How to use Audiaire’s Nuxx

Audiaire’s Nuxx is a multi-effects processor with 30 unique effect types, spanning everything from reverbs and delays to decimators and ring modulation.

What’s more impressive than the quantity of effects Nuxx offers is how deeply each one can be manipulated, modulated, and customized, thanks to the plugin’s powerful combination of macros and parameter sequencers. Its sequencer-centric workflow may be familiar to those who have experience with Zone, Audiaire’s flagship synthesizer. For those who have never touched either plugin, Nuxx may look a little overwhelming at a glance. Don’t worry — this guide will help show you that Nuxx is actually quite intuitive (and very powerful) once you get the hang of a few simple concepts.

Get to know Nuxx

getting-to-know-nuxx

Nuxx’s UI is divided into two primary sections: the macros section on the left and the sequencer section on the right. Each of Nuxx’s six macro knobs can be assigned up to ten parameters from any combination of six effects processors (to assign parameters to a macro, right click on a knob and navigate to the ATTACH menu, or hit the OPTIONS button at the bottom of the section). Once a macro has been linked to a parameter(s), a corresponding lane in the sequencer section will become assigned to it.

Create patterns in the sequencer section

As you set up your lanes, you’ll notice that Nuxx cycles across the steps in the sequencer section in sync with your DAW’s tempo (as long as RUN and HOST are activated at the top of the UI), at the speed defined by the RATE parameter. Click, hold, and drag your mouse across a lane to draw patterns manually, and you’ll hear the effects assigned to the corresponding macro modulate accordingly. Alternatively, select a preset pattern or generate one randomly by using the dice and lane presets icons that appear when you hover over a lane’s label.

nuxx button

Define your workflow

Using the sequencer section allows you to add a lot of interesting rhythmic movement to your effects. However, if this isn’t something that interests you, you can remove the sequencer section entirely and use Nuxx as a simple six-knob effects unit.

If you want even less control (or want to quickly arrive to a starting point for customization), simply choose from one of the 200+ professionally-designed presets.

Regardless of whether you heavily rely on the sequencer section or use it sparingly, Nuxx is an incredible tool for sound design; restricting yourself to just the macros can deliver some really interesting results, but you can’t go wrong with a hybrid workflow either.

Let us know if you have any questions regarding Nuxx in the comments below, and if you don’t have the plugin, give it a try with a free three-day trial on Rent-to-Own.

October 15, 2019

Harrison Shimazu

Harrison Shimazu is a composer, content strategist, and writer who’s passionate about democratizing music creation and education. He leads the Splice blog and creates music as Namaboku.