# Intellijel — Metropolix - [Manual PDF](../../manuals/metropolix_manual_v1.4_2022.04.04.pdf) --- [Metropolix Manual PDF (Firmware 1.4)](https://intellijel.com/downloads/manuals/metropolix_manual_v1.4.pdf) --- # How to Create Full-Length Songs with Intellijel Metropolix The **Intellijel Metropolix** is not just a step sequencer—it’s a deeply performative, compositional instrument, designed to generate, modulate, and structure evolving sequences. To move beyond cool grooves and into “full songs”, you need ways to introduce **variation**, **structure**, and **performability**. Here’s an analysis of strategies, techniques, and creative workflows using the Metropolix in combination with other Eurorack modules. --- ## Core Features for Song Creation **Metropolix** includes: - **Two independent, deeply modifiable pitch/gate tracks** (TRK 1 & 2) - **Eight simultaneous MOD lanes** for internal/external modulation of virtually any parameter (think: automation lanes) - **64 presets & 8 chainable preset banks** for “scene” or section switching - **Extensive randomization, probability, accumulation (transposition), and ratcheting** - **CV/AUX inputs & CTRL knobs**—modulate parameters live or from other modules - **MIDI I/O (USB)** for clocking, sync, and DAW interaction - **Loopy mode** for live improvisation, fills, and on-the-fly rearrangement --- ## Techniques for Building Full-Length Arrangements ### 1. **Preset Chaining: Sections and Song Forms** **Preset Chains** allow you to structure a full set or song from 64 sequence/preset “scenes” (Intro, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Fills, etc.). - **Design each section** as its own preset (melodic material, rhythm, modulation, mutes). - **Chain them together** in the Preset Chain screen: select bank/color, slot, how many times it repeats, and which tracks or MOD lanes are muted for each section. - **Automate evolutions**—for example: “Verse 1” is sparse, “Verse 2” brings in MOD lane-driven variations, “Chorus” changes track lengths or swing. - **Instant/multibar transitions**: Use ‘Total Pulses’ or ‘Queue Pulses’ in global setup so transitions happen after a musical amount of bars, ensuring smooth phrase changes. > **TIP:** Think of Preset Chains as a non-linear DAW timeline—sections are linked, repeated, and can have their own muting, length, and arrangement logic. --- ### 2. **Song Variation via Modulation & Automation** Most step-sequencers loop—the Metropolix becomes a song machine by using: - **MOD Lanes**: assign to parameters like “root”, “order”, “length”, “slide”, “swing”, or external CV/gate outputs. - Evolve melodies by modulating scales, roots, or slide amounts per section. - Drastically alter grooves by crossfading between play orders or skipped steps. - **AUX Inputs**: use LFOs, envelopes, a MIDI controller, or external modulation sources to: - Animate chord changes (assign a MOD lane, CTRL knob, or AUX input to “Scale (User)” or “Root”) - Create evolving bass lines/melodies by modulating “Pitch Pre”, “Pitch Post”, or “Accumulate” - Control fill triggers or mutes (assign to “Mute”, “Skip Invert”, or Loopy/Reset) - **CTRL Knobs**: as performance macros—assign to modulate musical “scene” parameters, i.e., fade from straight rhythm to swung, change sequence lengths, invert play orders, etc. > **Combine**: Use a function generator/envelope to open up filter cutoff, *and* turn up Metropolix “Gate Length” for a break, then snap both back for the drop! --- ### 3. **Live Improvisation: Loopy, Stage Player, and Performance Macros** - **Loopy Mode**: Instantly “punch in” to a sub-loop, useful for breakdowns, fills, or live variations—repetition glues sections or provides surprise. Use 2-finger loopy for snare rolls or repeat phrases. - **Stage Player**: Trigger individual steps as notes—use as manual fills, drum triggers, or soundboard during a jam. --- ### 4. **Randomization, Probability, and Generative Structure** - **Per-stage Randomization** (ALT + AUX X/Y): Introduce subtle to radical variations in pitch, ratchet, gate type, probability, etc. - **Probability**: Humanize or thin out sequences; assign probability to drum steps for swingy, “not-quite-the-same” patterns. - **Accumulator/Transposition**: Diatonically transpose sequences automatically over time—mimic classic 303 and Berlin school sequences that “spiral upwards/downwards”. --- ### 5. **Integration with Other Eurorack Modules** - **CV Clock & Reset**: - Use external clock for tight sync (DAW/Drum machine) or internal clock for hands-on jamming. - Insert clock dividers/multipliers upstream or downstream for polyrhythm/polymeter. - **Envelope Followers/Gate Processors**: - Use logic (AND/OR/XOR), sequential switches, or gate mutes to route, combine, or remix Metropolix outputs for greater complexity. - Use switch modules to toggle voices, process triggers from MOD lanes or stage gates to switch basslines, melodies, or percussion on the fly. - **Effects & VCAs**: - Automate or perform transitions/reverb/delay/fx on mix elements by assigning Metropolix outputs or MOD lanes (with gate or voltage CV) to FX parameters or mixer VCAs for dramatic effect. - **Complex Voices, Filters, & Drum Modules**: - Route Track 1 and 2 as melody/bass, assign MOD lane (or even CV lanes as gates) to drum triggers or timbral modulation. - **MIDI/DAW**: - Record pattern and preset transitions as MIDI notes or CC into your DAW, use DAW to sequence “meta” events. - Program external synths with MIDI output per track for hybrid setups; combine Metropolix generative structure with polished studio sound. --- ### 6. **Performance Strategy Examples** - **“Mute Automation”**: Use preset chains or MOD lane automation to gradually build up/layer tracks for verse/chorus/bridge breakdowns. - **“Scale/Chord Progression”**: Set up a mod lane to selection of custom scales/user banks; modulate with an LFO, envelope, or sequence for chord progressions and key changes. - **“Polyrhythmic Evolution”**: Use different clock dividers and sequence lengths for each track/MOD lane; results in constantly shifting interplay. - **“Live Remix”**: Randomize or morph certain step parameters via AUX Y or X in “ALT” mode for spontaneous, unrepeatable versions of your song. - **“CTRL Knob DJ Moves”**: Assign one knob to “track swap,” “skip invert,” or “swing” for dramatic, drop-like moments or live breakbeats. --- ## Final Recommendations - **Design Themes per Preset/Section:** Think of each Preset as a “scene” in the song. - **Choreograph Macro Changes:** Use Preset Chaining for structure, MOD lanes for micro-automation, and CTRL/CV for live gestures. - **Integrate Other Modules:** Use clocking, logic, CV processing, and effects for mixing/mastering-quality dynamics and transitions. - **Perform and Record:** Use Metropolix as the live brains in a studio or on stage—capture its outputs directly or the MIDI for later multitracking. With these capabilities, **Metropolix can drive a set that evolves, develops, and grooves as well as any computer DAW-based sequencer—each performance, even with the same presets, can be unique.** --- ## Further Reading - [Metropolix Manual PDF (Firmware 1.4)](https://intellijel.com/downloads/manuals/metropolix_manual_v1.4.pdf) - [Generated With Eurorack Processor](https://github.com/nstarke/eurorack-processor)