Alternative takes on the classic step sequencer format have long been popular in the modular realm, and as modular has risen in popularity in recent years many of these ideas have begun to seep into more mainstream hardware and software tools.
Compose polyrhythms and polymeters fast and intuitively. Create evolving melodic or percussive algorithmic rhythms. This is a 4 voice sequencer that allows for a lot of customization. It comes bundled with a second MIDI device "euclidean out" which enables routing any of the 4 voices to any MIDI track in Live. "Euclidean sequencer pro" is the successor of the euclidean sequencer including many new features(see key differences below).
*In sequencer mode you can MIDI monitor all notes edited in the sequencer. Toggle monitoring on/off by clicking on the new headphones button.
*Added semitone up/down transposition buttons for the sequencer mode.
There are a plethora of options available for those interested in utilizing euclidean sequencing in their music production. Among the most notable offerings include the Constellation by Acid Rain Technology, a powerful gate sequencer based on euclidean rhythms, and the Temps Utile by After Later Audio, a multi-function module that includes a euclidean sequencer preset. Additionally, the Endorphin.es Running Order Polyrhythmic Polymetric Sequencer includes euclidean sequencing as one of its many sequencer options. For those who prefer a standalone option, the Polyend Play also offers the ability to program sequences using a euclidean fill option.
Euclidean sequencing is a powerful tool for music producers as it allows for the creation of complex and captivating rhythms. The principles of euclidean geometry serve as the foundation for these rhythms, resulting in patterns that are both mesmerizing and unique. By utilizing euclidean sequencing, music producers can add an extra layer of depth and intrigue to their tracks, setting them apart from their contemporaries. Have fun and happy patching!
I discovered euclidean rhythms fairly recently and I have to say the concept has blown my mind. As someone with little to no formal music theory/rhythm knowledge, this crossover between mathematics and music is very inspiring and one of the reasons why I got into eurorack in the first place. Anyway...
As much as I like more traditional x0x style sequencing, I think euclidean sequencing deserves a fully fledged offering in eurorack and there is a bit of a gap in the market right now. To my mind the two best euclidean sequencers available right now are Pam's and Euclidean Circles. My views on their pros/cons and what the perfect euclidean sequencer would look like:
Not very playable or immediate, to put it mildly. This is a more general criticism of Pam's given the single knob and amount of menu diving. For some purposes this is not a deal breaker but part of the appeal of euclidean sequencing for me is how immediate it is and having to menu dive kills that
Big circles with lots of blinking lights. No but seriously, super easy to dial in rhythms vs. Pam's and having access to 3 outputs at once is great. This alone makes it the best euclidean sequencer out there in my view
The big circles. Yes, I know I listed that as a pro but from an ergonomics/live performance perspective I actually think the circles are not a great use of space despite how pretty they are. In my head I think of euclidean rhythms in the x,x notation (for instance 3 triggers on 7 steps) and as the step count goes up I find myself having to count the lights to remind myself how many triggers/steps I'm on. This is actually something that Pam's does better even if you can only see one parameter at a time
Each of the 4 outputs visible on the panel should have a small screen showing 3 digits (perhaps one bigger screen with 4 lines) for each of the euclidean variables (number of triggers, number of steps and rotation). This would make it much easier to track what's happening with each output and quickly adjust. Next to the screen there should be 3x4 ratcheted dials (3 for each of the 4 outputs) for each of those parameters to allow for simultaneous editing of the euclidean variables
Hello. Today I learned about Euclidean rhythms and it really intrigued me. I wanted to share this Euclidean sequencer JS plugin I stumbled upon. I like it, because it helps me create interesting drum patterns.
As far as a I know, the only other Euclidean rhythm sequencer is the Euclidean sequencer PRO for Ableton. The Reaper plugin isn't as feature rich, but you can use many of them and automate their velocities with a square LFO to hit accent notes.
The accents should be set independently from the original sequence though, so they could be anywhere, not only where there are already active steps, so essentially a second euclidean sequence with the same length. But they could have their independent outputs and controls exactly like they are now on QAR.
A while back I was experimenting with max patches that had a probability distribution curve which controlled the density of events in a euclidean engine. I think QAR can do this but its been a while since I tried it. @almostEric very cool module btw.
However, what @schabbes is describing is no longer a euclidean pattern (or at least not to my knowledge). Have you tried the Hexaquark sequencer? This seems similar to what you describe although its not built on a euclidean engine.
The advantage of algorhythmic sequencers to me lies in being able to control relatively long sequences and switching them up completely with just a few knobs. Step sequencers like Hexaquark already offer ultimate flexibility, but you need to change each step individually, while the algorhythmic sequencers allow wild changes with the twist of a knob.
I'd like 4 of the standard 'circular' euclidean sequencers (that you see in nearly all versions of anything euclidean in the Reaktor user library) and a way of each one conforming to 4 separate notes of a chord.
I always try to explore the edges of things. When pre-11 Ableton Live wasn't into probability, I published lots of MaxForLive devices showing some ways of adding probability, and Ableton seem to have taken the hint in Live 11! One other thing that I have always been interested in is unusual timing - my Probably sequencer includes probabilistic micro-timing per note, which is kind of tricky to get your head around. But recently, I've been playing with the opposite of the many Euclidean sequencers that are available in MaxForLive circles. So here's a non-Euclidean, Non-Linear, 4-section step sequencer/toolkit for you to explore elastic time and polyrhythms. I say 'toolkit' very deliberately here, because this isn't an M4L device that you just drop into a track and make cool drum sounds or 'bleepy' sequencer riffs, - rather it requires experimentation, recording of the output, retiming, and more. Once again, it is giving you 'modular'-style functionality in a DAW - although I don't know of any direct hardware equivalent modules for Eurorack et al...
Euclidean sequencers distribute steps as evenly as possible over the looped time: 4 beats on the beat being a familiar example that often gets overlooked! MIDInonU takes this as the starting point and then allows you to subvert it. So if you look at section A (there are 4 sections: A-D), then MIDInonU takes even time spacing as the starting point - so each of the 'Time' rotary controls is set half-way through the range, where the triangle is, at a value of 16. You can change the time between 2 and 30, which allows you to move the steps backwards and forwards in time by changing the 'Time' value away from the default value of 16 (where the triangle points to).
In terms of basic modular equivalents, then implementing MIDInonU is interesting - there are many 3,4, and 5 step sequencers that you could use, but the micro-timing is less common, and might be easier to do by processing the clocks for the step sequencers, probably using another sequencer. The velocity algorithms are going to require a quite sophisticated processing module because of those counters. One brute force method might be to use more sequencers to do the counting, but this is probably not going to be straight-forward. You could use a descending sawtooth LFO to replace the counters, or course, and then use a threshold gate for the 'Split' function.
A 16 track algorithmic sequencer at the center of your studio. The T-1 offers a generative workflow with focus on immediacy and playful exploration. Whether on stage or in the studio, the T-1 will inspire you with fresh ideas and help you push the boundaries of your music. In short, this is a fundamental rethinking of the sequencer as a modern, fun and inspiring instrument
Sculpt the timing, tonality and overall structure of your music in the same intuitive way you would a parameter on a synthesizer: By the twist of a knob. The T-1 lets you dial in any rhythm in a manner of seconds with euclidean rhythms.
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