Introduction

XenoGate is a rhythmic probability gate built around a sixteen-step pattern. Each step has two distinct ideas attached to it: whether the step belongs to the gate pattern, and how likely that active step is to open when the playhead reaches it. That separation lets a recognizable groove remain intact while its details vary from pass to pass.

You can build a completely repeatable gate, a mostly stable groove with occasional deviations, or a pattern that continuously reshapes itself. Version 3.0 keeps the whole system on a single page: pattern state, per-step probability, timing, swing, automatic evolution, mutation strength and the final gate envelope.

Main Features

Quick Start

1. Set Rate to the rhythmic division you want, such as 1/16.
2. Set Length to the number of steps in the repeating cycle. Start with 16 for a conventional full grid.
3. Build the pattern by activating the steps you want, or use Fill as a starting point.
4. Set probability for each active step. Use 100% for anchors and lower values where you want variation.
5. Choose Shape and add Swing if the groove should be less rigid.
6. Set Depth for gate strength and Smooth for transition softness.
7. Use Mix to blend the gated result with the dry signal.
8. Once the groove works, try Mutate, Randomize Pattern, Randomize Probability, or Auto Evolve.

Main User Interface

XenoGate is deliberately single-page. You can see what the pattern is doing, how uncertain each step is, and how the final gate is being applied without changing views.

The 16-Step Gate Pattern

Each numbered column represents one step in the sequence. Bright coloured cards are active positions; dim positions are inactive. The small playhead marker above the row shows the step currently being evaluated.

Pattern States

• Active step: the position is eligible to generate a gate event.
• Inactive step: the pattern does not request a gate event at that position.
• Playhead: shows the current step as the sequence advances.

Pattern state and probability are intentionally separate. An active step may still be skipped when its probability is below 100%.

Per-Step Probability

The probability row controls how likely each active step is to produce its gate event. This lets one fixed pattern generate many closely related performances.

A useful approach is to keep a few high-probability anchors and surround them with lower-probability events.

Rate, Length, Shape and Swing

Rate

Rate selects the musical step division. A setting such as 1/16 advances the pattern in sixteenth-note steps.

Length

Length determines how many of the sixteen available positions are included in the repeating cycle. Odd or shortened values create rotating relationships against a conventional bar.

Shape

Shape changes the contour of each gate transition. Softer shapes reduce the abruptness of the pulse; firmer shapes emphasize rhythmic edges.

Swing

Swing shifts the feel away from a perfectly straight grid. At 0% the sequence is straight; higher values introduce increasing rhythmic lilt.

Auto Evolve and Mutation

Auto Evolve

• Auto Rand enables automatic randomisation behaviour so the pattern can reorganise itself over time.
• Auto Mut enables automatic mutation, producing evolving variations derived from the current state.
• Mutate Amount determines how extensive mutation is. Smaller values retain more identity; larger values allow broader departures.

Manual Pattern Operations

Use mutation when you like the current pattern and want relatives of it. Use full randomisation when you want a new starting point.

Depth, Smooth and Mix

Depth

Depth determines how strongly the gate acts on the signal. Lower settings create restrained movement; higher settings create more obvious open/closed contrast.

Smooth

Smooth is expressed in milliseconds and softens transitions around gate changes. Increase it to reduce abrupt edges or create a more envelope-like pulse.

Mix

Mix blends the processed gated signal with the original. At 100% the result is fully gated; lower settings create parallel gating.

Randomisation Controls

XenoGate separates structural randomisation from probability randomisation because they solve different creative problems.

A practical order of operations

1. Choose Rate and Length.
2. Create or randomize the pattern.
3. Set a few probability anchors.
4. Randomize Probability if broader variation is wanted.
5. Use Mutate for related alternatives.
6. Enable Auto Evolve only when continuous change is desired.

Creative Workflows

Stable Groove, Unstable Detail

Keep the most important steps around 90-100% and supporting steps around 20-60%. The rhythmic identity remains clear while the details change.

Parallel Pulse

Use a strong gate pattern but reduce Mix. The dry signal remains continuous underneath while XenoGate contributes the rhythmic movement.

Soft Breathing Gate

Use moderate Depth, increase Smooth, and choose a softer Shape. The gate behaves more like a rhythmic volume envelope than a hard switch.

Rotating Pattern

Use an odd Length such as 15 against a conventional 4/4 grid. The sequence repeatedly lands in new places relative to the bar.

Evolving Performance

Start with a strong pattern, keep Mutate Amount modest, then enable Auto Mut. The pattern can evolve gradually rather than jumping immediately to unrelated material.

Tips & Quick Reference

• Build anchors first. Put important steps at high probability before adding uncertain events.
• Randomize Probability after the groove works. This changes reliability without replacing the structural rhythm.
• Use Mutate for families of patterns. It is ideal when you want variation without discarding the current idea.
• Increase Smooth when sharp edges are distracting. This is particularly useful with sustained material.
• Reduce Mix for drums or full mixes. Parallel gating preserves body and transients.
• Try odd lengths. 5, 7, 11, 13 or 15 steps create less obvious repetition.
• Version note: this document applies specifically to XenoGate Version 3.0.

One-Glance Reference