Fors Dyad – A Game-Changing Synth & Sequencer for Push 3 Standalone

Miles showcases Fors Dyad, a Push 3-native synth/sequencer that fuses modular flexibility with hands-on sequencing. From ambient textures to hypnotic techno grooves, this Max for Live device makes Push feel like a new instrument.

Reimagining Modularity in the Standalone Workflow

Forget conventional clip views—Fors Dyad tears up the rulebook. Designed as a Max for Live device, this modular-style software synth and sequencer runs natively on Ableton Push 3 Standalone, transforming your controller into a groovebox-like playground. In this walkthrough, Miles takes us on a patch-building journey from ambient bliss to hypnotic techno, all without touching a laptop.

Push Redefined – Native UI Overhaul

As soon as you load Fors Dyad, you realize you’re not in Kansas anymore. Gone is the standard MIDI clip view—replaced with a custom sequencer interface that integrates directly into Push 3’s display and pads. White steps define note triggers, blue lanes handle modulation. Up to two voices per instance. And best of all? Everything is accessible on-device, no computer required.

Step-Sequencing Meets Modulation Power

From Sine to Saw – Sound Design Simplified

Fors Dyad’s twin-voice engine allows you to dial in anything from punchy kicks to evolving melodic textures. Choose classic waveforms—sine, saw, square—and manipulate tone, zap, noise, decay, and distortion with hands-on control.

Scale Quantization for Musical Results

Enable the built-in scale quantizer (e.g., C Minor), and every note stays harmonically locked. Whether designing percussive hits or lush leads, your ideas stay in key without fuss.

Modulation Per Step – Evolving Phrases

Hold any step to tweak modulation values per lane—hertz, tone, decay—giving you step-level variation with unmatched immediacy. It’s musical, experimental, and repeatably weird in the best ways.

Three Genres, One Device

Ambient Architecture

In his ambient example, Miles creates a lush bed of textured kicks, shifting hi-hats, and drifting melodies—all modulated independently with step length variations. Each element evolves non-linearly, perfect for background beds or cinematic scoring.

Hypnotic Techno Groove

Four-on-the-floor kicks, rumbly bass, off-beat hats—all built with Fors Dyad. Add in delay (via Retor) and you’ve got a hypnotic groove that’s both minimal and dynamic. Velocity accents and modulation give the groove breath and bounce.

Melodic Techno Patchwork

Here, the real magic happens. Using uneven step lengths and automated FX (Auto Filter, Retor delay, Romp reverb), the patch creates a constantly evolving melodic progression that avoids repetition while staying dancefloor-ready.

Why It’s a Creative Catalyst

• Randomization That Inspires: Generate new step patterns or modulation shapes with a button press. Stuck? Fors Dyad unsticks you—fast.
• Step Length Offsets: Break the grid with odd step lengths for polymetric madness.
• Built for Push 3: Visual, tactile, and fun. You’re not buried in menus—you’re jamming.