In the world of music production, where every detail counts, precise control over the audio signal is essential. Sometimes you need to instantly mute the sound, switch the volume, or create an interesting rhythmic effect. It is for such tasks that de la Mancha’s Moot plugin was developed – a flexible audio control tool that goes beyond simple mute.
Moot is positioned as a universal audio mixing plugin, but its functionality is much broader. The main idea is to be able to control the mute with a MIDI keyboard or controller using a single assigned key. This feature, called “Hit Me,” makes Moot ideal for live performances or quick changes in the studio.
Flexible modes of operation
The Moot plugin offers three different modes of operation for its main “Hit Me” switch, which allows for high adaptability to user needs:
- Latch mode: In this mode, a single press of the “Hit Me” button turns on the mute and it remains active until the next press. Pressing it again turns the mute off and the sound resumes, also remaining in this state until the next press. This is useful for situations where you want to switch the state and leave it fixed.
- Default mode: The standard mode of operation. Mute is activated while you hold down the assigned key. As soon as you release the key, the mute is deactivated and the audio signal passes unchanged. Ideal for instant, temporary mutes.
- Invert mode: This mode is an inversion of the Default mode. When you hold down the Hit Me key, the sound passes through (mute is off), and when you release it, the mute is activated. This can be useful for creating delay effects or cutting sound in certain places.
These three modes allow you to integrate Moot into a variety of use cases, from quick “silencing” to more complex performative techniques.
More than just a moot
Moot is not only about simply turning the sound on/off. The plugin has additional features that significantly expand its capabilities.
Switching the volume
Instead of absolute mute, Moot can work as a switch between two different volume levels. You can set the minimum and maximum volume levels, and the plugin will switch between these values using the “Hit Me” switch, using the selected mode (Latch, Default, Invert). This allows you to quickly switch, for example, from the background level to the main level or create a “ducking” effect manually.
Additional features
In addition to the basic mute and volume control functions, Moot is equipped with an Audio Gate function. This feature allows you to “cut” audio, letting it through only when the signal exceeds a certain threshold or other customizable parameters. This opens the door to creating interesting rhythmic patterns and effects. Additionally, the existing Smooth control allows you to add a small attack/decay between state changes (mute/non-mute, low/high volume, gate open/closed). This makes transitions less jarring and more musical, avoiding clicks or sudden jumps.
With its combination of flexible MIDI control, multiple operating modes, volume, gate, and smooth transitions, de la Mancha’s Moot is a valuable tool in the arsenal of any musician or producer who needs precise and creative control over the dynamics and presence of an audio signal.
