Things – Motor

Things - Motor is a sidechain-based effect plugin that reimagines the Crystal Palace, a rare BBC Radiophonic Workshop tool that used a rotating capacitor to switch between multiple audio channels. AudioThing's interpretation strips away the mechanical limitations while preserving the core appeal: smooth morphing and rhythmic chopping between two input signals.

The effect operates through variable waveshape LFO control, replacing the original's fixed rotation with adjustable morphing characteristics. This flexibility yields results ranging from transparent crossfading to aggressive granular-like chopping, with audio-rate modulation capable of producing ring-modulation artifacts. The sidechain architecture ensures broad DAW compatibility without relying on proprietary routing schemes.

Motor's feature set extends beyond simple switching. A synchronized vibrato adds tremolo-style modulation, while an integrated panner creates spatial movement tied to the LFO rate. The plugin includes analog-modeled saturation for tonal shaping, and variable motor start/stop timing provides control over the effect's onset characteristics.

Sonically, Motor occupies distinct territory from conventional modulators. Its switching behavior differs fundamentally from standard chorus or tremolo effects, producing timbrally complex results when applied to harmonically rich sources. The effect excels on drums, synths, and bass, where its rhythmic precision and tonal transformation become assets rather than artifacts.

This tool appeals primarily to sound designers, experimental producers, and engineers seeking unconventional modulation sources. While the learning curve exceeds standard effects, Motor rewards exploration with genuinely unusual sonic possibilities. Its historical provenance lends credibility, though the plugin's primary value lies in its practical flexibility rather than nostalgia.