livepilot 1.9.24 → 1.10.0

package/mcp_server/sample_engine/techniques.py

@@ -0,0 +1,908 @@
+"""Sample Engine technique library — 30+ recipes indexed by material + intent.
+
+Each technique is a named recipe with executable steps mapping to real MCP tools.
+The steps use tool names that match LivePilot's existing MCP tools.
+
+Zero I/O — pure data catalog.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from .models import SampleTechnique, TechniqueStep
+
+
+# ── Catalog ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+_CATALOG: dict[str, SampleTechnique] = {}
+
+
+def _register(t: SampleTechnique) -> SampleTechnique:
+    _CATALOG[t.technique_id] = t
+    return t
+
+
+# ── Category 1: Rhythmic Sampling ──────────────────────────────────
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="slice_and_sequence",
+    name="Slice & Sequence",
+    philosophy="surgeon",
+    material_types=["drum_loop", "full_mix"],
+    intents=["rhythm"],
+    difficulty="basic",
+    description="Classic MPC-style: load a loop, slice on transients, sequence the slices with MIDI",
+    inspiration="MPC workflow — chop and flip",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load sample into new Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 0},
+                      description="Set to Slice mode, slice by Transient"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="get_simpler_slices",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Read slice positions to understand the rhythm"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="create_clip",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0, "length": 4.0},
+                      description="Create a 1-bar MIDI clip"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="add_notes",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0},
+                      description="Program MIDI notes triggering slices (C1=slice1, C#1=slice2, etc.)"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["rhythmic pattern audible", "slices trigger cleanly"],
+    failure_signals=["silence", "timing drift", "wrong slices triggered"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="vocal_chop_rhythm",
+    name="Vocal Chop → Rhythmic Instrument",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal"],
+    intents=["rhythm", "vocal"],
+    difficulty="intermediate",
+    description="Chop a vocal into syllable-length slices, trigger as staccato rhythmic pattern",
+    inspiration="Burial's staccato vocal stabs — ghostly, fragmented",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load vocal into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 2},
+                      description="Set to Slice mode, slice by Region (preserves phrases)"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="get_simpler_slices",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Read slice positions"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="create_clip",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0, "length": 4.0},
+                      description="Create MIDI clip"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="add_notes",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0},
+                      description="Program short staccato notes on different slices"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Auto Filter"},
+                      description="Add Auto Filter for movement"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Set filter cutoff ~2kHz, resonance ~30% for character"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["staccato vocal pattern audible", "rhythmic energy added"],
+    failure_signals=["vocals sound unnatural", "timing feels wrong"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="micro_chop",
+    name="Micro-Chop",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["drum_loop", "instrument_loop", "vocal", "full_mix"],
+    intents=["rhythm", "transform"],
+    difficulty="advanced",
+    description="Slice at 1/32 resolution, rearrange fragments with varied velocity — J Dilla micro-timing",
+    inspiration="J Dilla — 1/32 slices, disabled quantize, human swing",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load sample into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 3},
+                      description="Set to Slice mode, Manual slicing"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="create_clip",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0, "length": 4.0},
+                      description="Create MIDI clip"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="add_notes",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0},
+                      description="Program dense 1/32 notes, varied velocity 40-127, slight timing offsets"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["choppy rhythmic texture", "organic swing feel"],
+    failure_signals=["sounds like a glitch rather than groove"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="stab_isolation",
+    name="Stab Isolation",
+    philosophy="surgeon",
+    material_types=["full_mix", "instrument_loop"],
+    intents=["rhythm", "melody"],
+    difficulty="intermediate",
+    description="Isolate a single chord stab from a sample, trigger it rhythmically",
+    inspiration="DJ Premier — single chord stab extraction and rhythmic sequencing",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 0},
+                      description="Set to Classic mode (manual region selection)"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="crop_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Crop to just the stab region"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="create_clip",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0, "length": 4.0},
+                      description="Create MIDI clip"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="add_notes",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0},
+                      description="Program rhythmic stab pattern"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["clean stab playback", "rhythmic pattern feels musical"],
+    failure_signals=["stab includes unwanted material", "clicks at boundaries"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="euclidean_slice_trigger",
+    name="Euclidean Slice Trigger",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["drum_loop", "vocal", "instrument_loop"],
+    intents=["rhythm", "transform"],
+    difficulty="intermediate",
+    description="Map Simpler slices to a Euclidean rhythm pattern for polyrhythmic texture",
+    inspiration="Euclidean rhythms meet sample chopping — mathematical groove",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load sample into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 0},
+                      description="Slice by Transient"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="get_simpler_slices",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Read slice count"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="generate_euclidean_rhythm",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0,
+                              "pulses": 5, "steps": 8, "length": 4.0},
+                      description="Generate Euclidean pattern (5 pulses in 8 steps) across slice pitches"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["polyrhythmic pattern from sample slices"],
