ALM MFX User manual

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Manual Version: 0.11 (firmware v100 - original release)
ALM032
MFX
USER
GUIDE.
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ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Introduction .......................................................................................3
Features --------------------------------------------------------------------4
Technical Specifications ----------------------------------------------------4
Operation...........................................................................................5
Panel Layout ----------------------------------------------------------------5
General Usage---------------------------------------------------------------5
Common Program Parameters and Features ----------------------------------7
Programs.............................................................................................9
Digi-PCM Echo --------------------------------------------------------------9
Tape-Tech Echo -------------------------------------------------------------11
Crumbular Echo ------------------------------------------------------------12
Ursa Minor Echoverb --------------------------------------------------------13
Pocket PL8 Reverb ----------------------------------------------------------15
Almicon Reverb -------------------------------------------------------------16
Quaidra Reverb -------------------------------------------------------------17
TY-50 Compressor ----------------------------------------------------------18
Transient Shaper ------------------------------------------------------------19
TH-30 Distortion-----------------------------------------------------------20
2051 Bit Corrupter ----------------------------------------------------------21
Modulating Panner ---------------------------------------------------------22
Ring + Freq Modulator ------------------------------------------------------23
Ensembles Ensemble -------------------------------------------------------24
Utilities---------------------------------------------------------------------25
Limited Warranty ..............................................................................26
Support ............................................................................................27
APPENDIX .........................................................................................28
I. Factory Reset ------------------------------------------------------------28
II. Firmware Updates -------------------------------------------------------28
III. The ‘AXON-1’ Expander -------------------------------------------------29
IV. Factory Presets----------------------------------------------------------31
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ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Introduction
The MFX is a compact 6HP Eurorack stereo digital audio multi effects processor.
It offers 14 different full featured effects programs plus a number of metering
utilities.
Inspired by our favourite classic hardware effects processors, the MFX
incorporates DSP technologies from the dawn of digital effects in the 70s to the
present day. This combines with ALM character and uniqueness to form a highly
useful, fun and practical Eurorack effects module.
Reshape sounds with the distortion and dynamics engines. Bend time, space
and pitch with multiple feature rich reverb and delay engines. Modulate signals
with the flexible panner, frequency shifter, and range of ensemble effects. Fracture
sounds with the one of a kind granular and glitch engines. Check signals and tune
oscillators with various utilities.
The MFX user interface is designed to be familiar, quick and easy to use. Each
program contains a wide range of controllable parameters both directly editable or
freely assigned to CV or clocked control. Additionally, each program includes factory
presets as well as the ability to store and recall user presets. All states are
preserved across power cycles.
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ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Features
•A large collection of effects programs with numerous controllable parameters.
•All settings remain between power cycles.
•Factory and user saveable presets per effect.
•Stereo I/O paths.
•3 freely assignable CV inputs and 1 clock / trigger input.
•Support for the ‘Axon-1’ expander for up to 7 assignable CV inputs.
•USB-C for quick and easy ‘drag and drop’ firmware updates via computer.
•Skiff friendly with reverse power protection.
•Made in England.
Technical Specifications
•Supply: +12V 50mA Max / -12v 15mA
•Size: 6 HP
•Depth: 32mm
•16 Bit / 44.1Khz Stereo processing
•ARM CPU based DSP
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ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Operation
Panel Layout
General Usage
The MFX provides a browsable selection of effects programs that can each be
selected and made active. Once active, a program’s various parameters can be
browsed, edited or assigned to CV. The programs have a number of common
features as well as unique parameters specific to their functions. Factory and user
presets can also be loaded and saved per engine.
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R Out
Clk LR
CV 1
CV 2
CV 3
L Out
(m)
Assignable CV Inputs
(Expect 0-5v)
OLED Display
Program KnobBack Button
External Clock Input Stereo Audio Inputs
with LED Clip Indication
Stereo Audio Outputs

