Tidal controls global tempo with setcps, and individual pattern speed with fast and slow functions

TidalCycles has three ways to control time: setcps n sets the global cycles-per-second tempo (all patterns change simultaneously); # cps n applies cps as an effect pattern on a specific track (but it’s still global, just patternable); fast n and slow n are functions that compress or stretch a single pattern’s time. fast 2 makes a pattern run twice as fast (plays twice per cycle); slow 2 stretches it to fill two cycles. Both fast and slow can take pattern arguments, enabling dynamic speed modulation. Note: speed effect changes sample playback rate (pitch), not pattern tempo.

Examples

setcps 0.6 — sets 0.6 cycles/second. d1 $ fast 2 $ n "0 2 3" # sound "cpu" — doubles speed. d1 $ slow "0.5 <1 2>" $ n "0 1 2 3" # sound "cpu" — alternates slow and normal speed.

Assessment

Explain the difference between setcps, fast/slow, and the speed effect. Write a pattern that alternates between half-speed and double-speed every cycle.