+    failure_signals=["pattern too sparse or too dense for context"],
+))
+
+# ── Category 2: Textural Transformation ────────────────────────────
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="extreme_stretch",
+    name="Extreme Stretch",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal", "drum_loop", "instrument_loop", "one_shot", "texture", "foley", "fx", "full_mix"],
+    intents=["texture", "atmosphere"],
+    difficulty="basic",
+    description="Stretch a sample 10-50x using Texture warp mode — Paulstretch-style ambient wash",
+    inspiration="Paulstretch / Stars of the Lid — time as raw material",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load sample into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="warp_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0, "beats": 64},
+                      description="Warp to 16 bars (extreme stretch)"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Reverb"},
+                      description="Add Reverb for space"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Set Reverb decay 8-15s, wet 60-80%"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_track_volume",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Set volume -10 to -15dB for subtle layering"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["ambient wash audible", "original material unrecognizable"],
+    failure_signals=["artifacts or glitches", "too prominent in mix"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="drum_to_pad",
+    name="Drum-to-Pad",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["drum_loop", "one_shot"],
+    intents=["texture", "atmosphere"],
+    difficulty="intermediate",
+    description="Transform a drum hit into an ambient pad via reverse + stretch + reverb",
+    inspiration="Turning percussive energy into sustained atmosphere",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load drum sample into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="reverse_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Reverse the sample"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="warp_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0, "beats": 32},
+                      description="Stretch to 8 bars"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Reverb"},
+                      description="Add long reverb"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Long decay 10s+, wet 70%+"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["sustained pad texture from percussion source"],
+    failure_signals=["still sounds percussive", "harsh artifacts"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="reverse_layer",
+    name="Reverse Layer",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal", "instrument_loop", "one_shot", "fx"],
+    intents=["texture", "atmosphere"],
+    difficulty="basic",
+    description="Reverse a sample to create pre-echo swells and ghostly textures",
+    inspiration="Reversed elements as anticipation and mystery",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="reverse_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Reverse the sample"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Delay"},
+                      description="Add delay for tail"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_track_volume",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Set volume -8 to -12dB for subtle presence"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["reverse swell before downbeat", "ghostly quality"],
+    failure_signals=["reverse element too prominent", "timing wrong"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="granular_scatter",
+    name="Granular Scatter",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal", "instrument_loop", "texture", "foley"],
+    intents=["texture", "transform"],
+    difficulty="intermediate",
+    description="Use Grain Delay as a granular engine — scatter grains for cloud textures",
+    inspiration="Granular synthesis from existing material — Amon Tobin territory",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load source into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Grain Delay"},
+                      description="Add Grain Delay after Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Set spray 100-200ms, frequency random, pitch random ±12st"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Reverb"},
+                      description="Add reverb to smear grains"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["granular cloud texture", "original material fragmented"],
+    failure_signals=["too chaotic", "no musical quality"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="spectral_freeze",
+    name="Spectral Freeze",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal", "instrument_loop", "full_mix", "texture"],
+    intents=["texture", "atmosphere"],
+    difficulty="advanced",
+    description="Capture one spectral moment and sustain it as a drone/pad",
+    inspiration="Spectral freezing — one moment becomes infinite",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="crop_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Crop to a tiny region (50-200ms)"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="warp_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0, "beats": 64},
+                      description="Extreme stretch of tiny region — spectral freeze"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Reverb"},
+                      description="Reverb for sustain"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["sustained spectral tone", "drone quality"],
+    failure_signals=["pulsing artifacts", "too short to freeze"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="tail_harvest",
+    name="Tail Harvest",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal", "instrument_loop", "one_shot", "drum_loop"],
+    intents=["texture", "atmosphere"],
+    difficulty="intermediate",
+    description="Resample only the reverb/delay tail of processed material as a new texture",
+    inspiration="Capturing the ghost of a sound — only the aftermath",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load source material"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Reverb"},
+                      description="Add reverb with long tail"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Set Reverb to 100% wet, decay 8-15s"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_track_volume",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Level for subtle texture"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["reverb tail as independent texture layer"],
+    failure_signals=["original transient still audible", "tail too thin"],
+))
+
+# ── Category 3: Melodic/Harmonic ───────────────────────────────────
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="key_matched_layer",
+    name="Key-Matched Layer",
+    philosophy="surgeon",
+    material_types=["instrument_loop"],
+    intents=["layer", "melody"],
+    difficulty="basic",
+    description="Transpose sample to match song key, layer behind existing elements",
+    inspiration="Seamless sample integration — should sound like it was always there",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Transpose to match song key (via Simpler transpose)"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "EQ Eight"},
