ADDAC Systems — ADDAC-402 Heuristic Rhythm Generator

• Manual PDF

ADDAC402 USER'S GUIDE PDF

Advanced Rhythmic Techniques with the ADDAC402 Heuristic Rhythm Generator

The ADDAC402 is a powerful Eurorack module for generating advanced, algorithmic trigger/gate sequences across four independent channels. Leveraging its diverse modes, flexible configuration, and extensive CV controllability, you can create percussive sequences that are densely packed, polyrhythmic, and hyper-complex. Below is a strategic guide to using the ADDAC402 for such experimental and high-level rhythmic musical purposes:

1. Building Polyrhythms & Odd Time Signatures

Euclidean Mode

• Core Idea: Assign each channel a different number of steps & fills (e.g., 5 steps/2 fills, 7 steps/3 fills, 11 steps/4 fills, etc.)
• Polyrhythm Construction: Let each voice output different classic divisions—e.g., Channel 1 = 5 steps, Channel 2 = 7 steps, Channel 3 = 9 steps, Channel 4 = 12 steps.
• Result: The interplay of these step counts produces evolving polyrhythms and cross-rhythms.
• Tip: Use the ‘Skip Step’ buttons to rotate patterns in phase, adding further complexity.

Gate Sequencer Mode

• Odd Time Signatures: Use up to 32 steps per channel with independent bar length for each channel, sculpting freely from micro-polyrhythms to extended, non-repetitive sequences.
• Dense Programming: Activate many steps with selective gaps, or stagger channel bar lengths for “never-repeating” meta-rhythms.

2. Maximizing Pattern Complexity

Game of Life Mode

• Generative Chaos: Let the automaton create evolving, complex patterns that you can “reset” or “evolve” with the reset buttons.
• Live Variation: Use the Master Reset for major “scene changes” or individual resets for instant randomization.

Golomb Rulers Mode

• Aperiodic Patterns: Each ruler produces mathematically unique, non-overlapping trigger distances—great for unpredictable polyrhythmic grooves.

Probabilistic Footwork/Pong Modes

• Controlled Randomness: In probabilistic mode, set each channel with a different percent to “eat up” or leave space for other events. Footwork mode exploits buggy, organic triggers for ultra-intricate, ‘broken’ percussive output.
• Pong Mode: Exploit ball-bounce events and left/right “pad” controls for percussive lines that rarely repeat precisely.

3. Swings, Shuffles, and Grooves

• Swing/Assign Knob: Default assign adds micro-shuffle to all triggers, but you can re-assign this to steps, skips, or resets.
• Parameter-Locking: Use CV input to modulate swing, rotate patterns, or reset channels based on external voltage/program changes.
• Extreme Swings: Try uppermost swing settings for hard-offset, stuttery/jittery grooves.

4. Advanced Patch Ideas

• Layered Sequences: Mult and mix outputs to trigger multiple drum voices. Route inverted outputs to alternate envelopes for ghost notes or fills.
• CV Control: Feed random, LFO, or envelope CVs into steps/fills/skips, so your patterns morph over time.
• Gate/Trigger Toggling: Use the switches and configuration menu to alter output length and shape, creating crisp triggers, heavy gates, or stuttering machine gun effects.
• Preset Recall: Sequence or punch in different preset patterns for rapid variation in live sets.

5. Post-Processing for Percussive Uniqueness

• Further Modulation: Run the outputs into slew/noise/random modules to modulate decay, pitch, or filter per drum hit.
• FM/AM Tricks: If using voices rather than only drum modules, experiment with modulating pitch or amplitude by sending gates to VCA or FM inputs.
• Punch & Snap: Pair gated outputs with fast DA/AD envelopes, and explore chaining with distortion/wavefolding/filter modules to create unique, punchy percussive impacts.

General Tips

• Don’t hesitate to randomize resets or step-skips for ever-evolving rhythms.
• Exploit the ‘inverted’ outputs for fills, ghost notes, or “response” patterns.
• Experiment with clock rates and divisions for everything from rapid-fire glitches to staggered polyrhythms.
• Use the module with other logic, sequential switch, or clock manipulator modules for maximum rhythmic density and interplay.

References

• ADDAC402 USER'S GUIDE PDF

Generated With Eurorack Processor