Strudel signals are continuous time functions that drive parameters smoothly between values

Instead of discrete pattern values, Strudel parameters can be driven by signals — continuously changing time functions. Built-in signals include saw (rising ramp), tri (triangle), and square. Signals are scoped to a range with .range(low, high) and slowed or sped with .slow/.fast. .segment(n) quantizes a signal into n discrete steps per cycle, converting it from continuous to discrete. Signals are especially effective on filter cutoffs, pan, and delay time, creating evolving automated motion that would be tedious to write as discrete patterns.

Examples

s(“cp*2”).delay(.25).lpf(saw.range(500, 5000).slow(4)) — LPF sweeps from 500 Hz to 5 kHz over 4 cycles. note(saw.range(40,52).segment(16)).sound(“tri”) — 16-step quantized saw melody.

Assessment

Apply a tri signal to the pan parameter of a drum pattern with range(0,1).slow(8) and describe the stereo motion. Then segment it to 4 steps and compare.