Ping – Multi-Resonator Midi Playable Effect

Ping allows you to ‘ping’ polyphonic resonant effects using any audio signal. Best with percussive inputs, it transforms sound through multiple resonant effects, with the added ability to play melodies or chords through the resonance.

Ping consists of:
a a pre-effect section, with a peaking eq, delay, reverb, and noise gate
a resonator section, with an optional amp Env for constant sound sources, Analog filter, 2 comb filters, waveguide, and modal resonator, with wet and dry controls for each effect.
a polyphonic delay
a post effect section with 3 peaking eqs and another analog filter.
a VCA and dry/wet and routing control.

Recommended inputs: a simple Gate sequencer + Impulse module pairing on the same track is a great place to start! When using PIng on the same track as its input instrument, be aware of the use of the midi sequencer affecting both the sound source and Ping. A Gate sequencer to trigger Impulses or Flexi loops/samples is a great way around this. Otherwise, use on another track and route the audio of your source track into Ping. Or, use as an audio effect AUv3 in AUM or another host!

Resonators: the effects are all turned ‘down’ on the base patch to avoid unpleasant sounds. Turn the feedback up slowly on any of the parameters (especially the filter) until you find the optimal resonance. Key tracking is turned on for Comb Filter 1, Waveguide, and the Modal Resonator, but the other resonators can have their key tracking turned up/down and vice versa. Experiment with different levels of key tracking. All resonators are at 100% wet except for the modal resonator, which is at 0% wet. On the dry/wet module, the final knob Resonators controls the wet signal for the entire resonators section.

Post effects: although it’s labeled post, there’s plenty of resonance to be had! Use the peaking EQs and filter to tame or boost any frequencies, or extract some more resonance out! The analog filter can be key tracked as well.

VCA and Dry/Wet: The default configuration requires note input for the VCA to open. There are up to 8 voices of polyphony for playing key tracked effects. You can control the overall dry/wet signal using Dry/Wet. There is also the option to play the Pre signal instead of the Raw input signal. Here you could still hear added delay, reverb, or noise gating. Additionally, you can turn the signal to dry, and then increase the Dry Wet Env modulation. This keeps the signal dry and bypasses the closed VCA, but switches to the wet signal when any key is pressed. Use the Dry/Wet Envelope to adjust the transition time.

Pre effects: use a peaking EQ to provide an initial boost or decrease to a specific frequency, add delay or reverb for extra texture, and noise gate for more pronounced percussive and pinging effect. This is especially effective on drum loops with drum tails or native reverb and ambience.