ASTROFOX
Create

Reactors

Map audio, beats, or generated motion to Astrofox controls.

A reactor converts a source signal into a normalized output that can drive one or more compatible controls. This is how you make scale pulse with bass, rotation follow treble, or an effect appear on each beat.

Create a reactor#

1
Add a reactor

In the Reactors panel, choose Add reactor. Select the new reactor to open its detailed controls and live meters above the player.

2
Choose an output mode

Pick an audio, beat, or static mode based on the motion you want.

3
Tune the source

For spectrum modes, drag the selection over the frequency and level region you want to follow. Adjust Max dB, smoothing, hold, and decay while audio plays.

4
Bind a control

Select a display or effect. On a compatible numeric control, choose the reactor. Output 0 uses that control's minimum; output 1 uses its maximum.

Output modes#

FamilyModesUse for
SpectrumAdd, Subtract, Forward, Reverse, CycleContinuous motion driven by the selected audio band
BeatBeat Trigger, Beat EnvelopeDiscrete hits or a pulse that decays after each detected beat
StaticStatic Forward, Static Reverse, Static CycleTime-based motion that does not require audio

Add follows band energy (quiet → 0, loud → 1). Subtract inverts that energy. Forward, Reverse, and Cycle accumulate energy over time so the output walks through 0–1 instead of tracking the level each frame. Static modes use the same walk at a configurable Speed, without audio.

Tune the response#

  • Spectrum selection isolates low, middle, or high frequencies and an amplitude range. Bass sits toward the low-frequency end; vocals and melody tend to occupy the middle; cymbals and air sit higher.
  • Max dB changes the level treated as full output. Move it toward zero for loud sources and lower it for quiet sources.
  • Smoothing steadies jittery motion at the cost of slower response.
  • Hold Time (spectrum modes and Beat Trigger) keeps a peak or pulse on before it falls. The value is in analysis frames, not seconds.
  • Decay (spectrum modes and Beat Envelope) controls how quickly the value returns after a peak. Beat Trigger drops to zero after the hold instead.
  • Sensitivity changes how readily beat modes trigger.
  • Speed controls the rate of static modes.

Practical patterns#

Bass pulse

Select the low end of the spectrum and bind Add output to scale or Bloom strength.

Snare flash

Use Beat Trigger or Beat Envelope on opacity, brightness, or a stylized effect.

Slow rotation

Use Static Forward or Static Cycle on rotation for motion that continues during silence.

High-frequency shimmer

Select the upper spectrum and use a small range on RGB Shift, Film Grain, or displacement.

One reactor can drive several controls. Use separate reactors when elements need different frequency bands, smoothing, beat sensitivity, or timing.