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
When initially powered, after a short start up animation, MFX displays the active
effects program. Other available programs can be browsed by twisting the program
knob and made active by clicking the program knob. Once a program is made
active, its last edited parameter screen is displayed. Parameters can be cycled
through by turning the program knob. Clicking the knob will highlight the selected
parameter and turning will then set its value from a range of available values (and
cv assigns - see next para). Clicking again will exit. To return to the program
selection, press the back button.
Audio signals are patched in to either the left input (mono source) or both left
and right inputs (stereo source). The audio signals are then processed by the
selected effect program and sent to the stereo audio outputs. The red LEDs indicate
when audio signals are too high and are causing clipping at the inputs - if this
occurs, care should be taken to lower signal volumes into the MFX.
Assigning CV Control
On a parameter screen, scrolling left past the lowest value of a parameter will
select one of the assignable CV inputs to externally control that parameter.
Alternatively, when a parameter is highlighted, holding the back button + twisting
the program knob will immediately jump to the CV input selection.
Each CV assignment includes its own digital attenuation and offset settings for
scaling the incoming voltage. To adjust this, hold the program encoder for >1 sec.
with the CV assignment selected. (To exit press the back button). When a CV is
assigned, a small bar graph will be displayed indicating the CV level (after
attenuation and offset).
The expected input voltage range in unipolar 0-5 Volts (Euro voltages outside of
this range won’t damage the module but will be ignored). CV control of program or
preset selection is not currently supported.
Externally Clocking
Some effects programs include a parameter for setting internal ‘INT’ or external
‘EXT’ clock. When external clock is enabled, the MFX then follows a clock pulse at
the ‘Clk’ input. Additionally, some effect programs repurpose the clock input as a
gate input for controlling special functions. See the Programs section for specifics
on how the clock input is used by each program.
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ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Common Program Parameters and Features
Mix
Every effect includes a standard mix control for setting the wet/dry blend of the
effect with the original input source. At 0%, only the input signal is heard at the
outputs. As ‘Mix’ is increased, the affected signal is brought in until 100% is
reached and no dry signal remains. When using the MFX in a mixer’s send and
return, be sure to set ‘Mix’ to 100% wet for the expected behaviour.
Presets
Following the mix parameter is a screen labeled ‘Preset’ where the parameters
of each effect may be initialised, loaded and saved into the available user slots.
Each effect includes a collection of factory presets to showcase its versatility and
provide a range of starting points. Keep in mind that the last used settings of each
effect will remain both when changing effect programs and power cycling. It is only
necessary to save a preset to return to a favourite setting following parameter
adjustments. By selecting one of the three ‘User-X’ presets, a custom preset can be
saved and later recalled.
I/O Indicators
The bottom left corner of the screen displays two pairs of dots that indicate the
input/output arrangement of the currently loaded program / parameter setup. A
solid dot represents an audio signal expected at the inputs or produced at the
outputs. Some effects are fully stereo whilst others expect a mono input and
produce either a stereo or mono output. Certain effects programs may change their
I/O arrangement depending on the ‘mode’ setting. The possible I/O arrangements
are as follows:
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Mono In
Mono Out
Mono In
Stereo Out
Stereo In
Stereo Out
L+R Mono In
Mono Out

