Spectrus User Manual

Version 1.0.0 • Morphulus

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1. Getting Started

Installation

Spectrus is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux in multiple plugin formats.

Windows (VST3 / CLAP)

1. Extract the downloaded ZIP file.

2. Copy the plugins to their standard locations:

Spectrus.vst3C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\
Spectrus.clapC:\Program Files\Common Files\CLAP\

3. Open your DAW and rescan plugins if necessary.

4. Insert Spectrus on a track or bus.

macOS (AU / VST3 / CLAP)

1. Open Spectrus-1.0.0-macOS.pkg and follow the installer.

2. The following plugins will be installed:

AU/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
VST3/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/
CLAP/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/CLAP/

3. Open your DAW and rescan plugins if needed. Logic will validate on next launch; in Reaper, go to Options → Preferences → VST → Re-scan; in Ableton, go to Preferences → Plug-Ins → Rescan.

4. Insert Spectrus on a track or bus.

Linux (VST3 / LV2 / CLAP)

1. Extract the downloaded tar.gz file.

2. Open a terminal in the extracted folder and run:

chmod +x install.sh && ./install.sh

3. The following plugins will be installed:

VST3~/.vst3/
LV2~/.lv2/
CLAP~/.clap/

4. Open your DAW and rescan plugins if needed. In Reaper, go to Options → Preferences → VST → Re-scan; in Bitwig, go to Settings → Locations → Rescan; Ardour will scan on next launch.

5. Insert Spectrus on a track or bus.

Note: If your DAW does not detect Spectrus after installation, try rescanning your plugin directories from your DAW's settings.

System Requirements

RequirementMinimum
Operating SystemWindows 10+, macOS 11+ (Intel & Apple Silicon), Ubuntu 22.04+ / Linux x86_64
ProcessorIntel Core i5 or equivalent
RAM4 GB
Plugin FormatsVST3 · AU (macOS) · LV2 (Linux) · CLAP (all platforms)
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2. Interface Overview

Spectrus has a clean, modular layout organized around its 4-slot architecture.

Main Layout

From top to bottom, the interface consists of:

Preset Navigator (top left) — Shows the current preset name. Click to browse presets, or use the arrow buttons to step through them. The dice button loads a random preset. An asterisk (*) appears when you've made changes to the current preset.

Spectrus Logo (top right) — Right-click to access the About dialog, website link, license activation, license management, and support link. If you have a Pro license, the menu shows your licensed email address.

Signal Flow Diagram — A visual representation of the signal chain showing all 4 slots plus the output. Active slots light up and display level meters. Click a slot in the diagram to expand it.

Demo / Free Toggle — If you haven't activated a Pro license, an amber DEMO or green FREE button appears in the routing row. Click it to switch between Demo mode and Free mode. See Demo & Free Mode for details. This button is hidden once a Pro license is activated.

Routing Selectors — Below the signal flow diagram, each slot has a dropdown to choose its input source: Main Input, or the output of any previous slot.

Slot Panels — Four equal-width panels, one per slot. In the default collapsed view, each panel shows its header from left to right: the ⊕ button to add an effect, mute/solo buttons, expand button, slot lock button, bypass/power button, and a compact parameter view. Click the expand button (or click the slot in the signal flow diagram) to expand a slot to full width for detailed editing.

Master Panel — Always visible on the right. Contains the master dry/wet levels, Low Cut/High Cut, High End/Low End, and Input Attack controls.

Status Bar (bottom) — Displays tooltips and descriptions when hovering over controls. The version number appears in the bottom right.

Slot Panel Controls

Each slot panel header contains:

ControlFunction
Effect SelectorClick the to open a categorized menu of available effects (Modulation, Delay, Reverb, Utility).
Power ButtonBypasses the slot. When powered off, the slot is silenced and does not contribute to the output. Powering back on restores the previous effect.
Expand ButtonExpands the slot to full width for detailed parameter editing. Other slots are hidden while expanded.
Mute (M)Silences the slot's output.
Solo (S)Solos the slot — only this slot's output is heard. Multiple slots can be soloed.
LockLocks the slot's settings so they are preserved when loading presets. Useful for auditioning presets while keeping an effect you like in one slot.
Tip: Right-click a slot's visual display for additional options including Copy, Paste, and slot init. In minimized panel view, grab and drag the slot from the same visual display area to swap slot contents.
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3. Core Concepts

The 4-Slot Architecture

By default, all four slots receive the main input independently (parallel), and their outputs are mixed together at the output stage. Use the slot input routing to chain slots in series or create hybrid configurations.

Signal Routing

Each slot (except Slot 1, which always receives the main input) can choose its input source via the routing dropdown. Options include the main input or the output of any previous slot. This lets you create flexible effect chains — for example, you could route Slots 2 and 3 both from the main input to create two parallel effect paths.

Slot Level & Output Filters

Each slot has an independent output level control. When a slot is expanded, you'll also find low cut and high cut output filters that shape the slot's signal before it enters the mix.

Wet/Dry Mixing

Mixing happens at two levels in Spectrus:

Per-effect: Most effects have Wet Level and Dry Level controls that determine the blend of processed and original signal within that effect.

Master: The Master panel's Dry Level and Wet Level control the final balance between the unprocessed input and the combined processed output of all slots.

