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Generators

Generators create musical material algorithmically instead of playing a stored pattern. Add one from the tool palette (circular buttons with colored accent rings) at the top of the Scene canvas, or by double-clicking (long-pressing on mobile) empty space to open the bubble menu.

Select a generator to edit its parameters in the Dock panel.

EngineBehavior
Turing MachineShift-register sequencer — generates pseudo-random sequences that evolve over time. Dedicated sheet with register ring visualization.
QuantizerSnaps incoming notes to a scale, chord tones, or adds harmony voices. Dedicated sheet with keyboard visualization.
TonnetzNavigates harmonic relationships to generate chord progressions. Dedicated sheet with lattice visualization.

When you connect a generator to a pattern, generation runs automatically — you see results immediately without pressing any button. Parameter changes also trigger automatic regeneration (debounced 300ms).

The GEN button on the node faceplate is for manual re-generation when you want a fresh result.

When a generator writes to a pattern, the merge mode controls how generated notes combine with existing content:

ModeBehavior
ReplaceGenerated notes fully replace the target track (default)
FillGenerated notes fill only empty (inactive) steps — existing content is preserved

Each generator targets a specific track in the connected pattern. The target track name is shown on the node faceplate (e.g., → KICK). When connecting, the first unused track is automatically selected. You can change the target track in the generator’s Sheet view (double-tap the node).

By default, generation uses a new random seed each time, producing different results. Set a fixed seed to get reproducible output — the same seed always produces the same sequence.

  • Randomize — pick a new random seed
  • Clear — remove the seed (return to non-deterministic mode)

Each engine comes with factory presets. Select one from the preset dropdown in the Dock panel to load a starting point, then tweak from there.

When a generator is connected upstream of a pattern, a sparkle button (✦) appears in the Pattern Toolbar. This lets you generate directly from the step sequencer without switching to the Scene view.

  1. Arm — tap the sparkle button to arm generative mode (button highlights)
  2. Generate on loop head — while Loop playback is running, generation fires automatically at the start of each loop, writing fresh content to the pattern
  3. Disarm — tap again to stop generating

This workflow is ideal for live experimentation: loop a pattern, arm the generator, and tweak parameters in the Dock while hearing results on every loop.

  • Scene Nodes — node types overview
  • Playback — how generators integrate with scene playback
  • Modifiers — per-node playback modifiers
  • Sweep — parameter automation curves