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The Periodic Script
The periodic script is a hidden seventh view accessible with F11. It is a Forth script that runs continuously alongside your patterns, evaluated at every step like a pattern would be. Think of it as a free-running pattern with no grid — just code.
What is it for?
The periodic script is useful for things that don't belong to any specific pattern:
- Global effects: apply a filter sweep or reverb tail across everything.
- Drones: run a sustained sound that keeps going regardless of which patterns are playing.
- Control logic: update variables, send MIDI clock, or modulate global parameters.
- Experimentation: sketch ideas without touching your pattern grid.
Opening the Script
Press F11 from any view. The script page appears with an editor on the left and visualizations on the right (scope, spectrum, prelude preview). The script is saved with your project.
Editing
Press Enter to focus the editor. Write Forth code as you would in any step. Press Esc to unfocus and save. Press Ctrl+E to evaluate without unfocusing.
;; a simple drone
saw snd c2 note 0.3 gain 0.4 verb .
Speed and Length
The periodic script has its own speed and length settings, independent of any pattern. Press S (unfocused) to set the speed and L to set the length (1-256 steps). Speed and length are displayed in the editor title bar.
The script loops over its length just like a pattern. Context words like step, iter, and phase work as expected, counting within the script's own cycle.
Keybindings
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
F11 |
Open periodic script view |
Enter |
Focus editor |
Esc |
Unfocus and save |
Ctrl+E |
Evaluate |
Ctrl+S |
Toggle stack display |
S |
Set speed (unfocused) |
L |
Set length (unfocused) |