livepilot 1.26.0 → 1.26.1

package/livepilot/skills/livepilot-core/references/affordances/devices/ping-pong-delay.yaml

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+id: ping_pong_delay
+name: Ping Pong Delay
+type: effect
+category: delay
+aliases:
+  - "ping pong delay"
+  - "ping-pong delay"
+  - "ppd"
+# IMPORTANT: Ping Pong Delay is NOT a standalone device in Live 12. The atlas
+# search for "Ping Pong Delay" returns empty. This packet is a mode-alias that
+# resolves to Echo with Channel Mode = 1 (Ping Pong). Director should load
+# Echo via atlas_search_query below, then set Channel Mode to 1.
+atlas_search_query: "Echo"
+
+musical_roles:
+  - stereo widening via left-right bounce
+  - dub-techno send delay (canonical placement on return)
+  - filter-on-return for dub tails (Echo's internal LP/HP filter)
+  - rhythmic bouncing accent (1/4, 1/8, 1/16 sync)
+
+strong_for:
+  - dub-techno return chain (Echo in ping-pong mode feeds filter + reverb)
+  - widening mono-source chord stabs
+  - off-beat rhythmic accents
+  - sparse clip material that wants implied density
+
+risky_for:
+  - dense percussion (PPD mode smears transients, worsens mud)
+  - already-stereo sources (double-spreading)
+  - low-frequency sources (stereo bass destroys mono compatibility)
+  - clip material with its own strong groove (fights the groove)
+
+# All parameter names below are Echo's actual parameter names. Load Echo,
+# set Channel Mode = 1, then configure these. Confirmed against live
+# device state v1.18.0.
+subtle_ranges:
+  feedback: [0.10, 0.25]
+  channel_mode: 1                 # Ping Pong mode — mandatory for PPD behavior
+  lp_freq: [0.50, 0.70]           # 0-1 normalized, display ~600-2000 Hz
+moderate_ranges:
+  feedback: [0.30, 0.55]
+  channel_mode: 1
+  lp_freq: [0.30, 0.55]           # display ~200-700 Hz (dub-filtered)
+aggressive_ranges:
+  feedback: [0.60, 0.85]
+  channel_mode: 1
+  lp_freq: [0.15, 0.35]           # heavy low-pass — deep dub tails
+
+pairings:
+  - device: Auto Filter
+    order: after
+    purpose: filter delayed tails on the return
+  - device: Convolution Reverb
+    order: after
+    purpose: dub chain — reverb the filtered PPD tails
+  - device: Utility
+    order: before
+    purpose: mono-ize input before stereo delay (centers the dub chord)
+  - device: Saturator
+    order: after
+    purpose: warm saturation on delayed repetitions
+
+anti_pairings:
+  - "Another Echo in series (use one with higher feedback instead)"
+  - "Panner after this Echo (Echo already handles stereo; panner causes phase issues)"
+
+remeasure:
+  - stereo_width
+  - spectral_balance
+  - low_headroom
+  - mono_compatibility           # stereo delay can phase-cancel in mono
+
+dimensional_impact:
+  structural: low
+  rhythmic: moderate
+  timbral: low-moderate
+  spatial: high
+
+appears_in_packets:
+  artists:
+    - basic-channel
+  genres:
+    - microhouse
+    - dub-techno
+    - uk-garage
+
+notes: |
+  Ping Pong Delay is NOT a standalone device in Live 12 — it's a mode of
+  Echo. Load the Echo device (atlas_search_query: "Echo"), then set the
+  "Channel Mode" parameter to 1 (value_string will confirm "Ping Pong").
+
+  Canonical Basic Channel / Rhythm & Sound architecture:
+      SEND → Echo (Channel Mode = 1, internal LP filter at 400–700 Hz)
+           → Convolution Reverb (Farfisa Spring IR, 100% wet)
+           → return back to mix
+  The chord stab's WET path becomes the harmonic content.
+
+  For microhouse and UK garage, use shorter sync times (1/16, 1/8) with
+  moderate feedback for rhythmic bounce accent rather than sustained dub
+  tail.
+
+  If a future Live version adds a standalone Ping Pong Delay device,
+  this packet should be rewritten to point at it; for now the mode-alias
+  framing is the accurate one.