Master Controls

ControlDescription
Dry LevelLevel of the original unprocessed signal in the final output.
Wet LevelLevel of the combined processed signal from all slots.
Input AttackShapes the transient response of the input signal feeding into the effects.
High EndAdds subtle high-frequency excitation and harmonic richness to the wet signal.
Low EndAdds low-end body and warmth to the wet signal.
Low CutHigh-pass filter applied to the combined wet signal before the final mix. Removes low-end rumble and mud. Range: 10 Hz – 1500 Hz.
High CutLow-pass filter applied to the combined wet signal before the final mix. Tames harshness and rolls off high-frequency content. Range: 100 Hz – 20 kHz.
Tip: The master Low Cut and High Cut filters are a quick way to shape the overall tone of your effect chain without touching individual slot settings. Try a gentle Low Cut around 80–120 Hz to clean up reverb and delay mud, or a High Cut around 8–12 kHz for a darker, more vintage character.

Drag & Drop Reordering

You can drag slot panels to reorder them. Dragging one slot onto another swaps their contents (effect selection and all parameter values).

Copy & Paste

Right-click a slot panel to copy its configuration. Then right-click another slot and paste to duplicate the effect and settings.

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4. Effects Reference

Spectrus ships with 21 effects across four categories: Modulation, Delay, Reverb, and Utility. The 7 Free effects are available to all users. The 14 Pro effects (marked below) require a Pro license.

Chorus

A versatile chorus effect that doubles and detunes the signal using a modulated delay line. Produces anything from subtle thickening to lush, wide textures.

ParameterRangeDescription
Rate0.05 – 5 HzSpeed of the LFO modulation. Slower rates produce a gentle swaying motion; faster rates create a vibrato-like effect.
Depth0 – 100%How far the delay time is modulated. Higher values produce a more pronounced pitch variation.
Mod TypeSine, Triangle, Square, Sawtooth, Random, MultiWaveShape of the modulation waveform. Sine is smooth and classic; Random adds unpredictability.
Feedback0 – 95%Feeds the output back into the delay for a richer, more resonant chorus tone.
BBD FilterOn/OffEnables vintage Bucket Brigade Device filtering (150 Hz high-pass input, 8 kHz low-pass output) for a retro character.
SyncOn/OffLocks the modulation rate to your DAW's tempo.
Sync Division8/1 – 1/16DNote value for the modulation rate when Sync is enabled.
Wet Level0 – 100%Level of the chorused signal.
Dry Level0 – 100%Level of the original signal blended with the chorus.
Tip: Enable the BBD Filter for an instant 80s analog chorus sound. Pair it with a slow rate (0.3 Hz) and moderate depth for classic warmth.

Vintage Chorus PRO

Emulates the classic Roland CE-1 Chorus Ensemble with authentic BBD-style analog tone. Features both Chorus and Vibrato modes with smooth, organic modulation and a warm preamp stage.

ParameterRangeDescription
Rate0.05 – 5 HzModulation speed. Slower rates produce lush, gentle movement.
Depth0 – 100%Width of the delay time modulation sweep.
ModeChorus, VibratoChorus blends wet and dry signals for thickening. Vibrato modulates pitch only with no dry signal — pure pitch wobble.
Preamp0 – 100%Subtle input saturation that adds warmth, emulating the original CE-1 preamp stage.
Intensity0 – 100%Controls how much of the modulation range is applied. Adjusts the actual pitch swing magnitude.
Sync / DivisionLocks the modulation rate to your DAW's tempo at the selected note value.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of chorused and original signal.
Tip: For an authentic 70s chorus, use Chorus mode with a slow rate (0.5 Hz), moderate depth, and a touch of Preamp (15–20%). Switch to Vibrato mode for Leslie-like pitch modulation on keyboards.

Flanger

A classic flanging effect created by mixing the signal with a short, modulated delay. Produces sweeping comb-filter effects from subtle jet-plane swooshes to metallic resonances.

ParameterRangeDescription
Rate0.01 – 10 HzSpeed of the LFO sweep.
Depth0 – 100%Width of the delay time modulation.
Feedback−95% – +95%Amount of output fed back into the delay. Negative values invert the phase, producing a different tonal character with deeper notches.
Delay Time0.1 – 10 msBase delay time. Shorter values produce a tighter, more metallic sound; longer values approach chorus territory.
Manual0 – 100%Static offset added to the delay time, shifting the frequency of the comb filter notches.
Stereo Width0 – 100%LFO phase offset between left and right channels for stereo spread.
Mod TypeSine, Triangle, Square, Sawtooth, RandomLFO waveform shape.
Sync / DivisionLocks the LFO rate to your DAW's tempo at the selected note value.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of flanged and original signal.
Tip: Try negative feedback values for a more hollow, resonant flange. Set feedback to −80% with a slow rate for dramatic sweeps.

Phaser

A phase-shifting effect using a chain of all-pass filters. Creates sweeping notches in the frequency spectrum for that classic swirling sound.

ParameterRangeDescription
Rate0.01 – 10 HzSpeed of the phase sweep.
Depth0 – 100%Width of the frequency sweep range.
Feedback0 – 95%Resonance at the notch frequencies. Higher values produce a sharper, more pronounced effect.
Stages1 – 12Number of all-pass filter stages. More stages create more notches in the spectrum. 4 stages is classic; 8–12 produces a denser, richer phasing.
Center Freq100 – 5000 HzCenter frequency of the sweep range. Shift this to focus the phasing on different parts of the spectrum.
Stereo Width0 – 100%LFO phase offset between channels.
Mod TypeSine, Triangle, Square, Sawtooth, RandomLFO waveform shape.
Sync / DivisionTempo-synced modulation rate.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of phased and original signal.

