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Blowback Features & Help

ABOUT:

• Blowback is a synthesizer based on Phase Modulation Synthesis.
• Inspiration for its development sparkled from a Pure Data patch, then ported and finalized in JavaScript and Web Audio API.
• Blowback is made to be played live.
• Random Interval: Set it very low for a non-stop modulation joyride, now starting at 50ms for fast initial randomization.

Oscillator Controls:

• Frequency: Adjusts the base pitch (20-4000 Hz).
• Mod Depth: Sets modulation depth (0-2000 Hz).
• Filter Cutoff: Controls low-pass filter cutoff (60-20000 Hz).
• Loop Duration: Records parameters up to 4s and playback in a loop.
• Random Interval: Sets randomization interval (20ms-5s), now initialized at 50ms.

LFO Controls:

• LFO Rate: Adjusts LFO rate (0-50 Hz).
• LFO Amp: Sets LFO amplitude (0-2).
• Sensor Sensitivity: Scales sensor input (0.5x-2x).
• LFO Shape: Selects waveform (0=Sine, 1=Square, 2=Sample & Hold, 3=Random).

Effects Controls:

• Distortion: Adjusts distortion amount (0-2).
• Reverb Size: Sets reverb impulse size (0.5-5s).
• Reverb Feedback: Controls reverb feedback (0-0.95).
• Freeze Threshold: Sets freeze trigger threshold (0-20 m/s²) for sensor-based freezing.

Button Controls:

• Start Osc: Starts/stops the oscillator.
• Start LFO: Enables/disables the LFO.
• Enable Sensors: Toggles sensor input (disables random when enabled).
• Calibrate Sensors: Calibrates sensor baseline.
• Freeze Effect: Freezes/unfreezes audio buffer, capturing current state including reverb.
• Freeze: Shake Mode/Tilt Mode: Switches freeze trigger mode between shake and tilt detection.
• Enable Freeze Sensor: Toggles freeze activation via sensor input.
• Randomize Every Xs: Starts/stops parameter randomization, now starting at 50ms intervals.
• Switch to Gradual Mode: Toggles between random and smooth gradual modulation.
• Enable Reverb: Toggles reverb effect.
• Include Reverb in Random: Includes/excludes reverb in randomization.
• Start Recording: Starts/stops audio recording (up to 5 minutes).
• Disable MIDI: Toggles MIDI output.

Visuals & Status:

• Dot Visual: Minimal moving dot with trail.
• MIDI Status: Displays MIDI connection state.
• Sensors Status: Shows sensor activity and mode.
• Recording Status: Indicates recording state and duration.

MIDI Controllers:

• MIDI Output: Select the output port.
• MIDI Channel: Choose the MIDI channel (1-16).
• Modulation Matrix: Select which parameters send MIDI CC (18-25).

🎛️ Sensors & Motion Control

How Sensors Work:

• Uses your device's accelerometer to control sound parameters
• Tilt and move your device to manipulate the synthesizer in real-time
• Each parameter can be assigned to different motion axes

Getting Started with Sensors:

1. Click "Enable Sensors" to activate motion control
2. Place your device on a flat surface and click "Calibrate Sensors"
3. Check the boxes next to parameters you want to control (max 4 at once)
4. Start tilting and moving your device!

Sensor Parameter Assignments:

• 🎵 Frequency - X-axis (left/right tilt)
• 📈 Modulation Depth - Y-axis (forward/back tilt)
• 🌀 LFO Rate - Z-axis (up/down movement)
• 🌊 LFO Amplitude - X+Y combined motion
• 🔊 Filter Cutoff - X-Z difference
• 🤘 Distortion - Y-Z difference

Freeze Effect:

• Shake Mode: Quickly shake your device to capture and loop the current sound
• Tilt Mode: Tilt device forward (Z-axis < -8) to trigger freeze
• Toggle freeze sensor on/off as needed

Tips:

• Use Sensitivity slider to adjust how responsive the sensors are
• Calibrate whenever you change your device's position
• Start with 2-3 parameters to avoid overwhelming changes

🎲 Randomization & Automation

Two Modes Available:

• 🔀 Random Mode: Sudden parameter jumps at set intervals
• 🔄 Gradual Mode: Smooth transitions between parameter values

How Randomization Works:

• Check the boxes next to parameters you want to randomize
• Set the interval (from milliseconds to seconds)
• Click the randomize button to start/stop automation
• Unchecked parameters stay at their manual values

Gradual Mode Features:

• Uses mathematical attractors (Lorenz, Rössler, Chua) for organic movement
• Creates evolving, never-repeating patterns
• Perfect for ambient textures and evolving soundscapes

Randomization vs Sensors:

• 🔄 Randomization: Automatic, hands-free parameter changes
• 🎛️ Sensors: Manual, expressive control through device movement
• ❌ They cannot be active simultaneously - enabling one disables the other

Creative Uses:

• Use Randomization for generative music and unexpected discoveries
• Use Sensors for live performance and expressive playing
• Combine both approaches by switching between them during a session

Notes: Requires HTTPS (Web version - not Android) for sensors and modern browsers for MIDI/recording. Use MIDI CC 18-25 for parameter control. Freeze feature uses offline rendering to capture audio state, including reverb.

info, comments, more goodies...

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