package/livepilot/skills/livepilot-core/references/affordances/devices/poli.yaml

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+id: poli
+name: Poli
+type: instrument
+category: synth
+aliases:
+  - "poli"
+atlas_search_query: "Poli"
+
+musical_roles:
+  - Juno-style detuned chord stab
+  - retro polysynth pad
+  - 80s synthwave lead
+  - dub-techno chord stab (short release)
+  - house melodic stab
+
+strong_for:
+  - Juno-6 / Juno-60 character
+  - chord stabs with authentic analog-polysynth feel
+  - synthwave arpeggios (Com Truise / Tycho aesthetic)
+  - dub-techno chord source (with filtered-delay send)
+  - retro 80s patches
+
+risky_for:
+  - modern digital-sounding synthesis (use Wavetable)
+  - extreme FM timbres (use Operator)
+  - granular textures (use Granulator III)
+  - trap 808 (use Bass)
+  - warm neutral pads without retro character (use Drift)
+
+subtle_ranges:
+  detune: [0.0, 0.15]
+  filter_cutoff: [0.5, 0.75]
+  envelope_release: [0.1, 0.3]
+  chorus_amount: [0.0, 0.3]       # Poli has internal chorus
+moderate_ranges:
+  detune: [0.15, 0.35]
+  filter_cutoff: [0.3, 0.6]
+  envelope_release: [0.3, 0.8]
+  chorus_amount: [0.3, 0.6]
+aggressive_ranges:
+  detune: [0.35, 0.7]
+  filter_cutoff: [0.1, 0.4]
+  envelope_release: [0.8, 2.0]
+  chorus_amount: [0.6, 1.0]
+
+pairings:
+  - device: Chorus-Ensemble
+    order: after
+    purpose: additional thickening beyond internal chorus
+  - device: Echo
+    order: parallel
+    purpose: dub chord stab tail via send
+  - device: Arpeggiator
+    order: before
+    purpose: synthwave arpeggios
+  - device: Auto Filter
+    order: after
+    purpose: extra filter movement beyond Poli's internal filter
+
+anti_pairings:
+  - "Drift in the same role (pick one warm synth for a given part)"
+  - "Heavy distortion (breaks retro-polysynth character)"
+
+remeasure:
+  - plugin_health
+  - track_meters
+  - spectral_balance
+  - stereo_width
+
+dimensional_impact:
+  structural: low
+  rhythmic: low
+  timbral: high
+  spatial: low-moderate
+
+appears_in_packets:
+  artists:
+    - basic-channel
+    - com-truise-tycho
+    - jeff-mills
+  genres:
+    - dub-techno
+    - microhouse
+    - synthwave
+    - techno
+    - house
+
+notes: |
+  Poli is the Juno emulation — reach for it when the aesthetic wants
+  classic 80s polysynth character. It differs from Drift (warm
+  generic analog) by leaning into Juno-6/60 timbre.
+
+  Signature techniques in atlas: "Juno-style detuned chord",
+  "Retro stab". See atlas for parameter recipes.
+
+  For dub-techno chord stab: short attack + short release + moderate
+  filter cutoff + slight detune + internal chorus at 0.3-0.5. Route
+  to send with Ping-Pong Delay + Auto Filter + Convolution Reverb.

package/livepilot/skills/livepilot-core/references/affordances/devices/saturator.yaml

