Wotja Box 19

Wotja Box 19 Guide  19.10.0 - 25th October 2019
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Wotja Box 19 User Guide

Guide  19.10.0 - 25th October 2019 |
Wotja Box 19 for mobile and desktop devices

Generative Music Album Maker

For: iOS, macOS, Windows
Languages: English, Chinese, Japanese

Love listening to music & melodies in the ambient genre? Use mid-range Wotja Box 19 to easily generate fresh music that’s beautiful, personal & unique to you. Made live on your device, the music is not an internet stream, recording or loop. So be in the 'now', be Zen!

Wotja's success stems from many years of continuous development.

For All

Start the all-new 'Flow Player' mode for mix-after-mix of live relaxing music. Or, with one tap, make albums of auto-generated mixes. Use Randomization Presets to change what is generated. Export the Flow mixes that you particularly love as single mix albums for later playback.

Wotja User Reviews

"Masterpiece", "the best generative software that I have ever used", "Brilliant", "Extremely musical", "Love Wotja!"

This App

This paid-for version of Wotja V19 has a mid-range 'Box' Feature Set. It’s for those who have no need for the advanced creativity or interoperability features of the 'Pro’ Feature Set but who want to do more than is possible in either 'Wotja Go 19' or the 'Free' tier Feature Set available in the free version.

It allows up to 2 hours music play time and has full .wotjabox album edit/save/export capabilities. It allows new random mixes to be added to albums and includes a number of Randomization Presets that can be edited and saved to your own presets. These Presets allow you to change what is created, e.g. template selection, text display, visual background generation, mix durations etc.

If you have a need for a music play time that is more than 2 hours and/or want to explore the advanced creativity or interoperability features of the Wotja system then consider getting the paid-for 'Wotja Pro 19'.

Alternatively, if available, consider a Subscription version and take out a Subscription to a ’Pro' Feature Set tier. The Subscription version also includes optional 'Long Play' Subscriptions for those that need to play their own mixes in e.g. a long play music installation.

'Wotja Box 19’ will get all relevant Wotja V19 updates during the course of 2019.

Quick Start

Documents Screen - Flow Segment

Documents Screen - 'Flow' Segment
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Documents Screen - User Segment

Documents Screen - 'User' Segment
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Documents Screen - Built-In Segment

Documents Screen - 'Built-In' Segment
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Note for Wotja Go 19 for tvOS: Users should check out the short videos above, and refer to the 'Flow Player' section.

On starting the app you will see the Documents screen with 3 segments - 'Flow', 'User' and 'Built-In'.

'Flow' Segment - Generate a succesion of mixes

Select the 'Flow' segment and tap any one of icons. Each icon will load the 'Flow Player' with a particular Randomization Scheme. Flow mode will then start generating a succession of freshly mixed generative music mixes.

Tip: You can customize Schemes and create/save your own; they will be listed here and have the (default) purple Flow icon.

'User' Segment - Play 3rd party 'Box' albums

If you install any 3rd party .wotjabox files (Boxes) you will see and can play them from here.

'User' Segment - Create an Automatic album ('Box')

Tip: Box editing/ading/saving/exporting/re-ordering etc. is Feature Set dependent.

In the 'User' segment, tap the 'Add New' button and select 'Album (automatic)' from the pop-up menu for a freshly generated 'Box' of mixes. Each mix in the Box (including its icon, text etc.) is created randomly from the hundreds of included Templates according to the settings in the selected Randomization Scheme.

Boxes can be played in the Box Player where you can can change mix duration, mix ordering etc. and re-save your Box.

If you want to customize a mix firstly export it as .wotja (mix) file and it will show up in the Documents screen 'User' segment. Then, in that, tap on it to enter one of the Wotja Editing Modes. Once you are done, then add it to your Box.

'Built-In' Segment - Play a Built-In 'Album'

Tip: 'Albums' are a special kind of built-in play-only Box that does not allow exporting of mixes or Mix Overrides.

Select the 'Built-In' segment and the top view selector control and tap the thumbnail of the Album you want. It will then start playing in the Box Player.

The Desktop Menu (macOS/Windows) is where you can:

  • Quit/exit the app
  • Create a new .wotjabox file (automatic album), .wotja file (automatic mix) or .wotjalist (playlist)
  • Open a file you have previously saved
  • Open any of the relevant supported filetypes (see table below)
  • Show the Wotja data folder (useful for later)
  • Select your Audio Output device

Tip: You can use both 'Documents Window' or Finder / Windows Explorer to carry out normal file related activities e.g. delete/duplicate/rename etc.

Tip: On Desktop use Cmd+W (macOS) or Ctrl+W (Windows) to close a tab.

Note: You may want to use iCloud (if you have it) rather than local storage (if you use local storage the Wotja Data Folder will show you where that is and it will be the Intermorphic Folder). If you use iCloud your files will also appear in the Wotja iCloud Drive folder for all your devices, meaning you can easily sync your Wotja related files between devices that share the same iCloud account. See the iCloud FAQ.

WOTJA BACKUPS: Make these by: A) Using iCloud to store your files, or by B) backing up your device with Time Machine or equivalent; or C) emailing yourself a backup copy of each wotja. Using iCloud is the easiest way to manage your files.

