Signals & Automation

Signals & Automation

Patterns like <200 800 2000 8000> change step by step. But sometimes you want a smooth sweep. That's what signals are for.

What is a signal?

A signal is a smooth, continuous stream of values that changes over time - perfect for smooth filter sweeps, volume fades, and slow modulations.

A smooth sweep with sine

The sine signal slowly oscillates between 200 and 2000, sweeping the low-pass filter of the drum pattern.

How it works

• sine() - a smooth up-down signal.
• .slow(8) - take 8 cycles for one full sweep.
• .range(200, 2000) - map the signal between 200 and 2000 Hz.
• .add(pattern) - apply the signal to the pattern's lpf.

Other signals

• sine() - smooth wave.
• saw() - ramp up.
• square() - steps between two values.
• tri() - triangle wave.

Here a triangle signal pans the drums slowly left to right!

TL;DR

• Signals are smooth value streams over time.
• sine(), saw(), tri(), square() generate them.
• .range(a, b) maps a signal between two values.
• .add(pattern) applies it to an effect like lpf() or pan().