Modular synth experts Modbap have just announced the launch of Fidelity Theory, a new creative effect that marks their debut software release and the launch of a new oneTHNG plug-in series. 

Described as a “character effect”, the new arrival takes the hands-on approach of Modbap’s Eurorack modules and applies it to software. It features a single control that allows users to manipulate the sample rate and word length of incoming audio signals, allowing users to easily experiment with moving between bright, coarse digital textures and dark, narrow-bandwidth sounds. Turning the Fidelity control to the left opens up the bandwidth while the amplitude grid becomes coarser, while turning it to the right has the opposite effect. 

Iron and Worn modes then offer some overall tonal shaping, with the former adding a presence lift at around 4kHz along with some gentle drive, and the latter emphasising the low mids, softening high-frequency content and adding some asymmetric saturation. Fidelity Theory also boasts a range of features designed to encourage real-time experimentation. Parameter changes are smoothed, switching is crossfaded and the output level will remain consistent while sweeping the main control, allowing users to apply character changes without any distracting volume jumps.

• A Playable Fidelity Coordinate: One macro control links sample rate and word length across a range of 48kHz and 6-bit to 6kHz and 16-bit.
• Two Converter Voicings: Choose Iron for presence and controlled drive or Worn for thicker low mids, softened highs, asymmetric saturation and grain.
• Responsive Aliasing: Ring creates inharmonic metallic texture with a fold point that tracks the active sample-rate coordinate.
• Clear Visual Feedback: A live readout shows the exact sample-rate and bit-depth pair at every control position.
• Performance-ready Behaviour: Smoothed parameters, crossfaded switching and level matching make the plug-in safe to move during a take.

"For six years, Modbap has been about making instruments that feel immediate, musical and open to discovery. Fidelity Theory takes that same idea into software. Instead of giving you a page of technical choices, it turns a relationship between sample rate and bit depth into one playable gesture. The sound can be subtle, worn, bright, dark or completely broken, but the way you get there stays simple." — Corry Banks, Founder, Modbap

Fidelity Theory is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 11 and higher. VST3 and AU plug-0in versions are available. Note that there is no AAX version, so Pro Tools is not supported.

Fidelity Theory is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $29.99 until 31 October 2026, when it will increase to $39.99. 

in.modbap.com/plugins/onethng/fidelity