UI Item Description
Menu Bar
Desktop Menu
  • Wotja App name (macOS):
    • About
    • Other usual entries
    • Quit
  • File:
    • New (files are saved to the Wotja data folder)
      • Album (automatic): Creates a new automatic album of mixes (a 'Box') based on the Randomization Settings and opens in the Box Player.
      • Mix (automatic): Creates a new random mix file based on the Randomization Settings (meaning you do not have to make one via the Templates List) and then opens it in Mix Mode.
      • Mix - Manual: Takes you to the Templates List to let you manually create a new mix file before opening it in Mix Mode.
      • Cut-Up Text: Creates a new mix file without music (you can create a mix later if you want) and then opens it in Cut-Up Mode.
      • Play List (Desktop version only at present): Creates a new playlist file (.wotjalist) and then opens it in the Box Player where you can add to it the Wotja files you want to be in it.
    • Open
    • Close: Close the currently open file.
    • Save / Save As:
    • Open Recent (Windows)
      • Shows a list of recently opened files.You can clear this list using the bottom "Clear Menu" menu item.
    • Exit (Windows): Close the Wotja app.
  • Options:
    • Show Wotja data folder: This will display in Finder (macOS) / Explorer (Windows) the Wotja folder where you may have added Boxes and Randomization presets either created with another Wotja app or from a 3rd party or your files have been saved to.
    • Output Devices: Select the Output audio device to be targeted by Wotja's internal sound generator (the ISE Synth) from the list of available detected options e.g. 'Built-In Output' on macOS and 'Speakers' / 'Primary Sound Driver' for Windows.
  • Window:
    • Show Window: Brings the Wotja app window to the front.
  • Help:
    • Various useful weblinks
    • About (Windows)

Documents Screen

Documents Screen - Flow Segment

Documents Screen - 'Flow' Segment
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Documents Screen - User Segment

Documents Screen - 'User' Segment
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Documents Screen - Built-In Segment

Documents Screen - 'Built-In' Segment
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The Documents screen is what you see after you have launched the app. It is where you can:

  • Select one of three different file views (segments): 'Flow, User' or 'Built-In'
  • 'Flow' segment:
    • Start the 'Flow Player' and use it with the named Randomization Scheme
  • 'User' segment:
    • If you install any 3rd party .wotjabox 'Box' albums you will see and can play them from here.
  • 'User' segment:
    • Start the 'Flow Player' and use it with the (User selected) Randomization Scheme
    • Create a new .wotjabox file ('Box') , .wotja file (mix) or .wotjalist file (playlist)
    • Open a file you have previously saved
    • Open any of the relevant supported filetypes
    • Delete/duplicate/rename files
    • If you install any 3rd party Boxes you will see and can play them from here.
  • 'Built-In' segment:
    • Load a Built-In Album (e.g. Calm or Relax)

The only difference in display of this screen in Desktop and Mobile versions is that in the 'User' segment in the Desktop version you can have multiple files (mixes, playlists, Boxes and Albums) open, each one shown in a different tab at the top of the screen.

  • Tip: To close an open tab in the Desktop version use Cmd+W (macOS) or Ctrl+W (Windows).

iOS/macOS: When you first start the app you're prompted if you want to use iCloud or Local. Go your device's iCloud Settings screen, scroll down that and look for this Wotja app and go into that screen. You will see a "Use iCloud" toggle and you then set it as you wish. See iCloud Settings.

Filetypes:

UI Item Description
SettingsSettings

Go to Settings screen.
ActionAction
  • Refresh: Refreshes the display in the Documents screen and resyncs to iCloud (if in use).
  • Sort Order...: You can choose how the files in the User segment are sorted as follows:
    • Sort: New-Old
    • Sort: Old-New
    • Sort: A-Z
    • Sort: Z-A
  • Help & Documentation: Visits this User Guide online.
  • Cancel: Closes the popup menu.
File View controlFile View Control

Tap to select either the 'User' or 'Built-In' File view:

  • 'User': Displays thumbnails of any files of filetypes supported by the app that are present in the Wotja iCloud folder or present in the Local Wotja data folder on the device (see iCloud/Local below ; in Wotja Go 19 these will be any 3rd party Boxes you have installed)
  • 'Built-In': Displays thumbnails of any Albums that are included in the app (e.g. 'Calm' and 'Relax')
FlowFlow button

Tap a Flow button to start the 'Flow Player' mode.
ThumbnailAlbum Thumbnail

Tap to play an 'included' Album, e.g. 'Calm' or 'Relax' in the Box Player. Both Albums include relaxing, ambient generative music pieces.
Add NewAdd New
  • Album (automatic): Creates a new 'Box' (.wotjabox) of mix files based on various Randomisation Settings (meaning you can create a lot of mixes with nice icons in just one button press).
  • Music Mix (automatic): Creates a new random mix file based on the Randomisation Settings (meaning you do not have to make one via the Templates List) and then open it in Mix Mode.
  • Music Mix (manual): Takes you to the Templates List to let you manually create a new mix file before opening it in Mix Mode.
  • Cut-Up Text: Creates a new mix file without music then opens it in Cut-Up Mode.
  • Play List: Creates a new playlist file (.wotjalist) and then opens it in the Box Player.
ThumbnailSaved File Thumbnail

Saved File: Tap on one of the Saved File document thumbnails to open a previously created file.

How the thumbnail displays depends on a number of factors:

  • When a Box was created, what Icon Text setting was used: Cut-up, TTM or none
  • What auto-generated icon is in use?
  • Is it a Box (.wotjabox file)? Boxes are indicated by a small golden box icon that overlays the bottom right of the thumbnail image.
  • - Is content in one or multiple cells?
  • - Is it an old format Wotja file?
  • - Is it a Noatikl file (template)?
  • - Is it a Mixtikl file?
  • - Is it a Wotja Playlist file (see below)?
ThumbnailFilename

Tap on the Filename below the thumbnail for the following popup menu:

  • Open
  • Delete
  • Rename
  • Duplicate
  • Cancel
Thumbnail.wotjalist Thumbnail

Wotja Playlist: Playlist files (.wotjalist) are played in the Box Player.

Wotja List files are indicated by a small list icon that overlays the bottom right of the thumbnail image.

If the Playlist includes a thumbnail then you will see that here, otherwise you will see a list of the included files.
Thumbnail.wotjabox Thumbnail

Wotja 'Box' file: Boxes (.wotjabox files) are played in and exported from the Box Player or created in one press via New > Automatic (album).

Boxes are indicated by a small box icon that overlays the bottom right of the thumbnail image.

