Intellijel — Metropolix

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Metropolix Manual PDF

Creative Modular Patching Ideas With Intellijel Metropolix

As a Eurorack musician, the Intellijel Metropolix is a goldmine for live performance, generative music, and modular experimentation. Its unique sequencing approach, deep modulation options, and multi-track architecture enable wild creative combinations—especially when paired with other modules. Below you'll find a selection of creative ideas, patch strategies, and some module recommendations to inspire fresh musical and performative directions.

1. Dual Voice Counterpoint with Complementary Sound Engines

Concept:
Exploit Metropolix's independent tracks (TRK 1 and TRK 2) to generate harmonically related yet rhythmically distinct melodies.

• Suggested Combo:
• Make Noise STO (TRK 1)

• Mutable Instruments Plaits (TRK 2)

• Technique:

• Set differing playback ORDER, LEN, and DIV for each track, creating intertwining counterpoint lines.
• Use the same clock for tight timing, or clock TRK 2 at an odd division for polymetric interplay.
• Run each through different effects (e.g., reverb for one, delay for another) to maximize separation.
• For generative harmonic shifts, modulate the scale or root globally, or sequence User Scales via MOD lane/AUX.

2. Sequencer-Driven Rhythmic Effects

Concept:
Harness per-stage gate, probability, and ratchet control to trigger non-pitch events, like rhythmic gating of effects or VCAs.

• Suggested Modules:
• VCAs: Intellijel Quad VCA, ALM Tangle Quartet

• Effects: Mutable Instruments Clouds, Strymon Magneto (using sequenced triggers for freeze/record)

• Technique:

• Assign OUT A or B to a MOD lane or track's CV lane set to "Gate Toggle."
• Patch OUT A/B to a VCA CV input for rhythmic amplitude modulation or to a CV/gate-enabled effect.
• Use per-stage probability for morphing, semi-random muting of effects.
• Modulate ratchets to create fast, chopped FX bursts or granular freezes.

3. Complex CV Modulation of External Parameters

Concept:
Sequence envelopes, LFO speeds, filters, or any CV-controllable parameter with Metropolix's MOD lanes.

• Suggested Module Types:
• Filters: Mutable Ripples, Tiptop Forbidden Planet
• Envelope Generators: Maths, Zadar

• Waveshapers, Function Processors: Befaco Rampage, Intellijel Bifold

• Technique:

• Assign MOD Lanes to OUT A/B (set to "Mod").
• Design evolving or stepped CV shapes/per stage in the MOD lane.
• Assign per-stage voltage ramps (smooth or abrupt) to subtly morph tone or envelope times on each step.
• Use the "ramp" mode for smooth transitions, "step" for abrupt changes—great for sample & hold effects.

4. Generative Self-Modulation and Feedback Networks

Concept:
Metropolix's internal modulation (via MOD lanes, AUX inputs, or randomized parameter features) can feedback on itself to create evolving patches.

• Advanced Patch Example:
• Assign MOD Lane 2 to modulate TRK 1's probability or playback order.
• Patch a random voltage source (like Wogglebug or Marbles) into AUX X, assign X to modulate LEN or swing.
• Use Z output to reset accumulator or swap track outputs mid-pattern.
• Periodically randomize a stage’s settings live using ALT + AUX buttons for controlled chaos.

5. Polyphonic or Chordal Eurorack Using Quantized CV Lanes and Multiple Oscillators

Concept:
Use CV lanes and/or multiple tracks/LFOs to control more than two voices for richer harmonic content.

• Suggested Module:

• Tiptop Audio Poly2 or Mutable Instruments Polyphonic OSCs

• Technique:

• Align MOD lane voltages (by hand or via user scales) for chord voicing.
• Sequence roots with TRK 1, thirds or fifths with MOD lanes out to quantizer/extra oscillators.
• Use external precision adders (e.g., Doepfer A-185-2) to sum CVs for more complex chords.
• Modulate scale or root note for dreamy chord progressions.

6. Morphing Percussive Sequences

Concept:
Animate percussion by using MOD lanes or track CVs to control drum module parameters.

• Suggested Drum Modules:
• Endorphin.es BLCK_Noir
• Mutable Instruments Peaks

• Erica Synths Pico Drums

• Technique:

• Assign per-stage ratchets for fast rolls.
• MOD lanes to tune, decay, or effect depth on drum modules.
• Use gate outputs for parameter locking, triggers, or accent inputs.

7. MIDI and DAW Integration

Concept:
Use Metropolix's MIDI features to sequence or modulate external synths, drum machines, or virtual instruments.

• Technique:
• Route MIDI through the USB port (optionally using the Intellijel USB Extender).
• Assign MOD lanes or CV lanes to output CCs for dynamic control of soft synths or hardware.
• Sequence DAW drums or samples via trigger outputs.

8. Expander Magic

Concept:
Expand Metropolix with a Gx/Qx for up to 8 additional gates—ideal for triggering drum modules, events, or clocking other sequencers.

• Suggested Uses:
• Trigger drum steps, clock Bastl Popcorn, reset other sequencers, or use stage gates for live performance macros.
• Use probability clocks for generative rhythms and textures.

9. Performance Gestures & Live Jamming

Concept:
Set up CTRL knobs for macro-performance controls such as Trk Out Swap (for instant voice swapping), Probability ±, or Slide Amount for acid-infused lines.

• Technique:
• Prepare a set with "Thru" or "Jump" preset options for instant recall of previous jams.
• Live randomize via ALT + AUX for "happy accident" fills or improv breaks.

Patch Note

• Chain multiple patch ideas: e.g., poly-sequencing and CV modulation of filters for animated, harmonically rich modular drones with glitchy drum accents.
• Always remember to experiment with sequence order, stage skip, and accumulator functions for non-repetitive, emergent music.

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