Animistic Performance Reverb

User Manual
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Table of Contents

1. Download and Installation 2

Create a MNTRA Account
Download BOREALIS
Run the installer
BOREALIS installation
2. Perform View 4
3. Preset Browser 5
4. Control Panel 6
Control Mapping Window
Additional Parameters
5. Modulation Page 8
Modulators
Envelope Follower
6. Mastering Section 10
The Equalizer
The Modern limiter
The Vintage limiter
The mid/side control
7. Info Hub
8. Glossary and Support Contact 14
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1. Download and Installation

Create a MNTRA Account:

Go to Account to create a new MNTRA account if

you don't already have one. Make sure to verify
your email to activate and be able to log in to
BOREALIS

Download BOREALIS:
Purchase BOREALIS from our website.
https://www.mntra.io/product/borealis/
And you will receive a download link by email.

* If you purchased through Beatport or Muse, you will need to register

through their systems. You will also need to use the installers they
provide.

Run the installer:

Run the BOREALIS installer for your operating

system.
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BOREALIS Installation:

Continue through the installation process, we

recommend leaving everything in its default
location.

Open BOREALIS in your DAW of choice:

Upon first opening the Plugin you will be

prompted to login to your MNTRA Account, or
to create a new one.

BOREALIS is now ready to go:

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2. Perform View
The Perform View is the visual
representation of the X, Y, and Z
axes. Each axis can be controlled
using the mouse, allowing for
intuitive, non-linear control of
multiple parameters within the
plugin simultaneously. These axes
function as performance macros,
providing dynamic manipulation of
sound.

When you move your mouse within

the Perform View, the cursor will
change to indicate which axis is
being controlled. Clicking on the
axis will display its current
configuration and the parameters it
affects.

This setup allows for a seamless

and interactive performance
experience, enabling real-time
adjustments and creative
exploration.

You can click on the MNTRA logo

(top right of the interface) to return
to the Perform View at any time.

The interface resize areas are

located in the top right and bottom
right corners. Move your cursor to
these areas and when the black
diagonal lines appear, you can
resize the window
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3. Preset Browser
The Preset Browser can be opened and
closed by clicking on the preset name,
or presets can be cycled using the
arrows. From here you can access and
recall all of the available Atelier and
User presets within BOREALIS.

Hovering over a preset name will

provide more information about it, such
as a short description and labels for the
axis macros.

Every preset in Borealis has an

associated algorithm that defines its
unique sound characteristics.

You can change the algorithm at any

time by clicking the algorithm logo in
the top left corner. The available
algorithms range from convolution
reverbs sampled from epic spaces,
shimmering algorithmic reverbs, and
vintage delays. Each algorithm offers
distinct sonic textures and character,
allowing you to tailor its sound to your
specific needs.
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4. Control Panel

You can open and close the control

panel of Borealis by clicking the arrow
on the side. This panel provides access
to each algorithm’s parameters and
their assignments.

Here, you can control the input and

output gains of the effect, as well as
the envelope follower input. This setup
allows for detailed customization and
precise control over the sound shaping
process.
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Control Mapping Window

You can open the control mapping

window in Borealis by right-clicking on
the controls, clicking the assigned icon,
or using the tab on the bottom (table).
This window allows you to choose how
the parameters are mapped—either to
manual control (hand), axis control
(shapes), or modulator control (sine
wave). The tables in this window control
the range and response of the mapping,
inspired by nonlinear real-time
parameter controls of game audio
engines (RTPC’s).

By clicking the expand icon (four

corners), you can enlarge the tables for
fine-tuning or to access the preset table
shapes, including a randomizer. This
feature allows for more precise control
and customization of the parameters,
ensuring that you can achieve the exact
response you desire.
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Additional Parameters
Many effects algorithms in Borealis also
have additional parameters that can be
accessed by pressing the plus icon tab
at the bottom. These parameters
cannot be modulated, but they can be
used to fine-tune the sound. This
allows for greater precision and
control, enabling you to customize the
effects to better suit your needs.

