Grid Pulse
Pulsing grid cells that react to audio energy. Retro-futuristic, digital aesthetic where individual cells light up based on frequency bands or overall energy.
Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| ID | 12 |
| Category | Creative |
| Best For | Retro-Futuristic, Sequencer, Glitch |
| Aspect Ratio | Square (4×4 minimum) |
What It Shows
Grid cells pulse with audio energy. Different frequency bands can light up different cells or regions. Creates a digital, matrix-like visual effect.
Best Plugin Types
✅ Recommended for:
- Retro-futuristic designs - Tron/cyberpunk aesthetic
- Digital aesthetics - Matrix/tech feel
- Sequencers - Grid = steps metaphor
- Step-based effects - Visual matches function
- Glitch plugins - Digital destruction aesthetic
❌ Not recommended for:
- Organic/vintage designs - Too digital
- Warm analog aesthetics - Wrong vibe
Color Mapping
| Color Property | What It Controls |
|---|---|
bodyColor | Grid background |
trackColor | Inactive cell color |
activeColor | Active/pulsing cell color |
Cyberpunk Colors
- Cyan/magenta for synthwave
- Green/black for Matrix
- Orange/dark for Tron
Configuration Options
Grid Size
- Range: 4-16 divisions
- Default: 8
- Tip: 4×4 for simple, 16×16 for detailed frequency response.
Pulse Speed
- Range: 0.5-2.0
- Default: 1.0
- Tip: Sync to plugin tempo if possible.
Sizing
| Size | Dimensions | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 4×4 | Compact grid |
| Standard | 6×6 | Most plugins |
| Large | 8×8 | Detailed display |
Square works best to show grid symmetry.
Example Uses
- Step sequencer - Visual step indication
- Glitch effect - Digital aesthetic match
- Bit crusher - Digital destruction visual
- Arpeggiator - Show pattern visually
- Gate sequencer - Steps lighting up
Design Tips
- 8×8 is classic - Enough detail, not overwhelming
- High contrast colors - Active cells should pop
- Match the era - 80s synth vs modern cyberpunk
- Consider animation sync - Grid can sync to tempo
Sequencer Connection
Natural fit for step-based plugins:
- Each cell = one step
- Lit cells = active steps
- Grid size = sequence length
- Color intensity = velocity/level
Retro-Futuristic Aesthetic
For full synthwave/cyberpunk feel:
- Cyan active cells on dark purple
- Or magenta on black
- Add subtle glow to active cells
- Pair with digital/arcade widget styles
Similar Visualizers
- Spectrum Bars - Frequency-based alternative
- Radial Spectrum - Circular frequency display