Step Modulator

The Step Modulator (S-MOD) device lets you directly set a series of values for the controls on other Patchwork devices. Patch the Step Modulator cable into other device controls to create sequenced patterns with settings that you define in the Step Modulator.

Device Options

Other Device Options

In Create mode, walk up to the device and press E to open the Customize panel. Some device options mirror the controls you can manipulate with the Patchwork tool. They are present so that you can use the event binding system to trigger changes to how those controls behave, although you can choose to change them here instead of using the knobs. The Allow Cable Access option can only be modified using the Customize panel.

Using the Step Modulator

The Step Modulator can be used in a number of ways. For example, you could use it to create a variety of multi-page note patterns by modulating the Page Knob of a Note Sequencer. Or, modulate the Volume knob of an Instrument Player to create song dynamics as the volume of that instrument changes over time.

This device can be used in many different ways to add complexity and interest to a musical sequence, such as:

• Modulating the key for the Music Manager to change the sound of your entire mix.

• Turning devices on and off automatically in a sequence.

The UI indicates all active step values and the step rate for the device. Turning the Step Value Knob decreases or increases the step value for the selected step. A step value provides control data as an output that connects to the knob of another Patchwork device.

The device has a dynamic UI that can change based on its output destination type, changing into a continuous knob, stepped knob, carousel, or toggle as needed.

VFX Preview

The VFX preview for the Step modulator shows:

• The highlighted column indicates the current position in the sequence of steps.

• The heights of the diamond shapes indicate the relative value of each step.

  

Direct Event Binding

Following are the direct event binding options for this device.

Functions

A function listens for an event on a device then performs an action.

1. For any function, click the option, then Select Device to access and select from the Device dropdown menu.

2. Once you've selected a device, click Select Event and select the event that triggers this function.

3. If more than one device or event triggers a function, press the Add button to add a line and repeat these steps.

Events

Direct event binding uses events as transmitters. An event tells another device to perform a function.

1. For any event option, click the option, then Select Device to access and select from the Device dropdown menu.

2. Once you've selected a device, click Select Function to bind the event to a function for that device.

3. If more than one function is triggered by the event, press the Add button and repeat.

Using Step Modulator in Verse

You can use the code below to control a dDistortion eEffect device in Verse. This code uses all features of the Step Modulator device API. Modify it to fit the needs of your experience.

using { /Fortnite.com/Devices }

using { /Verse.org/Simulation }

using { /UnrealEngine.com/Temporary/Diagnostics }

# A Verse-authored creative device that can be placed in a level

step_modulator_example := class(creative_device):

    @editable

    StepModulator:patchwork_step_modulator_device = patchwork_step_modulator_device{}

    # Runs when the device is started in a running game

    OnBegin<override>()<suspends>:void=

        

        Sleep(5.0)

        StepModulator.Disable()

        Print("Device Disabled")

        Sleep(5.0)

        StepModulator.Enable()

        Print("Device Enabled")

Copy full snippet

using { /Fortnite.com/Devices } using { /Verse.org/Simulation } using { /UnrealEngine.com/Temporary/Diagnostics } # A Verse-authored creative device that can be placed in a level step_modulator_example := class(creative_device): @editable StepModulator:patchwork_step_modulator_device = patchwork_step_modulator_device{} # Runs when the device is started in a running game OnBegin<override>()<suspends>:void= Sleep(5.0) StepModulator.Disable() Print("Device Disabled") Sleep(5.0) StepModulator.Enable() Print("Device Enabled")

To use this code in your UEFN experience, follow these steps.

1. Drag a Step Modulator device onto your island.

2. Create a new Verse device named step_modulator_example. To learn how to create a new device in Verse, see Create Your Own Device Using Verse.

3. Open Verse Explorer and double-click step_modulator_example.verse to open the script in Visual Studio Code.

4. Paste in the code above, compile, and drag the Verse-authored device onto your island.

5. Select your Verse device in the Outliner.

6. In the device’s Details panel, assign the object reference for the StepModulator to the Step Modulator device on your island. You can use the eyedropper to pick the device in the viewport, or use the dropdown and search for the device.

7. Save your project and click Launch Session.

Step Modulator API

See the step_modulator_device API Reference for more information on using the Step Modulator device in Verse.

Patch Ideas

Patch the Step Modulator to the Page Knobs to play pages in any order you like.

Patch the Step Modulator to the Key Carousel to create a progression in the global mix.

Patch the Step Modulator to different controls on these devices to create regular variations in their sound.