SYNTHLAB ALEATONE

Version 1.1 (02/2026) by Jos van Tol.

Sound Experiments for Curious Minds.

These are the installation instructions and other information for the SynthLab Aleatone synthesizer. This synth was created with education in mind for sound design classes at Muziekschool Boedijn in Hoorn, The Netherlands.

Contents:

1. Pd-file
2. Installation
3. Folder structure
4. Setup sound
5. Note input
6. Fastest way to create a sound
7. LFO update delay
8. Credits and contact

1 Pd-file

The Aleatone synthesizer is a Pure Data patch. This .Pd-file can be opened in a (free) external application like Pure Data, Plug Data, Purr Data etc. SynthLab Aleatone is not (yet) compatible with PdParty or PdDroidParty.

SynthLab Aleatone version 1.1 was built using "vanilla" Pure Data 0.56-2. No externals or custom objects were used, for maximum compatibility. On older versions of Pure Data or other flavours of Pure Data like Plug Data or Purr Data some warning or errors might appear. But the functionality of the synthesizer should be the same.

2 Installation

1. Download Pure Data on Miller Puckette's website https://msp.ucsd.edu/software.html (or alternatively via https://puredata.info)
2. Install Pure Data on your macOS, Linux or Windows computer.
3. Save the SynthLab folder in an easy to find location on your computer.
4. Open the SynthLab.pd file.

3 Folder structure

In the SynthLab folder you'll find next to the SynthLab.Pd-file two folders named presets and recordings. Leave these where they are. Aleatone will find these folders when recording the synths-output or when loading/saving presets.

SynthLab/presets/ (You will find presets here. Including your own!) SynthLab/README.txt SynthLab/README.md SynthLab/recordings/ (Empty folder) SynthLab/Screenshot.png SynthLab/SynthLab.Pd

4 Setup sound

The synthesizer starts up with a initial preset sound. Press the "START / STOP"-toggle in the SEQUENCER section. (Or just simply hit the spacebar on your keyboard.) You should hear a droning, pulsating sound from your standard sound device. If not, try checking these settings:

1. Choose "Media"->"Audio settings..." in the application menu.
2. In the "Output Devices" section find a correct audio device.
3. Hit Apply and OK.

5 Note input

The Aleatone synth does not receive MIDI input. Alle note input is via the SEQUENCER section. Click the "Randomize" button a few times and start playing, adjust the faders to shape your sound while the computer takes care of the notes.

6 Fastest way to create a sound

The fastest way to create a sound from a reset synth (a simple 185 Hz (f sharp) sine-tone) is made with three simple steps:

1. Click "Reset" in the PRESETS section.
2. Open the "Volume"-fader in the OUTPUT section.
3. Turn on the "Start / stop"-toggle in the SEQUENCER section.
4. Open the "Level"-fader in the left side of the OSCILLATORS section.

7 LFO update delay

When the LFO (low frequency oscillator) speed is updated with the "Speed"-fader. The change will take effect after the LFO has reached its minimum or maximum.

8 Credits and contact

Created by Jos van Tol, 2026. Thanks to Guus van Tol and Jacco Gardner for creating presets.

Please send feedback or your own presets(!) to: info@josvantol.com

https://www.josvantol.com https://www.muziekschoolboedijn.nl/cursus/computer-music/