F_CELLZ

F_CELLZ — Generative Cellular Synth Engine

Overview:
F_CELLZ is a generative synthesizer based on a 2D cellular automation ("Game of Life") engine. Each cell represents a musical event, producing a self-evolving sonic texture with stereo voices. The module blends algorithmic composition with visual feedback and modular control, enabling deeply generative and musical patches.

Main Features:

• 36x36 visual grid with color-coded cells based on origin ID
• Each cell triggers a stereo MiniSynth voice (pan = X-pos, pitch = Y-pos)
• Pitch scale based on adjustable Y-range and generation offset
• Support for multiple musical scales with quantization toggle
• Internal clock with speed control or external clock via input
• Reset via button or external CV input
• Manual drawing of notes via mouse with DRAW mode
• Right-click/drag for erasing individual cells
• Stereo output with smooth gain envelopes and polyphony handling

Controls:

• Clock In (IN0): Triggers grid evolution on rising edge. If disconnected, internal clock is used.
• Reset In (IN1): High signal triggers full reset and re-randomization of the grid
• Reset Button: Manual trigger for same reset behavior
• Draw Mode Toggle: Enables manual cell drawing. Also clears the grid when enabled.
• Density: Sets initial random fill of cells on reset (more = denser)
• Speed: Sets internal evolution interval in seconds (ignored if Clock In is connected)
• Pitch Scale: Y-axis pitch range in Hz (e.g., 20–3000Hz); bottom = low, top = high
• Gen Offset: Frequency offset per generation step (positive = upward pitch drift, negative = downward)
• Quantize: Enables pitch snapping to selected musical scale
• Grid: Enables visible grid
• Scale Dropdown: Selects musical scale used during quantization

Modulation Inputs:

• IN2 – Density Mod: CV modulation for grid density on reset, scaled by Density Mod Gain
• IN3 – Speed Mod: Modulates internal clock speed (when used), scaled by Speed Mod Gain
• IN4 – Pitch Scale Mod: Modulates max pitch range (Y-axis), scaled by Pitch Mod Gain
• IN5 – Gen Offset Mod: Modulates generation-based frequency offset, scaled by Offset Mod Gain

Each modulation input has an associated Mod Gain knob (0.0 to 1.0) that controls modulation depth.

Audio Output:

• OUT0 – Left Out: Left channel audio from all active voices
• OUT1 – Right Out: Right channel audio from all active voices

Available Scales:

• Chromatic
• Major
• Minor
• Pentatonic
• Whole Tone
• Dorian
• Phrygian
• Lydian
• Harmonic Minor
• Japanese (Insen)
• Octatonic (Diminished)

Scale is selected via the dropdown and only active when Quantize is enabled. Frequencies are snapped to the nearest pitch in the selected scale, across multiple octaves.

Drawing & Interaction:

• When Draw Mode is enabled, left-click and drag to paint active cells onto the grid
• Right-click and drag to erase individual cells
• Drawn cells will evolve according to normal Life rules on the next step
• Reset in Draw Mode clears all cells but does not re-randomize

Voice Architecture:

• Up to 128 voices available via VoiceManager
• Voice reuse and stealing based on internal ID
• Each cell remembers its assigned voice
• Voices fade out smoothly when cells die

Canvas:

• Animated 36x36 grid showing current cell states
• Alive cells are color-coded by origin ID
• Canvas updates visually each generation or when manually drawing

Tips:

• Try Gen Offset -2 for cascading down-pitched melodies
• Use external Clock In for rhythmic, synced patterns
• Drive Reset In with slow LFOs for evolving sequences
• Quantize to Pentatonic or Dorian for musical safety
• Use Draw Mode to handcraft patterns or seed the grid with motifs
• Right-click to erase mistakes or create space within the pattern

Internal Logic Summary:

• engine.step() applies Life rules and handles noteOn/noteOff calls
• MiniSynthVoice handles pan, pitch, gain and quantization
• Grid resets randomize using current Density + modulation (unless in Draw Mode)
• Evolution is based on classic Conway rules (birth, survival, death)
• Drawn cells are integrated seamlessly into the evolving system

Due to the nature of the module - being generative - the only thing that is saved is the chosen scale in the Scale Dropdown

update: grid now 36x36 pixels to fit screen, and upto 128 oscillators in use