Mystic Circuits has announced its latest module. Portal is a wave wrapping harmonic distortion module.

Similar to a wave folder, the Portal module multiplies the harmonics of a signal going through it. Unlike a wave folder, once the input has hit the threshold voltage, the output will jump to zero instead of folding back on itself, creating a sharp transition almost like the wave has traveled through a portal.

When fed with a triangle or sawtooth wave, the module can create an effect similar to oscillator sync, but without the need for a second modulating oscillator. When fed with complex audio sources, the results are “devastating,” turning just about anything that goes through it into “mad screams from another dimension.”

In addition to the normal “Wrap” output, the “Round” and “Spike” outputs give alternate types of distortion, based on the main wrapping algorithm. “Round” is similar to a bit-crusher or voltage quantizer, but achieved completely with analog circuitry, whereas “Spike” creates a sharp voltage spike whenever a new wrap is made. All four front panel parameters are voltage controlled with dedicated attenuators or attenuverters to further sculpt all three outputs.

Portal Features:

Three distinct types of distortion available simultaneously:

• WRAP performs a modulo operation on the input.
• ROUND performs an integer division operation on the input.
• SPIKE outputs a small trigger whenever a new wrap is generated.

Four voltage-controllable parameters each, with a dedicated attenuverter or attenuator:

• WRAP controls the harmonic multiplication amount of the wrapping effect, with the maximum wrap range being set by the high/ low switch
• BIAS adds a DC offset to the input signal, allowing a second signal to be mixed in or for the input signal to be clipped.
• FEEDBACK sends the output of the wrap effect back into its input, causing self oscillation, ultrasound burps, higher wrap amounts and generally chaotic behavior.
• TRACK makes the wrapping effect follow the signal better or worse, also allowing the output signal to be completely turned off.
• Pricing and Availability. Portal will be released during the first week of August. The 12HP module will cost $295 and is available via the Mystic Circuits site.