TAKAAB OCD - Odd Clock Divider – Siam Modular Manual PDF
The TAKAAB OCD is a 2HP Eurorack clock divider focusing on odd and less common rhythmic divisions (1/3, 1/5, 1/7, 1/9 or optionally 1/6, 1/10). This unique approach opens the door to highly creative clocking, rhythmic, and generative possibilities in a modular synth environment.
Below are several creative uses for the OCD module, along with suggestions for modules you can pair it with:
How:
Divide a master clock into non-standard ratios (e.g., 1/3, 1/5, 1/7…) and use each output to advance different sequencers, drum modules, or envelope generators.
Module Pairings: - Sequencers: (e.g., Make Noise Rene, Intellijel Metropolis, or any analog step sequencer) - Triggerable Drums: (e.g., Mutable Instruments Peaks, Tiptop Audio ONE, or Erica Synths Drum Series modules) - Envelope Generators: (e.g., Maths, Intellijel Quadra)
Result:
You’ll achieve polyrhythmic patterns, constantly shifting relationships between parts, and evolving generative melodies or beats.
How:
Send various odd-division clocks into modulation destinations for asynchronous rhythmic movement—like modulating a filter cutoff, LFO reset, or sample-and-hold.
Module Pairings: - VCF/VCA modules: Modulate or open a VCA only every 5th or 7th clock pulse. - S&H or Slew Generators: Trigger a S&H (like Mutable Kinks, Doepfer A-148) with 1/7 for unpredictable but repeating modulation steps.
Result:
Create organic, evolving modulation where movement never quite repeats in sync.
How:
Combine the odd-divided outputs using logic modules for unexpected rhythmic interplay.
Module Pairings: - Logic Modules: (e.g., Takaab 2XOR, Mutable Instruments Kinks, Intellijel Plog) - Other Clock Dividers/Multipliers: Cascade even/odd dividers for dense rhythmic textures.
Result:
Use AND, OR, XOR, etc., between divisions (e.g., 1/3 and 1/5) to produce even more complex and less predictable rhythmic triggers.
How:
Patch an OCD divided output (e.g., 1/5) back into the OCD’s RESET input or into another OCD/ECD’s reset, for cyclical yet phase-shifting rhythm resets.
Module Pairings: - Chained Dividers: Use the header connections or patch cable for OCD/ERC daisy-chaining (jumpers/cables included). - Logic for Resequencing: Logic modules can consolidate/reset multiple rhythmic divisions simultaneously.
Result:
Shifting, non-traditional loop lengths and evolving cycles—perfect for generative, non-repetitive music.
How:
Trigger drum voices with the odd division outputs (1/3, 1/5, etc.) independently from "on-the-grid" main drums.
Module Pairings: - Modular Drum Modules: Tiptop Audio (BD808, SD808, etc.), Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas, ALM Akemie's Taiko. - Sample Players: Trigger sample start with an odd division for shifting “offbeat” fills.
Result:
Unconventional drum fills, evolving breaks, or percussion patterns that feel “alive” due to their refusal to lock to 4/4 time.
How:
Step a quantizer or precision adder (e.g., Doepfer A-156, Intellijel Scales) with an odd divider, while other sequencers run at standard or different divisions.
Result:
Melodies that interact with other parts in semi-random but ultimately predictable long cycles, creating generative melody/chord relationships.
How:
Trigger random modules (e.g., Mutable Marbles, Wogglebug) at odd divisions for irregular bursts of randomness.
Result:
Shifting, off-grid random gates or CVs for unpredictable but automatically cycling patterns.
How:
Pair the OCD with the Takaab ECD (Even Clock Divider) using the daisy-chain headers and reset/cascade features. Mix both even and odd divisions for comprehensive rhythm generation.
For more clock and logic patch ideas, visit the Generated With Eurorack Processor repository.