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Pitch Logic

The Pitch Logic card determines what notes play. It combines a scale selection system (150+ scales) with a pitch pattern algorithm (11 methods) that decides how pitches are chosen from the scale. All pitch patterns are streaming — they maintain internal state and produce the next pitch on demand.

Pitch Pattern Algorithms

AlgorithmWhat It Does
SequentialAll pitches in the set must sound before any can repeat (with octave displacement allowed). Ensures complete coverage of the pitch space within each cycle.
SpiralSpirals outward from a center pitch, alternating above and below in expanding intervals. Creates a widening melodic cone.
FibonacciNext pitch determined by a growth-series interval sequence. Direction reverses when pitch boundaries are reached.
RegisterSystematic traversal through octave registers — plays through one octave before moving to the next. The Order parameter shifts from sequential to shuffled traversal.
ProbabilisticWeighted probability transitions where closer intervals have higher probability. The Leap parameter shifts the bias from stepwise motion toward larger leaps.
Golden RatioDivides the pitch set at the golden ratio point, creating two subsets, and alternates between them.
BeatingConstructs a pitch set from the interference of two interval generators. Produces combination-tone-derived collections.
MirrorAlternates between original pitches and their inversion around a configurable axis. Creates palindromic pitch contours.
PermutationSystematic reordering of the pitch set through circular rotations, retrograde, and other transformations.
CorpusPitch transitions shaped by a learned transition model. The Context parameter biases toward ascending motion, stepwise motion, or large leaps.
ArpeggiatorPolyphonic arpeggiator across all active layers, locked to the current scale and root. The pattern parameter controls speed and direction.

Parameters

ParameterRangeDefaultDescription
Pitch SelectionSequentialAlgorithm selection
Pitch Pattern Shape0.0–1.00.5Algorithm-specific control (see below)
Scale0–150C MajorScale selection from library
Root Pitch ClassC–BCRoot note
Starting Octave−1 to 93Base octave for pitch set
Octave Span1–104Number of octaves to span
Custom Pitch Classesbitmaskall onCustom scale via 12-bit pitch-class mask

Pattern Parameter Meanings

The Pitch Pattern Shape slider controls different aspects depending on the active algorithm:
AlgorithmWhat it controls
SequentialOctave displacement spread
SpiralCenter pitch position
FibonacciInterval magnitude scaling
RegisterSequential ↔ shuffled traversal order
ProbabilisticStepwise ↔ leaping bias
Golden RatioSplit point adjustment
BeatingGenerating interval adjustment
MirrorInversion axis position
PermutationTransformation type
CorpusMotion bias (ascending / stepwise / leaping)
ArpeggiatorSpeed and direction

Scale Library

RESERVOIR includes 150+ scales spanning:
  • Western modes — Major, Minor, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Locrian, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor
  • Pentatonic and blues — Major Pentatonic, Minor Pentatonic, Blues
  • Symmetric — Whole Tone, Chromatic, Diminished, Double Diminished
  • Japanese — Kumoi, Iwato, Hon-Kumoi-Joshi, Banshiki-Cho, Naka Zora, Noh, Kokin-Choshi, Shimo-Chidori, and more
  • Indian ragas — Yaman, Bhairavi, Todi, Marwa, Lalit, Hindole, Kafi, and more
  • Synthetic and microtonal — quartal formations, mutated hexadic scales, intervallic mutations
  • Ancient — Archaic Greek, Chinese Reform, Mongolian
  • Custom — User-defined pitch class set via bitmask
See Scale Reference for the complete list with descriptions.