Time-scaled Breakpoint Envelope Generator An envelope for the shape~ object can be defined using the same format as the line~ or zigzag~ objects (and edited graphically by connecting a function object). Unlike line~ the time values of shape~ are normalized so that the output occurs within signal ramp of a phasor from 0 to 1 (or 1 to 0). This means you can trigger the output sample-accurately and determine the time of the function by using different ramp durations (or phasor~ frequencies). Cycling '74 MSP Input Phasor, Define Function shape~ starts its output when the input ramp either turns on or resets.
To define a new function, connect the second outlet of function to the inlet of shape~. See the list message for information on the breakpoint format used by shape~. TEXT_HERE Time-Scaled Function shape~ outputs a function that is time-scaled to coincide with the duration of its input ramp. TEXT_HERE TEXT_HERE Converted to float TEXT_HERE Define value at time zero float in the left inlet defines the the initial value of the function. Without a subsequent list message, a single float does not cause a new function to be defined (or the existing function to be replaced). Define breakpoints list message defines the breakpoint function used by shape~. There are two options for the format of the list, depending on the setting of the curvemode attribute. When curvemode is disabled, the format of the list is in value, time pairs where the first number is a destination value and the second number is the time in milliseconds it takes to get to that value from the previous value. This format (along with an initial float value0) is produced by the second outlet of the function object. The millisecond time values are normalized; in other words, they are divided by the total length of the function. Longer times between breakpoints will be longer than shorter times but the exact times will be dependent on the duration of the incoming ramp.
When curvemode is enabled, the list format starts with the initial float followed by triplets of numbers -- value, time, curvature-- for each breakpoint. The curvature value ranges from -1 to 1. Input Phasor shape~ starts its output when the input ramp either turns on or resets. Constant Time Segments Sets the number of initial segments of the envelope that will be played at a constant time based on their millisecond time values independent of the input ramp duration. The default value for constant is zero, meaning none of the segments will be played with a constant time -- all segments will be scaled. If constant is 1, the first ("attack) segment will have a constant time and the remaining segments will be scaled to occupy the part of the incoming ramp starting when the input value when the constant portion of the output ends. For example, if the first segment is constant and it ends when the input is equal to 0.5, the remaining part of the envelope will be re-normalized to fit into the space between 0.5 and 1.
Note that the constant attribute only works with ascending ramps and can only designate segments at the beginning of an envelope. Curve Mode Sets whether shape~ plays curved breakpoints and how it interprets incoming lists. No curved breakpoints When curvemode is disabled (Off), shape~ interprets incoming lists to set its breakpoints as time, alue pairs. If any curved breakpionts were previously set, they are played as linear ramps. Use curved breakpoints When curvemode is enabled (On), shape~ interprets incoming lists to be triplets consisting of time, value, curvature. All curved breakpoints are output with their curvature. Use connected function mode setting When curvemode is set to Auto, shape~ determines how to interpret incoming lists on the basis of the mode attribute of a connected function or mc.function object. If mode is set to 0 (Linear), lists are interpreted as time, value pairs. If mode is set to 1 (Curve), lists are interpreted as time, value, curvature triplets. If any segments contain non-zero curvature, they are played with their curvature.
In order for Auto mode to work properly, the function object must have its second outlet directly connected to the left inlet of shape.