Tremolo

Rhythmic volume modulation that creates pulsing, stuttering, or gently breathing dynamics. A fundamental effect that works beautifully on guitars, pads, and keyboards.

ParameterRangeDescription
Rate0.1 – 20 HzSpeed of the volume modulation.
Depth0 – 100%How much the volume varies. 100% goes from full volume to silence.
Mod TypeSine, Triangle, Square, Sawtooth, Random, MultiWaveShape of the volume envelope. Square produces a hard chop; Sine is smooth and classic.
Stereo ModeMono, Stereo, Ping-PongMono modulates both channels together. Stereo offsets the LFO between L/R. Ping-Pong alternates between channels.
Shape−100% – +100%Warps the modulation waveform. Negative values sharpen the peaks; positive values flatten them.
Sync / DivisionLocks the tremolo rate to your DAW's tempo.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of modulated and original signal.
Tip: For a classic guitar amp tremolo, use Sine mod type in Mono mode with a moderate rate (4–6 Hz) and 50–70% depth. For electronic choppy effects, try Square in Ping-Pong mode synced to 1/8 notes.

Ring Modulator PRO

Multiplies the input signal with a carrier oscillator to produce metallic, bell-like, and robotic tones. Generates sum and difference frequencies for anything from subtle shimmer to extreme inharmonic textures.

ParameterRangeDescription
Frequency20 – 2000 HzCarrier oscillator frequency. Low values produce bell-like resonance; mid-range creates robotic textures; high values are metallic and harsh.
Depth0 – 100%Ring modulation intensity.
Fine Tune−100 – +100 centsPrecise carrier pitch adjustment for fine-tuning the modulation frequency.
Wave TypePure, Soft, Harsh, RaspCarrier waveform. Pure (sine) is clean; Soft (triangle) is smooth; Harsh (square) is aggressive; Rasp (sawtooth) is gritty.
LFO Rate0 – 10 HzModulation rate for the carrier frequency. Set to 0 for a static carrier tone.
LFO Depth0 – 100%Amount of LFO modulation applied to the carrier frequency.
LFO WaveSine, Triangle, RandomLFO waveform. Random produces sample-and-hold-style frequency jumps.
Stereo Spread0 – 100%Detunes the left and right carrier oscillators for stereo width.
Low Cut20 – 500 HzRemoves sub-bass rumble from difference frequencies.
Sync / DivisionLocks the LFO rate to your DAW's tempo.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of modulated and original signal.
Tip: For a subtle metallic shimmer on guitars, try Pure wave type at a low frequency (80–150 Hz) with low depth. For classic robot-voice effects, set the frequency around 200–400 Hz with high depth.

Rotary PRO

Simulates the iconic Leslie rotating speaker cabinet with dual rotors spinning at different speeds. Captures authentic Doppler pitch modulation, amplitude modulation, and cabinet resonance in both Chorale (slow) and Tremolo (fast) modes.

ParameterRangeDescription
Speed ModeStopped, Slow, FastRotor state. Stopped halts rotation. Slow is Chorale mode (~0.8 Hz horn). Fast is Tremolo mode (~6 Hz horn).
Acceleration0 – 100%Rotor spin-up/spin-down time. Higher values produce a more realistic momentum effect when switching speeds.
Crossover Frequency200 – 2000 HzFrequency split between the bass drum and treble horn rotors. 800 Hz is the classic Leslie 122 setting.
Horn Depth0 – 100%Treble rotor modulation intensity. Controls the shimmer and swirl of the high frequencies.
Bass Depth0 – 100%Bass rotor modulation intensity. Adds warmth and low-end movement.
Stereo Width0 – 100%Phase offset between left and right rotors. 100% gives the classic Leslie stereo spread.
Mic Distance0 – 100%Simulates microphone distance, affecting Doppler pitch wobble intensity.
Cabinet Resonance0 – 100%Multi-band cabinet coloration that adds woody warmth and Leslie character.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of rotary and original signal.
Tip: The magic of a Leslie is in the speed transitions. Set Acceleration to 50–70% and automate the Speed Mode parameter to switch between Slow and Fast during a performance for that classic organ ramp-up effect.

Sample & Hold PRO

Generates stepped random control signals at a variable rate, modulating filter frequency, panning, amplitude, and distortion to create glitchy, stuttering, or stochastic textures. Features glide options for smoothing hard steps into musical transitions.

ParameterRangeDescription
Rate0.1 – 20 HzSample-and-hold trigger rate. Higher values produce faster, more frantic modulation.
Jitter0 – 100%Random variation applied to each trigger time. Creates organic, less metronomic timing.
Probability0 – 100%Likelihood of triggering a new sample each cycle. Lower values produce sparser modulation.
Filter Depth0 – 100%Amount of S&H modulation applied to filter frequency.
Pan Depth0 – 100%Amount of S&H modulation applied to left/right panning.
Amplitude Depth0 – 100%Amount of S&H modulation applied to signal level, creating gating and ducking effects.
Distortion Depth0 – 100%Amount of S&H modulation applied to a drive parameter.
Glide ModeOff, Glide, PortamentoOff produces instant steps. Glide smooths transitions as a percentage of the cycle. Portamento uses a fixed time in milliseconds.
Glide Amount0 – 100Transition time: percentage of cycle (Glide) or milliseconds (Portamento).
Sync / DivisionLocks the S&H rate to your DAW's tempo.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of modulated and original signal.
Tip: For rhythmic filter sweeps, set Filter Depth high and sync the rate to 1/8 notes. Add a touch of Glide (20–30%) to smooth the stepped filter into something more musical. For glitchy electronica, combine Amplitude and Pan depth with high Jitter.