If the Box includes a thumbnail image then you will see that here.
Thumbnail.noatikl

Wotja Template: A Template file (.noatikl) is shown with a small IME overlay in the bottom right corner. These are presently .noatikl files, but we may later change the extension. You can save the generative content in a cell as a template from the top toolbar Toolbox icon and selecting "Export to File" where you then see a popup where you can name the file. Once saved, you can find these .noatikl template files in the Template list under "Saved Files".

Flow Player

Flow Player Screen

Flow Player Screen
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See: 'Free Mode' & Limitations

The Flow Player is opened from the Documents screen as follows:

  • 'Flow' segment: Tap a Flow button and the Flow Player will start generating according to the named Randomization Scheme.
  • 'User' segment: Tap the Flow button and the Flow Player will start generating according to the user selected (or default) Randomization Scheme.

It is used to:

  • Generative a succession of freshly created mixes whose play time is governed by the Mix Duration values in Settings.
  • Playback will continue until either the Sleep Timer kicks in (if active) or the Music Play Time Timeout (MPTT) is reached.
  • How each mix is generated depends on the various settings in the currently selected Randomization Preset.

The maximum Play Time is governed by the value of the Music Play Time Timeout (MPTT). Once it has been reached music playback will stop. Press the relevent Wotja play button to restart play.

The MPTT for the Flow Player ranges from 2 minutes to 8 hours and is Feature Set dependent.

The MPTT for the Flow Player in Wotja Go 19 is 1 hour. See Feature Sets.

The MPTT for the Flow Player in Wotja Box 19 is 2 hours. See Feature Sets.

The MPTT for the Flow Player in Wotja Pro 19 is 8 hours. See Feature Sets.

UI Item Description
BackBack

Takes you back to the Documents screen.
BackSettings

Takes you to the Settings screen.
Sleep Timer & Play Time RemainingPlay Time Remaining

Shows the total Play Time remaining before Wotja will stop playing. The maximum this can be is governed by the value of the Music Play Time Timeout (MPTT).

The MPTT for the Flow Player ranges from 2 minutes to 8 hours and is Feature Set dependent.

The MPTT for the Flow Player in Wotja Go 19 is 1 hour. See Feature Sets.

The MPTT for the Flow Player in Wotja Box 19 is 2 hours. See Feature Sets.

The MPTT for the Flow Player in Wotja Pro 19 is 8 hours. See Feature Sets.

Tap the Sleep Timer button just to the left of the Play Time Remaining indicator to go to the Settings Screen where you can set the Sleep Timer. When there the Sleep Timer is on the button looks more solid.
LockLock

Locks the mix so that it is restarted when it reaches its end rather than another being generated.
BackNext

Forces another mix to be generated.
Flow NameFlow

Shows that you are in Flow mode.
Action buttonAction button

Lets you export the Flow mix as a Box file and/or as a mix file. Feature Set dependent.

Lets you export the Flow mix as a Box file.

Lets you export the Flow mix as a Box file and/or as a mix file.

Visit the User Guide online with the Help & More item.
File Play IndicatorFlow Mix Play Time

Shows the Play Time remaining for the current Flow mix.

The Flow mix Music Play Time Timeout is Feature Setdependent.

The Flow mix Music Play Time Timeout is 1 hour in Wotja Go 19. See Feature Setdependent.

The Flow mix Music Play Time Timeout is 2 hours in Wotja Box 19. See Feature Setdependent.

The Flow mix Music Play Time Timeout is 8 hours in Wotja Pro 19. See Feature Setdependent.

Tip: To change how long mix will play for try changing the Duration/Max and Duration Max/Range values in Settings to override what is in the Preset. Doing that lets you override what is in the Preset. It's fun!
Display Text Display Text

Whether any text is displayed here depends on Icon Text value used by the Randomization Preset (Settings > Randomization). The text is present in the underlying mix file and can be Cut-up or TTM text.

Tip: To change what is displayed try changing the 'Icon Text' value in Settings. Doing that lets you override what is in the Preset. It's fun!
Full Screen Background

The background used in Flow Mode depends on the Icon Pallete and Icon Graphic values used by the Randomization Preset (Settings > Randomization).

Tip: To change what is displayed try changing the Icon Pallete and Icon Graphic values in Settings. Doing that lets you override what is in the Preset. It's fun!

Box Player

Box Player Screen (Box file)

Box Player Screen (Box file)
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Box Player Screen (Built-In Album)

Box Player Screen (Built-In Album)
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Box Player Screen

Box Player Screen
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See: 'Free Mode' & Limitations

The Box Player is used to play Box files, Playlists and Albums. It is opened from the Documents screen as follows:

  • 'User' segment:
    • Tap on an installed Box (if any).
  • 'User' segment:
    • Opening a Wotja 'Box' file (.wotjabox)
    • Opening a Wotja Playlist file (.wotjalist)
    • Creating a new Box (Automatic album)
      • Create New & Album (Automatic)
      • Desktop: Titlebar Menu > New & Album (Automatic)
    • Creating a new Playlist
      • Add New > Play List
  • 'Built-In' segment:
    • Tapping on a Built-In 'Album'

It is used to:

  • 'User' segment:
    • Play Wotja 'Boxes' (.wotjabox files, 'Box')
    • Play Wotja Playlists (.wotjalist files, 'Playlist')
    • Export user created Boxes from Playlists
    • Add Wotja, Noatikl and Mixtikl files to a Box
    • Re-order the files in a Playlist
    • Edit Mix Override settings for Playlists and Boxes (these values are saved back to that file)
    • If you install any 3rd party Box you will see and can play them from here.
  • 'Built-In' segment:
    • Play a built-in 'Album' (currently 'Calm' and 'Relax')

The maximum Play Time is governed by the value of the Music Play Time Timeout (MPTT). Once it has been reached music playback will stop. Press the relevent Wotja play button to restart play.

The MPTT for the Box Player ranges from 2 minutes to 8 hours and is Feature Set dependent.

The MPTT for the Box Player in Wotja Go 19 is 1 hour. See Feature Sets.

The MPTT for the Box Player in Wotja Box 19 is 2 hours. See Feature Sets.

