rhythm_pattern_explorer

Rhythm Pattern Explorer Plugin - Current Status

Version: 2.8

Last Updated: July 2, 2025
Build Status: ✅ Working (macOS AU/VST3)

Current Features

Core Functionality

• MIDI Effect Plugin: Generates rhythmic MIDI patterns without audio processing
• Real-time Pattern Generation: Responds to host transport and timing
• Progressive Transformations: Advanced algorithmic pattern evolution

Pattern Types Supported

1. Euclidean Patterns: E(onsets, steps, rotation)
   • Bjorklund algorithm implementation
   • Even distribution of onsets across steps
2. Polygon Patterns: P(sides, vertices, rotation)
   • Geometric rhythm generation
   • Based on regular polygon vertex positions
3. Random Patterns: R(onsets, steps, seed)
   • Controlled randomization with optional seed
4. Binary Patterns: B(binary_value, steps)
   • Direct binary representation of rhythms

Progressive Transformations

• Barlow (B): Indispensability-based pattern evolution
  • Uses prime factorization for onset weighting
  • Concentration: adds most important onsets
  • Dilution: removes least important onsets
• Euclidean (E): Progressive Euclidean generation
  • Step-by-step approach to even distribution
• Wolrab (W): Anti-Barlow transformation
  • Inverse of Barlow indispensability
• Dilcue (D): Anti-Euclidean transformation
  • Inverse of Euclidean distribution

UPI (Universal Pattern Input) Parser

Advanced pattern notation supporting:

• Basic Patterns: E(3,8), P(5,12)
• Combinations: E(3,8)+P(5,12), E(3,8)*P(5,12)
• Progressive Sequences: E(1,8)E>8 (1 to 8 onsets progressively)
• Complex Chains: E(8,8)B>1 (8 onsets reduced via Barlow)

Technical Implementation

Architecture

• Plugin Format: JUCE AudioProcessor
• Threading: Thread-safe with critical sections
• Parameters: AudioProcessorValueTreeState integration
• MIDI: Real-time MIDI generation and timing

Key Classes

• RhythmPatternExplorerAudioProcessor: Main plugin class
• PatternEngine: Core pattern generation and analysis
• UPIParser: Pattern notation parser and transformer
• RhythmPatternExplorerAudioProcessorEditor: Plugin UI

Files Structure

Source/
├── PluginProcessor.cpp/h     # Main plugin implementation
├── PluginEditor.cpp/h        # User interface
├── PatternEngine.cpp/h       # Pattern generation core
└── UPIParser.cpp/h          # Pattern notation parser

Plugin Formats

✅ Working Formats

• Audio Unit (AU): Fully functional on macOS
• VST3: Fully functional on macOS
• Standalone: Working standalone application

❌ Current Issues

• AUv3 (iOS): JUCE framework issues causing crashes
  • NSException in view constraints
  • Memory management issues
  • Known JUCE v8.0.1 iOS compatibility problems

Performance Characteristics

Tested Scenarios

• ✅ Host sync with various DAWs (Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase)
• ✅ Real-time parameter changes
• ✅ Progressive transformations up to 64 steps
• ✅ Complex UPI pattern parsing
• ✅ Multiple plugin instances

Resource Usage

• CPU: Minimal (<1% on modern systems)
• Memory: ~10MB typical usage
• Latency: <1ms processing time

Known Working Configurations

DAW Compatibility

• Logic Pro X/11: Full AU/VST3 support
• Ableton Live: VST3 support
• Cubase/Nuendo: VST3 support
• Reaper: AU/VST3 support
• GarageBand: AU support

Pattern Examples (Tested)

E(3,8)         # Basic Euclidean: 10010010
E(1,8)E>8      # Progressive Euclidean: 1→8 onsets
E(8,8)B>1      # Barlow dilution: 8→1 onsets
P(5,12,0)      # Pentagon rhythm in 12 steps
E(3,8)+P(3,8)  # Pattern combination

Development History

Major Milestones

1. Initial Implementation: Basic Euclidean and polygon patterns
2. UPI Parser: Advanced pattern notation system
3. Progressive Transformations: Barlow and anti-patterns
4. Threading Safety: Resolved race conditions
5. UI Improvements: Resizable interface, circular display
6. iOS Attempts: Multiple approaches, JUCE limitations encountered

Bug Fixes

• ✅ Progressive stepping (was starting on step 2)
• ✅ Barlow ending patterns (32+ step robustness)
• ✅ Thread safety in parameter updates
• ✅ MIDI timing precision
• ✅ Memory leaks in pattern generation

Future Development

Planned Improvements

• iOS implementation (waiting for JUCE updates)
• Preset system for pattern libraries
• MIDI CC control for real-time parameter changes
• Advanced visualization modes
• Pattern morphing capabilities
• Swing/groove templates

iOS Strategy

Given current JUCE AUv3 issues:

1. Monitor JUCE updates for iOS fixes
2. Consider alternative frameworks (AudioKit, native iOS)
3. Standalone iOS app with AudioBus/IAA
4. Web-based solution optimization

Installation

macOS Plugin Installation

Plugins are installed to:

• AU: ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
• VST3: ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

Building from Source

1. Open RhythmPatternExplorer.jucer in Projucer
2. Generate Xcode project
3. Build in Xcode (Release configuration recommended)
4. Plugins automatically copied to system directories

Support

Documentation

• UPI Pattern Reference
• MIDI Setup Guide
• Working Solutions

Contact

• Repository: https://github.com/enkerli/rhythm_pattern_explorer
• Issues: Report via GitHub Issues
• Email: support@rhythmpatternexplorer.com

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