How is legato executed in PolySWAM?

In standard SWAM solo instruments, the legato is straightforward: when you overlap two notes, the engine triggers a natural transition (portamento), with the speed determined by the velocity of the second note.

However, PolySWAM is a polyphonic instrument. If we used the same approach as solo instruments, overlapping notes would cause the engine to struggle between playing a legato melody or triggering multiple notes simultaneously (a chord).

How it works in PolySWAM

To solve this, PolySWAM uses an intelligent analysis window (a buffer). Here is how it differentiates between your intentions:

• The Legato Window: When you trigger a new note, the engine briefly "listens" to see if you are continuing a melody. If you release the current note and play the next note (or overlap it) within a very short, specific time frame, the engine recognizes your intent to play legato and executes a seamless transition.

• Polyphonic Mode: If the next note is played outside of that time frame, the system interprets your action as the start of a chord or a new musical event, maintaining polyphony.

We designed this system to balance musical responsiveness with the intelligence required to orchestrate an entire ensemble in real time.

Tips for a natural feel

Because PolySWAM interprets your performance intent, we recommend experimenting with your playing style. As you get comfortable with how the engine "listens" to your fingers, you will naturally develop the musical sensitivity needed to trigger exactly the articulation you want.

Customizing your feel: Legato Response

This control allows you to adjust the length of the analysis window to perfectly match your personal playing style:

• Tight settings: Provide a faster, more immediate response, ideal for crisp, rhythmic playing.

• Wider settings: Make it easier to trigger legato transitions, especially if you have a less precise overlap technique.

Note: There is a natural trade-off between this setting and performance latency. Increasing the window length makes it easier to achieve legato, but it also increases the analysis time. Finding your own "sweet spot" will ensure the perfect balance between responsiveness and expressive fluidity.