The MPTT for the Box Player in Wotja Pro 19 (or an app with Pro feature set) is 8 hours. See Feature Sets.

Box Player File Types

  • Wotja 'Album':
    • A special kind of built-in play-only Box that does not allow exporting of mixes or Mix Overrides.
  • Wotja 'Box' (.wotjabox):
    • Container files that can be created directly through creating an Automatic album or exported from a Playlist. They include all parameter settings, text and images for the included mixes/files - which makes them great for sharing your favourite creations.
    • Note: Any Box that includes mixes that feature templates from a 3rd party template 'Pak'(s) and which uses media such as loops or add-on content must have that 'Pak' installed on any device on which you play those Boxes. See: iCloud Folder or in the Intermorphic Folder.
  • Wotja Playlist (.wotjalist):
    • Playlists that contain references to Wotja / Noatikl / Mixtikl files saved to your iCloud folder. If you change the file in Wotja, then the Playlist just references that changed file.
  • Wotja (.wotja), Noatikl (.noatikl); Mixtikl (.mixtikl):
    • Wotja (.wotja) files include all parameter settings, text and images necessary to play the mix. They do not include, however, any additional referenced media such as loops.
    • Files created with Noatikl and Mixtikl can also be included in Boxes/Playlists.
    • Note: Any mix that feature templates from a 3rd party template 'Pak'(s) and which uses media such as loops or add-on content must have that 'Pak' installed on any device on which you play those mixes. See: iCloud Folder or in the Intermorphic Folder.
UI Item Description
BackBack

Takes you back to the Documents screen.
BackSettings

Takes you to the Settings screen.
Sleep Timer & Play Time RemainingPlay Time Remaining

Shows the total Play Time remaining before Wotja will stop playing. The maximum this can be is governed by the value of the Music Play Time Timeout (MPTT).

The MPTT for the Box Player ranges from 2 minutes to 8 hours and is Feature Set dependent.

The MPTT for the Box Player in Wotja Go 19 is 1 hour. See Feature Sets.

The MPTT for the Box Player in Wotja Box 19 is 2 hours. See Feature Sets.

The MPTT for the Box Player in Wotja Pro 19 (or an app with Pro feature set) is 8 hours. See Feature Sets.

Tap the Sleep Timer button just to the left of the Play Time Remaining indicator to go to the Settings Screen where you can set the Sleep Timer. When there the Sleep Timer is on the button looks more solid.
BackPrevious

Takes you to the previous playlist item.
BackNext

Takes you to the next playlist item.
Add Item Add Item

Tap to add a file to your Box or Playlist.

  • New Random Mix (Box file only): Tap to add a new Random mix to your album. Feature Set dependent.
  • Browse Mixes: Browse the Wotja folder to add a Mix, Saved Mix, Template or Saved Template to your Box. Feature Set dependent.
Sequential Play Sequential Play
Random Play Random Play

Tap to toggle between sequential and random play.
ActionAction
  • Export to Clipboard as Wotja Box Album (Box/Playlist file only): This is for when you want to embed your Box in a webpage as a Wotja URL .
  • Save Wotja Box Album to File (Box/Playlist file only): Allows you to export your Wotja Playlist to a Box file that is then saved locally. You might choose to do this to if you wish to share your album.
  • Refresh ALL items (Box file only): This will refresh all items in the Box file with the latest versions that you have saved locally (this is for Box authors who have the local original files).
  • Help & More: Visit the User Guide online.
Box/Playlist/Album NameBox/Playlist/Album Name

The name of the Box/Playlist/Album (left of status bar).
File NameFile Name

The name of the currently selected File (middle of status bar).
File Play IndicatorFile Play Time

Shows the Play Time left for the current file (right of status bar).

This value can only be adjusted in Mix Overrides (Box file only).

The maximum effective value of a mix in Wotja is 4 hours but it is limited by the MPTT and so is Feature Set Dependent. See Feature Set dependent.

The maximum duration of a mix in Wotja Go 19 is effectively 1 hour, as that is the MPTT in Wotja Go 19. See Feature Sets.

The maximum duration of a mix in Wotja Box 19 is effectively 2 hours, as that is the MPTT in Wotja Box 19. See Feature Sets.

The maximum duration of a mix in Wotja Pro 19 is 4 hours. See Feature Sets.
Box/Album ThumbnailBox/Album Thumbnail Box/Album Thumbnail

Tap the thumbnail to go to Full Screen display (see below).
List Item

The top line is the file name.

The center line displays "Playing" when the file is playing.

The bottom line displays the minimum and maximum piece time. These values are set in Mix Overrides (Box file only).

Tap the central area to play or stop the file. When the file is playing the item will be a light blue colour.
Mix Overrides button

Tap for a pop-up menu where you are presented with the following options (Box/Playlist files only):

  • Mix Overrides: See the item below.
  • Random Icon (Box file only): Allows you to randomly generate a new icon according to the "Random > Albums > Icon Palette and Icon Graphic" settings.
  • Export Mix to File: Where availble, this item lets you export your mix so that you can further edit it,
  • Refresh Item from File (Box file only, and then only shown if you have exported that mix file): If you have exported a mix, changed it and saved it, this allows you to refresh the file in the album.
  • Move Up: Only shown if you have a subscription enabled or are using the Annual version.
  • Move Down: Only shown if you have a subscription enabled or are using the Annual version.
  • Delete: Only shown if you have a subscription enabled or are using the Annual version.
  • Cancel: Cancel out of the pop-up.
Mix Overrides ScreenMix Overrides Screen
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These settings (Box file only) override any related settings that may be in the File in the Box (these File related Playlist settings are set in the Cell Rules panel in the Mix Tab).

  • Ramp Up: Sets how long it takes for the file volume to ramp up once the file has started to play.
  • Duration: Sets how long the file will play for (Piece time).
  • Range: Sets a range on how long the file can play for.
  • Ramp Down: Sets how long it takes for the file volume to ramp down before play moves to the next file.
FullscreenFullscreenFullscreen
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Fullscreen display is for when you want to sit back, look at any included image/message and reflect on the music.

