Tags: Sequencer module

Notes: Excellent Eurorack sequencer based on random chance and evolving patterns. Dial in a series of notes and build melodies, generate and tweak patterns in real time. Huge depth for studio production or live performance.

Supplier's Notes:
The Melodicer from Vermona is a CV/Gate sequencer with an innovative concept; the melody sequencer offers twelve faders for setting the note probability and two dice-(or random) buttons for generating melody and rhythmic structure.

Notes: Really impressive sequencing module with a few clever tricks up its sleeve. Eight tracks of CV/gate with built-in effects (quantise, swing, arpeggiator, etc) for processing MIDI or CV inputs. Real-time recording, step sequencing, looping and much more.

Supplier notes:
Hermod brings together a powerful step sequencer, a CV looper, a real-time effect processor, LFO generators and a complete bi-directional MIDI-USB-CV input/output interface.

Record a performance at any time thanks to the CV inputs, the USB HOST, the USB DEVICE and the MIDI input. Create and edit your tracks with the STEP mode and its piano roll and automation view. Generate crazy patterns with the randomization tool.

Hermod is polymetric, it means that each track can have a different length, from 1 step to 64 steps. Moreover, you can zoom in to increase the resolution of the step sequencer (up to 512 steps).

Polymorphic tracks:

Thanks to Hermod architecture, a track can be a simple mono CV/GATE voice, but can be easily configured as a polyphonic track (up to 8 voices), a CV/GATE + velocity + aftertouch track, a modulation + clock track... in order to perfectly fit your Eurorack system!

Sequences and Projects:

The 8 tracks are grouped into one of Hermod's 8 sequences. Every sequence is totally independent and contains a new set of tracks to be played with, for a total of 64 tracks in a single project.

Dynamic effects:

All the fun in Hermod resides in its effect system, allowing you to transform input signals, whether it's MIDI or CV. You can stack on each track up to 8 real-time effects: Quantize, Swing, Arpeggiator, Ratchet, Random, Euclid, Glide, Harmonizer, Delay, Chance, Scale, LFO... Experiment with the effects position and parameters to generate eccentric melodies!

MIDI-USB-CV interface:

Full connectivity: control Hermod with plug-and-play midi USB devices, midi keyboards, computers or other Eurorack CV systems.

Hermod is also a great midi hub, allowing you to sequence midi synthesizers/drum machines and computer's virtual instruments. Of course, Hermod can be perfectly paired with Pyramid or other hardware and software sequencer, in order to benefit from its CV/GATE outputs.

With Hermod's rock-solid clock, this module becomes a great synchronization tool for all your setup! Thanks to its powerful CPU, even when synced/slaved, Hermod allows an ultra-low latency to make the perfect link between the digital world and the analog world.

The package includes:

- Hermod "Modular Brain" Black Edition
- 1GB micro SD card + SD adapter
- Power ribbon cable
- User guide (English)

Notes: Based on the excellent LXR-02 drum machine, the LXR Eurorack module is a percussion all-round, with six voices, trigger inputs and CV modulation, plus the ability to generate synth parts. Versatile.

Supplier's Notes:
LXR eurorack module is a compact and great-sounding percussion synthesizer based on the sound engine of the LXR-02 drum machine. While retaining the core interface of the LXR-02, this module adds the essential eurorack ingredient - assignable CV control over parameters and many more tweaks in the user interface for better integration in any eurorack system

Features

6 drum/percussion voices
7 trigger inputs with accents
5 assignable CV inputs
4 assignable outputs
3 voices can be used as basslines due to 1V/oct tuning
Over 30 adjustable parameters per voice
Insert FX section
Kit memory
SD card for Kit exchange and easy firmware updates
Kits compatible with the LXR-02

Dimensions
28 HP
35 mm deep

Current Draw
88 mA +12V
10 mA -12V
0 mA 5V

Notes: Maestro is a 6 channel clocked modulation controller inspired by the automation lanes found in digital audio workstation software, brought into eurorack and made playable and performable. Maestro will push and pull the parameters of your other modules with rapid or slowly evolving voltages, always in perfect sync with eachother and the rest of your system.

