Pair With: Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas Alter (BIA) or Tiptop Audio BD909, SD808, HH909 or other drum modules
Patch Idea:
- Connect Grids’ 3 TRIG outputs to 3 drum modules (e.g., BD/SD/HH or anything percussive).
- Use the ACC accent outputs to modulate the Accent/Decay/Distortion CV inputs on the drum modules for dynamic expression.
- Use Grids’ individual fill controls (E1, E2, E3) to shift between minimal and maximal drum patterns in real time for evolving, nonstatic drum lines.
Pair With: Mutable Instruments Marbles, Make Noise Maths (for random/envelope CV), LFOs
Patch Idea:
- Patch LFOs or random voltages from Marbles/Maths into Grids’ MAP X, MAP Y, or FILL CV inputs for morphing, generative rhythms.
- Clock Grids from an irregular pulse or clock-divided/clock-multiplied signal to introduce unpredictability.
- Use the CHAOS CV input for "humanized" swing/random fills.
Pair With: Intellijel Plog (logic module), Shakmat Time Wizard, clock dividers/multipliers
Patch Idea:
- Output Grids triggers to multiple sound sources (drums, percussive synth voices).
- Combine Grids outputs with logic modules (AND, OR, XOR, NAND gates from Plog) to derive “hidden” patterns and triggers for alternative percussion sounds.
- Use clock division/multiplication and reset inputs to create shifting polyrhythms and polymeters.
Pair With: Quantizer (e.g., Intellijel Scales, Doepfer A-156), Ornament & Crime, pitched voice module
Patch Idea:
- Use Grids’ triggers to advance a melodic sequence every time a drum/percussion hit is played, or pluck a synth voice for evolving melodic patterns.
- Route accent outputs to a quantized pitch CV for “accented” melodic changes.
- Create evolving arpeggiations and generative melodies based on rhythm not based on a Euclidean clock, for more “musical” randomness.
Pair With: Endorphin.es.es Ground Control, Erica Synths Black Sequencer, Frap Tools USTA
Patch Idea:
- Use Grids as the heartbeat, sending triggers/clocks to drum modules and also to sequencer reset/advance inputs.
- Sync modular sequencers with Grids for shifting rhythmic relationships, or have Grids “riff” off another sequencer using external clock/reset.
Pair With: Mutable Instruments Rings, Plaits, Doepfer A-119 Envelope Follower
Patch Idea:
- Send Grids triggers to Rings or Plaits for triggered resonant or percussive textures.
- Use accents to switch modes or modulate timbres/strikes within Rings/Plaits.
- Feed outputs through filters and audio FX for cinematic, polyrhythmic soundscapes.
Patch Idea:
- Assign a MIDI controller or CV macro knob to sweep through Map X/Map Y or fill CVs, performing real-time “scene” changes for dynamic live sets.
- Use tap tempo or external clock manipulation for push-pull DJ-style twists.
Bonus Tips: - In Euclidean/sequencer mode, try using Grids to clock or gate melodic and modulation sections, not just drums. - The gate output mode is ideal for controlling sustain-based voices or even switching video/modulation patches.