Noise Engineering’s Toros Iteritas Alia: Phase Modulation, Evolved

Noise Engineering introduces the Toros Iteritas Alia as a multi-operator, three-algorithm phase-modulation oscillator, aiming squarely at those who crave immersive and hypnotic soundscapes. The module is designed to prioritise immediacy, doing away with the labyrinthine controls and cryptic interfaces that often plague FM synthesis. Instead, Toros offers a hands-on approach, letting users sculpt everything from monolithic drones to metallic, ringing textures with ease.

As the seventh module on the Alia platform, Toros Iteritas Alia fits seamlessly into Noise Engineering’s ethos of accessible complexity. The video sets the tone by highlighting the module’s flexibility and its readiness to transform any patch into something immersive, whether you’re after dark, evolving drones or more aggressive, percussive tones.

Central to Toros Iteritas Alia’s design is the Blend X control, which sits at the heart of each oscillator pair. This unique knob determines the balance between sending an oscillator’s output directly to the mix or routing it as phase modulation to the next oscillator in the chain. The result is a module that can morph between pure, direct tones and deeply modulated, harmonically rich textures at the twist of a knob.

Every Blend X and frequency knob is paired with its own CV input, allowing for extensive modulation possibilities. The top switch lets you select between three routing algorithms—Chill, Buzz, and Chaos—each offering a different configuration of how the oscillators interact. Ranges for the frequency controls are easily set via a lower switch, spanning from a minor third up to two octaves, and a dedicated jump button provides instant octave shifts. This level of control means Toros can be both subtle and wild, depending on how you patch and modulate it.

The video dives into practical patching, starting with scale shifts that demonstrate how the frequency range and jump functions can be used musically. By manipulating the frequency controls and engaging the jump button, users can create melodic movement or dramatic octave leaps, all while maintaining the complex timbral interplay provided by the phase modulation algorithms.

Further demonstrations include running the dry signal for a more straightforward oscillator tone and using external modules to shape envelopes tightly. The presenter patches Toros with modules like Ampla Legio and Fala Versio, showing how the oscillator’s output can be processed and modulated in real time. These examples underscore Toros’s flexibility, whether you want it to sit at the core of a patch or serve as a source for further mangling downstream.

One of the standout features of the Alia platform is the ability to swap firmware between different modules with ease. The video demonstrates how Toros Iteritas Alia can be transformed into any other Alia module—like Symbolis, Manus, or Ataraxit—simply by connecting it to a computer and visiting the Noise Engineering website. This makes the module a true chameleon, ready to adapt to the needs of any patch or performance.