def-zone defines zone lengths for each instrumental part. Def-description begins with the instrument name followed by the value. The value can be expressed as a quoted list of length symbols, or as a function call, which is then evaluated. If the zone length symbol is negative, it cancels the compilation process lasting for the duration of the zone length symbol.
Use the function alongside def-tonality to compile with compile-instrument. This opens up a flexibility of metric organisation impossible to achieve with the compile-song timesheet. Also, with functions like make-zone, note length patterns can be summed to created individual zones. When you use the compile-song timesheet you won't need this function.
Using Lengths and Ticks
This defines the zone length values for a bass instrument. The first bar 1/1 is played, the second one is muted -1/1. and again played one bar 1/1, then it is muted lasting a double dotted one and a half bars -1/2.., and then played for one and a half bars 1/2.
(def-zone
bass '(1/1 -1/1. 1/1 -1/2.. 1/2)
)
Using default several definitions can be made from a single def-zone. Absolute tick values may also be used. This feature makes it possible to construct zone lengths using vector generators or that have values derived from symbol melody patterns converted via symbol-to-vector. If you scale the values into a range -1500..1500 then both rest zones and active zones are produced. Using the same method, length patterns can also be constructed.