+                      description="Add EQ for frequency carving"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Carve EQ to avoid masking existing elements"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_track_volume",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Set volume -6 to -10dB behind existing layers"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["sample blends with existing material", "no frequency masking"],
+    failure_signals=["key clash audible", "masking with other tracks"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="vocal_harmony_stack",
+    name="Vocal Harmony Stack",
+    philosophy="surgeon",
+    material_types=["vocal"],
+    intents=["vocal", "layer", "melody"],
+    difficulty="advanced",
+    description="Pitch-shift vocal to create harmony layers — Bon Iver 'Prismizer' approach",
+    inspiration="Bon Iver — vocoder + harmonizer stacked vocal textures",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load vocal into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="duplicate_track",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Duplicate for harmony layer"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Transpose duplicate +3, +5, or +7 semitones for harmony"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_track_volume",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Blend harmony -4 to -6dB behind original"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["harmonic vocal texture", "pitch layers blend"],
+    failure_signals=["robotic artifacts", "dissonant pitch choice"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="counterpoint_from_chops",
+    name="Counterpoint from Chops",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["instrument_loop", "vocal", "full_mix"],
+    intents=["melody", "layer"],
+    difficulty="advanced",
+    description="Create a countermelody by rearranging melodic fragments from a chopped sample",
+    inspiration="Four Tet — found-sound countermelody, reorganized musical DNA",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load melodic source"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 1},
+                      description="Slice by Beat for melodic fragments"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="get_simpler_slices",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Read slice positions"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="create_clip",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0, "length": 8.0},
+                      description="Create 2-bar clip for countermelody"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="add_notes",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0},
+                      description="Program a melodic pattern from slice fragments"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["new melody from existing fragments", "musical coherence"],
+    failure_signals=["random noise", "no melodic direction"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="chord_stab_extraction",
+    name="Chord Stab Extraction",
+    philosophy="surgeon",
+    material_types=["full_mix", "instrument_loop"],
+    intents=["melody", "rhythm"],
+    difficulty="intermediate",
+    description="Isolate chord hits from a full mix and retrigger them rhythmically",
+    inspiration="Classic house/disco sample flipping — one chord, infinite groove",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load full mix into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 0},
+                      description="Slice by Transient"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="crop_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Crop to single chord region"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="create_clip",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0, "length": 4.0},
+                      description="Create clip"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="add_notes",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0},
+                      description="Rhythmic chord stab pattern"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["clean chord stab playback", "groovy retrigger pattern"],
+    failure_signals=["stab includes drum bleed", "chord unclear"],
+))
+
+# ── Category 4: Drum Enhancement ───────────────────────────────────
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="break_layering",
+    name="Break Layering",
+    philosophy="surgeon",
+    material_types=["drum_loop"],
+    intents=["rhythm", "layer"],
+    difficulty="basic",
+    description="Layer a drum break underneath programmed drums for organic feel",
+    inspiration="Classic hip-hop/jungle layering — break under the beat",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load break into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="warp_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0, "beats": 16},
+                      description="Warp to 4 bars to match song tempo"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "EQ Eight"},
+                      description="Add EQ for frequency carving"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="High-pass at 200-400Hz to avoid kick clash"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_track_volume",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Set volume -10 to -15dB for subtle layer"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["break adds organic texture under drums", "no low-end clash"],
+    failure_signals=["competing kick patterns", "break overpowers programmed drums"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="ghost_note_texture",
+    name="Ghost Note Texture",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["drum_loop"],
+    intents=["rhythm", "texture"],
+    difficulty="intermediate",
+    description="Filter a drum loop heavily and layer at low volume for ghost-note texture",
+    inspiration="Ghost notes in jazz/funk — barely there, adds life",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load loop into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Auto Filter"},
+                      description="Add Auto Filter"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Band-pass filter ~1-4kHz, narrow Q"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_track_volume",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Set volume -18 to -24dB for ghost-level presence"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["subtle rhythmic texture felt more than heard"],
+    failure_signals=["too loud", "filtering removes all useful content"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="transient_replacement",
+    name="Transient Replacement",
+    philosophy="surgeon",
+    material_types=["one_shot"],
+    intents=["rhythm", "layer"],
+    difficulty="basic",
+    description="Layer a one-shot transient over existing drums for punch/character",
+    inspiration="Drum layering for weight and impact",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load one-shot into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 0},
+                      description="Classic mode for one-shot playback"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="create_clip",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0, "length": 4.0},
