FollowTroller: Control Sound with Sound!
In a world where standard effects no longer surprise, tools capable of revolutionizing your perception of sound shaping emerge. Audioutsider presents FollowTroller—an unusual and creative VST plugin that combines amplitude and filter effects with a unique feature: one audio signal controls the parameters of another.
Imagine the ability to use the rhythm of drums to make a guitar riff “pulsate,” or the dynamics of vocals to control the cutoff frequency of a synthesizer pad. FollowTroller makes this possible! It works on a principle similar to a classic envelope follower, converting the dynamics of an incoming audio signal into a control signal, which then modulates the volume (VCA) or the cutoff frequency of the filter (along with resonance) of another signal.
How it Works and Applications
Unlike traditional plugins where the effect is applied directly to one track, FollowTroller requires a slightly different approach to signal routing in your DAW. This non-standard configuration opens the door to exciting sound experiments and allows you to achieve results that are difficult to obtain by other means.
To effectively use FollowTroller, you need to set up the routing as follows:
- Create a new stereo group or FX track in your DAW.
- Route the signal that will GENERATE the control envelope (e.g., drums) to this group/track and set its pan to the far LEFT.
- Route the signal that will be MODULATED (e.g., guitar) to this group/track as well and set its pan to the far RIGHT.
- Insert the FollowTroller plugin into the insert of this group or FX track.
Thus, FollowTroller will receive the control signal from the left channel (from the envelope source) and apply the effect to the signal in the right channel (to the modulated sound). This is a simple but brilliant idea that allows you to isolate the signal and control sources.
Features and Experiments
In addition to the basic function of controlling volume and filter, FollowTroller has an additional “Invert” button. This function allows you to invert the polarity of the control signal. This can be useful if you decide to invert the pan of the signal sources (e.g., the control source on the right, modulated on the left) or simply to achieve unexpected and interesting sound effects. Envelope inversion can completely change the nature of the modulation, turning compression into expansion or opening the filter into closing it, depending on the source.
FollowTroller is ideal for creating rhythmic pulsations, unique wah effects, “conversations” between different instruments in a mix, or for completely transforming the texture of the sound. It’s a powerful tool for sound designers and musicians looking for new ways of creative expression.
Thanks to its ease of use (once you master the routing principle) and unique approach to modulation, FollowTroller from Audioutsider becomes a valuable addition to any producer’s arsenal. It allows you to go beyond the usual effects and add originality and dynamics to your music. Try combining unexpected signal sources and hear how your tracks come alive with new rhythms and textures!
System Requirements: FollowTroller is available in VST format for Windows operating systems (32-bit).