Echo

A full-featured stereo delay with filtering, cross-feedback, and ping-pong mode. From clean digital repeats to warm, filtered echoes.

ParameterRangeDescription
Time1 ms – 2 sDelay time. At 120 BPM, a quarter note is 500 ms.
Feedback0 – 99%Amount of the delayed signal fed back for additional repeats. Higher values produce longer echo trails.
Cross Feedback0 – 99%Feeds the left channel's delay into the right and vice versa, creating complex stereo patterns.
Stereo Width0 – 100%Pan spread of the echo. 0% is mono; 100% is full stereo.
Time Offset−50% – +50%Offsets the right channel's delay time relative to the left. Creates polyrhythmic echo patterns.
Low Cut20 – 1000 HzHigh-pass filter on the echo repeats. Cleans up muddy low-end buildup.
High Cut100 Hz – 20 kHzLow-pass filter on the echo repeats. Lower values produce a warm, analog-style darkening of each repeat.
Ping PongOn/OffBounces the echoes between left and right channels.
Sync / DivisionLocks the delay time to your DAW's tempo at the selected note value.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of delayed and original signal.
Tip: Use Time Offset at 50% with Ping Pong enabled for a dotted-eighth-note style echo that bounces rhythmically between speakers.

Tape Delay PRO

A vintage-inspired tape echo emulating classic units like the Roland Space Echo and Maestro Echoplex. Features wow and flutter modulation, tape saturation, multi-head playback, and progressive high-frequency degradation for authentic analog character.

ParameterRangeDescription
Delay Time10 ms – 1.5 sPrimary playback head delay time.
Feedback0 – 105%Amount fed back for repeats. Values above 100% allow runaway oscillation for creative effects.
Wow Depth / Rate0 – 100% / 0.1 – 2 HzSlow pitch drift modulation characteristic of worn tape transport mechanisms.
Flutter Depth / Rate0 – 100% / 3 – 12 HzFast, subtle pitch variation from tape-head irregularities.
Saturation0 – 100%Tape warmth and harmonic coloration on the delay signal.
Age0 – 100%Macro control affecting saturation and overall degradation. Higher values sound more worn and vintage.
Degradation0 – 100%High-frequency loss applied to each repeat cycle, simulating tape wear. Creates natural darkening over successive echoes.
High Cut1 kHz – 15 kHzLow-pass filter on the delay path.
Low Cut20 – 500 HzHigh-pass filter on the delay path. Removes rumble from repeats.
Head Bump0 – 100%Low-mid emphasis around 100 Hz, emulating the mechanical resonance of a tape playback head.
Stereo Width0 – 200%Stereo spread of the echoes. 0% is mono; 100% is natural; 200% is exaggerated wide.
Head ModeSingle, Dual, TripleNumber of playback heads. Dual and Triple create polyrhythmic echo patterns.
Head 2/3 Offset0.25x – 2xTime multiplier for additional playback heads relative to the primary delay time.
Head 2/3 Level0 – 100%Output level of each additional playback head.
Sync / DivisionLocks the delay time to your DAW's tempo.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of delayed and original signal.
Tip: For a classic Space Echo sound, try moderate Wow (15%), light Flutter (10%), Saturation at 20%, and Degradation at 30%. Enable Dual head mode with Head 2 at 0.5x offset for a rhythmic dotted-note feel. The progressive darkening from Degradation is what gives tape delays their distinctive character compared to digital echoes.

Spectral Delay PRO

A filterbank-based delay that splits the signal into multiple frequency bands, each with its own independent delay time. Creates complex temporal-spectral effects where different parts of the frequency spectrum echo at different rates.

ParameterRangeDescription
Band Count4 / 8 / 12 / 16Number of parallel frequency bands. More bands provide finer spectral control at higher CPU cost.
Base Delay1 ms – 2 sBase delay time for the primary frequency band.
Delay Spread−100% – +100%How delay time varies across the spectrum. Positive values delay higher frequencies more (spacious shimmer). Negative values delay lower frequencies more.
Spread CurveLinear, Logarithmic, ExponentialShape of the delay time distribution across bands.
Feedback0 – 150%Global feedback. Values above 100% allow self-oscillation for infinite sustain effects.
Stereo Spread−100% – +100%Independent delay offset between left and right channels for stereo width.
Low Cut20 Hz – 1 kHzHigh-pass filter in the feedback path. Prevents muddy low-end buildup.
High Cut1 kHz – 20 kHzLow-pass filter in the feedback path. Darkens repeats for natural decay.
Mod Rate0.01 – 10 HzLFO rate for modulating the delay spread pattern.
Mod Depth0 – 100%Amount of LFO modulation on the spread. Creates evolving, shifting spectral textures.
Sync / DivisionLocks the base delay time to your DAW's tempo.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of spectrally delayed and original signal.
Tip: Set Delay Spread to +50% so high frequencies echo faster than low frequencies — this creates a shimmering cascade where treble arrives first and bass follows. Add moderate Mod Depth to keep the texture alive and evolving. Try 8 or 16 bands for maximum spectral resolution.

Plate Reverb

Inspired by the classic EMT 140 plate reverb, this effect simulates the sound of audio vibrating through a large metal plate. Known for its smooth, dense reverb tail that works especially well on vocals, snare drums, and guitars.

