dawdlehorn/memory-bank/current.md

Dawdlehorn - Current State

Current Task: Project Initialization & Technical Planning

Building a web-based Digital Audio Workstation controlled via gamepad with real-time audio processing capabilities.

Current Task Checklist

• Read existing project files to understand requirements
• Initialize memory bank structure
• Draft technical plan with libraries and architecture
• Document current state and next steps
• Set up project structure and package.json
• Install Tone.js and set up basic audio context
• Implement gamepad detection and input polling
• Build simple synthesizer with gamepad control
• Add visual debugging for input latency
• Create basic Web Components for UI controls
• Add pattern sequencer functionality

Project Status

• Phase: Core functionality implemented and testing
• Repository: Working gamepad-controlled synthesizer with debug interface
• Next Priority: Optimize latency and add sequencer functionality
• Current Issue: Some latency between button press and audio response

Key Decisions Needed

1. Audio synthesis approach (Web Audio API patterns)
2. Gamepad input handling strategy
3. UI framework selection
4. State management approach
5. Audio worklet vs main thread processing

Current Understanding

• Target: Gamepad-controlled groovebox/DAW
• Core APIs: Web Gamepad, Web Audio, Web MIDI
• Environment: Browser-based, no server required
• Focus: Real-time performance and low latency

Technical Plan Summary

Selected Stack:

• Audio: Tone.js + Audio Worklets for synthesis and effects
• Input: Web Gamepad API + custom input manager
• UI: Vanilla JavaScript + Web Components + Canvas
• State: Custom lightweight state manager with audio/UI separation

Architecture: Event-driven, audio-first design with separate processing threads

Current Implementation Status

Working Features:

• Gamepad detection and connection status
• Real-time input polling with visual debug feedback
• Synthesizer with frequency, filter, and volume control
• Face button note triggering (C4, D4, E4, F4)
• Audio visualization
• Click-to-start audio context

Debug Interface Added:

• Real-time stick position display
• Trigger pressure values
• Button press indicators with brackets [A] [B] [X] [Y]
• Updates immediately in polling loop to isolate latency source

Immediate Next Steps

1. Analyze latency source using debug interface
2. Optimize audio parameter updates for lower latency
3. Add pattern sequencer with step-based recording
4. Implement multiple instrument tracks
5. Add effects chain controls
6. Create preset saving/loading system