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+id: saturator
+name: Saturator
+type: effect
+category: distortion
+aliases:
+  - "saturator"
+atlas_search_query: "Saturator"
+
+musical_roles:
+  - warm harmonic saturation
+  - drum-bus glue
+  - Dilla-style dusty warmth
+  - Tim Hecker harmonic density
+  - subtle tape-style compression via soft clipping
+
+strong_for:
+  - warming drum busses (boom-bap, Dilla aesthetic)
+  - adding harmonic content to samples
+  - Tim Hecker / Arca drone saturation
+  - final master-bus warmth (subtle settings)
+  - Reese bass saturation (neurofunk)
+
+risky_for:
+  - already-saturated material (compounds distortion)
+  - dynamic sources where clipping kills dynamics
+  - transient-critical material (squashes attack)
+  - high-end cymbals (harsh digital aliasing)
+
+subtle_ranges:
+  drive: [0.0, 0.15]              # 0-1 normalized (atlas value_string gives dB)
+  output: [0.0, 0.0]              # compensate for drive
+  dc_offset: [0.0, 0.1]
+moderate_ranges:
+  drive: [0.15, 0.45]
+  output: [-0.1, -0.3]
+  dc_offset: [0.0, 0.3]
+aggressive_ranges:
+  drive: [0.45, 0.85]
+  output: [-0.3, -0.6]
+  dc_offset: [0.0, 1.0]
+  # Saturator's curve types (analog / soft / medium / hard) affect
+  # aggressive-range character more than drive amount.
+
+pairings:
+  - device: EQ Eight
+    order: before
+    purpose: shape input spectrum before saturation
+  - device: Compressor
+    order: after
+    purpose: control dynamics after saturation
+  - device: Simpler
+    order: after                   # when Simpler sends to a saturated bus
+    purpose: Dilla drum-bus warmth
+  - device: Vinyl Distortion
+    order: parallel
+    purpose: different saturation flavors in parallel chain
+
+anti_pairings:
+  - "Another Saturator in series (compounded distortion — set one hotter instead)"
+  - "Erosion + Saturator on the same source (pick one noise-character device)"
+
+remeasure:
+  - spectral_balance        # saturation adds harmonics
+  - track_meters            # drive compensation needs level check
+  - low_headroom            # saturation can push master
+
+dimensional_impact:
+  structural: none
+  rhythmic: low             # softens transients
+  timbral: high             # adds harmonics = changes tone
+  spatial: none
+
+appears_in_packets:
+  artists:
+    - j-dilla
+    - dj-premier-rza
+    - madlib
+    - jeff-mills
+    - moodymann-theo-parrish
+    - tim-hecker
+    - skream-mala
+  genres:
+    - hip-hop
+    - deep-minimal
+    - minimal-techno
+    - dubstep
+    - drum-and-bass
+    - experimental
+
+notes: |
+  Saturator is the most-used timbral coloration device across the
+  catalog. Curve type matters: "Analog Clip" for warm, "Soft Sine"
+  for tube-like, "Hard Curve" for aggressive. See atlas
+  signature_techniques for curve-specific recipes.
+
+  Per CLAUDE.md effects-distortion reference: every curve type has
+  distinct creative applications — do NOT default to "Analog Clip"
+  for everything.

package/livepilot/skills/livepilot-core/references/affordances/devices/shifter.yaml

