Audio Mapping
Arkestra includes a real-time audio analysis engine (DSP Processor) that detects drums and extracts frequency band energy from any audio input. The results are available as modulation sources.
Audio sources available
Section titled “Audio sources available”Arkestra has 3 configurable detector ranges, each mapping to a frequency band and onset detector:
| Source | Default detector | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Range 1 | Kick | Low-frequency onset detection (~45-296 Hz) |
| Audio Range 2 | Snare | Mid-frequency onset detection (~1571-4146 Hz) |
| Audio Range 3 | Hihat | High-frequency onset detection (~4-12 kHz) |
Each range’s frequency band and threshold can be tuned in the Audio tab.
Setting the audio input
Section titled “Setting the audio input”Open the Audio tab (waveform icon) in the right panel to select your input device and configure input channels.
Mapping audio to a parameter
Section titled “Mapping audio to a parameter”Right-click any float parameter → Map to Audio → [Range 1 / Range 2 / Range 3]
The parameter will now respond to that detector’s output. Adjust Depth and Min/Max range in the parameter’s modulation inspector to tune the response.
Envelope settings
Section titled “Envelope settings”Each drum detection output has:
- Attack — how quickly the signal rises on a detected onset
- Release — how quickly it decays after the onset
- Threshold — sensitivity (higher = fewer detections)
Shorter attack + shorter release = tight, punchy response. Longer release = lingering effect.
- Use Range 1 (Kick) for sharp, percussive parameter hits on the kick
- Use Range 3 (Hihat) for tight 16th-note movement
- Combine audio (short release) + LFO (slow sine) on the same parameter for rhythmic pulses riding a slow wave