Details:

20hp

25mm deep

65mA on +12, 18mA on -12, 0mA on 5V

Notes: A whole lot of module for the money. Eight-track trigger sequencing with built-in drum synth, sample player and MIDI. Amazing value for studio use or live performance.

Supplier's Notes:
Trigger sequencer with audio and midi

TUKRA is an 8 track eurorack trigger sequencer with drum synth, sample player and midi.

This module can be an 'all in one' solution for drums, but also has great integration capabilities with other gear (eurorack modules, drum boxes, DAWs, midi devices and midi surface controllers).

There are no submenus, all functions and views are accessible all the time.

Brief overview:
- Up to 64 steps per pattern, 64 patterns, 64 parts and 16 songs per project. 64 projects in the microSD card.
- Play mode, clock divider, length & choke settings independent per track & pattern.
- Step value (can be used for modulation, to define the midi velocity, midi note & drum synth pitch or sample selection).

Ins & outs:
- 8 trigger/gate, clock & reset outputs. Clock & reset inputs.
- 4 CV inputs with offset potentiometers (so they're manual controls when no CV is plugged in).
- Audio L & R out (6 additional ones with the expander for independent track output).
- Front panel midi TRS in & out, and USB host for midi controllers.

Midi and audio:
- Midi note and channel configurable per track & song, midi note and velocity can be set by the step value.
- Drum synth, noise with envelope and 'one shot' sample player (factory and user banks) per track.
- Flexible sample selection (each track can play up to 128 samples).
- Mixer with volume, balance, reverb, bit crusher, filter cutoff, resonance and type (smoothly crossfades LP - BP - HP).

Modulation:
- CV & assignable midi CC plus 8 internal LFOs, 3 stepped random sources and step value.
- Modulation matrix for almost all parameters.

Rhythm variation:
- Probability for step, gate and roll.
- Euclidean Rhythm Generator.
- 'Ramifications' generative tool.
- Live view with solo, mute, fill, roll, invert pattern, reverse play direction and rotate.

Time:
- High precision clock source and low latency.
- External sync (via trigger, midi TRS or USB).
- Triplets and swing (aka 'shuffle'), triplet and swing can be generated from a straight clock input or midi clock.
- Micro grid edit, each step has 6 micro steps (24 ppq).
- Half and double tempo functions.

Notes: Ornament & Crime for 1U Intellijel format

This is functionally identical to the 3U version, just re-oriented to fit in 1U racks. Ornament & Crime is designed by mxmxmx.

The apps currently available in Ornament & Crime:

CopierMaschine is an enhanced version of the original quantising digital emulation of a four stage analogue shift register (ASR).

Harrington 1200 provides basic neo-Riemannian Tonnetz transformations of triadic chords, triggered by the digital (gate/trigger) inputs.

Automatonnetz combines Tonnetz transforms with a "vector" sequencer - it can be both a chord sequencer and a melody sequencer, but not of the usual kind.

Quantermain is a quad pitch quantiser for external voltages, with editable scales; it can do clocked (trigger-driven) quantising, or continuous quantising, with a latency of under 100 microseconds; it also features quad Turing Machines, May-Verhulst logistic maps or byte beats as optional, semi-random, internally generated CV sources.

Meta-Q is a dual-channel quantiser, similar to Quantermain, but also offering scale and note mask sequencing.

Quadraturia is a wavetable quadrature LFO, based on the "Easter egg" in the Mutable Instruments Frames module.

Low-rents is a dual Lorenz and Rossler (strange attractor) modulation generator, partially based on the "Easter egg" in the Mutable Instruments Streams module.

Piqued is a quad voltage-controlled envelope generator, based on envelope generator code from the Mutable Instruments Peaks module, but extending it with voltage control, additional envelope types, including re-triggering (looping) envelopes, additional segment shapes, adjustable trigger delays, and a unique Euclidean "trigger filter" which turns the app into a Euclidean rhythm generator which can output envelopes, not just gate or trigger pulses.

Sequins is a dual-channel step sequencer offering 4 "tracks" of up to 16 steps each; tracks can themselves be sequenced.

Dialectic Ping Pong is a quad bouncing ball envelope generator, based on a hidden mode of the Mutable Instruments Peaks module.

Viznutcracker, sweet! is a quad "byte beat" equation generator, which can be used as an audio source to generate curious but often interesting 8-bit noises and tunes, or which can be clocked by an external source to produce "byte beat" control voltage sequences. "Byte beats" were first described in 2011 by viznut (aka Ville-Matias Heikkila).

Acid Curds is both a chord quantiser (sometimes called a "harmonic quantiser" for external pitch voltages), and a chord progression sequencer.

References is an utility app that outputs specific reference voltages on each channel to help tune or calibrate VCOs and other modules. It also includes a high-precision frequency meter and note tuner, a high-precision BPM (beats per minute) tempo meter, and a closed-loop calibration mode.

Width: 30hp
12V: 85mA
-12V: 10mA

Notes: The Circadian Rhythms is moving modular synthesizer technology another step forward by gluing all the pieces of a system together. Each module or voice can now be programmed to play straight from an intelligent, eight-channel, 512-step master trigger sequencer made for composers looking to make music on the modular. Building on the sequencing concept of step programing multi-channel patterns of musical phrases can be repeated, looped, chained, muted and manipulated on the fly in real-time, and most importantly, all of this is done through a simple, clearly labeled interface. Using an array of multicolor illuminated buttons and innovative grid views provides a highly functional live performance sequencer with a beautiful glowing appearance of the programmed music that will look amazing on stage for both performer and crowd. As a master controller, the heart of the modular synthesizer, Circadian Rhythms generates high precision clock and reset signals for all the other sequencers and devices in the system to align with and can also act as a high precision bridge for DAW synchronization.

Views - Unlike most hardware sequencers that have a single static display of a timeline, Circadian Rhythms offers four different horizontal views of the timeline and two unique vertical views that scale from macro to micro. Switch between viewing 64 steps at once or all 8 channels side by side instantly. Stretch gates over multiple patterns to drive envelopes or use Zoom view to move a single hit back a few milliseconds in time to get the right feel all from the same interface.

LED Grid Built for Quick Access - Built around 72 buttons set as a multi-color illuminated 8x9 array, Circadian Rhythms displays both note data and settings in a clear and precise manner. It takes only one click to switch to vertical view and the grid turns into a set of programming and realtime playing functions like Mutes, Loops, Swing, Fills, Copy and Pate, Grouping, Randomizing, Manual trigger entry drum machine style and many many more. Activate any of those functions with only a button press or two.

Clock - Inside the CR ticks an extremely precise clock with jitter and latency measured in mere microseconds for the ultimate feel of groove. The four modes of clock sync make interfacing with other modules, hardware or software simple. Whether driving a large Eurorack system or synced to a DAW, the groove always remains tight.

SyncBus Technology - The Tiptop Audio designed SyncBus enables the CR to connect to any number of other SyncBus devices with the highest possible level of synchronization. A SyncBus master directly injects its core clock and running status into every connected unit so they work seamlessly as one device. Hook up two CRs to make a 16 channel device or add a Trigger Riot (or three) to the mix for further experimentation. Plus, the connection is done behind the panel so no need to patch anything together.

Under The Hood - When state of the art chip technology, musically driven firmware, and professionally engineered hardware design all come together in one electronic device, the result is a music sequencer with unparalleled specifications. Starting with a powerful, precise sequencing engine that has superb feel for the groove, add internal functions that automatically balance performance and smooth user interface operation, and finish with outstanding low power consumption placing minimal stress on power supplies even at maximum output, Circadian Rhythms has a design focused on the requirements of the most dedicated musicians and composers. Long time pros will immediately feel a machine made for their needs, while the newcomers can instantly dive into next level programming and performance.

Notes: Another clever one from Knobula, this chord-based sequencer/arpeggiator adds versatile harmonic options to your creative process. Pair it with the Poly Cinematic module for best results.

Supplier's Notes:
Generate extraordinary chords without using a keyboard.

Chord Pilot introduces a whole new take on the task of chord creation and performance offering 192 chord memories, a strummer, an arpeggiator and an 8 step chord progression sequencer, all in one compact 12hp package.

Knobula have thrown away the music theory rule book and instead offer a module that encourages the curious mind to discover alternative musical pathways, whether for generative patches or for EDM riffs.

To generate a new chord, Chord Pilot uses a series of controls that alter the width and spread of 'fingers' over a virtual keyboard before conforming them into a variety of musical moods from the pure and harmonious to the terrifying and cacaphonic.

Like all Knobula products, Chord Pilot has been designed primarily with performance in mind, to inpsire by experimentation, to lose yourself in the moment, and to occassionaly generate impossibly hard to play super chords.

With the ability to store and transfer chords in sets of eight, Chord Pilot makes a great companion module for Poly Cinematic, but it is equally at home serving any poly synth with a midi input.

Discover Chord Pilot, your guide, navigator and explorer to a whole new universe of musical harmony, and beyond.

Notes: The Circadian Rhythms, is a professional performance gate sequencer in Eurorack format. Sitting at the centre of your system the Circadian provides triggers and gates to all your drum modules and percussive sounds as well as clocking your other sequencers with exceptional timing accuracy. Each channel voice can be programmed directly from the intelligent, eight-channel, 512-step master gate sequencer designed for composers looking to make music on the modular and perform live. Building up from basic step programming, multi-channel patterns of musical phrases can be repeated, looped, chained, muted, and manipulated in real-time, and, most importantly, all through a simple, clearly labelled menu-free interface.

Led Grid

Built around 72 buttons set as a multi-colour illuminated 8×9 array, Circadian Rhythms displays both note data and settings in a clear and precise manner. It takes only one click to switch to vertical view, turning the grid into a set of programming and real-time playing functions like Mutes, Loops, Swing, Fills, Copy and Paste, Grouping, Randomizing, and Manual drum-machine-style trigger entry. Activate any of those functions with only a button press or two. Using an array of multi-colour, illuminated buttons and innovative grid views provides a highly functional live performance sequencer with a beautiful, glowing appearance that will look amazing on stage for both performer and crowd. As a master controller, the heart of the modular synthesizer, the Circadian Rhythms generates high precision clock and reset signals for all the other sequencers and devices in the system and can also act as a high precision bridge for DAW synchronization.

Clock

Inside the CR ticks an extremely precise clock with jitter and latency measured in mere microseconds for the ultimate feel of the groove. The four modes of clock sync make interfacing with other modules, hardware, or software simple. Whether driving a large Eurorack system or synced to a DAW, the groove always remains tight.

Under the Hood

When state of the art chip technology, musically driven firmware, and professionally engineered hardware design all come together in one electronic device, the result is a music sequencer with unparalleled specifications. Starting with a powerful, precise sequencing engine that has superb feel for the groove, add internal functions that automatically balance performance and smooth user interface operation, and finish with outstanding low power consumption placing minimal stress on power supplies even at maximum output, Circadian Rhythms has a design focused on the requirements of the most dedicated musicians and composers. Long-time pros will immediately feel a machine made for their needs, while newcomers can instantly dive into next-level programming and performance.

SyncBus Technology

The Tiptop-Audio-designed SyncBus enables the CR to connect to any number of other SyncBus devices with the highest possible level of synchronization. A SyncBus master directly injects its core clock and running status into every connected unit so they work seamlessly as one device. Hook up two CRs to make a 16 channel device or add a Trigger Riot (or three) to the mix for further experimentation. Plus, the connection is done behind the panel so there is no need to patch anything together.

Size: 36HP
Depth: 29.4mm
Power: +12V 160ma / -12V 0ma / +5v 0ma

Notes: Updated Eurorack version of one of the most interesting sequencers around, the original version being the inspiration for Intellijel's Metropolis and Metropolix, with multiple steps per stage and versatile gate options.

Supplier's Notes:
The M185 is the most intuitive and playable Eurorack sequencer.

It appeals as a hands-on performance orientated module for easy creation of complex melodic sequences.

It is the original multi-step-per-stage sequencer that inspired the Metropolis and Metropolix modules.

New for 2021: Now you can connect two M185s together to create powerful 16 stage sequences using the new expansion header.

Overview:
- 8 unique gate modes for creative rhythmic possibilities
- A/B split mode for two separate sequences, like having two sequencers in one box
- 2 channels of CV/GATE and MIDI I/O
- 15 Quantise scales [ NEW for 2021 ] OR pure analogue microtonal CV output

Inputs & outputs:
- 2 channels of CV and Gate outputs
- Expansion header to connect two M185s for 16 stage sequences [ NEW for 2021 ]
- Reset input [ shared with MIDI input ]
- Sync output [ shared with CH2 gate ]
- Bidirectional Clock I/O
- MIDI input for MIDI clock in, MIDI note transpose
- MIDI output for MIDI clock out, MIDI note output

Stage Details:
- 8 stages, each with individual 1-8 step repeats per stage
- 8 gate modes per stage [ Off, Once, All, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, Probability or Programmable, and Long ]
- Programmable gate patterns for 'on the fly' X0X style programming of gate triggers [ NEW for 2021 ]

Even more details:
- AB serial split sequence mode with 1-8 sequence repeats for AAABAAAB sequence structures
- AB parallel split mode, for two separate simultaneous sequences that play at the same time
- Root note offset and reset trigger options from sequence B to A
- 2.5V / 5V voltage range selectable
- MIDI note output including programmable velocity
- MIDI to CV converter mode [wow]
- Programmable glide per stage
- Easy user upgradable firmware using MIDI sysex files.

Technical stuff:
- +12V = 75mA average, 110mA peak
- 12V = 10mA
- Width: 30 HP
- Depth: 25 mm
- Black anodised Aluminium panel, silkscreen in RAL 9002

110 mA +12V
10 mA -12V
0 mA 5V
25 mm deep

The assembled module comes complete with all the cables needed to get started:
1 x TRS MIDI adapter, 1 x TRS CH2 CV/GATE cable, 1 x Euro Power Cable

Notes: The Z8000 Matrix Sequencer is a modulation source like no other: The 16 knobs of the Z8000 are accessed by ten sequencers with their own clock, direction and reset inputs. The ten sequencers are as follows:

Four 4 step CV sequencers on the horizontal.
Four 4 step CV sequencers on the vertical.
One 16 step CV sequencer on the horizontal.
One 16 step CV sequencer on the vertical.

The Z8000 can simultaneously modulate up to 10 CV parameters poly-rhythmically, with unprecedented motion complexity. One knob affects all 10 CV outputs! Imagine modifying 10 parameters from one knob. With its 30 gate and clock inputs and 10 CV outputs one can only imagine the possibilities, and all clock inputs can even be driven at audio rates! The Z8000 pairs well with the Trigger Riot and Circadian Rhythms and using it with the QuantiZer extends its capabilities as a high-precision 1V/Oct note sequencer.

Introduced in 2017, a new version of the Z8000 maintains the original circuitry but adds output range adjustment switches on the back and Tiptop's new colored look, which helps highlight the sections, on the front.

Size: 28HP
Depth: 15mm
Power: +12V 70ma / -12V 10ma

Notes: *** Firmware 2.32 Update- August 2024 ***

Automatic Backup

All settings are saved when the module is turned off.

Skippy then restarts directly with these same active settings. However, it is possible to revert to the default configuration at startup with the NEW function or even return to the "factory settings" by pressing buttons 2 and 4 simultaneously at startup.