ParameterRangeDescription
Size0 – 100%Simulated plate dimensions. Larger values produce a bigger, more spacious reverb.
Decay0 – 100%Length of the reverb tail.
Pre-Delay0 – 150 msTime before the reverb onset. Adds separation between the dry signal and the reverb, improving clarity.
Diffusion0 – 100%Density of the reverb texture. Higher values produce a smoother, more blended tail. Lower values let individual reflections through.
Brightness0 – 100%Tonal character of the plate. Lower values produce the classic warm, dark EMT 140 sound. Higher values open up the highs for a brighter plate.
CharacterClassic, Modern, HybridDiffusion algorithm style. Classic is dense and immediate; Modern is open and spacious; Hybrid blends both qualities.
Mod Rate0.1 – 5 HzInternal modulation rate that adds subtle movement to the reverb tail.
Mod Depth0 – 100%Amount of internal modulation. Adds life and prevents the reverb from sounding static.
High Damping0 – 100%How quickly high frequencies decay within the reverb. Higher values produce a warmer, darker tail.
Low Damping0 – 100%How quickly low frequencies decay. Higher values thin out the low end of the reverb.
High Cut100 Hz – 20 kHzOutput filter that rolls off high frequencies from the reverb signal.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of reverb and original signal.
Tip: For a classic vocal plate, try Size at 50%, Decay at 40–50%, Brightness at 30%, and a Pre-Delay of 30–50 ms to keep the vocal upfront while the reverb fills out behind it.

Prism PRO

A hybrid algorithmic reverb with character-based delay patterns (Prime, Fibonacci, Golden Ratio, and more). Features attack envelope control for transient shaping and sophisticated modulation for movement and depth.

ParameterRangeDescription
Room Size0 – 100%Overall reverb space size and density.
Decay Time0 – 100%Reverb tail length.
Attack0 – 100%Transient envelope control. Shapes how quickly the reverb responds to input.
High Damping0 – 100%How quickly high frequencies decay within the reverb.
Low Damping0 – 100%How quickly low frequencies decay within the reverb.
Early Diffusion0 – 100%Diffusion applied to early reflections. Higher values produce a smoother onset.
Late Diffusion0 – 100%Diffusion in the decay tail. Higher values produce a denser, more blended tail.
CharacterTight, Wide, Fibonacci, Golden, Coprime, MixedDelay pattern algorithm that defines the mathematical character of the reverb's coloration.
Mod Rate0.01 – 10 HzInternal modulation speed.
Mod Depth0 – 100%Amount of internal modulation for movement in the tail.
Mod TypeNone, Classic, Chorus, Random, Shimmer, Complex, HarmonicModulation waveform applied to the reverb tail.
High Cut100 Hz – 20 kHzOutput filter that rolls off high frequencies from the reverb signal.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of reverb and original signal.
Tip: The Character parameter is what sets Prism apart. Try Fibonacci for lush, non-repeating patterns, or Golden for a mathematically elegant decay. Use the Attack control to soften reverb onset on percussive sources, or raise it for swelling pad-like reverb envelopes.

Bloom PRO

A chamber-style reverb combining feedback loops with reverb delay networks. Creates smooth, dense reflections with a lush, enveloping character suited to vocals, strings, and pads.

ParameterRangeDescription
Room Size0 – 100%Chamber space size, affecting early/late reflection balance.
Decay Time0 – 100%Length of the reverb tail.
Pre-Delay0 – 200 msTime before the reverb onset. Adds separation for clarity.
Diffusion0 – 100%AllPass diffusion intensity for smoothness and density.
Diffusion Stages0 – 8Number of allpass stages. More stages produce a silkier, more blended character.
High Damping0 – 100%High-frequency damping for a warm, natural decay.
Low Damping0 – 100%Low-frequency damping to control bass buildup.
Mod Rate0.1 – 2 HzDelay line modulation rate for organic movement.
Mod Depth0 – 100%Amount of modulation in the reverb tail.
High Cut100 Hz – 20 kHzOutput low-pass filter for taming brightness.
Low Cut20 Hz – 5 kHzOutput high-pass filter.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of reverb and original signal.
Tip: Bloom excels at creating lush, enveloping spaces. For a beautiful vocal chamber, try moderate Room Size with high Diffusion (5–7 stages) and a Pre-Delay of 25–40 ms. The high diffusion stages are what give Bloom its signature silky quality.

Ember PRO

A dense 16-delay feedback network reverb with integrated per-delay harmonic processing. Creates rich, warm textures with five harmonic coloration modes for diverse sonic character.

ParameterRangeDescription
Room Size0 – 100%Delay network scaling factor affecting perceived space size.
Decay Time0 – 100%Reverb tail length (extended range up to 150 seconds internally for vast spaces).
Pre-Delay0 – 100%Input diffuser delay scaling.
High Damping0 – 100%High-frequency damping intensity.
Low Damping0 – 100%Low-frequency damping intensity.
Early Diffusion0 – 100%Diffusion on the input signal for density.
Late Diffusion0 – 100%Internal network diffusion.
CharacterSmall, Medium, Large, Shimmer, Dark, VintagePhysical space character that defines delay and filter characteristics.
Mod Rate0.01 – 2 HzNetwork modulation speed.
Mod Depth0 – 50%Network modulation amount.
Mod TypeNone, Sine, Triangle, Random, ComplexModulation waveform shape.
Harmonic EnableOn/OffMaster toggle for per-delay harmonic processing.
Harmonic CharacterOff, Warm, Vintage, Bright, Dark, Lo-FiHarmonic coloration mode applied inside each of the 16 delay lines.
Harmonic Amount0 – 100%Intensity of harmonic processing.
Harmonic Mix0 – 100%Parallel mix between clean and harmonically processed delay signals.
High Cut100 Hz – 20 kHzOutput filter for vintage warmth.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of reverb and original signal.
Tip: Ember's harmonic processing is its standout feature. Enable it with the Warm or Vintage character for rich, harmonically saturated reverb tails on drums and guitars. The Lo-Fi mode with Dark character creates beautifully degraded ambient textures. Try the Small character for tight drum rooms.

