> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nomn.jp/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quick Start

> Load, generate, shape, and export in five minutes

# Quick Start

## 1. Load RESERVOIR

Insert RESERVOIR on a MIDI or instrument track in your DAW. Route its MIDI output to any virtual instrument.

## 2. Start Generating

RESERVOIR syncs to your DAW transport automatically. When the transport is running, RESERVOIR generates MIDI in real-time across its active layers.

## 3. Explore the Defaults

Out of the box, RESERVOIR generates with:

* **8 active layers** in Independent interaction mode
* **Stochastic rhythm** at 2–8 attacks per beat
* **Euclidean perforation** at 30%
* **Sequential pitch** pattern over the C Major scale across 4 octaves
* **Infinite duration** mode — keeps generating until you stop

You should hear a continuously evolving polyphonic texture. Switch the Layer Interaction to **Complementary** for hocketing across layers — typically more immediately musical than Independent.

## 4. Shape the Texture

Try these adjustments to hear immediate changes:

| Parameter           | Effect                                                                     |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Density Min/Max** | More or fewer notes per beat                                               |
| **Perforation**     | Higher = more gaps in the texture                                          |
| **Rhythm Pattern**  | Switch between algorithmic approaches (Euclidean, Polyrhythm, Cloud, etc.) |
| **Scale**           | Change the harmonic palette — try Iwato, Yaman, or Whole Tone              |
| **Active Layers**   | More layers = denser polyphony                                             |

## 5. Try a Different Algorithm Combination

Switch the **Rhythm Pattern** to *Euclidean* and the **Perforation Method** to *Fibonacci*. Change the scale to *Kumoi*. You'll hear a completely different compositional character — evenly-distributed rhythms filtered through self-similar Fibonacci gaps, over a Japanese pentatonic.

## 6. Open the Codex

Click **Codex** in the bottom bar. The Codex panel slides over the visualizer and displays an explanation of each currently-active engine — its math, its lineage, and what every parameter does. Drag a slider while the Codex is open: the parameter block updates in real time to show the current value and a worked example.

## 7. Export MIDI

When you have a texture you like:

* Use your DAW's MIDI capture/recording to capture RESERVOIR's output in real-time
* Or use RESERVOIR's **Export MIDI** button to write the current generation to a MIDI file

The exported MIDI is standard multi-track — one track per layer — ready for editing, orchestration, or further processing in your DAW.

<Tip>
  RESERVOIR produces raw compositional material. The real creative work begins when you route different layers to different instruments, edit the exported MIDI, and build arrangements around RESERVOIR's algorithmic output.
</Tip>