Description

Chaos LFO is a modulation device based on chaotic attractor systems instead of traditional waveforms.

It generates organic, non-repeating modulation across three independent axes (X, Y, Z), allowing parameters to evolve in subtle or extreme ways.

With free-running or tempo-synced rates and multiple attractor types, it’s designed for creating living, unpredictable movement that never loops the same way twice.

Chaos LFO – User Manual

Overview

Chaos LFO is a modulation device based on chaotic attractor systems rather than traditional waveforms.

Instead of repeating cycles, the modulation evolves continuously, creating organic, non-looping motion.

The visual display represents the trajectory of the attractor in phase space, giving real-time feedback of how the modulation behaves.

Rate & Transport Controls

Rate Modes

FREE

The LFO runs freely using an internal oscillator.

Rate is set via the Rate (Hz) knob

Maximum frequency: 20 Hz

Ideal for organic, unsynced modulation and evolving motion

SYNC

The LFO rate is locked to Ableton Live’s tempo.

Selectable divisions from 1/16 to 1/2

Best for rhythmic and tempo-related modulation

Global Controls

X (Device On/Off)

Enables or disables the entire device.

Reset

Resets the attractor state and modulation values to their starting position.

Useful for restarting motion or re-aligning modulation with musical phrasing.

Attractor Selector

You can choose between three chaotic systems, each producing a distinct modulation character:

Lorenz

Chaotic but stable, butterfly-like motion

Produces lively, expressive modulation

Great for leads, basses, and expressive movement

Rössler

Slower, more continuous trajectories

Creates long-form evolving modulation

Ideal for pads, drones, and ambient textures

Aizawa

Small-range, subtle motion

Produces very fine modulation changes

Best for micro-variation, timbral detail, and “felt but not heard” movement

Visual Display

The display shows a 2D projection of the attractor:

X-axis and Y-axis are visible

Z-axis is active but not visualized

The drawn path represents the current state of the chaotic system.

Denser or faster movement indicates higher modulation activity.

Axis Controls & Mapping

Each attractor has three axes: X, Y, and Z.

Each axis acts as an independent modulation source.

Axis Value (Left Number)

The left numeric value (e.g. 0.26, 0.28, 0.47) represents the current raw output of the attractor for that axis.

This value continuously changes as the system evolves.

Modulation Depth (%)

Each axis includes two percentage values:

Left % → Minimum modulation offset

Right % → Maximum modulation depth

Together, these define the modulation range sent to the mapped parameter.

This allows you to:

Offset modulation away from zero

Create asymmetric modulation ranges

Keep modulation subtle or extreme

MAP Button

Each axis can be mapped to one parameter in Ableton Live.

Mapping workflow:

Click MAP on an axis (X, Y, or Z)

Click a parameter in Live

The axis now modulates that parameter

Each axis supports one mapping only by default.

Additional mappings can be added by editing the device in Max for Live.

Axis Enable (X Button)

The X button next to each axis disables that axis’ modulation without removing the mapping.

This allows quick comparison and modulation toggling during performance or sound design.

Note

This is my first ever max4life device so it is far from perfect.

On the off-chance it isn't working, you might be missing the files: scaling.txt and devision_mult.txt

these contain:

scaling.txt

0, -20. 20. -30. 30. 0. 50.;

1, -15. 15. -15. 15. 0. 30.;

2, -2. 2. -2. 2. -1. 2.;

devision_mult.txt

0, 1.; 1, 2.; 2, 4.; 3, 8.;

if you have any idea how i can incorporate this feature better please contact me as I am still learning.

Support

For further instructions, questions, or feedback, contact:

kylianfrags@gmail.com