2hp — Slice

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2hp Slice Manual (PDF)

Generating Dense, Hyper-Complex Rhythmic Music with 2hp Slice

The 2hp Slice is a beat repeat/glitch effect module, not a sound source/voice, but it can radically transform any rhythmic or percussive audio input. Its real strength in complex rhythm creation lies in its flexible clocking, advanced repeat/divide/multiply options, and ability to be voltage-controlled at audio rates. Here's how you can leverage it to create intricate rhythmic and percussive textures:

Core Concepts

• Effect, Not Voice: Use Slice to process any audio—drum loops, percussion hits, synth lines, samples—turning straightforward materials into detailed, hyper-rhythmic patterns.
• Clocking: The clock input determines the base rhythmic grid. Feeding unusual or polyrhythmic clocks will radically alter the possibilities.
• Size Control (Knob + CV): Sets repeat size from long bars to extremely tight micro-loops, all time-synced to the clock.
• Triplet Toggle: Expands subdivisions to include non-standard rhythmic groupings, excellent for tuplets, swing, and polyrhythms.
• Gate/Trig Input & Manual Button: Activate effect on demand or using sequencers/envelope-followers for "dynamic" glitching.

Strategies for Hyper-Complex Percussive Sequences

1. Polyrhythms with Multiple Clocks

• Use a programmable clock or trigger sequencer capable of unusual time signatures or layered polyrhythms (e.g., sending a 5/4 clock from one source, a 4/4 from another, and switching/mixing between them).
• Patch Example:
• Clock input—mult two different clocks (with different divisions, e.g., 3 against 4) into a sequential switch or logic module, and then to the Slice input.
• The irregular clocking will create beat repeat cycles that dance across rhythmic boundaries.

2. CV Modulation for Nested/Complex Patterns

• Use the Size CV input to modulate the repeat size in real-time.
• Random CV (from modules like 2hp Rnd, stepped random, or programmable sequencer) will cycle through divisions and multiplications in unpredictable rhythms.
• For more musical results, use a dedicated sequencer tied to your overall meter, but programmed with offbeat, swung, or polymetric values.
• Percussive Trick:
• Route an envelope or LFO synced to a different clock division into Size CV. This can drive the repeats from long slices (chunky) to tiny audio-rate snippets (granular, percussive hits) throughout a phrase.

3. Triplet & Non-Standard Subdivision Manipulation

• Triplet Toggle: Activate triplets for odd groove divisions—great for 6/8 feels, 7/8, or mathy drum phrases.
• Combine the triplet function with polyrhythmic clocks for dense, overlapping textures.

4. Momentary vs. Latching Gate for Dynamic Patterns

• Momentary Mode: The beat repeat effect is only active while the trigger is held—feed in complex, irregular gates (from a rhythm source or custom logic patch) to glitch sections "on the fly."
• Latching Mode: Traditional on/off repeat; ideal for locking in stuttered or looped fills at key spots.

5. Manual "Glitch" Performance & Live FX

• Trigger the effect manually with the front panel button for live fills, improvised stutters, and drops.
• Combine manual triggering with quick shifts in Size or triplet toggling for hand-controlled, evolving rhythms.

Advanced Percussive Sound Design Tips

• Punch/Impacts: Input transient-rich audio (like percussion or snappy drum machine sounds) and use quick, tight slice segments for metallic, sharp glitch hits.
• Granular Percussive Textures: Set the Size very small and modulate at audio rate for granular timbres—turning ordinary samples into micro-percussive textures.
• Multi-voice Routing: Use multiple Slices on separate audio streams (e.g., one for kick/snare, one for hats) and cross-modulate their clocks/CVs for ultra-dense polyrhythms.
• Layer with Samplers & Loopers: As suggested in the manual, pair Slice with a sampler like 2hp Play or a looper. Mult the Size CV to both—the rhythmic slicing and the sample pitch together create melodic-rhythmic motion (e.g., “beat repeat” gets faster as pitch rises).

Module Pairing Recommendations

• Rnd/Random CV: To modulate Size or trigger input for unpredictability.
• Sequencer with odd divisions: For polyrhythmic clocking.
• Other glitch/process modules: For multi-stage FX chains.

Summary Table

For more info, check the 2hp Slice Manual (PDF)
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