Skip to content
INBOIL

Playback

Playback Modes

Section titled “Playback Modes”

INBOIL has two playback modes:

ModeBehavior
LoopPlays the current pattern on repeat (default)
SceneTraverses the scene graph starting from the root node

Tap ▶ (or Space) to play in Loop mode. In the Scene view, tap the ▶ button next to the root node to start Scene playback.

Scene Playback Flow

Section titled “Scene Playback Flow”
Verse
■ Drag patterns here → Connect to build a song

Step by Step

Section titled “Step by Step”
  1. Start at the root node — the node marked with a dot
  2. Play the pattern — the pattern referenced by the node plays from start to end
  3. Apply decorators — transpose, tempo, repeat, FX, automation are applied during playback
  4. Repeat — if a Repeat decorator exists, the pattern loops N times
  5. Choose next edge — if the node has outgoing edges, pick one randomly (equal probability)
  6. Move to next node — playback continues at the destination node
  7. Stop at terminal — if there are no outgoing edges, playback ends

Edge Selection

Section titled “Edge Selection”

At fork points (nodes with multiple outgoing edges), the engine picks the next destination randomly with equal probability. For example, a node with 3 outgoing edges gives each a 1/3 chance of being chosen.

This creates generative arrangements — the same scene plays differently every time.

Loops in the Graph

Section titled “Loops in the Graph”

If edges form a cycle (A → B → C → A), playback loops indefinitely through those nodes. This is the most common scene structure — a set of interconnected patterns that loop with variation.

To stop scene playback, press Space or tap ■.

Editing During Playback

Section titled “Editing During Playback”

During scene playback, the engine automatically moves through the graph. You can tap any pattern in the Matrix or Scene to edit it without interrupting playback — what you’re editing and what’s playing are independent.

Tempo Changes

Section titled “Tempo Changes”

When playback enters a node with a Tempo decorator:

  • The tempo changes immediately (no crossfade)
  • When leaving that node, tempo reverts to the previous value
  • If the next node also has a Tempo decorator, its value takes effect

Tempo changes are node-scoped, not global — they don’t permanently alter the project tempo.

Performance During Scene Playback

Section titled “Performance During Scene Playback”

The performance buttons (FILL, REV, BRK) work during scene playback. They affect the currently playing pattern in real-time, layering on top of any decorators.

Section titled “Related”