When you first go into Fullscreen display a faint white toolbar appears at the top to help you see the controls.

Tap in the center of the screen to return to the Box player screen.

Settings: General

Settings ScreenSettings Screen

Settings Screen - General
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The General "segment" in Settings is where you set the Sleep timer if required, the User Interface mode (Light or Dark) and various Audio settings.

It is also where you determine how you want Wotja to play its sounds and, amongst other things, how it is used with Audiobus / Inter-app Audio [both iOS only] and MIDI Out/In.

This screen is accessible from the Cog item which is shown in the Documents screen and others.

Item Description
StoreStore

Go to the In-App Store screen.
InfoInfo

Select for a popup with links to further information, such as version number, links to this user guide, website, EULA, Privacy Policy etc.
Sleep Timer
Timer Slider

(Default: Infinite) The sleep timer can take values 1m to 60 mins. Use it to set how long you want to Wotja to play before fading out over the last few seconds of play time.

The timer is off when the slider is in the near left position. You will then see the value shown as ∞.

If you are running in 'Free Mode' then Wotja will always stop playing after 10 minutes whatever the value of the slider.

If the setting is ∞ then it means there is no sleep timer active and the only timer in operation is the Music Play Time Timeout.
User Interface
Colour Scheme: Light/Dark

(Default: Light) This where you choose whether you want the app to use a Light or Dark scheme to suit your preference. This User Guide uses the Light scheme.

Select the Light or Dark option to change theme - it is that simple!
Auto Play on Document Open

(Default: Enabled) This setting simply means that when you open any file it will start to play.

Interaction Colour for Videos: None, Red, Green, Blue

(Default: None) This setting enables/disables a Red, Green or Blue "blob" overlay on many UI events and it is for those wanting to create videos of Wotja operation. When it is on it is easier to see what is going on, but the UI will also be a little slower to update.

Audio Output
ISE for Sounds & FX

(Default: On) Enables ISE sounds, which all voices use as this is the sound generator for Wotaj. Turn this to off when you want to play through an external synth(s) and you do not want to hear the ISE sounds as well. NOTE: When this is set to OFF you will not hear anything from Wotja unless you have a MIDI device connected (and you will hear sounds through that instead).

Note: Inter-App Audio and Audiobus are on by default. To use either of these you need to route Wotja via an Inter-App Audio or Audiobus enabled app (e.g. AUM).

IMPORTANT: For Wotja for iOS to work with such apps it requires that the Wotja Audio Block Size MUST have the same value as the Buffer Size (samples) or Latency Control (frames) in those apps [different apps refer to the same thing in different ways]. We recommend that this value is 1024.
Audio Sample Rate

(Default: 48 kHz or 44 kHz auto selected depending on device capabilities [iOS, macOS, Windows]; 22Khz [Android]). iOS: If you experience noise with Wotja in AudioBus, consider changing the sample rate between 48000 and 44100 Hz. If, after changing sample rate, you get occasional audio break-up, consider experimenting with the Audio Latency value, below.
Audio Block Size (iOS, Android)

(Default: 1024 samples [iOS]; 2048 [Android]). This setting is of particular use if you are using Wotja on an older device or are using it routed via Audiobus or Inter-App Audio - higher values minimise audio artifacts which also depend on device power and mix/sound/fx complexity. Used in conjuction with Audio Block Count.

If you are using Wotja to drive external MIDI synths you may need to tweak the values both here and for MIDI Latency. Example: You're driving an external synth via MIDI and want to sync the audio output of that with audio output from Wotja (i.e. via the ISE sounds). Try setting the Audio Block Size and Audio Block Count to be as low as you are happy with. Then, change the MIDI Latency until the output from 3rd party synth is in sync. Many dependencies are outside control of Wotja, however.
Audio Block Count (iOS, Android)

(Default: 10 [iOS]; 5 [Android]). This setting is of particular use if you are using Wotja on an older device or are using it routed via Audiobus or Inter-App Audio - higher values minimise audio artifacts which also depend on device power and mix/sound/fx complexity. Is the number of Audio Blocks of size determined in Audio Block Size setting.

If you are using Wotja to drive external MIDI synths you may need to tweak the values both here and for MIDI Latency. Example: You're driving an external synth via MIDI and want to sync the audio output of that with audio output from Wotja (i.e. via the ISE sounds). Try setting the Audio Block Size and Audio Block Count to be as low as you are happy with. Then, change the MIDI Latency until the output from 3rd party synth is in sync. Many dependencies are outside control of Wotja, however.
MIDI Output
Output Devices

Wotja will send-out MIDI events to whichever device you have selected in the MIDI Output Device List of detected outputs.

Note that 'Free Mode' will send/receive MIDI only on Channel 1; if you want to send/receive on multiple MIDI channels then you will need to get the Pro version of Wotja (see Wotja Downloads).

  • MIDI routing on Android device
  • On Android devices we refer to Wotja MIDI Out as an experimental feature because we require it to be supported in the OS AND by the device manufacturer, but this is not always the case. We expect that most devices running Android 8+ should support MIDI Out in the OS, but some devices using Android 6+ may also support MIDI Out (e.g. some Samsung / Google devices). There seems to be no public list of such MIDI enabled Android devices but you can at least check that it works on your device in the free version of Wotja.
  • When it is supported it will let you control external MIDI devices via a suitable USB MIDI Interface (e.g. Roland UM-One mk2). If you just want to make MIDI file recordings on Android, see this FAQ.
  • Getting it working:
    • BEFORE loading Wotja, plug into your Android device your USB MIDI Interface (e.g. Roland UM-One mk2; we know this works as we have tried it); you will likely also need a Micro USB Male to USB Female OTG Adapter cable to be able do that.
    • Load the Wotja app, go into Wotja Settings, find the MIDI Output section and tap the "Output Devices" selector.
    • In the MIDI Output Devices screen that then displays, you should see your MIDI Interface in the MIDI Output Device List (e.g. Roland UM-ONE).
    • Tap the checkbox to the left to select it (you will see the checkbox show a green dot).
    • Create or load a Wotja mix and start it playing; you should see your MIDI Interface show that it is receiving MIDI notes.
    • You should then be all set!
Virtual MIDI (iOS/macOS)

Default: Off

Note: Available for iOS/macOS only.

