Tidal's stripe repeats a pattern n times per cycle but with random sub-cycle durations that still fill the cycle

The stripe n function repeats a pattern n times within a cycle, but unlike fast n (which gives equal repetitions), stripe gives each repetition a random duration — the sub-cycles still add up to fill exactly one cycle, so the overall alignment is preserved. This produces a shuffled, humanised timing feel while staying locked to the bar: against a straight reference like a clap on the downbeat, every cycle still lines up. It is one of Tidal’s tools for adding controlled rhythmic irregularity without drifting out of time.

Examples

d1 $ stripe 2 $ n "0 4*2 ~ 4 2 4 5 ~" # sound "cpu2" — two random-length halves per cycle. Compare with fast 2 (two equal halves). Add d2 $ sound "clap:4" to hear it stays cycle-aligned.

Assessment

Explain how stripe 2 differs from fast 2 on the same pattern. Why does stripe still stay aligned to the cycle despite the random durations?