> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://manual.minimal.audio/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://manual.minimal.audio/rift-manual/modulation.md).

# Modulation

Rift’s flexible modulation system gives you precise, dynamic control over nearly every parameter. With a streamlined interface and powerful assignment tools, you can create evolving textures, transform static presets into living soundscapes, and combine multiple modulators into single macro controls for expressive performance. Any knob or slider can be modulated, and modulation depth itself can also be modulated—making the system deeply interactive and inspiring.

## Key Features

### Parameter Basics

Every parameter in Rift is designed for intuitive control.

* **Knobs & Sliders.** Click and drag to adjust values. Double-click to reset to default.
* **Pulldowns.** Select from multiple options in a menu. Pulldowns cannot be modulated.
* **Buttons.** Activate or deactivate functions. Buttons cannot be modulated.
* **Parameter Options.** Control-click a knob or slider to:
  * **Add modulator.** Assign modulation from available sources.
  * **Reset.** Return the parameter to its default.
  * **Lock.** Prevent the parameter from changing when switching presets.

### Modulation System

Rift’s modulation system is built around clear, visual assignment and depth control.

* **Modulation Sources.** Macro 1, Macro 2, Follow, LFO, Curve 1, and Curve 2.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2620277542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsQJCi65i6KtFRW3aRwIM%2Fuploads%2FOIoCFNZCPjWMFEubf605%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=b6544a86-4fc0-4f4c-b156-9a0ef78c38e6" alt="" width="289"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* **Modulator Icons.** Yellow icons that can be dragged onto parameters.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2620277542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsQJCi65i6KtFRW3aRwIM%2Fuploads%2Fgp7UOmieeI7NcabQXXdv%2FMod%20Icon.png?alt=media&amp;token=cf3297d0-382b-46c6-ae9b-f9b0ec49b484" alt="" width="59"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* **Modulation Sliders.** Semicircle sliders showing modulation depth.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2620277542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsQJCi65i6KtFRW3aRwIM%2Fuploads%2FmRVhdSofpAPzqgQiN80g%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=36e08f67-5438-434b-9eb7-bd13bc2da1bb" alt="" width="75"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* **Depth Modulation.** Use one modulator to control how much another affects a parameter. Depth indicators display modulation ranges visually.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2620277542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsQJCi65i6KtFRW3aRwIM%2Fuploads%2FzhVqFCa3CCO1UQBCVdlK%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=730a7acf-45af-4ff9-bd1c-dabb9f192827" alt="" width="75"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* **Assignment Options.** Drag icons, or control-click parameters to add/remove modulation, set bipolar/unipolar modes, or assign depth modulation.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2620277542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsQJCi65i6KtFRW3aRwIM%2Fuploads%2FnoPl8oLOhqZjHfm3gWti%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=8d626462-5ae6-4e6e-8448-247e381bd573" alt="" width="256"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Macros

Two assignable Macros provide hands-on performance control. Drag a Macro icon onto any parameter to map it, and rename macros in Engine or Play view for a personalized workflow.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2620277542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsQJCi65i6KtFRW3aRwIM%2Fuploads%2FTXhQDGYz0LSxjFXozjXs%2FMacros.png?alt=media&amp;token=aa866da0-f379-4059-84e8-f4ee320f8fb2" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Follow (Envelope Follower)

Follow creates modulation from Rift’s input signal. Use it to shape dynamics, duck modules, or add rhythmic movement.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2620277542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsQJCi65i6KtFRW3aRwIM%2Fuploads%2FM5MP2r3MlNUFDqQVhjLu%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=bf702880-dfe6-482a-9b63-1377b3d03093" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* **Attack / Release.** Control envelope response speed.
* **Sync Attack / Release.** BPM-sync the follower’s timing.
* **Envelope Gain.** Boost or attenuate the detected signal.

### LFO

Rift’s LFO provides both traditional and morphing shapes for modulation.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2620277542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsQJCi65i6KtFRW3aRwIM%2Fuploads%2FZY3gTLU7xSKqphIoadkG%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=1826cecc-0b16-4d4f-9b4a-ecf97596a383" alt="" width="440"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* **Rate / Sync Rate.** Adjust speed or sync to BPM.
* **Shape & Shape Snap.** Choose from sine, triangle, ramp, and square, with optional shape-morphing.
* **Randomize.** Introduce organic, evolving motion.
* **MIDI Retrigger.** Retrigger as looping LFOs or one-shot envelopes.

### Curve

Curve modulators combine step sequencing, LFOs, and custom shapes.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://2620277542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsQJCi65i6KtFRW3aRwIM%2Fuploads%2FpHwtlrjMmj9gxsXgHEQM%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=b44bb9ca-fba7-45e5-961c-9c73d41b4d55" alt="" width="439"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* **Rate / Sync Rate.** Control speed with or without BPM sync.
* **Presets.** Load or save user-defined shapes.
* **MIDI Retrigger.** Loop or fire as one-shot envelopes.
* **Randomize Curve.** Quickly generate modulation sequences.
* **Curve View.** A deep editor with grid divisions, snap options, shape drawing tools, and point/segment editing. Includes 19 shape tools plus the mouse tool for advanced sequencing.


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