2025-06-05

pattern

defines structural masks or phrasing motifs applied atop a sequence of preallocated trigger slots. a pattern does not generate triggers; it determines which slots are activated and how. patterns can be applied to onset streams from grid, field, or density, and modulate the final shape, articulation, and recurrence of the output.

introduction

pattern applies reusable symbolic sequences over an input stream of slots or onsets. it can:

  • select a subset of slots for activation
  • modify their intensity or priority
  • inject recognizable rhythmic shapes or phrasing arcs it operates after slot allocation (grid, field, density) and before final onset emission (activation). each form in this domain uses static symbolic motifs and deterministic transformation.

overview

each form uses parameters a and b ∈ [0,1], mapped to perceptual or symbolic transformations.

  • fixed pattern

    • description: applies a predefined mask or motif on each cycle
    • analogy: drum machine sequence, clave pattern
    • a: pattern index or morph position in preset bank
    • b: fill threshold (0 = mute, 1 = full inclusion)
    • effect: applies a binary or scalar mask to input slots

  • rotating shift

    • description: rotates the pattern across repetitions
    • analogy: canon entry shift, tumbling motive
    • a: shift amount (relative to pattern length)
    • b: direction (0 = left, 1 = right)
    • effect: generates cyclical variation from static material

  • transforming

    • description: applies a symbolic transformation to the base pattern

    • analogy: retrograde, inversion, truncation

    • a: transformation type (index into operation list)

    • b: morph amount (mix between original and transformed)

    • effect: produces evolutionary change without procedural generation

parameter behavior summary

  • fixed pattern

    • a: morphable index into a pattern bank
    • b: inclusion threshold (soft-trim for density)

  • rotating shift

    • a: offset relative to input segment
    • b: rotation direction

  • transforming

    • a: transformation selector (e.g. reverse, scale, gate)

    • b: interpolation/mix between base and modified

why these were chosen

  • fixed: foundational identity and repetition unit
  • rotating: introduces positional drift while preserving shape
  • transforming: enables symbolic development from static material this triad spans static, cyclical, and developmental pattern behaviors. they can apply to any underlying timing stream and enable localized musical logic without requiring runtime mutation or feedback.

what is not included

  • procedural pattern generation (use generative, selection, or mutation)
  • cross-pattern concatenation or phrasing (use structure/ordering)
  • runtime interaction with other voices (no feedback or conditional logic)
  • slot creation or time warping (handled by density, offset)

conclusion

pattern offers structured symbolic phrasing atop preallocated time slots. it is domain-agnostic with respect to timing origin (grid, field, density) and focuses solely on shaping the internal logic of a voice or part. its forms provide essential tools for rhythm construction, from mechanical loops to evolving phrasing - all within the system's deterministic, parametric design.