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Operation Manual for ESPER:

The main idea behind the operation of ESPER is this: Any part of the patch can be changed at anytime. For this reason, a very minimal gui has been provided. When using the patch, experimentation and exploration of the different ways of connecting objects, adding new ones, and overall modification of the patch is encouraged. While it desirable to leave the core of the patch relatively unchanged, the patch is it as it's best when unexpected changes to the overall system can occour.

Output to Speakers and Scope:

The main output of the patch is controlled from the [osci/out~]. [out~] receives on a [catcher~] called m-out. [out~] provides two main controls for volume. A linear one for the oscilloscope, and second one in dB for a set of speakers. Levels that are acceptable for an oscilloscope are normally far to loud for a set of speakers. When setting the levels for scope and speakers, first: set the scope levels so that image fits the screen. Second: starting from 0 dB, slowly increase the volume of the speakers, to avoid damaging ears, equipment or otherwise.

Recording:

[osci/record~] is used to record the performance as it is being played. First, choose a directory to save the file to. It defaults to the directory containing the patch. Second set a name for the file to record. Then, set the sample rate, filetype, and bit depth. It is important that the samplerate matches pd's samplerate. Otherwise, the recording will have to be re rendered at the correct sample rate. Finally, click the red toggle to start the recording. While recording, the bang to the right will blink. Also, the stopwatch on the right will show how long the recording has been going on for.

Main Patch:

The main patch provides a few small controls. Mainly the interaction between 'lines' and 'dashed'. From here, it all gets sent to m-out and from there to the speakers.

Subpatches:

There are 5 subpatches, each controls a different effect. Since oscilloscope music can be DSP heavy, toggles to turn on/off the effect while keeping the main DSP on are provided. Additionally, the bang will open the subpatch. This provides a quick way, to enter the subpatch, change settings, or starting adding objects and changing connections. As with the whole patch, experimentation and exploration is encouraged with the patch. Modify the patch and see what happens!

Lines Subpatch:

The lines subpatch draws a predfined set up of 6 lines to the screen. The first 5 lines are defined in array-set and array-defines subpatch. The metros connecting to the subpatch will give slight random offsets to the each of the lines. The bounds and gen-line radios control the generation of the 6th line. This is a random line that can either be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. Experiment with the metro timing and radios to control its appearance. Finally the lines are all mixed together in the lower left hand side of the patch. Here [osci/cut_mix~] will cycle through each of the lines. See the help patch for a detailed description of how [cut_mix~] works.

Dashed Subpatch:

The dashed subpatch draws a single dashed line. When the rectangle and rotational effects are applied it generates a lissajous like, oscillating figure. Alternatively, with no rotation, the dashed line can be turned into a row of oscillating rectangles. Experiment with various combinations of connections, frequencies, and angles to get the full breadth of the effect.The main patch provides an option to interpolate between the lines and dashed subpatch.

Grid-part Subpatch:

The grid-part subpatch draws a grid of lines or points. Using [util/metro] the number of cols and rows can be controlled automatically or by hand using the number boxs. The rotation effect at the bottom allows for applying rotations to the grid. Experiment with high frequencies for rotations, and low phasor speeds for reading through the grid and vice versa. This effect can be decievingly simple, but with careful manipulation produces a surpisingly wide range of images and sounds.

Cells Subpatch:

The cells subpatch produces, a polygon cell that moves around the screen in a slightly chaotic fashion. Using high rotation frequencies, the polygon can be turned into a psuedo-sphere. Using the metros, the lines that the polygon is drawn on can be controlled. Experiment with different values for the number of points for [osci/dash~] as well as manually defining points, letting the points be automatic, or the ratio of the triangle wave the draws the lines, vs. the frequency drawing the polygon.

Matrix Subpatch:

The matrix subpatch cycles between 6 different cells. Each cell draws a square, but by increasing the z frequency it can be turned into a box. The Cell toggles control whether a cell will appear in the sequence. The bottom three number boxes all setup the various angles of rotation for the cells. They are x, y, and z rotations respectively. The master cell toggle at the top will turn all cells off at once. Experiment with different cell parameters to create a matrix of phrenetic rectangles and squares.

Final Notes:

ESPER provides a solid foundation and framework for creating oscilloscope music and art. To achieve the most out of this patch, mixing and matching, as well as modifiying and experimenting with various changes to the patch in the moment, will result in the widest range of effects and variation in performance.

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