Enhanced Modulation¶

MIDI Markdown provides three powerful modulation types for smooth, natural-sounding parameter automation: Bezier curves, waveforms (LFO), and envelopes. These go far beyond simple linear ramps, enabling professional-quality automation for filters, volume, pitch, and any MIDI parameter.

Overview¶

Modulation expressions can be used in any parameter context: CC values, pitch bend, and aftertouch/pressure. This provides smooth transitions and periodic variations across all MIDI message types:

# CC: Bezier curve for smooth filter opening
- cc 1.74.curve(0, 127, ease-out)

# CC: Sine wave for vibrato
- cc 1.1.wave(sine, 64, freq=5.0, depth=10)

# CC: ADSR envelope for dynamic filter
- cc 1.74.envelope(adsr, attack=0.1, decay=0.2, sustain=0.7, release=0.3)

# Pitch bend: Natural vibrato effect
- pitch_bend 1.wave(sine, 8192, freq=5.5, depth=5)

# Channel pressure: Expression swell
- channel_pressure 1.curve(0, 127, ease-in-out)

Bezier Curves¶

Bezier curves provide smooth parameter transitions using cubic interpolation. They're perfect for automation that needs to feel natural and musical.

Syntax¶

curve(start_value, end_value, curve_type)

Parameters¶

start_value: Starting value (0-127 for CC, -8192 to +8191 for pitch bend)
end_value: Ending value (same range as start)
curve_type: Interpolation type (see below)

Curve Types¶

Preset Curves¶

Type	Description	Best For
`ease-in`	Slow start, fast finish	Gradual filter opens, crescendos
`ease-out`	Fast start, slow finish	Natural fade-ins, decelerandos
`ease-in-out`	S-curve motion	Smooth musical automation
`linear`	Constant rate	Predictable, metronomic changes

Custom Bezier¶

For precise control, specify your own control points:

curve(start, end, bezier(p0, p1, p2, p3))

Control points define the shape of the cubic Bezier curve. Values are normalized (0.0-1.0) and scaled to the start/end range.

Examples¶

# Natural filter opening (slow start, fast finish)
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.74.curve(0, 127, ease-in)

# Volume fade-in (fast start, slow finish)
[00:02.000]
- cc 1.7.curve(0, 100, ease-out)

# Smooth expression swell
[00:04.000]
- cc 1.11.curve(0, 127, ease-in-out)

# Linear comparison
[00:06.000]
- cc 1.74.curve(127, 0, linear)

# Custom curve with precise control
[00:08.000]
- cc 1.74.curve(0, 127, bezier(0, 20, 100, 127))

Curve Characteristics¶

Ease-In starts slowly and accelerates: - Best for gradual builds - Feels like gathering momentum - Control points: (0, 0.42, 0, 1)

Ease-Out starts fast and decelerates: - Best for natural arrivals - Feels like coming to rest - Control points: (0, 0.58, 1, 1)

Ease-In-Out accelerates then decelerates: - Most natural for musical automation - S-curve motion - Control points: (0, 0.42, 0.58, 1)

Waveforms (LFO)¶

Waveforms create periodic modulation using Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs). They're ideal for vibrato, tremolo, auto-pan, and filter sweeps.

Syntax¶

wave(wave_type, base_value [, freq=Hz] [, phase=offset] [, depth=percent])

Parameters¶

wave_type: Waveform shape (sine, triangle, square, sawtooth)
base_value: Center value for oscillation (0-127)
freq: Frequency in Hz (default: 1.0)
phase: Phase offset 0.0-1.0 (default: 0.0, where 0.25 = 90°)
depth: Modulation depth as percentage (default: 50%)

Wave Types¶

Type	Shape	Characteristics	Best For
`sine`	Smooth oscillation	Natural, continuous	Vibrato, tremolo
`triangle`	Linear rise/fall	Smooth but not rounded	Gentle modulation
`square`	Abrupt switching	Hard transitions	Rhythmic effects
`sawtooth`	Ramp pattern	Rising or falling ramps	Stepped automation

Examples¶

# Classic vibrato (5 Hz is typical for pitch)
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.1.wave(sine, 64, freq=5.0, depth=10)

