Position device

Ideas & suggestions
1

I propose the following:

The current BPM parameter could be replaced by an LFO controlled system put in the master channel. This system, by default, would contain three devices:

Line LFO: This is the LFO controlling line position. It is routed to the line parameter in the “position device”. The speed of this LFO is set in BPM.
Pattern LFO: This is the LFO controlling the pattern position. Not quite sure yet how this is triggering for optimal control.

By this you would, for example, be able to:

  • Make any kind of custom grooves, controlled by an envelope. (replace the standard ‘line LFO’ with your own enveloped one, or the LFO controlled by an LFO)
  • Make all sorts of fun stuff, like randomly changing line every 8 rows until all lines in a pattern have been played
  • Play patterns backward or however.
  • Or make a tool that will obfuscate your song :) Everything is automatable.
2

I favor this if it grants the ability to make stuff like this:

3

O_O < Wooot!? )

4

Can’t you already script similar behavior? I have a script installed which lets me scroll through the lines in a pattern using a midi-controller. If the lines can be accessed through lua, surely jumping around can also be simulated?

For example this tool plays the patterns backwards (rendering selection to sample still works!):

5

Scripting has two disadvantages in this case:

  1. Hackfest
  2. Non-realtime and won’t render
6

Hackfest is a non-argument. Scripting does have a purpose in many occasions without the script being a complicated workaround.
However striking that down, you still have 2 disadvantages left… ;)

  1. Non-realtime
  2. won’t render
7

Anything that has to do with changing a variable via an observed parameter (on an arbitrary device) is to be considered a hackfest.

Anyway. I know that my concept sounds complicated at first. But I think it is quite logical and it would bring maximum flexibility and be consistent with how things work today.

8

In case of non-realtime, have you seen the real-time backwards pattern scrolling caused by the script I linked above?

  • using that script and making a selection in the pattern editor - render to sample, It does render the notes to sample backwards!

Though I get the OP’s request, +1 for more native flexibility, but maybe this isn’t investigated enough through scripting, hackfest or not?

9
  • Create a song position LFO that causes pattern 1 to swing back and forth forever, without ever reaching pattern 2.
  • Infinite song duration.
  • Render to disk.
  • Fill entire hard drive with infinite song.
  • YOLO.
10

Whoaaaahhhhh :smashed:/>

11

Good point :)

12

for those who are wondering how this is possible: some old trackers have a command to break pattern playing on a line and go to the next pattern starting from a specific line (ex: 0B21 will stop playing current pattern and start playing next pattern from line 21).

with some copy&paste of entire patterns + silent note additions, and of course lot of creativity like in this case, lots of fun is possible

13

Frankly that would be toy stuff nowadays.
Back then these functions were a necessary evil to save memory.