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
For a mono input, L+R inputs are generally summed to mono however some
effects (mostly reverbs) take just a pure mono input from the L input (This may well
change with future firmware updates)
Bypassing
At any time, the audio processing of the MFX can be bypassed to mute the effect
and route the dry input source straight to the outputs. To do so, hold the back button
+ press the program knob. The word ‘Bypass’ is displayed in the bottom left corner of
the screen (covering I/O indicators). Repeat this shortcut to disengage bypass.
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ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Programs
Digi-PCM Echo
Mono In →Mono or Stereo Out
The ‘Digi-PCM Echo’ is an unapologetically digital delay inspired by early digital
rack delays. It includes an assortment of additional features such as external clock
sync, five different delay modes, audio quality settings and wide ranging times.
Parameters
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Clock
Sets if the delay time is based on
internal ‘INT’ or external ‘EXT’ clock.
Time
Sets the length of the delay buffer in
ms when ‘Clock’ is set to internal.
(Ranges from 0-998ms x8).
Clock Mult
Sets the buffer length as a multiple of
the incoming pulse when ‘Clock’ is set
to external.
Tap Mult
Sets the time of the second tap as a
multiple of the main time, not used in
‘Mono’ and ‘Ext Feedback’ modes.
Mode
Sets the delay mode. Depending on
the selection, the output can be
mono or stereo.
•Mono Delay - A single delay line
with a mono output.
•Dual Tap - A pair of delay lines
mixed to a mono output.
•Stereo Tap - A pair of delay lines,
each hard-panned to one side of
the stereo output.
•Ping Pong - A pair of delay lines that
swap sides with each repeat.
•Ext Feedback - A single mono delay
line using only the left in and out.
The right output is repurposed as a
send and the right input as a return
for the external feedback path.

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
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Bandwidth
Sets the sampling frequency of the
delay line. Doubles delay time with
each step down.
Bit Depth
Sets bit depth of the delay line.
Regen
Sets the amount of feedback into the
delay buffer.
Flip Phase
Inverts the phase of the delay line.
High Cut
Sets the cut off frequency of a low
pass filter in the delay line.
Low Cut
Sets the cut off frequency of a high
pass filter in the delay line.
TIPS:
1. Use the ratio set between the Delay Time and the Tap Mult parameters to
greatly alter the rhythms of the repeats.
2. Try using the High / Low Cut filters and modulation to create distance between
the source and the echoes.
3. Modulating the Bandwidth parameter can have interesting melodic results.
4. Remember to experiment with all of the delay modes to find the most suitable
echo type for your patch!
Mod Depth
Sets the depth of modulation over the
delay time.
Mod Rate
Sets the rate of modulation over the
delay time.
Reverse
Reverses playback of the delay buffer.

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Tape-Tech Echo
Mono In →Mono Out
The ‘Tape-Tech Echo’ is an analog tape style delay with a pitch shifter bolted on.
Inspired by gritty vintage tape echo units, it has a darker analog sound. Several
unique parameters including tape age and wow + flutter, combined with the built in
pitch shifter, make the Tape-Tech a fun and eccentric program.
Parameters
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Time
Sets the length of the delay buffer in
ms. (Ranges from 0-998ms).
Feedback
Sets the amount of feedback into the
delay buffer.
Tape Age
Sets the age of the tape: increases
noise, saturation and darkness in the
repeats.
Wow + Flutter
Introduces slight changes to the
delay time, adding pitch warble and
chorusing to the repeats.
Pitch Shift
Shifts the pitch of the delay line
without affecting the time.
Loop
Loops the currently stored delay
buffer.
Clock
Sets if the delay time is based on
internal ‘INT’ or external ‘EXT’ clock.
Clock Mult
Sets the buffer length as a multiple of
the incoming pulse when ‘Clock’ is set
to external.
TIPS:
1. Try assigning CV to the Time parameter for warping tape speed effects.
(Remember, offset and attenuation can be set by pressing and holding the
encoder on any CV assignment).
2. Try setting the pitch shifter to 0.50, 1.50, 2.00, etc. for tuned ascending or
descending pitch shifting delay.