# Tremolo effect (3-5 Hz for volume)
[00:02.000]
- cc 1.7.wave(sine, 100, freq=4.0, depth=30)

# Filter sweep (slow triangle)
[00:04.000]
- cc 1.74.wave(triangle, 64, freq=0.5, depth=60)

# Rhythmic gating (square wave)
[00:06.000]
- cc 1.7.wave(square, 100, freq=2.0, depth=80)

# Auto-pan (sine with phase offset for stereo)
[00:08.000]
- cc 1.10.wave(sine, 64, freq=2.0, depth=80)          # Left
[@]
- cc 2.10.wave(sine, 64, freq=2.0, phase=0.5, depth=80)  # Right (180° out of phase)

Frequency Guidelines¶

Effect	Typical Range	Notes
Vibrato	5-7 Hz	Pitch modulation
Tremolo	3-5 Hz	Volume modulation
Chorus	0.1-1 Hz	Very slow
Filter LFO	0.2-2 Hz	Evolving pads
Rhythmic	1-4 Hz	Synced to tempo

Depth Guidelines¶

Subtle (5-15%): Natural vibrato, gentle motion
Moderate (20-40%): Noticeable but musical
Strong (50-70%): Obvious effect
Extreme (80-100%): Full range modulation

Envelopes¶

Envelopes shape parameters over time, following attack, decay, sustain, and release phases. Perfect for dynamic filter sweeps, volume automation, and time-varying effects.

Envelope Types¶

ADSR (Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release)¶

Full envelope with four phases. Classic for synth sounds.

envelope(adsr, attack=time, decay=time, sustain=level, release=time [, curve=type])

Parameters: - attack: Time to reach peak (seconds) - decay: Time from peak to sustain (seconds) - sustain: Sustain level 0.0-1.0 (relative to peak) - release: Time from sustain to zero (seconds) - curve: Optional curve type (linear or exponential)

Example:

# Synth pad filter envelope
[00:00.000]
- note_on 1.60.80 4b
- cc 1.74.envelope(adsr, attack=0.5, decay=0.3, sustain=0.7, release=1.0)

Phases: 1. Attack: 0 → peak (over attack time) 2. Decay: peak → sustain level (over decay time) 3. Sustain: Held at sustain level (until note off) 4. Release: sustain → 0 (over release time)

AR (Attack-Release)¶

Simple two-phase envelope. Great for percussive sounds.

envelope(ar, attack=time, release=time [, curve=type])

Parameters: - attack: Time to reach peak - release: Time from peak to zero - curve: Optional curve type

Example:

# Percussive filter hit
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.74.envelope(ar, attack=0.01, release=0.2)

Phases: 1. Attack: 0 → peak (over attack time) 2. Release: peak → 0 (over release time)

AD (Attack-Decay)¶

Attack and decay only, no sustain. Perfect for plucked/struck sounds.

envelope(ad, attack=time, decay=time [, curve=type])

Parameters: - attack: Time to reach peak - decay: Time from peak to zero - curve: Optional curve type

Example:

# Plucked string filter envelope
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.74.envelope(ad, attack=0.02, decay=0.5)

Phases: 1. Attack: 0 → peak (over attack time) 2. Decay: peak → 0 (over decay time)

Curve Types¶

Envelopes support two curve shapes:

Linear (default): - Constant rate of change - Predictable, mathematical - Good for electronic sounds

Exponential: - Natural decay/growth - More organic feel - Better for acoustic simulation

# Linear envelope (default)
- cc 1.74.envelope(ar, attack=0.1, release=0.3)

# Exponential envelope (more natural)
- cc 1.74.envelope(ar, attack=0.1, release=0.3, curve=exponential)

Envelope Timing Guidelines¶

Sound Type	Attack	Decay	Sustain	Release
Pad	0.5-2.0s	0.2-0.5s	0.6-0.8	1.0-3.0s
Pluck	0.01-0.05s	0.1-0.5s	—	—
Percussion	0.001-0.01s	—	—	0.05-0.2s
Brass	0.05-0.1s	0.1-0.2s	0.7-0.9	0.1-0.3s
Strings	0.1-0.3s	0.2-0.4s	0.8-0.9	0.3-1.0s

