PCHI — Prime Coherence Harmonic Interface

Overview

PCHI (Prime Coherence Harmonic Interface) is a real-time signal routing system for creative tools. It enables coherence signals — timing, intensity, structural state — to flow between music production software (Ableton Live), VJ software (Resolume), and visual programming environments (TouchDesigner).

Architecture

The Conductor

A Rust-based central conductor manages signal routing with rule-based state management. The conductor receives signals from connected tools, applies transformation rules, and broadcasts the results to all subscribers. Think of it as a signal bus for creative coherence.

Bridges

• Ableton Max/MSP patch — sends PCHI signals from Ableton Live via a Max for Live device. Track tempo, clip state, and parameter changes become coherence signals.
• Resolume Python bridge — receives PCHI signals in Resolume to sync visual effects with music. Parameter automation driven by musical coherence.
• TouchDesigner CHOP receiver — receives PCHI signals as CHOP data for visual programming. Enables generative visuals that respond to musical structure in real-time.
• Web dashboard — real-time monitoring of all signal flows, with a visual representation of the conductor's state.

Why Coherence

When multiple creative tools run in parallel (music + visuals + lighting), they need to share a sense of "where we are in the piece." PCHI provides this shared coherence layer — not just MIDI clock sync, but structural state: verse/chorus, build/drop, tension/release. The conductor ensures all tools agree on the current structural state.