Playback

Playback Modes

INBOIL has two playback modes:

Mode	Behavior
Loop	Plays the current pattern on repeat (default)
Scene	Traverses the scene starting from the root node

Tap ▶ (or Space) to play in Loop mode. In the Scene view, tap the ▶ button next to the root node to start Scene playback.

Scene Playback Flow

Verse →

Verse

Chorus

Break

Break2

■ Drag patterns here → Connect to build a song

Step by Step

1. Start at the root node — the node marked with a dot
2. Play the pattern — the pattern referenced by the node plays from start to end
3. Apply modifiers — transpose, tempo, repeat, and FX are applied during playback
4. Repeat — if a Repeat modifier exists, the pattern loops N times
5. Choose next edge — if the node has outgoing edges, pick one randomly (equal probability)
6. Move to next node — playback continues at the destination node
7. Stop at terminal — if there are no outgoing edges, playback ends

Edge Selection

At fork points (nodes with multiple outgoing edges), the engine picks the next destination randomly with equal probability. For example, a node with 3 outgoing edges gives each a 1/3 chance of being chosen.

This creates generative arrangements — the same scene plays differently every time.

Loops in the Graph

If edges form a cycle (A → B → C → A), playback loops indefinitely through those nodes. This is the most common scene structure — a set of interconnected patterns that loop with variation.

To stop scene playback, press Space or tap ■.

Editing During Playback

During scene playback, the engine automatically moves through the graph. You can tap any pattern in the Matrix or Scene to edit it without interrupting playback — what you’re editing and what’s playing are independent.

Tempo Changes

When playback enters a node with a Tempo modifier:

• The tempo changes immediately (no crossfade)
• When leaving that node, tempo reverts to the previous value
• If the next node also has a Tempo modifier, its value takes effect

Tempo changes are node-scoped, not global — they don’t permanently alter the project tempo.

Performance During Scene Playback

Performance effects work during scene playback, layering on top of any modifiers in real-time.

On desktop, use the transport bar buttons (FILL / REV / BRK). On mobile, tap the PERF tab in the header to open the Perf Sheet — a Kaoss Pad-style controller with four effect tabs (PERF, GLITCH, FILTER, MOTION) including XY pad control and sensor-driven effects.

Related

• Scene Nodes — node types and properties
• Modifiers — per-node playback modifiers
• Generators — generative engines
• Sweep — parameter automation curves
• Build a Scene — tutorial