making connections with Apotheca.
Apotheca is a shaper tool, but it is modeled to connect like an expert-level synth. Apotheca is full of effects, has a drag-and-drop interface, and follows a similar workflow to some of the best products in the industry.
Let’s start with the basics.
Let’s create a pumping bass using the cutoff filter and a shaper graph.
First, add an effect on the left channel.
A new inlet will appear.
Next, click on one of the shaper envelopes, and drag-and-drop the envelope to the the lowpass filter.
Note, Apotheca will only shows dropboxes when connected or en route to making a connection.
Any control can connect with any shaper, even rate sliders of other shapers.
Once the shaper is connected, we can adjust the amount the shaper graph impacts the modulation source.
This can be accomplished by clicking and dragging on the dropbox.
Now we can draw a path for the playhead to follow.
When the shaper modulates, the cutoff control will open and close as it follows the shaper’s shape.
warning advanced technique
In Apotheca we can define non-linear paths for the controls.
This is useful when creating unique sounds and blending effects from one modulation source to another.
First, press ctrl-click, to open the dropbox.
You will know it’s working when the minimap pops-up.
The minimap can be controlled the same as other graphs, but instead defines the control’s path.
For example, if you want to add more skew to a control, press Alt+Click and drag on the line. The slope will bend outward.
This is a very powerful feature, which can be exploited to make some really complex modulations.
For more tips and tricks check back periodically.
