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#

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.
• Velocity is determined by how fast you click (click speed = velocity).
• 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