put a little oomph into it.
oomph is sequencer with multiple built-in synth and sample voices.
this script combines some previously contributed projects with additions. it currently encompasses:
- a monophonic synthesizer w/ 16-step sequencer (from acid-test w/ better accenting dynamics)
- a sample loop player with customizable effects (from amen)
- a sample-based chord sequencer (from synthy and the unreleased mx.samples2)
- a plaits module (from mi-ugens)
- a tape emulator (from portedplugins/tapedeck)
following guidance from @sixolet I worked out a way to make almost every parameter modulateable through internal ramps/lfos.
- norns
- midi controller (optional)
- grid (optional)
most of the usage can be found in the parameters - you can directly edit parameters or use a midi controller to map devices for easy manipulation. there are also LFOs for nearly every parameter accessible through the "MOD" menus.
the main screen allows you to sequence the monophonic synth. the sequencer ui is based off the TB-303 pattern chart (pdf).
- K2 changes a parameter
- K3 stops/starts
- E1 changes pattern
- E2/E3 navigate the individual parameters
the parameters are set out in columns, where each column is one of the sixteen steps of the sequence.
the first row is the note in the C major scale (this scale is transposed in parameters but still displays as the C major scale.
the second row allows you to modify the accidentals of each note (b = flat, and # = sharp).
the third row allows you to change the octave of each note - M for minus octave (-1) and P for plus octave (+1).
the fourth row allows you to add an accent or slide. "O" does an accent (i.e. provides Omph) and "H" provides a slide (i.e. the note Holds longer).
the fifth row can change the articulation of the sequence. the "@" denotes a gate, the "o" is a rest" and a "-" after a gate provides a legato. the actual strength of a legato is controlled in teh parameters by the "sustain" parameter.
audio input is re-routed through norns into the tape emulator. because of this, instead of using the "MONITOR" control in the audio mixer, you should instead use the "INPUT LEVEL" control in the parameters menu.
the sample looper attempts to sync to the tempo by changing playback speed and resetting to the beginning at the beginning of the 16 step sequencer (can be controlled by a probability in the parametrs). the script tries to determine bpm from the filename if there is a "bpmX" in the name (i.e. mysample-bpm120-1.wav => 120 bpm). if there is no bpm available then the script figures out the bpm by a "best guess" approach by assuming that the loop is quantized to the nearest beat and checking to see which bpm allocates the most even number of beats.
there are some hard coded triggerable effects in the parameters menu and its possible to add your own since every parameter in the sample looper can be modulated using a variety of functions (sine, ramps, etc) - all you do is make a function that you want toggled (like this) and then add the name of that function to this array.
if you need a script to create quantized loops - checkout amen.
note: depending on how your loop is created, its possible that it doesn't sound exactly in step with the rest of the sequences. to combat this there is a parameter at the bottom of the "LOOP" parameters called "latency" that lets you modulate how much the loop plays in front of or behind the beat.
chaining patterns can be accomplished in the menu through the "BASS SEQUENCER". every pattern will transition to another pattern after it is finished playing. by default, each pattern will automatically transition to itself (i.e. loop the current pattern). but can also be set to transition to any other pattern. to have a loop of multiple patterns, you need to ensure that the last pattern in the loop transitions to the first pattern. patterns are "unchained" by simply setting the transition back to itself.
copying patterns can be accomplished in the "BASS SEQUENCER" menu. simply select the pattern to copy to and from, and then trigger a copy.
grid is an alternative interface for the main norns screen - it is totally optional.
the first five rows edit the parameters of the monophonic synth. the sixth row can be used to change patterns. the sixth row also allows chaining patterns by holding down one pattern key and pressing another while playing. the sixth row also allows copying patterns by holding down one pattern key and pressing another while not playing.
In the PARAM menu there is a MIDI menu that lets you select a midi device that can be used to input into the "BASS" engine or into the "PLAITS" engine. You can also route output from the "BASS" into an external MIDI device - there is an option to set the portamento CC of your device which will also be sent according to the sequencing. this menu also has options to input sequences using a MIDI device.
- lfos: make more chaotic
midi: give tracks midi outmidi: allow midi in (for plaits, 303)- rpi3: possible cpu spikes?
- grid: light-up special parameters
- grid: recall patterns on double tap
- grid: clear sequenced patterns
- sound: distortion fx
- (cosmetic bug) if you goto a "MOD" and toggle one, and you go to the non-MOD page and change the parameter it will automatically turn off the toggle but the toggle won't appeared to be turned off in the menu until you exit the menu and come back into the menu.
- (ux bug) MOD lfos are set according to the current tempo, if you change tempos the MOD lfos will stay with periods from the previous tempo
- (ux bug) the sample looper may not work fully with mono sound files, try to use stereo files
oomph will need 100mb of disk space (95 mb for wav files and 5 mb for SuperCollider files).
there are three steps to install.
first open maiden and run the following:
;install https://github.com/schollz/oomph
secondly, keep maiden open and run the following line to make sure everything is copasetic:
dofile("/home/we/dust/code/oomph/lib/update.lua")thirdly, you need to restart your norns. now you can run oomph without issues.
to update the script just run the following in maiden:
dofile("/home/we/dust/code/oomph/lib/update.lua")