AudioLab GUI Guide

How the editor canvas, cables, and transport fit together for music and sound-design sessions. For per-module detail, see AudioLab Components.

Overview

AudioLab is a modular browser studio. Each box on the canvas is a component — a synth, drum voice, sequencer, effect, mixer, or CV utility. You connect them with cables that carry one of three signal kinds:

  • MIDI — note numbers, velocity, and timing events (triggers and pitch).
  • Audio — stereo or mono sound reaching the master bus.
  • CV — normalized control values (0–1) that modulate knobs and sliders on other modules.

Press Play on the transport to clock sequencers and tempo-synced effects. Adjust levels in the mix console or on dedicated mixer modules before export.

MIDI, Audio, and CV Flow

A typical production patch flows in three layers:

  • Generation (MIDI) — Step sequencers, arpeggiators, keyboards, and random sources emit MIDI. MIDI processors (ProbAL, MidiX, pitch quantize, delays) sit in series between source and instrument.
  • Sound (Audio) — Synths and samplers convert MIDI to audio. Insert FX (filter, delay, reverb, compressor) shape tone on the channel. Mixers sum multiple sources to stereo out.
  • Modulation (CV) — LFOs, external MIDI CC (via External-MIDI-1), and CV utilities drive parameters without replacing audio or note data. Pink dots on controls accept CV cables.

Visualizer and WireLab tiles consume MIDI for visuals; they do not replace your audio path — duplicate MIDI to both audible synths and visual sinks when needed.

Patching Modules

AudioLab uses a patching metaphor like a hardware modular rack:

  • Drag from an output port (right side of a module) to an input port (left). Port labels show kind: MIDI, AUDIO, or CV.
  • Only compatible kinds connect — you cannot cable audio into a MIDI input.
  • One output may fan out to several inputs (e.g. one sequencer driving bass and pad).
  • Order in the graph matters for FX inserts: filter before delay is a common starting point.
  • Add modules from the palette; remove unused modules to keep CPU and visual clutter down.

Save scenes to your library so cables, control values, and module layout persist. Reloading a scene restores the full patch for playback or export.

CV Modulation

  • CV carries floating values, not audio waveforms. Destinations scale CV to their control range (e.g. filter cutoff 0–100).
  • CV-LFO provides tempo-synced or free-running modulation. External-MIDI-1 turns hardware knobs into CV sources.
  • MultiplyCV and ReadCV scale or monitor signals in longer chains.
  • State Manager snapshots control and mixer settings for instant recall during performance or arrangement tests.

Transport and Mixing

  • BPM sets global tempo; sequencers and sync'd LFOs follow transport.
  • Play / Stop starts and stops the clock. Many sequencers only advance while playing.
  • Use the on-screen mix console or a Mix8-s2 module for per-channel level, pan, and mute.
  • Mono fold (when available) sums stereo paths for checking club translation.

Export Options

When the arrangement is ready, AudioLab offers several ways to print or share your work (availability may depend on your site plan):

  • Export WAV — Offline render of the full scene through the Web Audio graph. Chooses bar count from export settings; optional pre-roll before the first bar. 48 kHz bounce suitable for mastering or video sync.
  • Export WEBM — Similar offline render encoded as WEBM audio for quick sharing or web playback.
  • OneFile HTML — Self-contained HTML with embedded scene and runtime for playback in a browser without the full editor. Configure visible export controls in the export UI before generating.
  • Performance Capture — Live recording of transport-driven playback with state morphs; streams to your audio library for later replay via PerformancePlayer.
  • WireLab OneFile / Export MP4 — From WireLab (opened from an AudioLab scene): mapped controls plus VFX frames export to standalone HTML or stepped MP4 video with optional audio render.

Offline WAV/WEBM renders the current patch graph — mute or bypass modules you do not want in the print. Check export bar length and pre-roll preferences before bouncing.

Component reference: AudioLab Components