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+id: shifter
+name: Shifter
+type: effect
+category: pitch_effect
+aliases:
+  - "shifter"
+atlas_search_query: "Shifter"
+
+musical_roles:
+  - pitch shifting (semitones or cents)
+  - formant-preserving vocal shifts
+  - doubled octaves / fifths on a source
+  - detune-via-shift for ensemble feel
+  - experimental pitch transforms (Arca/SOPHIE aesthetic)
+
+strong_for:
+  - doubling a source one octave up or down (adds body to bass or air to lead)
+  - formant-preserving vocal pitch shifts (lower or raise without chipmunk/ogre effect)
+  - cents-level detune for pseudo-chorus on mono sources
+  - experimental / noise work with extreme shifts
+
+risky_for:
+  - material that needs pristine transients (Shifter adds latency / artifacts)
+  - non-pitched percussion (pitch shift on noise = artifacts)
+  - already-processed pitch material (compounded shift artifacts)
+  - real-time performance (Shifter has latency)
+
+subtle_ranges:
+  pitch_shift_semitones: [-2, 2]
+  pitch_shift_cents: [-20, 20]
+  wet: [0.05, 0.3]                # parallel wet for subtle doubling
+moderate_ranges:
+  pitch_shift_semitones: [-7, 7]
+  pitch_shift_cents: [-50, 50]
+  wet: [0.3, 0.7]
+aggressive_ranges:
+  pitch_shift_semitones: [-24, 24]   # two octaves
+  pitch_shift_cents: [-100, 100]
+  wet: [0.7, 1.0]
+
+pairings:
+  - device: Auto Filter
+    order: after
+    purpose: filter shifted signal for tone-shaped doubles
+  - device: Convolution Reverb
+    order: after
+    purpose: spatialize shifted signal
+
+anti_pairings:
+  - "Pitch Hack in same chain (redundant pitch effects — pick one)"
+  - "PitchLoop89 in same chain (redundant — PitchLoop89 is specialized)"
+
+remeasure:
+  - plugin_health
+  - spectral_balance
+  - track_meters
+
+dimensional_impact:
+  structural: none
+  rhythmic: none
+  timbral: high             # pitch IS timbral in this context
+  spatial: none
+
+appears_in_packets:
+  artists:
+    - arca-sophie
+  genres:
+    - experimental
+
+notes: |
+  Shifter is a newer Ableton device. For octave doubling on bass
+  or lead, use parallel wet (30-50%) rather than 100% wet to
+  preserve original transients.
+
+  For experimental/noise aesthetic, aggressive range (±24 semitones)
+  with 100% wet on a drone/noise source creates impossible pitch
+  content.

package/livepilot/skills/livepilot-core/references/affordances/devices/simpler.yaml

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+id: simpler
+name: Simpler
+type: instrument
+category: sampler
+aliases:
+  - "simpler"
+atlas_search_query: "Simpler"
+
+musical_roles:
+  - slice-based rhythm programming (chopped breaks, chopped vocals)
+  - melodic chop tool (Akufen-style micro-chop)
+  - one-shot playback with envelope
+  - stab source (classic mode, tight crop)
+  - sub-bass sample playback (Villalobos layer)
+
+strong_for:
+  - classic break slicing (Amen, Funky Drummer, Impeach the President, Apache)
+  - micro-chopping vocal samples (sub-syllable chops triggered percussively)
+  - loading a drum break with per-slice MIDI notes
+  - stab isolation (classic mode with loop disabled, short crop)
+  - replacing a kick sample for tonal kick work
+  - Villalobos-style sub-bass layer (slicing a sine or sampled sub)
+
+risky_for:
+  - multi-velocity orchestral playback (use Sampler — multi-sample capable)
+  - complex envelope shapes beyond ADSR (use Sampler)
+  - sustained pads from single sample (Looper mode can work but Sampler is cleaner)
+
+subtle_ranges:
+  volume: [0.0, 0.0]             # Simpler default is -12 dB — BUMP to 0 for sustained sources
+  attack: [0.0, 0.05]
+  release: [0.1, 0.3]
+  pitch_drift: [0, 5]            # cents
+moderate_ranges:
+  volume: [0.0, 0.0]
+  attack: [0.0, 0.15]
+  release: [0.3, 0.8]
+  pitch_drift: [5, 25]
+aggressive_ranges:
+  attack: [0.15, 1.0]
+  release: [0.8, 3.0]
+  pitch_drift: [25, 100]
+
+pairings:
+  - device: Saturator
+    order: after
+    purpose: warmth on chopped breaks (Dilla aesthetic)
+  - device: Vinyl Distortion
+    order: after
+    purpose: vinyl-warp on break samples
+  - device: Snipper
+    order: parallel  # external via routing
+    purpose: pitch-drift chops (microhouse)
+  - device: Slice Shuffler
+    order: parallel
+    purpose: re-sequence slice order (footwork)
+
+anti_pairings:
+  - "Loading Simpler without confirming Snap=OFF — the Simpler Snap bug (see CLAUDE.md memory); after load_sample_to_simpler, Snap must be OFF or sample plays silently"
+
+remeasure:
+  - plugin_health          # confirm sample loaded (parameter_count > 1)
+  - track_meters           # confirm audio reaches master (Volume default -12 dB is a trap)
+  - slice_count            # when loading a break, confirm slices exist
+  # CLAUDE.md memory: Simpler Slice mode maps slice N to MIDI pitch 36+N,
+  # not 60+N. Always analyze slices before programming drums.
+
+dimensional_impact:
+  structural: low
+  rhythmic: high           # breaks + chops ARE rhythm
+  timbral: moderate
+  spatial: low
+
+appears_in_packets:
+  artists:
+    - villalobos
+    - akufen
+    - j-dilla
+    - dj-premier-rza
+    - madlib
+    - burial
+    - photek-source-direct
+    - rashad-spinn-traxman
+    - moodymann-theo-parrish
+    - boards-of-canada
+    - daft-punk
+    - basic-channel
+  genres:
+    - microhouse
+    - deep-minimal
+    - hip-hop
+    - dubstep
+    - drum-and-bass
+    - footwork
+    - uk-garage
+    - house
+
+notes: |
+  Simpler is the single most-referenced instrument across the concept
+  catalog — it appears in 12 artist packets and 8 genre packets. It is
+  the LivePilot default for any sample-based creative work.
+
+  Critical gotchas (per CLAUDE.md memory):
+  - Default Volume is -12 dB. Set to 0 for sustained / melodic use.
+  - Snap bug: Snap MUST be OFF after load_sample_to_simpler or silent.
+  - Slice mode maps to MIDI 36+N (C1), not 60+N (C3).
+  - Always use `load_browser_item` with a browser URI, NOT
+    `replace_simpler_sample` or `load_sample_to_simpler` — those two
+    silently fail and keep the kick bootstrap.
+
+  See atlas signature_techniques for recipes: "J Dilla micro-timed kit",
+  "Vocal micro-chop (Akufen)", "Villalobos sub-bass layer",
+  "slice_and_sequence".