Shimmer PRO

An ethereal pitch-shifted reverb that adds octave-shifted (or other interval) feedback to the reverb tail. Creates lush, evolving textures that bloom upward in pitch. Optional dual-voice mode enables rich harmonic complexity.

ParameterRangeDescription
Room Size0 – 100%Core reverb space size.
Decay Time0 – 100%Reverb tail length.
Shimmer Amount0 – 100%Blend between the normal reverb and the shimmer (pitch-shifted) feedback path.
Shimmer Pitch−24 – +24 semitonesPrimary pitch shift interval. Default is +12 (one octave up).
Shimmer Tone20 – 2000 HzHigh-pass filter on the shimmer path. Higher values produce an airier, more crystalline shimmer.
Shimmer Feedback0 – 100%Additional feedback for the shimmer path, controlling how much the pitch-shifted signal recirculates.
Dual VoiceOn/OffEnables a second pitch-shifted voice for richer harmonic shimmer.
Second Pitch−24 – +24 semitonesPitch interval of the second voice. Default is +7 (perfect fifth).
Grain Size10 – 130 msGranular pitch shifter grain size. Larger values produce smoother, less grainy shimmer.
Diffusion0 – 100%Early and late diffusion for smoothness.
High Damping0 – 100%High-frequency damping (kept low by default for airy shimmer).
CharacterTight, Wide, Fibonacci, Golden, Coprime, MixedCore reverb delay pattern algorithm.
Mod Rate / Depth0.01 – 2 Hz / 0 – 25%Internal modulation for movement in the reverb tail.
High Cut100 Hz – 20 kHzOutput filter.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of reverb and original signal.
Tip: For a classic ethereal shimmer, set Shimmer Pitch to +12 (octave up) with moderate Shimmer Amount and high Shimmer Feedback. For richer harmonic texture, enable Dual Voice with the second pitch at +7 (perfect fifth) — this creates a shimmering octave-and-fifth chord that blooms beautifully on pads and guitars.

Freeze PRO

An infinite sustain reverb that captures and endlessly sustains the current reverb texture. Perfect for ambient sound design, with smooth fade transitions, optional input bleed for layering, and continuous modulation for evolving frozen textures.

ParameterRangeDescription
FreezeOn/OffToggle freeze mode. When enabled, the current reverb texture is captured and sustained indefinitely.
Freeze Fade Time10 – 2000 msTransition time for smooth freeze/unfreeze. Longer values create gradual, cinematic transitions.
Freeze Input Bleed0 – 100%Amount of new input allowed during freeze. 0% is a pure freeze; higher values let you layer new material over the frozen texture.
Freeze Decay0 – 100%Slow decay during freeze. 0% is truly infinite; higher values allow the frozen texture to gradually fade away.
Room Size0 – 100%Core reverb space size.
Decay Time0 – 100%Pre-freeze reverb tail length.
Diffusion0 – 100%Early and late diffusion for density.
High / Low Damping0 – 100%Frequency-dependent damping.
CharacterTight, Wide, Fibonacci, Golden, Coprime, MixedReverb delay pattern algorithm.
Mod Rate / Depth0.01 – 2 Hz / 0 – 25%Modulation continues during freeze for evolving, non-static textures.
High Cut100 Hz – 20 kHzOutput filter.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of reverb and original signal.
Tip: Automate the Freeze toggle to capture a chord or texture at a dramatic moment. Set a long Fade Time (500–1000 ms) for cinematic swells. Use Input Bleed at 10–20% to gently layer new melodies over a frozen pad. The modulation keeps the frozen texture alive — increase Mod Depth for a slowly shifting, organic drone.

Glacier PRO

A freeze reverb based on a plate-style architecture with three unique diffusion character presets (Crystal, Glacier, Arctic). Combines the smooth density of a plate reverb with freeze capability for capturing and sustaining textures.

ParameterRangeDescription
Size0 – 100%Plate/room size affecting the reverb's spaciousness.
Decay Time0 – 100%Reverb tail length.
Pre-Delay0 – 150 msTime before the reverb onset.
Diffusion0 – 100%Input diffusion for density and smoothness.
Brightness0 – 100%Tonal character. Lower values produce a darker, warmer sound.
CharacterCrystal, Glacier, ArcticDiffuser preset. Crystal is tight and dense; Glacier is expansive; Arctic is vast and wide.
FreezeOn/OffToggle infinite sustain mode.
Freeze Fade Time10 – 2000 msSmooth transition time into/out of freeze.
Freeze Input Bleed0 – 100%New input allowed during freeze. 0% is a pure capture.
Freeze Decay0 – 100%Slow decay during freeze. 0% is truly infinite.
Mod Rate0.1 – 5 HzInternal modulation speed.
Mod Depth0 – 100%Internal modulation amount.
High Damping0 – 100%High-frequency damping.
Low Damping0 – 100%Low-frequency damping.
High Cut100 Hz – 20 kHzOutput filter.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of reverb and original signal.
Tip: Glacier is ideal for ambient production. Try the Arctic character with a long decay for vast, icy soundscapes. Use Freeze to capture a texture, then slowly increase Freeze Decay to let it fade away naturally. The Crystal character works well for tighter, more controlled freeze effects on drums.

