Chapter 2. Tool Specifications
- Table of Contents
- 2.1. CloudBeta: Beta Distribution Event Density Generator
- 2.1.1. Documentation
- 2.1.2. Interface Components
- 2.2. HarmonyHitch: Algorithmic Harmony Generator
- 2.2.1. Documentation
- 2.2.2. Interface Components
- 2.3. HarmonyQuake: Algorithmic Harmonic Recombination
- 2.3.1. Documentation
- 2.3.2. Interface Components
- 2.4. PolyPulse: Cyclical Pulse-Based Polyrhythm Generator
- 2.4.1. Documentation
- 2.4.2. Interface Components
- 2.5. PolyPulsePlus: Algorithmic Pulse-Based Polyrhythm Generator
- 2.5.1. Documentation
- 2.5.2. Interface Components
- 2.6. RhythmRemap: Algorithmic Rhythm Generator
- 2.6.1. Documentation
- 2.6.2. Interface Components
- 2.7. RhythmWeight: Algorithmic Weighted Random Rhythm Generator
- 2.7.1. Documentation
- 2.7.2. Interface Components
- 2.8. SieveSequence: Sieve Rhythm Generator
- 2.8.1. Documentation
- 2.8.2. Interface Components
- 2.9. TuneTile: Algorithmic Pitch and Rhythm Canon Generator
- 2.9.1. Documentation
- 2.9.2. Interface Components
- 2.10. TuneTwine: Algorithmic Pitch and Rhythm Generator
- 2.10.1. Documentation
- 2.10.2. Interface Components
- 2.11. TuneWeight: Algorithmic Weighted Random Melody Generator
- 2.11.1. Documentation
- 2.11.2. Interface Components
2.1. CloudBeta: Beta Distribution Event Density Generator
CloudBeta is available at the following URL: http://www.flexatone.net/cgi-bin/py/envl/software/q.cgi?stateNext=16
2.1.1. Documentation
This tool allows the creation of non-linear events based on a event density, with pitches derived from a user-defined harmonic sequence. This tool is divided into Part A and Sections B through I. A sequence of rhythms, a rhythm selector, a BPM tempo, and a GM MIDI instrument are determined in Part A. Beta distribution event density, also determined in Part A, is configured by setting the number of events and alpha and beta parameter values. Sections B through I configure a sequence of harmonies that are mapped over the output duration. Each Section can specify a unique chord, transposition, and proportional duration weighting.
The rhythm sequence of each Texture is composed with a vertical column of pop-up menus. Rhythms are configured as a sequence of pulse triples. A pulse triple, occupying each row of pop-up menus, permits the selection of a divisor (division of the BPM-specified tempo), a multiplier (scalar of the divided pulse), and an accent.
Accent values are notated as dynamic markings (loudness measures): the range (pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff), from soft to loud, is provided. An off symbol (o) designates a rest (measured silence). An on symbol (+) designates a maximum value.
Sequences can employ different algorithmic selectors. Algorithmic selectors may choose values from the specified sequence length based on the specified procedure. Procedures include orderedCyclic (in-sequence loops), orderedOscillate (in sequence back and forth loops), randomChoice (equal-distribution random selection), randomPermutate (random re-orderings of the entire sequence), and randomWalk (random movements in single steps up or down the sequence lengths).
The sequence length (labeled "rhythm length" and/or "tune length") determines how many of the vertical column of pop-up menu items are used and selected. This setting determines which rhythms or pitches are used, regardless of how they are specifically configured.
2.1.2. Interface Components
This tool employs the following interface components: Beats Per Minute Input (Section 3.2), Chord Selector (Section 3.3), Density Beta Distribution Configuration Controls (Section 3.4), Octave Spacing (Section 3.6), On/Off Switch (Section 3.7), Output Duration Selector (Section 3.8), Output Format Selector (Section 3.9), Pitch Selector (Section 3.10), Pulse Triple Selector (Section 3.11), and Algorithmic Selector (Section 3.12)