Le Masque Delay by XILS-lab is a creative delay effect that processes only user-defined masked audio regions, leaving the rest untouched, with flexible modulation and sync options.
Purpose
Le Masque Delay introduces a novel approach to delay processing by allowing you to specify exact portions of the dry signal for delay effects. Instead of affecting the entire audio stream, only the masked zones are processed, while all other audio remains untouched. This targeted method enables the creation of unusual and inspiring effects with speed and ease.
The grid-based interface syncs to your DAW or internal clock, making it simple to define rhythmic regions. Because the delay unit and its modulators apply only to selected parts, you can precisely shape timbral and rhythmic elements without altering the rest of the mix. This concept is designed for immediate experimentation and practical sound design.
Key Capabilities
The effect offers a true stereo path with independent right and left delays, supporting MIDI sync and stereo link modes. You can set up to eight custom masks on a grid, each with independent length and level, allowing complex rhythmic patterns. A multimode filter includes drive, self-oscillation, and zero-delay feedback design for tonal shaping.
Modulation is extensive: two independent envelopes (loopable ADSR and AR) provide three trigger modes, while a syncable multiwaveform LFO offers three reset options. A modulation matrix enables real-time control over parameters, and all controls are MIDI-mappable, making the effect highly responsive to external performance gestures.
Workflow
Start by placing masks on the grid to define which audio segments receive delay processing. The snap-to-grid function quantizes mask locators to musical values, simplifying rhythmic alignment. A swap masked/unmasked function lets you invert the selection in real time, dramatically changing what is processed during playback.
Four clock modes (DAW, In, Tap Tempo, Fixed) offer flexible timing options, and a real-time tempo analysis function supports live playing. The grid syncs to your DAW or internal clock, ensuring that masks stay in sync with your project. This workflow is intuitive, allowing rapid experimentation and dynamic performance adjustments.
Practical Applications
Le Masque Delay is ideal for creative sound design, enabling you to apply delays to specific drum hits, vocal phrases, or melodic fragments while leaving others dry. You can create rhythmic patterns that evolve as you move masks, or use the swap function to toggle between processed and unprocessed sections for glitch-like effects.
In live performance, the tempo analysis and MIDI control allow on-the-fly manipulation of masked zones, creating evolving textures. The independent left/right delays and filter open up stereo imaging and spectral shaping. It is a versatile tool for electronic music and post-production, adding movement and complexity to any audio source.
Key features
- True stereo path with independent right and left delays
- MIDI sync and stereo link delay modes
- Grid sync with up to 8 custom masks, each with independent length and level
- One multimode filter with drive, self-oscillation, and zero-delay feedback design
- Two independent envelopes (loopable ADSR and AR) with 3 trigger modes
- One syncable multiwaveform LFO with 3 reset options
- Snap to Grid, Swap Masked/Unmasked, 4 clock modes, modulation matrix
- Real-time tempo analysis and MIDI control for all parameters
Best for
Le Masque Delay is best for sound designers and electronic musicians seeking unconventional delay effects that target specific audio regions, offering intuitive real-time control for live performance and studio experimentation.