Practical Applications¶

Filter Automation¶

# Smooth filter opening
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.74.curve(30, 110, ease-out)

# Dynamic filter with envelope
[00:02.000]
- note_on 1.60.80 4b
- cc 1.74.envelope(adsr, attack=0.1, decay=0.2, sustain=0.6, release=0.3)

# Slow filter LFO for evolving pads
[00:06.000]
- cc 1.74.wave(sine, 64, freq=0.2, depth=60)

Vibrato and Pitch Effects¶

# CC vibrato (mod wheel)
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.1.wave(sine, 64, freq=6.0, depth=8)

# Pitch bend vibrato (more natural for pitch)
[00:02.000]
- pitch_bend 1.wave(sine, 8192, freq=5.5, depth=5)

# Pitch sweep with curve
[00:04.000]
- pitch_bend 1.curve(-4096, 4096, ease-in-out)

# Pitch dive with envelope
[00:06.000]
- pitch_bend 1.envelope(ad, attack=0.01, decay=1.5)

Tremolo and Volume¶

# Tremolo (volume)
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.7.wave(triangle, 100, freq=4.0, depth=25)

# Volume swell with envelope
[00:02.000]
- cc 1.7.envelope(ar, attack=2.0, release=1.5)

Volume Automation¶

# Smooth fade-in
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.7.curve(0, 100, ease-out)

# Volume swell
[00:02.000]
- cc 1.7.envelope(ar, attack=2.0, release=1.5)

# Rhythmic volume modulation
[00:04.000]
- cc 1.7.wave(square, 90, freq=2.0, depth=40)

Expression and Dynamics¶

# Musical expression curve (CC#11)
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.11.curve(40, 120, ease-in-out)

# Breath controller envelope (CC#2)
[00:02.000]
- cc 1.2.envelope(adsr, attack=0.3, decay=0.2, sustain=0.8, release=0.5)

Pressure and Aftertouch¶

Channel pressure and polyphonic pressure (aftertouch) support all modulation types, enabling expressive per-note or per-channel dynamics:

# Channel pressure swell for pads
[00:00.000]
- note_on 1.60.80 4b
- channel_pressure 1.curve(0, 127, ease-in-out)

# Channel pressure with envelope
[00:04.000]
- note_on 1.60.100 4b
- channel_pressure 1.envelope(adsr, attack=0.2, decay=0.1, sustain=0.8, release=0.3)

# Polyphonic pressure vibrato (per-note expression)
[00:08.000]
- note_on 1.C4.100 4b
- poly_pressure 1.C4.wave(sine, 64, freq=3.0, depth=40)

# Multiple notes with independent pressure
[00:12.000]
- note_on 1.C4.100 4b
- poly_pressure 1.C4.curve(0, 127, ease-in)
[@]
- note_on 1.E4.100 4b
- poly_pressure 1.E4.curve(0, 100, ease-out)

Advanced Techniques¶

Multi-Parameter Modulation¶

Combine multiple modulations for complex effects:

# Simultaneous filter and resonance
[00:00.000]
[@]
- cc 1.74.curve(20, 120, ease-in-out)  # Cutoff
[@]
- cc 1.71.curve(10, 80, ease-in-out)   # Resonance

Stereo Effects¶

Create stereo width with phase-shifted modulation:

# Auto-pan with phase offset
[00:00.000]
[@]
- cc 1.10.wave(sine, 64, freq=1.5, depth=80)            # Left
[@]
- cc 2.10.wave(sine, 64, freq=1.5, phase=0.5, depth=80)  # Right (180° out)

Layered LFOs¶

Stack multiple LFOs for complex motion:

# Dual LFO modulation
[00:00.000]
[@]
- cc 1.74.wave(sine, 64, freq=0.5, depth=30)    # Slow drift
[@]
- cc 1.71.wave(triangle, 50, freq=5.0, depth=15)  # Fast texture

Time-Varying Effects¶

# Long evolving filter
[00:00.000]
- cc 1.74.envelope(ad, attack=10.0, decay=15.0, curve=exponential)

# Slow build with curve
[00:10.000]
- cc 1.7.curve(20, 127, ease-in)

Tips and Best Practices¶

Choosing the Right Modulation Type¶

Use Curves when: - You need a one-time transition - You want precise start and end values - Musical phrasing is important

