Blowback is a synthesizer built on Phase Modulation Synthesis, enhanced with algorithmically controlled features for dynamic sound design. Originally inspired by a Pure Data patch, the project was later ported and fully developed in Android Studio. Designed as a live performance tool, Blowback offers expressive control and evolving textures for real-time sound creation.

How to Use:

Simple Mode
Tap Start OSC—Blowback becomes a classic synth. Slide any control and play. Flip on Sensors to bend notes and filter with a twist of your wrist.

Chaotic Mode
Hit Randomize Every to wake the attractors. Lorenz, Rössler, and Chua circuits now pilot the engine, endlessly rewriting the patch.
Gradual = slow, liquid morphs.
Random = instant jumps.
Uncheck a parameter to lock it out of the chaos.

> Oscillator Controls:
Frequency: Adjusts the base pitch (20-4000 Hz).
Mod Depth: Sets modulation depth (0-2000 Hz).
Filter Cutoff: Controls low-pass filter cutoff (60-20000 Hz).
Random Interval: Sets randomization interval (20ms-5s), now initialized at 50ms.

> LFO Controls:
LFO Rate: Adjusts LFO rate (0-50 Hz).
LFO Amp: Sets LFO amplitude (0-2).
Sensor Sensitivity: Scales sensor input (0.5x-2x).
LFO Shape: Selects waveform (0=Sine, 1=Square, 2=Sample & Hold, 3=Random).

> Effects Controls:
Distortion: Adjusts distortion amount (0-2).
Reverb Size: Sets reverb impulse size (0.5-5s).
Reverb Feedback: Controls reverb feedback (0-0.95).
Freeze Threshold: Sets freeze trigger threshold (0-20 m/s²) for sensor-based freezing.

> Button Controls:
Start Osc: Starts/stops the oscillator.
Start LFO: Enables/disables the LFO.
Enable Sensors: Toggles sensor input (disables random when enabled).
Calibrate Sensors: Calibrates sensor baseline.
Freeze Effect: Freezes/unfreezes audio buffer, capturing current state including reverb.
Freeze: Shake Mode/Tilt Mode: Switches freeze trigger mode between shake and tilt detection.
Enable Freeze Sensor: Toggles freeze activation via sensor input.
Randomize Every Xs: Starts/stops parameter randomization, now starting at 50ms intervals.
Switch to Gradual Mode: Toggles between random and smooth gradual modulation.
Enable Reverb: Toggles reverb effect.
Include Reverb in Random: Includes/excludes reverb in randomization.
Start Recording: Starts/stops audio recording (up to 5 minutes).
Disable MIDI: Toggles MIDI output.

> Visuals & Status:
Dot Visual: Minimal moving dot with trail.
MIDI Status: Displays MIDI connection state.
Sensors Status: Shows sensor activity and mode.
Recording Status: Indicates recording state and duration.

> MIDI Controllers:
MIDI Output: Select the output port.
MIDI Channel: Choose the MIDI channel (1-16).
Modulation Matrix: Select which parameters send MIDI CC (18-25).
Notes: Requires HTTPS for sensors and modern browsers for MIDI/recording. Use MIDI CC 18-25 for parameter control. Freeze feature uses offline rendering to capture audio state, including reverb.

Dimitris Barnias

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