5. Modulation Page
Borealis features three complex
modulators and an envelope follower.
These tools provide advanced
modulation capabilities, allowing for
dynamic and expressive sound design.
Each modulator can be intricately
configured to interact with various
parameters, as well as other
modulators..
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Modulators

Borealis features three RTPC-powered

complex modulators. Each of the
three modulators offers various wave
types, including Sine, Triangle, Square,
and Random. Additionally, you can
create custom shapes using a table
and use the step modulator for
sequenced modulations.

The rate and intensity of these

modulators can be modulated with
axes or even other modulators,
allowing for complex, dynamic
movements in your sound design. To
sync the rate to your host temp, click
the ‘clock’ icon.

At the bottom of the modulator

interface, you can see a list of what
each modulator is assigned to (Paths)
and a visual representation of its
status (Meter), providing clear
feedback and control over your
modulations.
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Envelope Follower

The envelope follower in Borealis

takes your input signal and derives a
control signal that you can use to
modulate parameters within the
engine. It features controls for Attack
and Release, allowing you to fine-tune
the response to your input signal. Both
Input Gain and Threshold can be
dynamically modulated by other
modulators and controls, providing
flexibility in how the envelope follower
reacts.

The Threshold setting lets you specify

the signal volume at which the
envelope follower activates, enabling
highly responsive and dynamic
performances.

Additionally, you can adjust the

envelope follower input gain and open
the envelope follower page using the
designated slider and icon on the
front page for easy access.
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6. Mastering Section
Borealis includes a comprehensive
master effects section, featuring a
parametric equalizer and a mastering
grade compressor/limiter. This section
affects both the dry and wet signals of
Borealis, allowing you to shape and
glue your overall sound with precision.
If you wish to modify only the wet
signal, you can use Borealis on a
return track.

The Equalizer

The Equalizer in Borealis can be

turned on with a toggle switch and
edited by clicking and dragging the
control points. A two-finger drag or
using the middle mouse wheel on a
control point can quickly adjust the
bandwidth. Fine-tuning can be done
using the bottom controls.
Additionally, right-clicking on the
bands or the background provides
access to more options for detailed
customization.
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The Modern limiter

The Modern Limiter in Borealis is a

mastering-grade IIR look-ahead limiter
designed for ultra-transparent sound.
Due to the look-ahead nature of the
algorithm, it introduces a slight delay
based on the attack time, so for use in
live performances we recommend the
Vintage Limiter.

The Vintage limiter

The Vintage Limiter in Borealis is
modeled after the classic 1176 Peak
Limiter. This vintage-style limiter
provides a smooth, analog character
to your output. It is ideal for achieving
a classic sound while maintaining
precise control over peak levels. This
limiter is ideal to use with live
performance material.
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The Mid/Side control

The Mid/Side Control in Borealis splits

your signal into the common (mid) and
different (side) information between
the channels. This feature allows you
to balance how much mid versus side
information is sent into the limiter.
Setting the control to 50% provides a
neutral response, offering precise
control over the stereo image and
ensuring a well-balanced sound, but
with the ability to tweak the imaging
to taste.

7. Info Hub
This is the place where you will find
the most up to date tutorials, demo
videos, resources, tips and news about
BOREALIS and MNTRA.
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Glossary

Preset: Management of Preset settings and algorithms.

Perform View: Dynamic visual control of the X, Y, and Z axes with the animated
interface.

Control Mapping: Assignment of parameters to manual controls, axes, or

modulators.

Modulators: Complex LFO modulators and Envelope Follower for dynamic

modulation.

Mastering Section: Equalization, limiters, and mid/side control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I control Borealis with a MIDI controller?

Yes, Borealis allows the assignment of MIDI controllers to manipulate parameters in
real-time.

What should I do if the effect doesn't sound as expected?

Check the parameter settings and ensure that the input gain and envelope follower
levels are set correctly for your input.

Support Contact
If you need further assistance or have any additional questions, please contact our
support team: [email protected]