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Crumbular Echo
Mono In →Mono or Stereo Out
The ‘Crumbular Echo’ is a granular type multi-tap delay designed to produce
busy clusters of stuttering repeats. With a wide ranging set of parameters, it is
capable of producing anything from broken glitch sounds to reverb-like washes of
smeared grains.
Parameters
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Mode
Sets the mode to either mono or
stereo.
Feedback
Sets the amount of feedback into the
delay buffer.
High Cut
Sets the cut off frequency of a low
pass filter in the delay line.
Low Cut
Sets the cut off frequency of a high
pass filter in the delay line.
Time
Sets the length of the delay buffer in
ms. (Ranges from 0-742ms).
Spray
Sets the amount of random time
offset for each grain.
Density
Sets the amount of grains.
Size
Sets the size of the grains.
TIPS:
1. This granular delay can get very crazy, very fast - fine tuning a combination of
the Spray, Density and Size parameters is key to taming this powerful effect.
2. Try controlling the Time parameter with a random CV for unusual pitch shifting
effects and timing variation.

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Ursa Minor Echoverb
Mono In →Mono or Stereo Out
The ‘Ursa Minor Echoverb’ is a complex, wide ranging multi-tap delay heavily
based on a rack unit of a similar name. It is configurable as either a reverb or an
echo and includes 20 different programs (time arrangements for the 8 delay taps).
From long ethereal reverbs to complex resonant comb filtering, this program offers
a unique take on reverb and delay.
Parameters
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Tap Level 1
Sets the level of the first tap panned
left and the first tap panned right.
Tap Level 2
Sets the level of the second tap
panned left and the second tap
panned right.
Tap Level 3
Sets the level of the third tap panned
left and the third tap panned right.
Tap Level 4
Sets the level of the fourth tap
panned left and the fourth tap
panned right.
Mode
Selects between ‘reverb’ or ‘echo’
modes.
Time
Sets the length of the delay buffer.
Only applies to the ‘echo’ mode.
(Ranges from 0-254ms).
Program
Selects one of 20 different time
arrangements for the 8 delay taps (4-
L and 4-R).
Feedback
Sets the amount of feedback into the
delay buffer.
High Cut
Sets the cut off frequency of a low
pass filter in the delay line.
Low Cut
Sets the cut off frequency of a high
pass filter in the delay line.

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
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TIPS:
1. Make sure not to overlook the four Tap Level parameters which serve the
important purpose of controlling the mix between the 8 taps.
2. There are loads of sounds to discover, don’t forget to try out the many tap
arrangements available in both the reverb and echo modes!
3. With a deep program like this, patching manual voltage offsets to the CV inputs
and assigning them to one or more key parameters offers quick hands on control
and simultaneous parameter adjustments.

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Pocket PL8 Reverb
Mono In →Mono or Stereo Out
The ‘Pocket PL8 Reverb’ offers all the magic of a massive aluminium plate whilst
remaining small enough to fit in your pocket. It is based on early digital reverb
algorithms with a dense metallic sound.
*Clk In - Patching a trigger into the clock input will gate the reverb tail.
Parameters
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Size
Sets the size/time of the reverb tail.
Pre-Delay
Delays the onset of the reverb tail.
(Ranges from 0-99ms).
High Cut
Sets the cut off frequency of a low
pass filter on the reverb tail.
Low Cut
Sets the cut off frequency of a high
pass filter on the reverb tail.
Stereo
Widens the reverb to faux stereo via
phase inversion. Includes settings for
both mild and full widening.
When set to ‘off’ the reverb is mono.
TIPS:
1. Try using the High and Low Cut parameters to emphasise different metallic
qualities in the virtual plate.
2. Remember, a trigger sent to the Clk input will gate the reverb tail for unique
dynamic and rhythmic effects!

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Almicon Reverb
Mono In →Stereo Out
The ‘Almicon Reverb’ is a program based on classic 80s high end studio style
reverb algorithms. Great for bright small rooms and extending into vast synthetic
spaces, the Almicon offers a lush, polished reverb with a classic sound.
Parameters
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Size
Sets the size/time of the reverb tail.
Damping
Darkens the reverb tail, both
shortening its length and reducing
high frequencies.
Diffusion
Reduces or increases the uniformity
of the reverb tail, causing reflections
to appear more distinct or thicker.
Pre-Delay
Delays the onset of the reverb tail.
(Ranges from 0-99ms).
TIPS:
1. Keep in mind that the Damping and Diffusion parameters also affect the
perceived size and depth of the reverb tail.
2. Under CV control, Diffusion can be used to create swells and throws by quickly
altering how much the input signal excites the reverb.

