tambla
a semi-generative rhythmic arpeggiator with bendable playheads
tambla affords exploration of polyrhythms and syncopation. it was born out of a love for arpeggiators and the desire to explore what might happen when wandering off strict grid based timing.
patterns consist of four rows. rows have 2-16 triggers with velocity, duration, and chance values per step. holding down a key generates notes at the given pitch with the trigger pattern in the first (top most) row. each subsequent key held, begins generation based on the trigger pattern in next lower row. note generation starts from the current playhead position instead of the beginning of the row ensuring the overall rhythmic structure is maintained unless note based sync it chosen.
the four playheads scanning each row are synchronized to a common clock. individual rows can divide down the clock for linear phasing effects or bending the clock or both. bend values < 1.0 result in the playhead progressing in a logarithmic fashion (fast then slowing down) where as bend values > 1.0 result in exponential progression (slow then speeding up).
tambla aspires to one day provide sequencing of patterns or generative variation so as to provide something to play against while learning/exploring djembe and handpan. areas of immediate interest include expanding performance controls, developing an engine to provide a unique self contained voice, and crow support.
tambla is also a technical experiment. it is built using a high level event processing framework called sky which imagines writing norns scripts in a declarative fashion using chains of high level building blocks that transform events.
requirements
-
norns (201029 or later)
-
midi keyboard - for note input, preferably with velocity sensitivity
-
midi controller (encouraged) - for mapping performance parameters to dedicated
controls
optional
-
grid - note input
-
arc - various performance controls
pairs well with
- multi-channel MIDI-CV converters
- (one or more) velocity sensitive polyphonic MIDI sound sources
- delays
- clock synchronized setups
documentation
available in the tambla-docs repository on GitHub.
download
latest version always available via maiden
sketches
over the course of development various experiments were captured along the way. tambla itself is still looking for its voice, it can make music but it is still learning how. the experiments below are just that, norns driving softsynths via midi:
