Tags: Sequencer module

Notes: Successor to the excellent Metropolis, the Metropolix is a performance-focussed step sequencer with some really neat features, including modulation and sub-sequences in Loopy mode.

Supplier's Notes:
The Intellijel Metropolix is a unique and powerful Eurorack format musical sequencer. With an abundance of hands-on, tactile controls and a wealth of modulation possibilities (both internal and external) you can quickly and easily create infectiously musical sequences that are never boring. Even the simplest riff can be brought to life with seemingly endless options to create variations or real-time manipulations. Equally at home in the studio or a live improvised performance, the Metropolix is sure to become a staple source of fresh ideas and killer riffs in your creative process.

Width: 34HP
Depth: 25mm
Power: 95mA @ +12V 10mA @ -12V

On first blush, it appears to be a simple 8-stage sequencer - but there is far more functionality than first meets the eye:

There are two tracks (TRK 1 and TRK 2) that are variants of the single master pitch/gate sequencer, which is programmed via the PITCH sliders, PULSE COUNT and GATE TYPE switches. Each track interprets the master sequence in a variety of ways - creating complementary sequence variations that enable you to generate counterpoint, polyrhythms, and all manner of sonic movement (both subtle and extreme). Each of these tracks has its own playback ORDER, sequence LENgth, clock DIVision, SWING amount, SLIDE time, and track GATE lengths. Other track-based sequence variables are accessible from the TRACK MENU, and include Pitch Slider inversion; sequence note range; track transposition; and more. In addition, Tracks 1 & 2 both have multiple lanes of per-stage playback parameters, including: GATE override; PITCH override; RATCHet count; PROBability of playback; ACCUMulating transposition, and a dedicated CV lane. Each stage also has a SKIP feature, and a pitch SLIDE option.

8 separate and individual MODulation lanes are accessed via the MOD button. Each MOD lane has 8-stages of modulation values and its own playback ORDER, LENgth, and clock DIVision; and each lane is routable to one of Metropolix' two assignable outputs or to dozens of internal destinations, allowing for some sophisticated and powerful self-modulation.

A trio of AUX inputs allows for external modulation of user-assignable sequencer parameters for even greater variation, while two assignable CTRL knobs give you direct access to the parameters you want to adjust most frequently during a performance. With dedicated Pitch/Gate outputs for both Track 1 and Track 2; two totally user-assignable outputs (A and B); and internal MOD routing, Metropolix features a wealth of patching opportunities.

Metropolix also features a Loopy mode, allowing you to instantly play back short sub-sequences, or even "play" the stage buttons directly (like a 'keyboard').

Metropolix stores up to 64 preset configurations (in 8 banks of 8 presets), and all live settings are stored in EPROM, ensuring that your Metropolix will always power up exactly as you left it - even if you haven't saved them to a preset. By default presets can change all the structural (menu-based) elements of your sequencer without overwriting the front panel controls, but full recall is also available.

The operation of the Metropolix is optimized for live performance and jamming, with quick access to all the most important performance parameters, and the ability to greatly affect your sequences with a single slider or switch.

Notes: The 'Quaid Megaslope' is a five stage function generator or modulator which operates in one of 3 modes; a multistage 'CZ' or 'Juno' style complex envelope, a super flexible LFO and a step sequencer with per step programmable slew or slides.

Each mode produces a varying output voltage moving from point to point across a set number of chained together stages. Each stage features a destination level, an overall rate or time to reach its destination level and a variable slope for the output path to take. As well as direct control, every stage feature voltage control of both level and rate. There are both unipolar and bipolar voltage outputs together with triggers emitted for the end of each stage and the end of a full cycle.

The Quaid Megaslope is designed to be fun, flexible and intuitive to use.

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.