When enabled, causes Wotja to present a number of Virtual MIDI ports - one Omni (all channels) and 16 per-channel virtual MIDI ports - and Wotja sends MIDI events as Virtual MIDI ports over Core MIDI.
MIDI Clock

(Default: Off) When enabled, tells Wotja to send-out MIDI Clock events over Core MIDI / Omni channel.

  • Important Note: The iOS version can emit MIDI clock but it doesn’t support MIDI transport controls.
Send Patch Change Events

(Default: On) When enabled, tells Wotja to send-out MIDI Patch Change Events. Turn this off if you want ONLY MIDI Note Event information to be sent.
Latency

(Default: 100ms) Sets Latency (milliseconds) to apply to MIDI events sent-out to Core MIDI / Virtual MIDI by Wotja. Use to help remove jitter if using e.g. Network MIDI.
MIDI Input
MIDI Input Devices button

Notes: MIDI Input is only used by Listening Voices.

Tap the MIDI Input Devices button to go to the MIDI Input Devices screen where you will see toggles for all MIDI Input Devices detected by Wotja.

  • Network Session (iOS/macOS):
    • Used for detecting MIDI sent via a network (e.g. from a Mac or iOS device over WiFi).
  • IAC Driver Bus (macOS) / loopMIDI port (Windows):
    • Used for detecting MIDI routed via OS system level capabilities.
  • Wotja + Tracks/Channels (iOS/macOS):
    • These allow Wotja to detect MIDI it sends out over Virtual MIDI (see below). As it is a kind of MIDI feedback it is for specialist use and unlikely you will need to use it.
  • App / MIDI Device + Channels:
    • All 3rd party MIDI emitting Apps or MIDI devices that Wotja detects (e.g. Thumbjam, MIDIKeys apps, Roland UM-ONE MIDI Interface etc.) will be shown here; toggle on the ones you want Wotja to recieve MIDI input from.
    • Note: Each of the apps have created virtual MIDI ports named after themselves (e.g. Thumbjam, MIDIKeys etc.). You'll only get their output (sent on those ports) into Wotja, if you enable those input ports. For Wotja to see these ports, however, you need to first load the app you want to generate MIDI, e.g. MIDIKeys or Thumbjam and then load Wotja.
    • Tip: When MIDI input triggers notes in Wotja then, as the audio will be playing in Wotja via the ISE, in Settings make sure "ISE for Sounds & FX" is toggled on, and you set the Audio Latency to be some low value. If that is set to 850ms (the default) then your notes will take about 1 second to play!
MIDI Transport Control
External Clock Sync

Wotja's MIDI Input Transport Control / External Clock Sync features allow it to be able to sync to e.g. a DAW.

How to use MIDI Transport Control / External Clock Sync:

  • Sequencer:
    • Configure your sequencer (e.g. Reaper/Logic, or whatever) to send Transport commands (MMC) and/or MIDI clock to a specific MIDI port
      • Note for iOS: You can route via Network MIDI
    • Make sure your piece in the sequencer is long enough; sequencers will stop sending clock events when they reach the end of their content, and they’ll also automatically emit a stop event.
  • Wotja:
    • Activate the MIDI input port/device that you have configured your sequencer to send Transport (MMC)/Clock to (in the previous step)
    • Set tick for MIDI Transport Control
    • Set tick for External Clock Sync
    • Open a Wotja mix, press Play
    • Wotja will say "MIDI: Wait" under the play/stop button rather than elapsed time, and won’t (immediately) show tempo
    • Start your sequencer playing (e.g. Reaper/Logic):
      • Wotja will now start playing
      • The Elapsed time will now display/update
      • The calculated tempo (from the sequencer’s MIDI clock) will display (rather than the internal Wotja tempo)

NOTE: There is an oustanding issue that can be revealed if you sync to the incoming MIDI clock using a different tempo.
Recording
Max Recording Bars

(Default: 100 bars) This setting lets you increase the number of bars you can use to make mixdown recordings in the Mixdown Recording screen.

IMPORTANT: Use with care as recordings are large and your device must have sufficient free memory available. If you try to change this value take note of the pop up message warning before you change it. Also be aware that these the recordings are stored in iCloud (if you are using that), so that could hit your bandwidth.

Settings: Randomization

Settings RandomizationSettings RandomizationSettings Randomization

Settings Screen - Randomization
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The Randomization "segment" in the Settings screen is a very powerful screen.

It is where you select the Randomization Scheme used for Randomization as well as being able to override the values of Randomization parameters.

Randomization parameters determine both how the mixes in Flow and Automatic albums ('Boxes') are created and whether text is displayed on screen in Flow mode and/or the Box Player Fullscreen mode. Randomization is also used to determine how mix Cells are populated with templates when using the Random function in Wotja, including how TTM voice text randomisation is applied to mixes and how Cut-up is generated in the Text Editor screen to mention a few.