package/livepilot/skills/livepilot-core/references/affordances/devices/utility.yaml

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+id: utility
+name: Utility
+type: utility
+category: utility
+aliases:
+  - "utility"
+atlas_search_query: "Utility"
+
+musical_roles:
+  - mono-ize sub-bass below a frequency (dub-techno, house, EDM)
+  - gain staging on individual tracks
+  - phase-flip for stereo correction
+  - width control (narrow / wide)
+  - DC-offset elimination
+
+strong_for:
+  - narrowing sub-bass to mono under 80-100 Hz (mono-compatibility)
+  - precise track gain adjustment (dB, not normalized 0-1)
+  - phase flipping when stacking similar sources
+  - '"Bass Mono" for club playback'
+  - simple gain staging before other effects
+
+risky_for:
+  - when used as a general "effect" — Utility does exactly what it says and nothing else
+  - attempting to use for EQ (Utility has no frequency shaping; use EQ Eight)
+  - trying to replace EQ Eight's width control (Utility's width is coarser)
+
+subtle_ranges:
+  gain: [-3, 3]                   # dB
+  width: [0.9, 1.0]               # narrow to slightly-narrow
+  bass_mono_freq: [30, 80]        # Hz
+moderate_ranges:
+  gain: [-6, 6]
+  width: [0.5, 0.9]
+  bass_mono_freq: [80, 150]
+aggressive_ranges:
+  gain: [-12, 12]
+  width: [0.0, 0.5]               # mono to narrow
+  bass_mono_freq: [150, 350]
+
+pairings:
+  - device: EQ Eight
+    order: after
+    purpose: after mono-summing, EQ the mono path
+  - device: Compressor
+    order: before
+    purpose: pre-compression gain staging
+  - device: Saturator
+    order: before
+    purpose: pre-saturation level control
+
+anti_pairings: []
+  # Utility plays well with everything — it's genuinely utility.
+
+remeasure:
+  - track_meters            # gain changes reflect immediately
+  - mono_compatibility      # when narrowing
+  - stereo_width            # when narrowing
+
+dimensional_impact:
+  structural: none
+  rhythmic: none
+  timbral: none             # no tone shaping
+  spatial: moderate         # width and mono affect placement
+
+appears_in_packets:
+  artists:
+    - basic-channel
+    - hawtin
+    - villalobos
+    - gas
+    - basinski
+    - skream-mala
+  genres:
+    - dub-techno
+    - deep-minimal
+    - minimal-techno
+    - microhouse
+    - dubstep
+    - house
+    - uk-garage
+
+notes: |
+  Utility is the most-ubiquitous utility in the catalog — 6 artist
+  packets and 7 genre packets. It's not a creative tool; it's the
+  plumbing that makes other creative tools sound professional.
+
+  Canonical dub-techno move: Utility on master or sub-bus with
+  "Bass Mono" at 80-100 Hz narrows the low end to mono for club
+  playback. This is so common it's often the FIRST mix move before
+  any creative work.
+
+  Also critical: when stacking two sub-bass sources (Bass + Drone Lab),
+  Utility's phase flip resolves cancellation issues before saturator
+  or EQ choices get blamed.

