Part 2: How to Outline Slices and Chase Effect
To stylize the slices used in projection mapping, I created a Resolume Wire patch. The patch recognizes the slice input/output and will fill out the outline with a color (currently red). The outline width is adjustable via MIDI controller. Furthermore, to make it even more interesting, I added multiple chaser effects within this patch that can be toggled on and off.
The patch:
What is a chaser effect?
A chaser effect is simple. If the output created in Resolume Arena has, e.g., 4 slices, then, e.g., on a 4 to the floor beat, the first slice lights up, then on the second beat, only the second slice and so forth, creating a chasing effect if the slices light up one after another from left to right. As if the slices are chasing each other.
Here is an example of a chaser effect used at an “Outworld” event. Creating the chaser effect within Wire is not the only option to make it. I’ve made project-specific chase effects within Arena, using different kinds of envelopes.
Ok, I’ll tell you what an envelope is first…
An envelope is a similar principle to sound automation (if that rings a bell) or placing key frames on certain frames. The envelope is used to make the visual seem audio-reactive. By choosing a 4-beat envelope, the visual can be automated, e.g. the kick drum.
The picture above shows that the visual is enabled on the first beat and disabled during 2, 3 and 4. Now, if the second visual is enabled on the second beat only, the third visual enabled on the third and the fourth visual… you get it now. It creates a chaser effect. This is just one example of an envelope.
The first envelope shown earlier was an instant on and off, but the one seen below has a slower turn off time.
While the one seen below this paragraph specifically is a bit of an experiment of mine. The chaotic envelope type adds a strobing effect as the opacity of the visual switches many times during that one beat.
These experiments cause interesting audio-reactive looking effects during shows, keeping the audience’s attention and energy high.
