Nodes
Control nodes
Curve generators and control signal nodes for shaping musical parameters over time — break-point functions, waveform generators, and metric modulation calculators.
| Node | Inputs | Outputs | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPF | list x-points list y-points |
bpf | Defines a break-point function from lists of x and y coordinates. The BPF is a piecewise-linear curve that can control any parameter over time — dynamics, density, register, morph position. This is the primary control signal in grafer. |
| Sample BPF | bpf curve number num-samples (default: 16) |
list values | Samples a BPF at N evenly-spaced points, producing a list of numeric values. Use this to convert a continuous curve into a discrete sequence that can drive pitch lists, velocity sequences, or any parameter that requires a fixed number of values. |
| Gen Sine | number num-samples (default: 64) number periods (default: 1) number phase (0.0–1.0, default: 0) |
bpf | Generates a sine wave as a BPF. Specify the number of sample points, how many complete periods to produce, and the starting phase. Useful for smooth, periodic control curves — oscillating dynamics, register undulation, or morph position cycling. |
| Gen Triangle | number num-samples (default: 64) number periods (default: 1) number phase (0.0–1.0, default: 0) |
bpf | Generates a triangle wave as a BPF — linear ramps up and down. Produces straight-line crescendi and diminuendi when used as a velocity curve, or linear register sweeps when applied to pitch contour. |
| Gen Sawtooth | number num-samples (default: 64) number periods (default: 1) number phase (0.0–1.0, default: 0) |
bpf | Generates a sawtooth wave as a BPF — a linear ramp followed by an immediate drop. Useful for repeating crescendo-to-subito-piano gestures, cyclically ascending register, or asymmetric periodic control. |
| Gen Square | number num-samples (default: 64) number periods (default: 1) number duty-cycle (0.0–1.0, default: 0.5) |
bpf | Generates a square wave as a BPF — alternating between high and low values. The duty cycle controls the ratio of high to low. Useful for binary alternation patterns: loud/soft, dense/sparse, high/low register. |
| Gen Noise | number num-samples (default: 64) number seed (default: random) |
bpf | Generates a random noise signal as a BPF. Each sample point gets a random value between 0 and 1. Provide a seed for reproducible randomness. Use for stochastic control of any parameter — chaotic dynamics, irregular register jumps, random density modulation. |
| Gen Fourier | list amplitudes list phases (default: all 0) number num-samples (default: 64) |
bpf | Generates a BPF by summing harmonics with specified amplitudes and phases — additive synthesis of a control curve. The first amplitude controls the fundamental; subsequent values control the 2nd, 3rd, etc. harmonics. Create complex, smooth periodic curves by combining simple sinusoidal components. |
| Metric Modulation | number tempo-A (BPM, default: 120) number note-value-A (default: 1/4) number note-value-B (default: 1/4 triplet) |
number tempo-B (BPM) | Calculates the new tempo resulting from a metric modulation — where a note value in the old tempo becomes the beat in the new tempo. For example, if a triplet eighth at tempo 120 becomes the new quarter-note beat, this node computes the resulting BPM. Essential for Carteresque metric modulation passages. |
Studies that use these nodes
Bone Alphabet — strata, filters, tempi
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Atmosphères, Lux Aeterna — the cluster, the canon, the cloud
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Quatuor pour la fin du Temps — the rhythmic pedal, the palindrome, the modes
Quatuor pour la fin du Temps: 29 chords against 17 durations, non-retrogradable rhythms proved identical to…
Mode de valeurs et d'intensités, Catalogue d'oiseaux — the mode of values, the bird
Mode de valeurs and the Catalogue: every pitch bound to its own duration, dynamic and attack; a Markov bird…
Saariaho — Spectral Morph
A spectral study after Saariaho: the harmonic series of C, a Spectral Morph to F one step per bar, a Formant…
Sibelius V — the swan hymn and its seams
Sibelius's Fifth as process: a scherzo tempo derived by metric modulation, the rocking-horn swan hymn under…
Lemma-Icon-Epigram — a row, a number series, and their transformations
Lemma-Icon-Epigram: a row and a number series under automatic operations — powers of two as durations…
Wire these nodes into a piece of your own.
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