F_PATHZ – Path Recorder, XY Modulation Source and Event Generator

F_PATHZ is a utility module that lets you create motion on a canvas and turn that motion into control voltages and trigger data. The module outputs X and Y control voltages from the moving cursor position, a third Z output derived mathematically from X and Y, a trigger output based on points or events, and an end-of-cycle output. It can be used as a drawable modulation source, a point-based path sequencer, an event-position recorder, a trigger path generator, or a general control source for modules that respond to moving positions, CV or event pulses.

Main Concept

F_PATHZ works with a shared point-based structure that can be interpreted in different ways depending on the selected recording mode. In DRAW mode it captures freehand motion, in POINT mode it represents a geometric path, and in EVENT mode it represents timed positional events. Playback always reads from the same underlying structure, but interprets timing and movement differently depending on the mode.

Top Controls and Inputs

REC clears the current data and prepares the module for recording. PLAY starts or stops playback. In POINT mode, pressing PLAY also finishes point entry if at least two points have been entered. In EVENT mode, pressing PLAY also finishes event entry if at least one event has been recorded. CLR clears the stored path or event list. The four input jacks above the canvas are REC IN, PLAY IN, CLOCK IN and RESET IN. REC IN can start recording, PLAY IN can start or stop playback, CLOCK IN can clock the module, and RESET IN returns playback to the beginning.

Clock Behaviour

CLOCK IN affects both playback and EVENT timing. In STEP mode, each rising clock edge advances playback by one step. In 1X, LOOP and PONG modes, an incoming clock sets the playback tempo and RATE becomes a multiplier or divider. In EVENT mode, recorded timing is free when no clock is present, but when a clock is connected the timing is quantized to a fixed grid derived from the clock. This keeps events tight and usable in rhythmic patches.

Canvas Operation and Editing

The canvas is the main working area and now also acts as a full editor for the path or event structure. Points can be created, moved, inserted and deleted directly. Clicking on an existing point selects it. Clicking and dragging moves that point. Clicking on a line segment inserts a new point between existing points. Clicking on empty space appends a new point at the end of the structure. Right-clicking on a point deletes it. These interactions work across DRAW, POINT and EVENT modes, allowing you to reshape data after recording.

Recording Modes

DRAW captures freehand motion as a series of points. After recording, those points can be edited, moved or reshaped. POINT builds a path from manually placed points, where playback timing is based on distance between points. EVENT records positional clicks with timing. Switching between modes does not destroy the underlying data. Instead, each mode reinterprets the same structure differently, allowing for flexible workflows such as drawing a gesture, then refining it in POINT mode, and finally using it as timed events.

Recording Resolution

REC RES affects only DRAW mode and controls how many points are captured during drawing. POINT and EVENT modes ignore this setting. After recording, resolution becomes less important because points can be edited directly.

Playback Controls

RATE, LENGTH and SMOOTH define playback behaviour. RATE controls speed or clock division. LENGTH limits how much of the structure is active. SMOOTH reduces abrupt transitions between points.

Playback Modes

1X plays once. LOOP repeats. PONG plays forward and backward. STEP advances per clock pulse. EVENT mode uses recorded or quantized timing, while STEP mode remains most relevant for path-based playback.

Interpolation

STEP jumps between points, LIN interpolates linearly, and SMOOTH adds curvature. EVENT mode naturally behaves as discrete steps, but smoothing can still affect output CV.

Trigger Generation

Triggers are generated based on path positions or events. In DRAW and POINT modes, subdivision adds extra trigger points. In EVENT mode, each event produces a trigger. TRIG OUT outputs short pulses when those points are reached.

X and Y Outputs

X follows horizontal movement. Y is mapped so vertical movement feels musically intuitive. Both outputs have scaling, offset and mode options, allowing use as modulation or pitch control.

X and Y Output Modes

UNI, BIDIR, PITCH, INVUNI and INVBIDIR define how normalized values are mapped to voltage.

X and Y Quantization

Quantization applies only in PITCH mode. FREE is continuous, SEMI snaps to semitones.

Z Output

Z derives a third signal from X and Y using selectable math functions such as ADD, SUB, AVG, MIN, MAX, MUL, ABS, ABSDIF, DIST, GT and LT.

Outputs

X OUT, Y OUT, Z OUT, TRIG OUT and EOC OUT provide control voltages and timing signals based on playback.

Editing Workflow

Because all modes share the same underlying structure, editing becomes part of the creative process. You can sketch motion in DRAW, refine positions in POINT, and reinterpret the result as timed events in EVENT mode. Distance between points directly affects timing in POINT mode, which means editing positions also reshapes rhythm. This makes the canvas both a visual editor and a timing tool.

Typical Patch Ideas

Use X and Y for modulation or pitch. Use POINT mode for rhythm via distance. Use EVENT mode for timed strikes. Use Z for derived modulation. Combine path editing with mode switching to create evolving patterns.

State Saving

All path, event and timing data is stored in presets and variations, along with settings and modes.

Practical Notes

DRAW and POINT need at least two points. EVENT works with one but becomes more useful with more. If motion is too abrupt, increase SMOOTH. If timing feels off, adjust point spacing or use clock input.

Summary

F_PATHZ combines drawing, sequencing, event recording and direct editing in one module. The canvas is not just a recorder but a full editor where structure, timing and modulation are shaped together.