Getting Started#

Welcome to the Cosmo PD-101 -- a phase distortion synthesizer inspired by the legendary Casio CZ-101, extended with modern synthesis capabilities and available as a web app and DAW plugin.

What You Need#

• A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• A web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge -- latest versions)
• A MIDI keyboard or controller (optional but recommended)

First Sound#

The Interface at a Glance#

Use the Simple / Advanced switch at the top of the synth. New sessions start in Simple; your workspace choice is remembered. Both workspaces edit the same sound, so switching keeps your current patch.

Simple: play and shape a sound#

Four Macros stay available beside three sections. Select a collapsed section to expand it:

Section	What to do
Sound	Choose algorithms for each line, adjust DCA (level), DCW (waveshape), octave and blend, then set line routing, ring/noise modulation, detune, mono and portamento. Blend appears when algorithm B is enabled.
Envelope	Select line 1 or 2. Choose presets for DCO (pitch), DCW (waveshape), and DCA (amplitude), or click an envelope graph to open its editor.
Effects	Add effects to the six slots and open an effect to edit its settings.

The line 1 octave control transposes both lines. The line 2 octave control sets an offset relative to that base octave.

Advanced: edit the full patch#

Switch to Advanced for the full line editors, modulation matrix, and global tempo/voice allocation controls. The synth UI is organized into sections:

Section	What It Controls
Phase Lines	Two oscillator lines -- each with its own algorithm, envelope, and pitch settings, and blending with a secondary
Envelope Editor	8-step step-function envelopes for DCO(pitch), DCW(waveshape), and DCA(amplitude), per line
Modulation Matrix	Route 11 modulation sources to most synth params, with adjustable depth
FX Chain	6 serial effect slots with 17 effect types
Global Controls	Polyphony, portamento, volume, pitch bend range, velocity sensitivity

Connecting a MIDI Controller#

1. Open the browser's MIDI settings.
2. Allow access to your MIDI device when prompted.
3. Select your controller from the MIDI input dropdown.
4. Play.

Mini Keyboard#

An on-screen keyboard is available when no physical MIDI controller is connected.

• Click or drag across keys to play.
• Octave shift buttons move the range up/down.
• In Velocity input mode, press near the top of a key for a stronger note and near the bottom for a softer note.
• In Aftertouch input mode, drag upward after pressing to add pressure. Choose the input mode in keyboard settings.
• Works in both the web app and the plugin UI.

Keyboard Shortcuts#

Key	Action
A S D F G H J K	Play notes (C major scale: C4-C5)
Space	Toggle sustain pedal

Next: Web App | DAW Plugin