+                      description="Create clip"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="add_notes",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0},
+                      description="Trigger on same hits as existing kick/snare"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["added punch and character to drums"],
+    failure_signals=["phasing with original", "too much attack"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="shuffle_extract",
+    name="Shuffle Extract",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["drum_loop"],
+    intents=["rhythm", "transform"],
+    difficulty="advanced",
+    description="Extract groove timing from a loop and apply it to programmed MIDI",
+    inspiration="Stealing the human feel from vinyl breaks",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load break for groove analysis"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 0},
+                      description="Slice by Transient to find hits"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="get_simpler_slices",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Read slice positions (these are the groove template)"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["groove timing captured", "swing values extracted"],
+    failure_signals=["slice positions too irregular to use"],
+))
+
+# ── Category 5: Vocal Processing ───────────────────────────────────
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="syllable_instrument",
+    name="Syllable Instrument",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal"],
+    intents=["vocal", "rhythm", "melody"],
+    difficulty="advanced",
+    description="Chop vocal into individual syllables and play them as a melodic instrument",
+    inspiration="Vocal as instrument — each syllable is a playable note",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load vocal into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 2},
+                      description="Slice by Region for syllable boundaries"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="get_simpler_slices",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Map slices to syllables"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="create_clip",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0, "length": 8.0},
+                      description="Create 2-bar melodic clip"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="add_notes",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0},
+                      description="Program melody using syllable slices as pitches"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["vocal syllables form coherent melody"],
+    failure_signals=["syllables cut awkwardly", "no musical phrase"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="formant_shift_character",
+    name="Formant Shift Character",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal"],
+    intents=["vocal", "transform"],
+    difficulty="intermediate",
+    description="Shift vocal formants for alien/robotic/gender-shifted character",
+    inspiration="Vocal processing as character creation — not correction",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load vocal into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Transpose +5 to +12 semitones (chipmunk) or -5 to -12 (deep)"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Corpus"},
+                      description="Add Corpus for resonant body character"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["distinctive vocal character", "not obviously pitched"],
+    failure_signals=["robotic artifacts", "unintelligible"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="vocal_freeze_drone",
+    name="Vocal Freeze Drone",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal"],
+    intents=["texture", "atmosphere"],
+    difficulty="intermediate",
+    description="Sustain one vowel from a vocal as an ambient pad/drone",
+    inspiration="Freezing the human voice into pure tone",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load vocal"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="crop_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Crop to a single vowel sound (100-300ms)"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="warp_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0, "beats": 64},
+                      description="Extreme stretch — vowel becomes drone"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Chorus-Ensemble"},
+                      description="Add chorus for width"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Reverb"},
+                      description="Add reverb for sustain"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["sustained vocal drone", "ethereal pad quality"],
+    failure_signals=["pulsing from loop point", "harsh artifacts"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="phone_recording_texture",
+    name="Phone Recording Texture",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal", "foley"],
+    intents=["texture", "atmosphere"],
+    difficulty="basic",
+    description="Lo-fi vocal/field recording as ghostly background texture — Burial's signature",
+    inspiration="Burial — phone recordings, pitched down, barely audible ghosts",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load recording into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Pitch down -5 to -12 semitones"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Auto Filter"},
+                      description="Add lo-pass filter"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_device_parameter",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Filter cutoff ~800Hz for lo-fi character"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_track_volume",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Set volume -20 to -30dB — ghost level"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["barely audible presence", "adds emotional depth"],
+    failure_signals=["too prominent", "distracting from main elements"],
+))
+
+# ── Category 6: Resampling Chains ──────────────────────────────────
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="serial_resample",
+    name="Serial Resample",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal", "drum_loop", "instrument_loop", "one_shot", "texture", "full_mix"],
+    intents=["transform", "texture"],
+    difficulty="advanced",
+    description="Multi-pass destructive resampling — each pass adds character until unrecognizable",
+    inspiration="Amon Tobin — 80+ samples per track, serial destruction",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load source material"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Saturator"},
+                      description="Add Saturator for harmonic destruction"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Grain Delay"},
+                      description="Add Grain Delay for fragmentation"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "Reverb"},
+                      description="Add reverb for smearing"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="freeze_track",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Freeze to capture processed result"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="flatten_track",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Flatten — new audio is now the source for next pass"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["material transformed beyond recognition", "new texture"],