package/livepilot/skills/livepilot-core/references/affordances/devices/vinyl-distortion.yaml

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+id: vinyl_distortion
+name: Vinyl Distortion
+type: effect
+category: distortion
+aliases:
+  - "vinyl distortion"
+atlas_search_query: "Vinyl Distortion"
+
+musical_roles:
+  - vinyl-era warmth on drum busses (Dilla, Premier, Madlib aesthetic)
+  - crackle and hiss as texture
+  - dusty hip-hop mix aesthetic
+  - lo-fi mix character
+  - aging digital sources (BoC, Burial)
+
+strong_for:
+  - drum-bus dustiness (hip-hop / boom-bap)
+  - adding crackle to otherwise clean samples
+  - lo-fi aesthetic mix bus processing
+  - Burial atmospheric subtext (at -36 dB under track)
+  - BoC tape-warmth emulation
+
+risky_for:
+  - pristine aesthetic contexts (ambient, modern-classical)
+  - club-system release masters (crackle = perceived as artifact)
+  - vocal-forward mixes (crackle fights vocal intelligibility)
+  - already-distorted material (compounded character)
+
+subtle_ranges:
+  drive: [0.0, 0.15]
+  crackle: [0.0, 0.1]
+  pinch: [0.0, 0.2]
+moderate_ranges:
+  drive: [0.15, 0.40]
+  crackle: [0.1, 0.35]
+  pinch: [0.2, 0.5]
+aggressive_ranges:
+  drive: [0.40, 0.85]
+  crackle: [0.35, 1.0]
+  pinch: [0.5, 1.0]
+
+pairings:
+  - device: Saturator
+    order: before
+    purpose: saturation into Vinyl Distortion for double-character warmth
+  - device: EQ Eight
+    order: after
+    purpose: shelf-cut highs if crackle is too bright
+  - device: Erosion
+    order: parallel
+    purpose: different noise-character stackable on same bus
+
+anti_pairings:
+  - "Modern clean-aesthetic tracks (the character is anti-clean)"
+  - "Master-bus application without explicit lo-fi intent"
+
+remeasure:
+  - spectral_balance        # crackle adds high-end content
+  - low_headroom            # drive pushes level
+  - track_meters
+
+dimensional_impact:
+  structural: none
+  rhythmic: low
+  timbral: high
+  spatial: low
+
+appears_in_packets:
+  artists:
+    - j-dilla
+    - dj-premier-rza
+    - madlib
+    - burial
+    - boards-of-canada
+    - moodymann-theo-parrish
+  genres:
+    - hip-hop
+    - microhouse
+    - dubstep
+    - downtempo
+
+notes: |
+  Vinyl Distortion is the Dilla / Premier / Madlib dusty-drum-bus
+  signature. Moderate settings (drive 0.2-0.4, crackle 0.2-0.3) on
+  a drum bus give the hip-hop aesthetic.
+
+  For Burial: 100% wet on a dedicated crackle track sent at -36 dB
+  under the full mix is the canonical move. This creates the
+  perpetual vinyl-subtext atmosphere.
+
+  For BoC: subtle crackle (0.1) + moderate drive (0.2) on every
+  sustained element emulates tape warmth.