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Quaidra Reverb
Mono In →Stereo Out
The ‘Quaidra Reverb’ is a 90s style reverb with a simple, musical set of
parameters. It excels at unnaturally large and airy spaces, producing a rich
atmosphere from any sound sent through it.
Parameters
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Size
Sets the size/time of the reverb tail.
Damping
Darkens the reverb tail, both
shortening its length and reducing
high frequencies.
Low Cut
Sets the cut off frequency of a high
pass filter on the reverb tail.
TIPS:
1. Try setting Size around 90-100% and Damping to 0% for massive infinite reverb
trails.
2. The Low Cut parameter sits within the feedback path, meaning its setting will
multiply over time as the reverb decays.

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
TY-50 Compressor
Stereo In →Stereo Out
The ‘TY-50 Compressor’ is a flexible stereo compressor with wide ranging attack
and release times that make it great for adding punch, smoothing transients or as a
clean mix bus compressor. Compression can range from super subtle to extremely
intense, working great to shape any source material patched through it.
Parameters
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Threshold
Sets the amplitude at which the
compressor begins to take effect.
Ratio
Sets the amount of gain reduction
applied to the incoming signal when
it crosses the threshold.
Attack
Sets the time it takes for the signal’s
gain to be fully reduced after crossing
the threshold.
Release
Sets the time it takes for the signal to
return to its original level after being
reduced (compressed).
Make Up Gain
Sets the final output gain of the
compressed signal.
Meters
GR - Displays the amount of gain
reduction applied to the incoming
signal.
OP - Displays the output gain of the
compressor.
TIP:
It is common to bypass compressors frequently when adjusting settings to quickly
compare levels between the original and compressed versions. (To engage Bypass
hold the back button + press the program knob).

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
Transient Shaper
Stereo In →Stereo Out
The ‘Transient Shaper’ is a fast acting dynamics processor for reshaping the
attack and release envelope of any sound.
Parameters
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Make Up Gain
Sets the final output gain of the
shaped signal.
Attack
Shortens or lengthens the attack
transients of the incoming signal.
Release
Shortens or lengthens the release
transients of the incoming signal.
Tilt Filter
Tilt style EQ filter that sets the region
of frequencies detected by the
envelope followers.
TIP:
The tilt filter has a huge impact on the strength of the Attack and Release
controls. Carefully adjust the tilt setting with regard to the frequency content
produced by your input source.

ALM-032 - ‘MFX’
TH-30 Distortion
Stereo In →Stereo Out
The ‘TH-30 Distortion’ is a versatile distortion program with a collection of
different distortion types ranging from analog style saturation to intense digital
wavefolding. A built-in wide ranging tilt filter allows for emphasis of the high or low
frequency content of the distortion.
Parameters
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Type
Sets type of distortion.
•Soft - Analog style soft clipping.
Rounds transients.
•Saturate - clipping with
compressed harmonics.
•Overdrive - clipped signal
introducesharsher harmonics.
•Digital - Digital hard clipping,
squares off transients.
•Wavefold - The digital wavefolder
from the Tyso Daiko.
•Nuclear - Maximum clipping!
Squares off ALL incoming
transients.
Drive
Sets the amount of drive.
Tilt Filter
Tilt style filter EQ applied to the
distorted signal, emphasising either
high or low frequencies.
Output Gain
Reduces the final output of the
distorted signal.
TIP:
Try using more subtle drive settings with a light bass or treble boost from the tilt
filter to excite synth voices, drums or even full stereo mixes.