grain window as a percentage of the current Rate setting.
Filter Mode. Select a basic filter type that the sampler will be sent through.
Filter Cutoff. Set the cutoff frequency for the filter.
Grain Layers. Set the number of grains that will be generated within the amount of time determined by Rate. This can be used to create very dense textures, and grain "sequences" when combined with different layer patterns. Note that higher settings will require more CPU.
Layer Pattern. Choose how the grain layers will be played back within the amount of time determined by RATE. These modes will produce a variety of effects depending on the Rate and Size settings, ranging from random clouds to dense stabs and undulating waves of granular goodness.
Root Note. Set the current sample's root note to ensure that it accurately tracks notes on the keyboard. This setting is automatically configured when loading samples downloaded from the Stream.
Start / End. Set the region of the sample the granular engine can use.
Octave. Transpose the tuning of the granular engine by one or more octaves.
Tuning Mode
This section explains how to set the tuning of the granular engine.
Key. This option provides standard key tracking behavior with variable semitone offset.
Fixed. This option forces the granular engine to be tuned to a specific note, regardless of the notes played on the keyboard.
Ratio. This option allows you to shift the tuning up or down by multiplying or dividing it by a whole number ratio. It is particularly useful for FM synthesis and creating layers based on the harmonic series.
Scale. Lock the tuning to the root note of the currently selected scale. Notes on the keyboard will be ignored, and the tuning will be transposed when the scale changes.
Semitone (Key Tuning). Transpose the tuning of the granular engine in semitones.
Fixed Note (Fixed Tuning). Set the fixed note for the granular engine, which will remain constant regardless of the notes played on the keyboard.
Tuning Ratio (Ratio Tuning). Set the tuning of the granular engine by multiplying or dividing its current frequency with a whole number ratio.
Scale Tuning Interval (Scale Tuning). Set the fixed tuning interval relative to the currently selected scale to the right of the keyboard.
Punch. When active, the first grain of each new note will have an immediate onset, bypassing the rising slope of the current grain's shape. This is useful for preserving transients and allows you to control the entire attack portion of your sound with an envelope, similar to what you would do with a standard sampler.
Playback Mode
Choose how the sample will play back when triggered:
Free. This mode allows you to scrub freely through the sample using the Position control, and the play heads will loop.
One-Shot. Play through the sample once and then stop.
Loop →. Play through the sample and loop.
Loop → ←. Play through the sample and loop back and forth.
Sample Reverse. Reverse the current sample.
Grain Direction. Choose the playback direction for each grain's playhead.
Sample Gain. Apply additional gain to the sample. This can be useful for matching the sample's level to the rest of your patch without having to use the Level control.
Octave, Semitone, Start and End can be modulated by dropping a modulator onto them. See .
Grain Shape. Adjust the shape of the grain window.
Grain Shape Skew. Adjust how the grain shape is distributed between the start and end of the grain.
Pitch. Adjust the pitch of the granular engine in semitones.
Fine. Adjust the pitch of the granular engine in cents.
Pan. Adjust the panning of the granular engine.
Level. Adjust the gain of the granular engine.
Overview
1. Granular Controls
Locate factory folder… The "Factory" folder is where all content downloaded from the Stream is stored. If you’ve moved this folder to a custom location, such as an external drive, use this option to locate it. Refer to the Moving The Sound Library article for more info.
Embed session content. When enabled, user audio files (such as wavetables and samples) will be embedded into your DAW’s session, ensuring access on computers where the original files are unavailable. This setting is shared between plugin instances.
Embed preset content. When enabled, user audio files (such as wavetables and samples) will be embedded into user presets by default, ensuring access on computers where the original files are unavailable. This is the same as selecting the “Embed user content” option when saving a preset. Note that embedding user content will increase the size of the associated preset file.
Audio/MIDI Settings… Opens the Settings window, where you choose your audio and MIDI devices. This option is shown in the standalone app only. See for more info.
View manual. Open Current’s online manual in your default browser.
Walkthrough. A submenu with Engine and Stream. Each re-launches the guided walkthrough for that view and resets the current preset.
These options are found in the Support submenu.
Get help. Open our online support page in your default browser.
Collect support info. Use this option to collect all relevant information that might be helpful for our support team when tracking down possible bugs. The .zip file it creates contains the plugin’s logs, current preset, license file, and global settings file.
View logs. Reveals the log files stored on disk. This might be requested by our support team while trying to diagnose an issue.
Log settings. A submenu with Log crash reports and the log level. When Log crash reports is enabled, OS crash reports will be added to the logs. This should only be enabled if you are troubleshooting a crash with our support team. The log level sets the level of detail in Current’s logging. Normally, there’s no need to adjust this unless requested by support for troubleshooting.
Global Tune… Opens a small panel where you set the reference frequency for A4, so Current can match other tuning standards such as 432 Hz. Drag the value to change it. The default is 440 Hz. Global Tune describes your setup rather than the sound, so it stays the same when you load presets. Close the panel with the X or by clicking outside it.
Internal BPM. Scale the internal tempo to a fraction or multiple of the DAW's tempo. This setting is applied to all BPM-synced values, such as LFO rate, and is specific to each instance of the plugin, but it does not change when loading presets.
Oversampling. Set the global oversampling factor for the entire audio engine. Some modules always oversample or handle aliasing in other ways regardless of this setting, so it’s typically not required. However, oversampling can be beneficial when using extreme FM/AM or sample re-pitching. Be aware that oversampling can significantly impact CPU usage. This setting is not shared between plugin instances. Enable Lock to keep the current oversampling setting when loading presets.
Audio accuracy. Choose how precisely Current's engine updates modulation and internal processing. High is the default and balances sound quality with CPU use. Ultra updates four times as often for the most detailed fast modulation, at a higher CPU cost. Eco updates four times less often to save CPU. Presets that don't store an accuracy mode load at High. Enable Lock to keep your chosen mode when loading presets.
Playback behavior. A submenu with Reset on start and Reset on stop, which control whether Current resets its audio engine when your DAW's transport starts or stops. Reset on stop is on by default.
The following are found in the Engine settings submenu.
Glide mode
Set the glide mode for Current’s synth engine.
Legato. Glide only when MIDI notes overlap.
Release. Glide whenever voices overlap, including during their release stage.
Always. Glide continuously, regardless of whether voices are overlapping.
Limit to one voice per note. When enabled, only one voice can play per MIDI note number. For example, triggering a second A0 will stop the first A0 voice. This setting is not shared between plugin instances.
Output processed MIDI. When enabled, Current will output any MIDI that has been processed by the arpeggiator and chord generator. This defaults to active and is saved with your preset. Note that not all plugin formats and DAWs support instrument MIDI output. Please refer to your DAW's manual.
Add mod wheel to MPE slide. When enabled, the mod wheel value is added to the MPE Slide value in MPE mode. This setting is for backward compatibility and is not recommended. It is not shared between plugin instances.
MIDI map. A submenu with Save MIDI map…, Load MIDI map…, Restore default map, Clear MIDI map and Set default map. See for more info.
Default view. Choose which view will be displayed when creating a new instance of the plugin. This setting is shared across all plugin instances.
Window size. Set the default plugin window size. This setting is shared across all plugin instances.
Frame rate. Adjust how often Current’s animations update. A higher frame rate improves the visual experience but may consume more resources. This setting is shared between plugin instances.
Enable OpenGL. When enabled, graphics are rendered using OpenGL. This can help reduce graphical issues on certain setups, particularly on Windows. This setting is shared across all plugin instances.
