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Tips & Recipes

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Composition Recipes

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Minimal Texture

• Rhythm: Euclidean, density 0.5–1.5
• Perforation: Golden Ratio at 50–60%, Spiral Holes on
• Pitch: Kumoi or Iwato scale, Sequential pattern
• Layers: 3–4 in Complementary mode
• Expression: Legato articulation, narrow velocity range (40–70)

Sparse, interlocking patterns over a Japanese pentatonic. Route each layer to a different instrument for a chamber-like texture.

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Dense Stochastic Cloud

• Rhythm: Random or Cloud, density 4–10
• Perforation: Cellular at 30–40%
• Pitch: Chromatic or Whole Tone, Probabilistic pattern with high Leap
• Layers: 8–12 in Independent mode
• Expression: Staccato, wide velocity range (20–127)

Maximum density and independence. Works as a textural wash — route to a reverberant pad or granular synth.

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Polyrhythmic Hocket

• Rhythm: Polyrhythm (ratio 3:5) or Euclidean
• Perforation: Euclidean at 40%
• Pitch: Major Pentatonic, Golden Ratio pattern
• Layers: 6–8 in Complementary mode
• Expression: Legato, narrow velocity range (70–100)

Interlocking rhythmic cells passed between layers. The hocket behavior creates a single continuous line from multiple voices.

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Polyphonic Arpeggiator

• Rhythm: Beat Grid or Euclidean, density 2–4
• Perforation: Modular at 20%
• Pitch: Arpeggiator pattern, Harmonic Minor scale
• Layers: 4–6 in Independent mode
• Expression: Staccato, Natural Phrase velocity curve

Multi-layer polyphonic arp lines locked to the scale. Tweak the Pitch Pattern Shape to vary speed and direction.

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Style Grid Drift

• Rhythm: Style Grid, Style Wander 0.5–0.8
• Perforation: Euclidean at 25%
• Pitch: Major or Minor Pentatonic, Probabilistic
• Layers: 4–8 in Synchronized mode
• Expression: Genre Groove micro-timing, varied genres

Let the Style Grid wander on its own through percussion-pattern space while you control the harmonic side. Great for live improvisation.

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Evolving Long-Form

• State Machine: Auto-Evolve on, 6 sections, 90-second section length, 60% crossfade, Arch form
• ESN: Meta-Gen on, Evolution Rate 0.4, all depths 0.5
• Rhythm: Start with any technique — the state machine and ESN will vary parameters together
• Pitch: Yaman or Melodic Minor for rich harmonic material
• Layers: 8 in Independent mode

Let RESERVOIR run for 8–10 minutes. Record the MIDI output and edit the result into a finished composition.

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Self-Similar Cycle

• Rhythm: Growth Series (Fibonacci variant)
• Perforation: Fibonacci at 25%
• Pitch: Fibonacci pattern, Harmonic Minor scale
• Layers: 4–6 in Independent mode

Self-similar at every level — growth-series durations, Fibonacci perforation, Fibonacci intervals.

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Workflow Tips

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Layering with DAW instruments

Route different RESERVOIR layers to different MIDI channels, then to different instruments. Layer 1→piano, Layer 2→strings, Layer 10→drums. Layer interaction mode determines how these parts interrelate.

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Using preset morphing for transitions

Set Preset A to a sparse, quiet configuration and Preset B to a dense, active one. Automate Preset Morph from 0→1 over 16 bars for a smooth build.

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Capturing variations

Run RESERVOIR multiple times with the same settings — the stochastic elements (and the ESN’s seed) ensure each generation is different while maintaining the same structural character. Record multiple takes and comp the best moments.

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Scale as compositional tool

Changing the scale mid-composition (via automation) creates harmonic shifts while maintaining rhythmic continuity. Try automating from Major to Phrygian for a sudden darkening.

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Use the standalone GM synth for sketching

You don’t need a DAW to sketch ideas. Open the standalone, pick a GM instrument, hit Generation On, and prototype patches. When you find something you like, export the MIDI and bring it into your DAW.

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Gotchas

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No sound in the DAW?

RESERVOIR generates MIDI, not audio. You need a virtual instrument downstream to produce sound. Check your DAW’s MIDI routing. (In Standalone mode, the built-in GM synth handles this for you.)

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Stuck notes

If you hear stuck notes after stopping transport, it’s usually a DAW routing issue. RESERVOIR sends all pending note-offs when transport stops. Try toggling Generation off and on.

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Very dense output

At high density (8–10 attacks/beat) with many layers and low perforation, RESERVOIR can produce extremely dense MIDI. If your instrument struggles, reduce active layers or increase perforation amount.

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State machine not working

Auto-Evolve must be turned on for the state machine to control parameters. When off, the UI sliders control everything directly.

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ESN doing nothing

The ESN is off by default. Turn on Meta-Gen On in the State Machine card to enable it, then increase Evolution Rate and the depth sliders. Watch the drift chart to confirm it’s active.

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Per-layer channels not routing

Some DAWs default plugin tracks to “All channels” or strip channel info. Make sure your DAW track is set to receive multi-channel MIDI from the plugin.