Machine Cycle

Machine Cycle is a live generative music framework utilizes Markov chains to melodically alter and playback phrases from a keyboard player in real time, creating a loop between the algorithm and performer.

Dependencies

• This codebase is written in Serpent, a Pythonic language designed for real time systems
• Max MSP is used for parsing and routing MIDI data between Serpent and external sound system

Repo Layout

route_midi.maxpat

Max patch that creates virtual MIDI devices for routing MIDI between the Serpent code and external sound system. Also used for visualizing MIDI traffic throughout the pipeline.

process_midi.srp

Main file that kicks off the system, runs the scheduler and interprets control messages

Note, Node, Chain.srp

Abstraction for phrase markov chain. As input musician plays a phrase, a Chain is created for the phrase represented as a linked list

How to Use

• Start up route_midi.maxpat. Currently the patch is set up to communicate with an external sound system over UDP, that the MIDI keyboardist is assumed to be hooked up to
• Run serpent process_midi.srp to kick off the system. You'll be prompted for input, output and control devices. The input should be set to the virtual Max MIDI out port, and the output should be set to the virtual Max MIDI in port. A control device is optional. Specifying one will allow you to control parameters of the markov chain with an external MIDI controller