Modbap’s $30 Wax Theory plugin gets dirtier as the needle moves in
Wax Theory ties distortion, pitch drift and filtering to a simulated stylus position, with LP, 45 and 78 rpm models.
Modbap has released Wax Theory, a vinyl emulation plugin built around a single control. The control is called SIDE, and it moves a simulated stylus across the record. Counterclockwise puts the needle at the outer lead-in groove. Clockwise takes it toward the inner run-out near the label, as Magnetic Magazine reported.
Modbap models an LP’s groove speed falling from roughly 51 centimeters per second at the edge to 21 near the run-out. As it drops, tracing distortion and pitch instability rise, and high-frequency bandwidth shrinks.
There are three formats: a 12-inch LP at 33⅓ rpm, a seven-inch 45, and a ten-inch 78 rpm shellac record with a narrower frequency response, more surface activity and speed variation. A STYLUS section offers HIFI, the cleanest option, plus DJ, a larger conical stylus with more distortion and a presence lift around 7 kHz, and WORN, which adds rasp and tonal changes. The DUST control layers in surface noise, clustered clicks, bearing rumble and a scratch that repeats once per revolution.
Wax Theory is the second release in Modbap’s oneTHNG series, after Fidelity Theory, which handles sample rate and bit depth. The plugin runs as VST3 and AU on macOS 11 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 or later. It adds 512 samples of latency, which compatible hosts compensate for, and the interface resizes from 75% to 200%.
The introductory price is $29.99, down from the regular $39.99. A 14-day trial is free.