+    failure_signals=["just sounds distorted", "lost all musical quality"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="parallel_resample",
+    name="Parallel Resample",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal", "instrument_loop", "drum_loop"],
+    intents=["transform", "layer"],
+    difficulty="intermediate",
+    description="Process through parallel effect chains and blend for controlled destruction",
+    inspiration="Wet/dry parallel processing for controlled chaos",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="duplicate_track",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Duplicate for parallel processing"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Add destructive effects to duplicate (distortion, pitch shift)"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_track_volume",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Blend wet/dry: original at 0dB, processed at -6 to -12dB"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["controlled textural blend", "best of both worlds"],
+    failure_signals=["phase issues between copies", "processed too dominant"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="freeze_flatten_rechop",
+    name="Freeze-Flatten-Rechop",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal", "instrument_loop", "drum_loop", "texture"],
+    intents=["transform", "rhythm"],
+    difficulty="advanced",
+    description="Freeze processed material, flatten to audio, then re-slice the result",
+    inspiration="Recursive destruction — chop the chop",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="freeze_track",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Freeze current state to audio"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="flatten_track",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}"},
+                      description="Flatten to new audio clip"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load flattened audio back into Simpler"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 0},
+                      description="Re-slice the processed material"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="get_simpler_slices",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Read new slice positions"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["new rhythmic material from processed audio"],
+    failure_signals=["silence after flatten", "no useful slice points"],
+))
+
+# ── Category 7: Creative Constraints ───────────────────────────────
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="one_sample_challenge",
+    name="One-Sample Challenge",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["vocal", "drum_loop", "instrument_loop", "full_mix", "texture", "foley"],
+    intents=["challenge", "transform"],
+    difficulty="advanced",
+    description="Build an entire beat from a single sample — kick, snare, hat, bass, pad all extracted",
+    inspiration="One-sample challenge — constraint breeds creativity",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load the ONE sample"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 0},
+                      description="Slice by Transient"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="get_simpler_slices",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Map all available slices"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="create_clip",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0, "length": 8.0},
+                      description="Create 2-bar clip"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="add_notes",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "clip_index": 0},
+                      description="Program full beat using different slices as different drums"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["full beat from single source", "each element distinct"],
+    failure_signals=["sounds monochromatic", "elements too similar"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="found_sound_only",
+    name="Found Sound Only",
+    philosophy="alchemist",
+    material_types=["foley"],
+    intents=["challenge", "texture", "rhythm"],
+    difficulty="advanced",
+    description="Use only non-musical field recordings to build a musical composition",
+    inspiration="Musique concrete — all music is organized sound",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load found sound"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 0},
+                      description="Slice for rhythmic extraction"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="find_and_load_device",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_name": "EQ Eight"},
+                      description="EQ to isolate musical frequencies"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["non-musical source produces musical result"],
+    failure_signals=["just sounds like noise", "no rhythmic or tonal quality"],
+))
+
+_register(SampleTechnique(
+    technique_id="reverse_engineering",
+    name="Reverse Engineering",
+    philosophy="both",
+    material_types=["full_mix"],
+    intents=["challenge", "layer"],
+    difficulty="advanced",
+    description="Recreate a reference track's texture by sampling and transforming similar elements",
+    inspiration="Reverse engineering a sound — forensic production",
+    steps=[
+        TechniqueStep(tool="load_sample_to_simpler",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "file_path": "{file_path}"},
+                      description="Load reference material"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="set_simpler_playback_mode",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0,
+                              "playback_mode": 2, "slice_by": 1},
+                      description="Slice by Beat to isolate sections"),
+        TechniqueStep(tool="get_simpler_slices",
+                      params={"track_index": "{track_index}", "device_index": 0},
+                      description="Analyze structure via slices"),
+    ],
+    success_signals=["captured essence of reference sound"],
+    failure_signals=["just copied rather than recreated"],
+))
+
+
+# ── Public API ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def get_technique(technique_id: str) -> SampleTechnique | None:
+    """Get a technique by ID."""
+    return _CATALOG.get(technique_id)
+
+
+def list_techniques() -> list[SampleTechnique]:
+    """Return all registered techniques."""
+    return list(_CATALOG.values())
+
+
+def find_techniques(
+    material_type: str | None = None,
+    intent: str | None = None,
+    philosophy: str | None = None,
+) -> list[SampleTechnique]:
+    """Find techniques matching filters. All filters are AND'd."""
+    results = list(_CATALOG.values())
+
+    if material_type:
+        results = [t for t in results if material_type in t.material_types]
+    if intent:
+        results = [t for t in results if intent in t.intents]
+    if philosophy:
+        results = [t for t in results
+                   if t.philosophy == philosophy or t.philosophy == "both"]
+
+    return results