In Mix Editing mode the Random / Randomize function is manually available as follows:

  • Mix Mode > Menu bar Randomize button (dice icon)
Parameter Description
Schemes
OpenOpen

Opens the Scheme list.
Selected PresetSelected Scheme

Shows the selected Randomization Scheme.
OpenSave

Displays a pop-up menu for you to save changes to the current scheme or to save as another one (create your own!).
Templates
Templates for Randomization Templates screen: This easy access to the templates screen means you can always easily change the pool of templates you want to randomize from.
ISE Network/Presets
Synth Presets

This takes you to a screen that lets you select the pool of ISE Network presets that are available for selection and use as sounds:

  • For TTM players (only) when randomizing a mix or creating a new Random mix, Flow or Box
  • When in the ISE Network Editor and you use the randomize button

If no presets are selected then no random selection occurs.
FX Presets

the pool of ISE Network presets that are available for selection and use:

  • As (top level) Mix FX when randomizing a mix
  • When in the ISE Network Editor and you use the randomize button

If no presets are selected then no random selection occurs.
Automatic album (Box)/Flow
Icon Palette

Default - Random: Select from one of 35 includes palettes for auto-icon generation in Boxes or Mixes.
Icon Graphic

Default - Blobs: Select from 2 different kinds of icon graphic styles for auto-icon generation in Boxes or Mixes. The choices are: Blobs or Geometric.
Icon Text

Default - TTM: Select what text, if any, you want to display in your icon. The choices are: TTM, Cut-Up or none.
Mixes in Box

Default - 8: The minimum number of mixes in an automatically generated Box.
Max (Mixes in Box)

Default - 8: The maximum number of mixes in an automatically generated Box.
Duration

Default - 2.5 m (150 s): The minimum time a mix is configured to play for in an automatically generated Box.
Max (Duration)

Default - 5 m (300 s): The maximum time a mix is configured to play for in an automatically generated Box.
Duration Range

Default - 0 s: The minimum duration that is added to a mix's Duration above when the Box is created.
Max (Duration Range)

Default - 0 s: The maximum duration that is added to a mix's Duration above when the Box is created.
Tempo

Default - 25 BPM: The minimum tempo of a mix.
Max (Tempo)

Default - 36 BPM: The maximum tempo of a mix.
Ramp Up

Default - 5 s: How long a mix takes to ramp up to its full volume.
Ramp Down

Default - 15 s: How long a mix takes to ramp down to zero volume.
General / Mix
TTM Cells/Column (min)

Default - 0: The minimum number of TTM Players that will be in a column, assuming you have a TTM Pak available for selection when randomizing.
TTM Cells/Column (max)

Default - 1: The maximum number of TTM Players that will be in a column, assuming you have a TTM Pak available for selection when randomizing.
TTM Words (min)

Default - 2: The minimum number of words that will be added to a TTM Text field on creating a new random mix or in the TTM Text Editor when using the Randomize button with Randomise option selected.
TTM Words (max)

Default - 2: The maximum number of words that will be added to a TTM Text field on creating a new random mix or in the TTM Text Editor when using the Randomize button with Randomise option selected.
Tracks

Default - 3: The number of Tracks that will have their cell contents (below) randomized (starting with Track 1).
Cells

Default - 1: The number of Cells in the Tracks above that will have their contents repopulated from the list of available templates.
Generative %

Default - 100%: - The chance that a randomized will be repopulated with a generative template.
Blank Cell %

Default - 35%: - The chance that a randomized will be empty.
Tempo Min

Default - 30 bpm: - The minimum tempo of a new, random mix.
Tempo Max

Default - 60 bpm: - The maximum tempo of a new, random mix.
Volume Min

Default - 90: - The minimum volume of a track in a new, random mix.
Volume Max

Default - 120: - The maximum volume of a track in a new, random mix.
Pan +/-

Default - 30: - How far away from center that pan can be for a Track in a new, random mix.
Cells
Generative Bar Min

Default: Infinite - The minimum base value for the number of bars a generative template will play for and to which the range value (below) is added. Special Value: If this value is set far left to ∞ then once play in a Track reaches such a cell the generative content in that cell will continue to play either for as long as the mix plays or until you manually select another cell in that Track to play.
Generative Bar Max

Default - 0: The maximum base value for the above.
Generative Bar Range

Default - 0: Sets the range that applies to the above base value.
Cell Repeat Min

Default - 1: The minimum base value for the number of times a cell will repeat after it has played through once and to which the range value (below) is added. For a generative template each bar counts as one repeat; for audio or MIDI content this is the length of the content rounded up to the end of a bar). Note: If the cell contains generative content and the Generative Bar Min is value is set to ∞ then this setting takes no effect as the cell never repeats!
Cell Repeat Max

Default - 1: The maximum base value for the above
Cell Repeat Range

Default - 1: Sets the range that applies to the above base value.
Reset
Reset All Random Settings

Resets all values back to their Defaults.

Settings: Templates

Templates Screen

Templates Screen
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See: 'Free Mode' & Limitations

Templates are at the heart of Wotja. They are self contained "generative music and sound presets" - they can vary from being simple to very complex complex generators of notes and sounds. Their use is fundamental to how Wotja works.

Using randomisation techniques Wotja lets you mix templates together to very quickly create interesting music mixes. Once added to a mix you can edit/customize any of their settings, but you do not have to - they sound great as they are!

The Templates screen is where you preview and select templates that you want to have in your Randomization Preset.

On the left of the top panel is a button that takes you back to the screen you came from. Depending on how you accessed this screen, the top right menu items will vary (see below).

Tip: If you tap on a template or file in the left hand panel you can preview it without having to open it.

UI Item Description / Menu Items
Action Back to the Settings screen.
PaksPaks
(left list)

The list of Paks you can select a Template from.

Saved Files: Always shown at the top for easy accesss, this is list of wotjas or generative templates that you have already created and saved.

TTM 1 Players: Templates that use Text-to-Music techniques to generate melodies.

BP1-4 Paks: These include templates optimised for Wotja 19.

BP0 Paks: These include templates optimised for Wotja 4.

IME VoiceTypes: Simple templates that let you start a cell with just one VoiceType.

IME Others: Older sundry templates.

BP00 Paks: (Shown in dark grey, and only if "Older?" toggle is on). The Paks that were available for Noatikl 3 and Mixtikl 7

BP000 Paks: (Shown in dark grey, and only if "Older?" toggle is on). These include generative templates that came with Noatikl 1 and Mixtikl 1-5.

