PARAT+ 1.5

Parat+ is an innovative application designed for musicians and visual artists who seek to enhance their interaction with audio and visual software and hardware through Open Sound Control (OSC) and MIDI. Its multi-functional nature allows it to serve as a controller, interface, and instrument, providing a flexible platform for both spontaneous and sophisticated multitouch gestural control.

This application is engineered by practitioners for practitioners, aiming to empower users in their artistic pursuits by expanding their technological possibilities. Parat+ excels beyond the typical functionality of a virtual fader box; it offers the ability to record, remap, and program controls with intuitive ease. Users can engage in actions such as swiping and utilizing multitouch gestures to record, loop, and adjust the parameters of each fader dynamically.

Parat+ allows for real-time manipulation of sound levels, effects parameters, synthesis, lighting, and more through both OSC and MIDI protocols. It demonstrates broad compatibility with OSC-enabled software such as:

• Max
• Max for Live
• PD
• Bitwig
• Processing
• Reaper
• Digital Performer
• Reaktor
• Renoise
• Ardour

Additionally, other applications like Ableton Live and various hardware setups (including DMX lighting rigs) can also be controlled via MIDI. The core fader-style controller modules facilitate control over parameters of any OSC or MIDI enabled system, with the ability to define multiple OSC targets for enhanced user flexibility.

The faders provide exceptional real-time control, featuring a three-point multitouch control system that allows users to remap interval settings and responsiveness curves on-the-fly. The touch gesture functionalities are diverse:

• One-finger gestures adjust the fader value.
• Two-finger gestures modify minimum and maximum fader values.
• Three-finger gestures alter the minimum, maximum, and responsiveness curve.

The application supports both absolute and relative touch modes to facilitate seamless adjustments during performance. Each fader can further be automated through various means including the Gesture Recorder, built-in LFO generators, as well as external OSC sources and MIDI devices.

Parat+ can function as a central hub for any performance or production environment, enabling users to refine OSC data streams directed to it for comprehensive control of parameters across diverse systems. Users can manipulate incoming OSC data from sensors or generative algorithms through its scaling and modulation capabilities.

The gesture recording feature enhances creative processes by allowing looped or one-shot automation without length limitations. The user-friendly design of Parat+ encourages newcomers to explore customized control setups while offering industry professionals valuable time savings during complex project configurations.

The overarching philosophy of Parat+ is to extend creative practices without imposing rigid methodologies. It is built on the understanding that artistic work demands tools that evolve alongside their users, fostering a personalized yet flexible artistic approach. Programmers will find its data handling intuitive, while those less experienced with advanced technology will benefit from an approachable pathway into innovative interactive tools.

This focus on minimizing technical barriers allows users to prioritize artistic expression and aesthetic choice guided by their intrinsic creativity, free from the limitations often associated with conventional software solutions.