Dubspot SM-1 SemiModular

Version 1.0.0. A semi-modular synthesizer with interchangeable modules, patch cables, sequencing and a configurable effects rack.

A first patch

Load a factory preset, play MIDI notes, and use the filter cutoff and envelopes to shape the phrase. The normalled signal path makes sound without patch cables. Add a cable to change a modulation or audio connection, then adjust its amount or polarity. Start with one new connection at a time and use Undo to compare.

Modules and patching

MK1 and MK2 modules offer different oscillator, mixer, filter and envelope behaviors. Select the module version from its controls. The instrument supports four modulation and envelope instances. Rear exposes additional patch points. Connections, module choices, control values and effect routing are saved with the preset and host session.

Performance and sequence

Use a MIDI keyboard or the on-screen keyboard. Pitch bend, modulation and performance controls are exposed through the instrument. Seq opens the sequence editor. The sequencer can record steps and follow host transport and tempo. Preset selection and saving are available in the header, with a user library stored on this computer.

Effects

Spring is available in the effects rack. Add up to four Delay or Grains instances. Route effects before, after or in parallel with the spring stage, or use patch connections for more specific routing. Delay provides time and feedback control. Grains provides granular processing, freeze and quality choices. Reduce feedback and output level before building a feedback path.

Presets and editing

The factory library contains 13 starting patches. Save names that describe the sound or musical role in your user library. Undo and Redo retain editing history while the editor is open. All sound and patch state is stored by the host; a saved sound does not include a licence. The settings and help buttons describe the current interaction controls.

Requirements

macOS 12 or later, Apple Silicon or Intel, and a compatible AU, VST3 or AAX Native instrument host. MIDI input is required to play notes. The instrument can also use external audio where the host exposes its input bus. Your host may require a newer macOS version.

Installation

Close your audio host, open the macOS installer, and select the formats you use. Administrator permission is required. AU, VST3 and AAX Native are installed in their standard system folders. Open the host and select the plug-in from its browser. Windows is coming soon.

Activate or try

Choose Activate in the plug-in, then Activate / Start trial. Sign in to your Dubspot account. The same account works for courses and plug-ins. Start the 14-day trial, or activate your purchased licence for this computer. Download the .dubspotlicense file and choose Import licence file in the plug-in.

One perpetual licence covers up to three computers and all included desktop formats. The Analog Bundle includes one licence for each of its four plug-ins. Each plug-in has its own three-computer allowance. An iLok is not needed for the Dubspot customer licence; your host may have its own licensing requirements.

Paid activation does not require periodic internet access. To activate an offline studio computer, use Copy offline request, take the request to a connected computer, and paste it into the matching plug-in's licence section in your Dubspot account. Transfer the resulting licence file back and import it.

Sessions, presets and automation

Save your host session to retain the current sound. Factory presets, user presets and host sessions do not contain your licence. Automate exposed parameters through your host. Keep the previous installer and back up important sessions before updating. Desktop AU/VST3/AAX and mobile AUv3 have separate host identities; sessions do not automatically migrate between them.

Licence management

Manage activations at https://www.dubspot.com/account/plugins. To move a licence, deactivate the old computer, stop using the plug-in there and remove its licence file. Deactivation frees a slot but cannot erase an offline file remotely. If a computer is lost, contact admin@dubspot.com.

The trial is fully functional for 14 days and never starts an automatic payment. A running, activated instance keeps working until closed, including when its trial reaches the end. New instances need a valid licence after the trial ends.

Troubleshooting

If the plug-in is missing, verify that you installed the format your host supports and that its architecture and OS requirements are met. Follow the host's own plug-in discovery instructions. Do not copy a mobile AUv3 into the desktop plug-in folder.

If activation fails, check that the downloaded licence belongs to this product and this computer. Use the product's Activate button to supply its computer ID. A licence for a different plug-in, or a file copied from another computer, cannot unlock this one. Check the computer clock when a trial reports invalid dates.

Removal

Close audio applications. Remove only this product's bundles from the locations below. Keep user presets, licences and installers if you may reinstall. Removing the application files does not cancel ownership or free an activation slot; manage activations separately in your account.

Support

Contact admin@dubspot.com with the product name, version, macOS version and host version. Do not send your password. Direct purchases have a full refund period of 14 days; retailer purchases are handled by the retailer. The supplied EULA explains the complete terms. Mobile App Store purchases are separate.

AU: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/Dubspot SM-1.component

VST3: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/Dubspot SM-1.vst3

AAX: /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/Dubspot SM-1.aaxplugin

Licence file: ~/Library/Application Support/Dubspot/Licenses/SM1.dubspotlicense