3rd Party Paks: If you have them installed, the Wotja Paks (e.g. MDB or the AL Collections) are shown in dark grey, italic. Other third party paks are shown in black, italic.
TemplatesTemplates
(right list)

The list of Templates in the selected Pak. Tap to preview a Template; tap again to stop the preview.
ActionOlder?
(Left)		 Toggle this on to see generative templates that were included in precursors to Wotja V19, e.g. Noatikl and Mixtikl.

Settings: iCloud

iCloud Drive Settings Screen

Set Up/Use iCloud Drive (iOS)
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iCloud Settings Screen

Wotja Use iCloud (iOS)
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iCloud Settings Screen

iCloud Drive (macOS)
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iCloud Drive Settings Screen

iCloud Drive App (Windows)
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IMPORTANT: To use iCloud in Wotja you MUST have set up/toggled on iCloud Drive ("iCloud Drive") - See also Apple's iCloud Help resource.

IOS IMPORTANT: You must ALSO have the relevent Wotja App's "Apps Using iCloud" toggle AND the relevent app's Settings "Use iCloud" both toggled on. If you do not want to use iCloud with Wotja turn them both off. If both have different toggle states then when you launch Wotja it can crash. We know it is confusing, sorry!

Using Wotja with iCloud enabled makes it easy to edit/use Wotja files across multiple devices, be they iPhones, iPads, Macs or Windows PCs. When it is enabled then all Wotja files in the iCloud Drive folder are all stored in the cloud, also a great form of backup!

iOS - Set up/Use iCloud Drive:

This screen is where you both turn on the "iCloud Drive" toggle and then set what apps can use it for file saving using the relevant "Apps Using iCloud" toggle.

This screen is accessed as follows: From the iOS Settings Screen > Apple ID, iCloud, iTunes & App Store (Your Name) > iCloud (see also Apple's iCloud Help resource)

  • "iCloud Drive" toggle: This is found after the iCloud Backup toggle. It must be toggled on for any app (including Wotja!) to use iCloud Drive to save data.
  • "Apps Using iCloud" section toggles: Scroll further down the screen to find the version of Wotja that you have installed and then turn the toggle on (e.g. Wotja Pro 19). Both this and the Wotja "Use iCloud" must have the same toggle status or you can get a crash on launching Wotja.

iOS - Wotja "Use iCloud" toggle:

This screen is where you set whether Wotja can use Mobile Data and whether or not it uses iCloud for file saving. It is accessed from the iOS Settings Screen.

  • Wotja "Use iCloud" toggle: Scroll down the iOS Settings screen to find the version of Wotja that you have installed, tap on it and then in the ensuing screen find the App Settings section (e.g. Wotja Pro 19 Settings) and turn on the toggle "Use iCloud". Both this and the Wotja "Use iCloud" must have the same toggle status or you can get a crash on launching Wotja.

macOS - "iCloud Drive" / Wotja "Use iCloud":

See also Apple's iCloud Help resource.

  • "iCloud Drive" toggle: From the macOS System Preferences screen go into iCloud and in the ensuing iCloud screen ensure the iCloud Drive setting is toggled on.
  • Wotja "iCloud Drive" toggle: In the iCloud screen above tap on the iCloud Drive "Options" button and in the ensuing screen (shown left) select the Documents tab and scroll down the screen to find the version of Wotja that you have installed and then turn the toggle on (e.g. Wotja Pro 19).

Wotja iCloud Drive App screen (Windows):

The Windows iCloud Drive app is required to enable/synch iCloud files on your Windows PC (and thus the Wotja iCloud Drive folder). To set it up find/load the Windows iCloud Drive app and ensure iCloud Drive is toggled on.

Important Note: Wotja for Windows will by default save Wotja files to the Wotja Folder (you can however choose to save to the Wotja iCloud Drive folder using File Save As). All mixdown recordings are always saved to the Wotja Folder. The Wotja Documents screen will, however, only display/load files from the Wotja Folder. If you have saved Wotja files to the Wotja iCloud Drive folder then to see them in the Documents screen simply move them to the Wotja Folder and then press the Action button in the Documents screen and select refresh.

Credits

Intermorphic is Tim Cole & Pete Cole - yes, just two brothers - and we have now been working together in generative music since 1990. However, without the incredible support and interest from so many over the years then we would not be where we are today with our current Apps, Engines and Content. Our thankyou list below is an ever expanding one, in no particular order, and does not include everyone (sorry to those we have missed!). We offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to:

  • All our old friends and colleagues from SSEYO days including from the early days Jon Pettigrew, John Wilkinson, Steve Crawshaw & Chandra Modi and including from later days (1996 onwards) Jerry Leach, Paul Blampied, Jerry Swan, Nick Barefoot, Simon Robertson, Kerry-Anna Saia, Natalie Da Gama Rose, John Tenkoni and also including Jesper Bennedbaek, Wenwu Wang etc. from our Tao Group audio days (we are focusing primarily on audio and so there are way too many to list here, but they include all those who went on to work at Antix Labs!)
  • Timothy Didymus and Mark Harrop, longstanding friends, colleagues and artists with incredible talent whose sublime generative music creations have, on the many occasions when times were hard, given us the much needed inspiration to press onwards.
  • All customers, and most especially those who wish to continue with us as we move forward - we love you, thank you!
  • Everyone who made contributions to our forums, has helped others and given feedback or who has blogged, tweeted, facebooked or otherwise written nicely about or shared content they have made with our apps and in so doing helped others to find us - we love you, thank you!
  • Our outstanding beta testers for their testing efforts and everyone who has given feedback, found bugs and helped with suggestions.
  • Early content creators such as David Muddyman, Andrew Garton, Paul Weir and Igor Dvorkin.
  • Finally, a big thanks to Brian Eno for his support and kindness to us in the SSEYO Koan years, out of which arose his pioneering release '"Generative Music 1" with SSEYO Koan Software'.
© 2004-2019 Intermorphic Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Subject to Change. E & OE.

Intermorphic

ABOUT US: We're a pioneering team with a 30 year history of developing powerful generative music apps/engines/tools; these also deploy text-to-music & 'cut-up' text techniques. We our customers and making apps to help aid creativity & relaxation.

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