New Patterns in JAZZY

New patterns are regularly added to JAZZY, based on customer requests.

New "polystep"

Input Clock is added to the two existing clocks "poly" and "matrix".

It acts as a clock divider within the limits of time division possibilities (for example, the Gaussian function will always act progressively based on an average clock, as with the "poly" clock). Thus, it falls between "poly", which produces an average of the received beats (and for example, will not account for small variations like external swing), and "matrix", which strictly applies the received beats identically to all tracks.

"Polystep" will strictly use the beats from track 1 and adapt the timing of the other tracks according to their parameters.

The "polystep" and "matrix" clocks are only useful if you want to control Skippy with an external clock. Leave it on "poly" for internal use or to use Skippy's clock as the Master for your system (in fact, Skippy performs best in the GAUSS and POLYR functions with this clock selected).

New TILES

Kaona have added the following divisions: 2/1, 3/1, 3/2, 4/3.

New ROLL Function

Beats can now be divided by two (2 "gates" instead of one) or by three (3 "gates" instead of one).

It is possible to choose a "roll" randomly: "1/??" and "2/??" add respectively 1 or 2 extra beats, randomly. You can also choose to add these "rolls" every 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16 "steps". It is also possible to add a "roll" with each screen rotation. To synchronize the start of "rolls" on all tracks, use the Reset function (or with Skippy Live), otherwise, each "roll" starts when the option is set (for example, to avoid setting "rolls" per turn all at the same time).

The beat times of the "rolls" depend on the duration of each gate. It is therefore recommended to take a slightly longer gate for the effect to start being noticeable (from 60-70 and up).

The new "proportional gate" function is also taken into account (thus divided by 2 or by 3).

New Proportional GATE

The function that allows choosing the gate length for each track has been extended.

It is now possible to choose it in proportion to the existing time between two beats. This can be very useful for melodic sequences (with Zazou for example).

You can thus alternate between quarter notes and half notes, or eighth notes and whole notes, etc.

Each of Skippy's four tracks can have a different setting, including with variable time functions (GAUSS, POLYR...), which promises infinite explorations.

Access proportional gates by turning the encoder in GATE mode to the left: instead of stopping at 10 as in the previous version, the percentage of active gate time is displayed. You can choose the percentage in steps of 10, from 10% to 90%.

Description:

Skippy is a matrix and non-matrix polyrhythmic sequencer (linear and logarithmic) which offers four completely independent tracks with a very simple interface: one button per track, one function per screen, no sub-menus.

Possible saving of 64 configurations.

Internal connection with expander module (coming soon) and with Zazou, generative composition module (coming end of 2023).

Functions per track

- BPM (10 to 400)
- Number of steps (1 to 64)
- Linear or log
- Random function
- Chaotic function
- Direction: clockwise, counterclockwise, ping-pong, pause
- Number of steps before the start of the sequence
- Number of steps before the end of the sequence
- Gate duration

Specific algorithms

- Euclidean (Bjorklund)
- Matrix Patterns
- microtiming patterns
- matrix rotation

Clock

- External clock input or Reset
- Clock output
- 1/1, 1/4, etc.

Menus

- BPM
- STEP
- BEGIN
- END
- GATES
- PROBA
- CHAOS
- WAY
- SWING
- GAUSS
- EUCLID
- TILES
- POLYR
- JAZZY
- SPIN
- PAUSE
- RESET
- SYS: save, load, new, clk/rst, clk

Tech Specs

Width: 10 HP
Depth: 32 mm

Current Draw:
+12 V 0 mA
-12 V 0 mA

Notes: An unusual but enticing form of generative music in Eurorack, Kaona's Zazou module offers MIDI or CV sequencing based on a series of algorithms, allowing you to define parameters and generate melodies and patterns of up to four tracks.

Supplier's Notes:
Zazou is a generative music module based on numerous configurable algorithms. It acts as both an accompanist capable of syncing to a regular sequence and an improviser within a given framework. Its function is to produce notes: no sound comes directly from Zazou, as it's intended to be connected to one or more synthesizers or other Eurorack modules.

