polarity_music

Polymeters in The Grid

Added 2024-01-11 18:08:53 +0000 UTC

In this video, I'm summarizing the differences between Polyrhythms and Polymeters, using Bitwig's grid and an oscilloscope module for demonstration. Here are the key points:

Polyrhythms: Created using a "triggers" module in the grid, subdividing a bar into equally spaced steps.
For instance, subdividing a bar into four steps and then into three creates different rhythmic patterns within the same bar length.
Demonstrated with note clips showing different subdivisions (like three and five steps) within a single bar, creating varying trigger points.
Polymeters: Differ from polyrhythms in that the subdivision remains constant, but the length of each bar changes.
Example: subdividing a bar into 16 steps, then changing the bar's length.
Demonstrated using an "attenuate" module initially, but corrected to use a "phase reset" to maintain the original playback speed.
The phase is reset at a specific point, altering the loop point within the bar but keeping the subdivision constant.
Implementation in Bitwig: For polymeters, the technique involves comparing the phase signal to a value and using it to reset the phase at a particular point.
This allows the pattern to loop at different positions within the bar.
The "triggers" module is identified as a polyrhythm device, while a "reset module" is suggested for creating polymeters.
watch the new video, with more and better options: https://www.patreon.com/posts/i-was-wrong-96539593