Performance Mode
OSC-1's live performance tools — the Mixer, Step Sequencer, Scene Manager, and Shape Sampler with APC Mini MK2 integration.
Performance Mode (Mode 3) adds professional live performance tools for VJs, oscilloscope music performers, and laser show operators.
Mixer (Layer Stack)
The MIXER blends multiple shape sources into a single XY output. The layer stack is dynamic — click + ADD LAYER to add a layer, × to remove one, and drag layers to reorder them.
Each layer has:
- Source — Morph Sequencer, Shape Morph, Shape Synth, or SVG / Icon
- Gain — 0 to 2
- Blend Mode — how this layer combines with the layers below it
Blend Modes:
- ADD — signals sum together (classic oscilloscope music approach)
- MULT — AM-style modulation between layers
- DIFF — difference between layers
- MOD — modulo wrapping for glitchy effects
- FOLD — wavefolding at the boundaries
- MIN / MAX — quieter or louder of the two layers wins per-sample
A master output gain (0–2) sits below the stack. Masterful use of the Mixer is how complex oscilloscope pieces that look like multiple instruments are created — each "voice" is a separate layer.
Step Sequencer
A step sequencer that steps through shapes in time. Each step holds a shape plus its transition settings — steps don't trigger presets, effects, or notes.
Clock Sources
- INT — internal clock, BPM set with the tempo control
- MIDI — sync to external MIDI clock from a DAW or drum machine
Per-Step Settings
- Shape — the shape this step displays
- Length — step duration: 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, or 1 bar
- Morph — the easing curve used to transition into the shape
- Time — how much of the step is spent morphing (0–100%)
Scene Manager
Save and recall complete parameter snapshots (scenes) across 2 banks of 8 slots (16 scenes total).
Tier: Saving scenes is a Pro feature — every account gets 5 free scene saves to try it. Recalling and crossfading between already-saved scenes stays free. See Pricing.
Saving a scene: Select a slot and click SAVE CURRENT STATE.
Managing scenes: Each saved scene has RENAME, DUPE, and DEL buttons.
Recalling a scene: Click any saved scene slot OR assign it to MIDI for hands-free recall.
Crossfade: Three transition modes:
- INSTANT — hard cut (the default)
- TIMED — automatic crossfade over a set duration, 0.5–10 seconds (default 2 s)
- MANUAL — you drive the crossfade position yourself, e.g. from an expression pedal on MIDI CC 11
Shape Sampler
A 16-slot shape pad optimized for real-time performance. Each pad holds a shape from the Shape Tools library, triggerable via mouse click, keyboard shortcut, or MIDI.
APC Mini MK2 Integration
When an Akai APC Mini MK2 is connected (via Web MIDI), the Shape Sampler maps to the 8×8 pad grid:
- Pads — trigger shapes directly from the hardware
- LED feedback — pads light up in the shape's assigned color when active
- Faders — the 9 faders on the APC Mini control Mixer layer volumes
- Scene launch — the 8 scene buttons recall scenes
The APC Mini MK2 integration is bi-directional: the LEDs update in real-time to reflect OSC-1's state. If you change a shape via software, the corresponding pad light updates immediately.
Tips for Live Performance
Build scenes before the show. A Scene Manager with 8–12 pre-built scenes is far more reliable than building content live. Create, test, and save.
Use the transition fade. Switching scenes with a 1–2 second crossfade sounds and looks more professional than a hard cut.
Map macros to a MIDI controller. Assign key effect parameters (Kaleidoscope segments, Rotate speed, Ripple intensity) to hardware knobs so you can make expressive changes without touching the mouse.