Houdini Resources

Updated on June 26  2024



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.

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Limit node - or expressions to manipulate animation curves
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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.

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