Velvet Room PRO

A hybrid reverb using sparse early reflections combined with a Dense Velvet Noise (DVN) late tail. Produces natural, smooth decay without metallic artifacts. Ideal for drums, percussion, and transient-rich material that needs organic room ambience.

ParameterRangeDescription
Room Size0 – 100%Affects early reflection spacing and late tail density.
Decay Time0 – 100%Reverb decay length (optimized for short drum-style reverbs).
Pre-Delay0 – 150 msTime before early reflections.
Density0 – 100%DVN impulse density. Sparse produces a grainy texture; dense is smooth and full.
Density Shape0 – 100%Impulse distribution. 0% is linear; 100% is front-loaded for punchier drums.
Damping0 – 100%High-frequency damping. 0% is bright; 100% is dark.
Early/Late Mix0 – 100%Balance between early reflections and the DVN late tail.
Smooth0 – 100%Allpass diffusion applied to the late tail. 0% is pure DVN; 100% adds maximum smearing.
Quality100 – 2500Impulse count ceiling. Higher values produce denser, more realistic tails at the cost of CPU.
Low Cut20 – 500 HzOutput high-pass filter.
High Cut1 kHz – 20 kHzOutput low-pass filter.
Mod Rate / Depth0.1 – 2 Hz / 0 – 100%Early reflection modulation for subtle movement.
FreezeOn/OffInfinite sustain mode for capturing reverb textures.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of reverb and original signal.
Tip: Velvet Room is purpose-built for drums. For a punchy snare room, try a short Decay (20–30%), high Density Shape (70%+) for a front-loaded impulse, and moderate Early/Late Mix. The Density Shape parameter is key — higher values put more energy at the beginning of the tail for a tight, explosive room sound.

Velvet Hall PRO

A sophisticated hybrid reverb combining Dense Velvet Noise (DVN) for natural early character with a Feedback Delay Network (FDN) for extended tail length. Ideal for halls, cathedrals, and large spaces.

ParameterRangeDescription
Room Size0 – 100%Affects early reflection spacing and FDN delay times.
Decay Time0 – 100%Decay range.
Pre-Delay0 – 150 msTime before reverb processing begins.
Density0 – 100%DVN impulse density in the early section.
Damping0 – 100%High-frequency damping. 0% is bright; 100% is dark.
DVN/FDN Mix0 – 100%Balance between DVN character (natural warmth) and FDN tail extension (length and sustain).
CharacterSmall, Natural, Large, Hall, Cathedral, InfiniteFDN character preset affecting delay times and space coloration.
Mod Rate0.1 – 2 HzFDN delay line modulation rate.
Mod Depth0 – 100%FDN modulation depth.
Mod TypeNone, Sine, Triangle, Square, Sawtooth, RandomFDN modulation waveform.
Low Cut20 – 500 HzOutput high-pass filter.
High Cut1 kHz – 20 kHzOutput low-pass filter.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of reverb and original signal.
Tip: Velvet Hall is the go-to for realistic large spaces. For a concert hall, try the Hall character with moderate DVN/FDN Mix (50%) to blend natural early character with a long, extended tail. The Cathedral character with a long decay creates enormous, awe-inspiring spaces. Increase the DVN side of the mix for warmer, more natural-sounding early reflections.

Saturator

A versatile saturation/distortion module with multiple algorithms. Adds warmth, edge, or aggressive distortion depending on the mode and amount.

ParameterRangeDescription
Amount0 – 100%Drive intensity. Low values add subtle warmth; high values produce obvious distortion.
Shape0 – 100%Adjusts the saturation curve. Affects how the distortion responds to different signal levels.
ModeSoft Clip, Cubic, ArcTangent, Asymmetric, ChebyshevSaturation algorithm. Soft Clip is gentle and musical. Cubic adds odd harmonics. ArcTangent is smooth. Asymmetric creates even harmonics for a tube-like character. Chebyshev produces rich harmonic overtones.
Output Gain0.1x – 2xCompensates for level changes caused by saturation. Useful for A/B comparison at matched volumes.
Wet / Dry Level0 – 100%Blend of saturated and original signal.
Tip: The Saturator works great as the first effect in the chain to add harmonic richness before feeding into reverbs or delays. Try it in Slot 1 with a low Amount (10–20%) and Soft Clip mode.
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5. Presets

Browsing Presets

Click the preset name in the Preset Navigator (top left) to open the preset browser. Factory presets are organized by effect category. Use the left/right arrow buttons to step through presets sequentially, or click the dice button to load a random preset.

Saving Presets

After tweaking your sound, click the save icon in the Preset Navigator to save a user preset. You can name it and choose a folder for organization. User presets appear in a separate section of the preset browser.

Init

The Init option resets all slots to Bypass and all parameters to their default values. Use this as a clean starting point.

Random Mix

The shuffle button randomly loads presets across all 4 slots. This is a great way to discover unexpected combinations and spark creative ideas.

Slot Locking

When you lock a slot (using the lock icon in the slot header), that slot's effect and settings are preserved when you load presets, use Random Mix, Next/Prev buttons, or Init. This is powerful for auditioning — for example, lock a reverb you like in Slot 3 and browse through different modulation presets in the other slots.

