Deborah R. Fowler

Houdini Chops

Posted March 6 2020

Houdini channel operators (chops) are very versatile and useful for many purposes. One popular use is with music files - that works, but there are many other ways to use them.

Shift node - adding variation in animation

The shift node in a chop network can help add variation. The example below I am comparing a chop to an expression animation. I have used a shift node in the chop and both an expression and a timeshift in the expression version.
Click on the image of the fluttering grid bugs below for the hip file. Note that the orange indicates the parameter is being overridden by a chop.

Limit node - or expressions to manipulate animation curves

You can make geometry from chops (and a sweep node for example) - this could be used in an oscilloscope by adding $F/$FEND in the phase.

Other Resources:
Matt Estella's wiki includes chops
Peter Quint's tutorials
Andrew Lowell has worked extensively with chops and music

Houdini Resources

Deborah R. Fowler

Houdini Chops