Changes Script Wait

Changes : W= n

A Wait command pauses the execution of the Changes script for a specified number of beats. You use this to time the operation of the other script commands. For example, if you want to change the Instrument for Voice 2 to a Trumpet ( MIDI instrument number 56) after 32 beats, you could use:

W=32 I2=56

Typically, a script will have multiple Waits such that one pass through the entire script represents some sort of cycle. (Scripts automatically repeat by default.) In the above case you would probably want to change the instrument to something else at another time in the script. Otherwise, the instrument would change to a Trumpet and never change back. As a simple example, you could change it to a Soprano Sax (64) after another 32 beats:

W=32 I2=56 W=32 I2=64

This will alternate between Trumpet and Soprano Sax, changing every 32 beats.

The Wait interval must be an unsigned integer, but it does not need to be a constant; you can use any valid expression, including random values, current computer keyboard states, input or buffered notes, or oscillators. If the value is zero, there is no Wait and the next command is processed immediately.

For example, to wait for a random interval between 32 and 48 beats, you would use W=?(32,48).

Note: Every Changes script must have at least one Wait command. Otherwise, it would stick in an endless loop on the first beat, furiously executing the same script commands over and over and never getting around to playing any notes.

If there are no Wait commands in the Changes script, the Changes debugger will report "No Waits in Changes script, Voice 2" (or whatever Voice) and will not allow the performance to run.

If a Wait command is present but the specified Wait expression evaluates to zero, the Changes command processor may make an entire pass through the script without a single Wait. In that case, processing of that script stops for one beat, allowing other scripts to run and notes to play.

Similarly, every Loop in a script also requires one or more Waits.

See also Changes Script Overview, Changes Script Editor, MIDI Voice Setup Dialogs, Pitch-to-MIDI dialog, Pitch Track Toolbox - Overview