Use Waveforms when: - You need continuous, periodic motion - Creating vibrato, tremolo, or chorus - Rhythmic effects are desired

Use Envelopes when: - Modulation follows note timing - You need attack/release behavior - Simulating acoustic instruments

Performance Optimization¶

Sample Rate: Default 100 Hz is usually sufficient
Frequency: LFO frequencies above 20 Hz may need higher sample rates
Duration: Long envelopes/curves use more events

Musicality¶

Subtle is better: Start with small depth values (10-20%)
Match the tempo: Consider rhythmic alignment for LFOs
Layer carefully: Too many modulations can sound chaotic
Test with sound: What looks good on paper may not sound good

Common Pitfalls¶

❌ Don't overdo depth - 100% depth is rarely musical ❌ Don't use square waves everywhere - They're very harsh ❌ Don't forget phase offset - Essential for stereo effects ❌ Don't use linear for everything - Exponential sounds more natural

Reference¶

Modulation expressions work in all parameter contexts. Use the same syntax with different MIDI message types.

Curve Syntax¶

# CC values
cc {channel}.{cc_number}.curve(start, end, curve_type)

# Pitch bend
pitch_bend {channel}.curve(start, end, curve_type)

# Channel pressure
channel_pressure {channel}.curve(start, end, curve_type)

# Polyphonic pressure
poly_pressure {channel}.{note}.curve(start, end, curve_type)

curve_type:
  - ease-in
  - ease-out
  - ease-in-out
  - linear
  - bezier(p0, p1, p2, p3)

Wave Syntax¶

# CC values
cc {channel}.{cc_number}.wave(type, base [, freq=Hz] [, phase=0-1] [, depth=percent])

# Pitch bend
pitch_bend {channel}.wave(type, base [, freq=Hz] [, phase=0-1] [, depth=percent])

# Channel/poly pressure
channel_pressure {channel}.wave(type, base [, freq=Hz] [, phase=0-1] [, depth=percent])
poly_pressure {channel}.{note}.wave(type, base [, freq=Hz] [, phase=0-1] [, depth=percent])

type:
  - sine
  - triangle
  - square
  - sawtooth

Envelope Syntax¶

# CC values
cc {channel}.{cc_number}.envelope(type, params [, curve=type])

# Pitch bend
pitch_bend {channel}.envelope(type, params [, curve=type])

# Channel/poly pressure
channel_pressure {channel}.envelope(type, params [, curve=type])
poly_pressure {channel}.{note}.envelope(type, params [, curve=type])

ADSR: envelope(adsr, attack=t, decay=t, sustain=lvl, release=t [, curve=type])
AR:   envelope(ar, attack=t, release=t [, curve=type])
AD:   envelope(ad, attack=t, decay=t [, curve=type])

curve: linear | exponential

Value Ranges¶

Context	Range	Resolution
CC values	0-127	7-bit
Pitch bend	-8192 to +8191	14-bit
Channel pressure	0-127	7-bit
Poly pressure	0-127	7-bit

Enhanced Modulation¶

Overview¶

Bezier Curves¶

Syntax¶

Parameters¶

Curve Types¶

Preset Curves¶

Custom Bezier¶

Examples¶

Curve Characteristics¶

Waveforms (LFO)¶

Syntax¶

Parameters¶

Wave Types¶

Examples¶

Frequency Guidelines¶

Depth Guidelines¶

Envelopes¶

Envelope Types¶

ADSR (Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release)¶

AR (Attack-Release)¶

AD (Attack-Decay)¶

Curve Types¶

Envelope Timing Guidelines¶

Practical Applications¶

Filter Automation¶

Vibrato and Pitch Effects¶

Tremolo and Volume¶

Volume Automation¶

Expression and Dynamics¶

Pressure and Aftertouch¶

Advanced Techniques¶

Multi-Parameter Modulation¶

Stereo Effects¶

Layered LFOs¶

Time-Varying Effects¶

Tips and Best Practices¶

Choosing the Right Modulation Type¶

Performance Optimization¶

Musicality¶

Common Pitfalls¶

Reference¶

Curve Syntax¶

Wave Syntax¶

Envelope Syntax¶

Value Ranges¶

See Also¶