It features both a multitimbral MIDI output and Eurorack-compatible CV outputs.

To generate notes, Zazou requires "gate" signals to trigger each note. Therefore, it follows the rhythm imposed by a sequencer or any generator producing gate output. It pairs ideally with Skippy, Kaona's algorithmic rhythm generator.

Zazou produces music based on the equal temperament scale and follows the note division corresponding to keyboard instruments (piano, organ, etc.). Thus, in Zazou, as in a piano, a C sharp corresponds to a D flat.

Zazou produces notes on four independent channels that can nevertheless be tuned together.

Interface

Seven CV inputs:
One gate per channel: red, yellow, green, blue

One "Reset" input: realigns the tracks, resets the sequence, interrupts all MIDI notes currently playing.

One "Change" input: allows external sequence control.

One "Play/Stop" input: stops (or restarts) all produced notes and pauses the current sequence. This input also measures an external beat to determine the quarter note value (BPM) that Zazou will use (this value can also be set manually). The input can be a clock (set to one beat per quarter note) or a sequencer.

Seven buttons:
One per channel, matching its colour: they function differently depending on the displayed screen. (Selection, Pause, or Manual Gate).

One Play/Stop button: stops or starts all tracks simultaneously.

One "Change" button: manually advances the sequence.

One "Reset" button: realigns the tracks, resets the sequence, interrupts all MIDI notes currently playing.

Three encoders:
Their functions vary depending on the displayed screens.

One MIDI output:
The output is in TRS format. It's possible to choose between cable A or B using a switch on the back of the card.

Twelve CV outputs:
Four "gate" outputs: mirror the input signals but add ornamentation notes.

Four CV outputs: export velocity (selectable between 5V or 8V).

Four Note outputs: in 1V/octave format, across 10 octaves.

Basic Functions
All functions are identical for each channel but can be synchronized according to your composition criteria.

Root Note: determines the key each track plays in.

Scale: constrains Zazou to adhere to a given scale (22 scales available).

Sequence: dictates that the composition follows a given sequence.

Algorithm: allows the selection of melodic behaviour.

Sequences
It's possible to instruct Zazou to follow a sequence track by track, but it's often more musical to let the four tracks follow a single sequence. For example, you can choose the common II-V-I progression or the circle of fifths, but also use less common sequences. The sequence behaviour can be customized by selecting the number of notes in the sequence, passing notes, alternating major and minor chords, etc.

Algorithms
The algorithms determine the note behaviour for each track.

It's possible to freely mix algorithms track by track, choose the same algorithm for all tracks, or the same algorithm for all tracks but with different behaviours.

Depending on the chosen parameters, they will generate more or less repetitive, varied, or complex melodies. Even though each note depends on an external gate, some algorithms additionally produce ornamentation notes like triplets or appoggiaturas.

Random:
Allows for completely random and unpredictable operation. However, one can influence how randomness occurs by changing event frequency or velocity, for example.

Walkingbass:
Walkingbass precisely follows the sequence in a classic Jazz walking bass manner, with one quarter note per beat. Numerous forms are offered, and it's possible to enrich the progression with ornaments or emphasize strong or weak beats, for example.

Arpeggiator:
Several types of arpeggios are available, and it's possible to choose direction (including random), chords used, ornaments, and their frequency, etc.

Intervals:
Starting from a reference note chosen within the scale, Zazou will traverse a selected number of octaves and notes according to a given interval.

Serial:
Zazou will generate note sequences respecting the rules and principles of serial music. All theoretical parameters are available to practice the specific genre of dodecaphonic composition (inverse sequence, retrogrades, etc.).

Cantor:
The Cantor set starts with a segment (the complete range of available notes) and repetitively divides it, eliminating central segments. This creates a more or less detailed repetitive pattern depending on the chosen parameters.

Fibonacci:
The Fibonacci sequence is used to calculate note heights within a scale starting from a chosen note and modifying it according to selected Fibonacci numbers. Interval modulation allows staying within a playable range while exploring rhythmic and melodic patterns generated by the sequence.

