Lines by AudioThing

Overview

Lines is an experimental audio processor and feedback synthesizer developed by :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} in collaboration with :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. It is designed to blur the line between effect and instrument, capable of transforming any input signal or generating sound entirely on its own through controlled feedback systems.

Unusual Inspiration

The plugin is inspired by the Axel Line Simulator, a rare piece of 1970s telecommunications test equipment originally built to simulate signal loss in telephone and data lines. Rather than aiming for musical accuracy, the original hardware combined jitter, noise, filtering, distortion, and frequency shifting in unpredictable ways—qualities that form the core character of Lines.

Processing and Sonic Character

Lines can act as a creative signal mangler, producing everything from degraded telephone tones to lush phasing, warm saturation, harsh distortion, ring modulation, and unstable frequency shifts. The signal path is modeled at a detailed level, capturing the non-linear and imperfect behavior that gives the effect its organic and sometimes chaotic sound.

Key processing elements include:

• Frequency shifting
• Phase jitter and modulation
• Non-linear distortion stages
• Band-pass filtering with selectable bandwidths
• Noise generation with envelope control

Feedback as an Instrument

One of the defining features of Lines is its feedback architecture. By routing the output back into itself, the plugin becomes a playable instrument capable of generating pulsing rhythms, liquid basses, drones, and evolving soundscapes without any external input. Built-in limiting ensures that even extreme feedback remains musical rather than painfully harsh.

Combining feedback-generated sound with external material such as drums, vocals, or melodic instruments creates complex interactions where sources blend and reshape each other in unexpected ways.

Extended Control and Modulation

Beyond faithfully recreating the original hardware behavior, Lines expands the concept with modern control options. Extended frequency ranges, additional filters in the feedback path, a flexible pulse sequencer, and advanced modulation options allow deep experimentation. Presets provide starting points, but the design strongly encourages exploration and discovery.

Workflow and Platforms

Lines features a resizable interface, oversampling for improved audio quality, and a preset system with randomization for fast inspiration. It is available on macOS, Windows, and Linux in all major plugin formats, as well as on iOS and iPadOS as both an AUv3 plugin and standalone app. Licensing is simple and user-friendly, with no dongles, no mandatory internet connection, and activation on multiple systems.