Note: User presets are saved to Documents\Spectrus\Presets. Back up this folder to preserve your presets.
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6. Demo & Free Mode

Before activating a Pro license, Spectrus offers two ways to use the plugin. You can switch between them at any time by clicking the DEMO / FREE toggle button in the routing row.

Demo Mode (Default)

Demo mode is active by default when you first install Spectrus. It gives you full access to all 21 effects so you can explore everything Spectrus has to offer.

The trade-off: a periodic audio fade reminds you that you're running in demo mode. At a random interval (roughly every 45–75 seconds), the output smoothly fades down over 4 seconds, holds silence for 1 second, and then fades back up over 4 seconds. The fade applies to the entire output — both dry and wet signals.

Note: The demo fade is intentionally gentle and musical. It won't clip or pop — it's a smooth volume envelope. Reverb and delay tails continue to ring out naturally during the fade.

Free Mode

If you prefer uninterrupted audio, switch to Free mode. In Free mode, only the 7 free effects produce audio: Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Echo, Plate Reverb, and Saturator. There is no audio fade or time restriction.

Pro effects are still visible in the Module Picker but are marked with a yellow PRO badge. If a Pro effect is loaded in a slot, it is silently replaced with Bypass so it doesn't affect your signal.

Tip: Use Demo mode when you're exploring and discovering what Spectrus can do. Switch to Free mode when you're working on a project and need reliable, uninterrupted output from the free effects.

Pro (Licensed)

Once you activate a Pro license key, the Demo/Free toggle disappears entirely. All 21 effects work without any restrictions, fades, or badges. See License & Support for activation instructions.

Summary

FeatureDemo ModeFree ModePro
Available effectsAll 217 free effectsAll 21
Audio fadeYes (periodic)NoNo
PRO badges shownNoYesNo
Random Mix draws fromAll effectsFree effects onlyAll effects
Production-readyNo (fade interruptions)Yes (7 effects)Yes (all effects)
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7. Automation

All Spectrus parameters are automatable from your DAW. Parameters follow the naming convention s{slot}{Effect}{Parameter} — for example, s1ChorusRate is Slot 1's Chorus Rate, and s3PlateDecayTime is Slot 3's Plate Reverb Decay.

Slot-level controls like level, mute, and solo are also automatable using names like slot1Level, slot1Mute, and slot1Solo.

To automate a parameter, use your DAW's standard automation workflow (e.g., right-click a control in some DAWs, or find the parameter in your DAW's automation lane browser).

Tip: Automating the slot Mute parameters is a great way to bring effects in and out during different sections of a song.
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8. Troubleshooting

Diagnostic Log

Spectrus automatically creates a log file that records plugin lifecycle events, module loading, and errors. If you encounter a problem, this file helps us diagnose it.

Log locations:

Windows: %APPDATA%\Spectrus\logs\Spectrus.log
macOS: ~/Library/Spectrus/logs/
Linux: ~/.config/Spectrus/logs/

The log auto-rotates at 256 KB and supports multiple simultaneous instances (each tagged with an instance number). Please attach this file when submitting bug reports.

Common Issues

Plugin not detected by DAW

Verify the plugin files are in the correct locations for your platform (see Installation above). Then rescan your plugin directories from your DAW's preferences.

High CPU usage

Try increasing your audio buffer size. Some effects (especially reverbs with long decay times) are more CPU-intensive. Disable slots you are not using by setting them to Bypass.

"TOO LOUD - OUTPUT MUTED" warning

Spectrus includes a safety limiter that mutes the output if dangerously loud levels are detected. This can happen with extreme feedback settings. Reduce the feedback on the offending effect and the mute will release automatically.

Reporting Bugs

Please report bugs using our online form at bugs.morphulus.com. Include:

1. A description of the problem and steps to reproduce it.

2. Your DAW name and version.

3. Your OS version and audio interface/buffer size (on Linux, also note your audio setup: ALSA, PipeWire, or JACK).

4. The diagnostic log file (see Diagnostic Log above for the path on your platform).

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9. License & Support

Free vs. Pro

Spectrus Free includes 7 effects: Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Echo, Plate Reverb, and Saturator. The full 4-slot architecture, routing system, and preset system are fully functional.

Spectrus Pro unlocks 14 additional effects including Vintage Chorus, Ring Modulator, Rotary, Sample & Hold, Tape Delay, Spectral Delay, and 8 additional reverb algorithms (Prism, Bloom, Ember, Shimmer, Freeze, Velvet Room, Velvet Hall, and Glacier).

Activating a License Key

After purchasing Spectrus Pro, you'll receive a license key via email. To activate:

1. Right-click the Spectrus logo in the top-right corner of the plugin.

2. Select "Enter License Key..." from the menu.

3. Either paste the key directly into the text field, or click "Load File" to browse for a .lic file.

4. Click "Activate".

Verification is instant — no internet connection required. On success, the plugin immediately unlocks all Pro effects and the Demo/Free toggle disappears.

Note: Spectrus uses fully offline license verification. After your initial purchase and key delivery, no internet connection is ever needed and never needs to be re-validated.

Managing Your License

Once activated, right-click the Spectrus logo to see "Licensed to: [your email]" displayed in the menu. Select "Manage License..." to view your license details or clear the license from this machine.

Your license key is saved locally at Documents\Spectrus\license.key and persists across DAW restarts and system reboots. You can use the same key on multiple machines.

Contact & Support

Website: morphulus.com

Email: morphulusfx@gmail.com

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