Scene Nodes
Overview
Section titled “Overview”The scene graph is made of nodes connected by edges. Each node represents a musical event that plays when the scene engine reaches it.
Node Types
Section titled “Node Types”Pattern Node
Section titled “Pattern Node”The most common node type. References one of your patterns from the Matrix. When playback reaches a pattern node, it plays that pattern from start to finish, then follows an outgoing edge.
Adding pattern nodes:
- Tap + in the Scene toolbar
- Drag a pattern from the Matrix into the scene
Properties:
- Pattern reference — which pattern to play (tap to change)
- Position — drag to reposition in the canvas
- Root marker — the starting point for scene playback (one per scene)
Generative Node
Section titled “Generative Node”Creates musical material algorithmically in real-time. Add from the toolbar at the top of the scene, or double-click (long-press on mobile) empty space to open the bubble menu.
| Engine | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Turing Machine | Shift register with probability — generates pseudo-random sequences that evolve over time |
| Quantizer | Takes incoming note data and snaps to a scale — useful after a Turing Machine |
| Tonnetz | Navigates the tone network (a mathematical map of harmonic relationships) to generate chord progressions |
Generative nodes have their own parameters editable in the Dock panel. They don’t reference a pattern — they create one on the fly.
For detailed parameter reference, chaining examples, and merge modes, see Function Nodes.
Labels
Section titled “Labels”Text annotations in the scene canvas. Use them to organize your graph: “Intro”, “Build”, “Drop”, etc. Labels have no effect on playback — they’re purely visual.
Add a label from the toolbar or the bubble menu (double-click empty space).
Edges are directed connections between nodes. They define the playback path.
| Property | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Direction | From → To (one-way) |
| Order | Display sequence at forks (reorder with Arrow Up/Down when selected) |
Fork Selection
Section titled “Fork Selection”When a node has multiple outgoing edges, the scene engine picks one randomly with equal probability. The order property controls visual display order but does not affect selection probability.
Terminal Nodes
Section titled “Terminal Nodes”A node with no outgoing edges is a terminal. Scene playback stops when it reaches a terminal. This is useful for creating definitive endings or one-shot arrangements.
The Root Node
Section titled “The Root Node”Every scene has one root node (marked with a dot). This is where scene playback begins. To change the root, double-click a node.
Interaction
Section titled “Interaction”| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Click node | Select it → shows details in Dock |
| Drag node | Reposition |
| Click edge | Select edge (Arrow Up/Down to reorder) |
| Drag node handle (right side) | Start edge-draw (drag to target) |
| Long-press node (500 ms) | Edge-draw mode on touch devices |
| Double-click empty space | Open bubble menu (add function node or label) |
| Delete key | Remove selected node or edge |
| Scroll / pinch | Zoom |
| Middle-drag / two-finger | Pan canvas |
Related
Section titled “Related”- Function Nodes — Turing Machine, Quantizer, Tonnetz in detail
- Decorators — modify node playback
- Playback — how the engine traverses the graph
- Build a Scene — tutorial walkthrough