MIDI-Controllable Scrub/Scratch Deck Widget with Flux Mode
under review
ultracello
Description:
This feature request proposes the implementation of a MIDI-controllable scrub/scratch deck widget in Loopy Pro. The goal is to enable users to manipulate the playhead position of audio clips in real-time using MIDI controllers, such as jog wheels or touch-sensitive surfaces. This functionality would allow for DJ-style scratching, precise cueing, and dynamic performance techniques within the app.
Problem:
Currently, Loopy Pro lacks a dedicated widget that allows for real-time, MIDI-controlled scrubbing or scratching of audio clips. Users seeking to perform such actions must rely on less intuitive methods, limiting expressive capabilities during live performances.
Proposed Solution:
Develop a widget that responds to MIDI input for controlling the playhead position of audio clips. Features should include:
- High-resolution MIDI mapping for precise control.
- Compatibility with various MIDI controller types (e.g., jog wheels, sliders).
- Options for different playback behaviors (e.g., scratch emulation, smooth scrubbing).
- Visual feedback within the UI to reflect playhead movements.
- A "Flux Mode" where, upon release of the controller or cessation of movement, playback resumes in sync with the original timeline position.
- Optional "Tape Stop/Start" effects that emulate the acceleration or deceleration of tape machines, with configurable durations in beats or milliseconds.
Benefits:
- Enhanced live performance expressiveness.
- Integration of DJ-style techniques into Loopy Pro workflows.
- Greater precision in navigating and manipulating audio clips.
- Expanded creative possibilities for users.
Examples:
- Using a jog wheel to scratch a vocal sample in sync with a beat.
- Employing a MIDI slider to scrub through a loop to find a specific cue point during a live set.
- Applying a tape stop effect at the end of a loop for dramatic effect.
This summary was automatically generated by ChatGPT-4 on 2025-05-09.
Original Post:
I would love a widget, where I can use my external DJ-Controller (Denon, NI, etc...) or the touchscreen to scratch samples that I recorded or imported into Loopy Pro. This would make Loopy Pro very interesting for DJs and artists, that like to add live-scratching effects to their loops.
D
Dolphin Uppercut Avenger
I have the motorized Hercules Inpulse T7 and the Teenage Engineering TP-7. I scratch and DJ prepared tracks with the Inpulse T7, and record and scratch live audio from the TP-7. The TP-7 doesn't track consistently or have good on-screen feedback, and it's small, so I would love to be able to scratch live loops from Loopy Pro.
ultracello
Cool would be the possibility to use a scratching function, but once you release the finger OR your MIDI controller is no longer moved for x ms it will play back in sync!
Dubby Labby
ultracello: that’s called flux in pioneer gear and also in software like serato you have censor (backwards audio for bad lyrics) and when you release it jumps into the point of same amount you gone backwards but forward so you can do those tricks and stay in tempo…
ultracello
Dubby Labby: Cool, good to know! Let's add this super nice Flux then!
Dubby Labby
ultracello:
ultracello
Dubby Labby: That's exactly I had in mind. Cool would also if it's possible to have not only the "standard" Flux function, but also some kind of a 'I don't know how to describe' "swirling" pitch (?) shifting back to the original tempo when using this Flux function. I mean something like a tape machine which will play faster and fast till the Flux point is finally reached again. Ideally we could set the amount of time for this kind of temporary fast-forward playing – ideally a synced value like x beats/bars and not only a static value like x ms. (Maybe for this idea there is also a specific term available.)
Dubby Labby
ultracello: tapestop /tapestart. It will require “motor torque” emulation but perfectly doable IMO…
I don’t expect ttm implementation but…
This could help about how implement these behaviours with audio scrubbing/scratching. ;)
ultracello
Dubby Labby: Yeah, the example in the YT video is exactly what I had in mind – I wonder how Michael this could add (if he wanna do that of course!) in a way so we can use this function while performing live. I could imagine that this needs some good amount of CPU power. Automation lanes for clips on the one hand are maybe not so CPU intensive but for scratching on the fly... Hm...
RE: "ideally a
synced
(to get back to the Flux playhead automatically)
value like x* beats/bars and not only a static value like x ms"*x = Loopy Pro should calculate this automatically
Dubby Labby
ultracello: well it could be possible just add that fx (with the graphic curve) just as master fx (or send) so everything sounds like tape/vinyl instead per clip… but if Michael goes nuts and want it as a realtime for everything then more than automation maybe a modulator fx. Another option is develop something like scratch track for iOS (some users asked for to its developer too).
In the end there are lots of possibilities/approaches but the point is “worth the effort?”
Usually there’s a simple solution for each problem but users manage to ask for the most convoluted… xD
m
mccy
Is there no other request for donut scratching? Thought I saw that somehow earlier… would fill a niche.
m
mccy
Noah Sommer: Does samplr really allow scratching in the sense, that the playposition follows straight your finger? I couldn't get real scratching out of it... It rather sets the direktion and speed according to the fingerposition relative to the middle.
Dubby Labby
mccy: I suggested somewhere about midi and timecode (xwax) support so it can be linked to real hardware for turntablism (that include phase mwm) and added some documentation too.
ultracello
under review