Sierpinski:
The approach divides an octave into three equal parts (triads) and selects two for repetition, imitating how the Sierpinski Triangle is drawn by removing the central triangle and repeating the process on the remaining triangles. This divides the musical space according to the specified depth and plays notes based on this division, simulating the repetitive structure of the Sierpinski Triangle.

Mandelbrot:
The Mandelbrot set is one of the most famous fractal objects. Zazou maps this set into a musical representation to offer unique and varied sound structures. Since calculations are done in real-time, parameters can vary the melody's behaviour infinitely.

Julia:
Like the Mandelbrot set, the Julia set offers fertile ground for musical experimentation, with opportunities to explore fractal complexity through sound. Julia sets are defined in the complex plane and produce complex fractal patterns. Here too, real-time calculations allow parameters to vary the melody's behaviour infinitely.

System Functions
It is possible to choose a corresponding MIDI port for each track. Depending on your setup, you can use Zazou in polyphonic mode (same MIDI number), multitimbral mode (one port per channel), or multichannel mode (multiple synthesizers).

The quarter note duration (BPM) can be adjusted manually or automatically (clock signal, sequencer, etc.).

For all algorithms, you can choose the note duration proportionally to the quarter note value or match this duration to the incoming "gate" duration for each track. Thus, it is possible to play very dynamically with a variety of connected instruments as long as they provide a "gate" signal.

The velocity value can be selected within the range of 0V -> 5V or 0V -> 8V depending on your modular equipment.

Zazou operates across 10 octaves, in MIDI or CV (1V/oct) for modular use. However, it is possible to limit the number of octaves, either to accommodate synthesizers that poorly support very high notes or to limit the voltage in a modular environment.

Two settings allow adjustment of the overall pitch and fine interval between notes (only for modular use).

Saving
The internal SD card allows you to save, within its capacity limit, either track parameters (and load them for another track, for example), sequence parameters, or the entire composition.

Technical Specifications
18 HP

Depth: 32 mm

Power consumption:
+12 V 200 mA
-12 V 0 mA
+5 V 0 mA

Supplied with power cable and Knurlies.

Notes: The MASTER18 is a very flexible generic CV processor.

You can think of the MASTER18 as a smaller and cheaper version of the DROID MASTER without CV inputs and LEDs, but with an integrated USB and MIDI, six additional gate jacks, two of which are inputs and four are outputs.

Details:

It has 8 CV output jacks with a voltage range from -10 V to +10 V, driven by highly accurate low jitter 16 bit DA converters:
2 gate inputs switching at 0.1 V
4 gate outputs switching between 0 V and 5 V
2 MIDI interfaces via MIDI standard B (mini jack)
MicroSD card reader and a button for reloading the MicroSD card
USB C to access the SD card from your computer or to send/receive MIDI MASTER18 comes with two interesting bonus features:
It can be connected to the Sinfonion as a follower of the Harmonic Sync.
It has an integrated tuning device for VCOs (can measure their frequency).

The MASTER18 is a good choice if you intend to just create CVs and don't need to process incoming CVs. It's perfect for building sequencers and MIDI to CV converters. MASTER18 can do almost any CV task you can imagine, such as sequencing, melody generation, slew limiting, quantizing, switching, mixing, working on clocks and triggers, creating envelopes and LFO or other fancy voltages, or any combination of these at the same time. While doing this, is very precise both in voltage and in timing.

You can attach several different DROID controller modules, such as the E4, the P2B8, the P10, the B32, the P4B2 or the M4 in order to get direct hands on access to all parameters and values of these patches.

Easily create your desired DROID patch utilizing our simple and easy-to-use editor with built in tutorials - the DROID Forge. It is available for Windows and Mac (both Apple Silicon and Intel).

The file created with the DROID Forge is a simple text file named "droid.ini" and needs to be loaded on the micro SD card that goes into the MASTER18.