FLUX - Temporal Modulation Rhythm Sequencer

[VCOscillator]

Hello fellow Wigglers, a project that I have been developing for the past few years FLUX is launching on Kickstarter in the next couple of days and I thought I would share some info with the community:



Flux is a Temporal Modulation Synthesis Complex Rhythm Sequencer for Eurorack.

Temporal Modulation Synthesis applies a curvature to time, creating rhythms by modulating the linearity of trigger distribution within a step (each step can output a density of between 1-64 triggers). Trigger distribution can be modulated with a choice of 15 TM curves, the curvature of which ranges from -10 to +10 in 0.01 increments (2000 possible curvatures). Positive curvature values produce logarithmic responses, negative values produce exponential responses and a curvature of 0 results in linear spacing. 16 TM steps can be sequenced per channel, each with unique length, density, curve and curvature parameters. FLUX uses 64-bit double-precision floating point math internally to calculate rhythms with an extremely high degree of precision.

True Euclidean rhythms, polyrhythms & complex rhythmic patterns are extremely easy to generate and wide ranging in scope.



TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• ARM Cortex-M7
  Fast Slew (45 V/μs) TLE2072 OP Amps
  16 Outputs (4 TM, 12 Logic, All 10V)
  4 Inputs (1 Ext Clock (+5V), 3 CV (-5 to +5V))
  128x160 Pixel Full Colour TFT display
  4 Macro Potentiometers
  4 UI Navigation Buttons
  2 High Quality Optical Encoders
  32 HP Width
  20mm Depth Behind Front Panel
  ~250 mA +12V
  ~50 mA -12V
  Reverse Polarity Power Protection
  Eurorack Power Cable & Mounting Screws Included

MAIN FEATURES OVERVIEW

• 4 TM Synthesis Channels
  12 Rhythm Delay/Logic/Divider Outputs
  Humanize Algorithm
  Modulation Matrix per Channel
  64 Triggers per Step
  16 Steps per channel
  1-64 16ths per step (Max Sequence Length = 1024 16ths)
  8 available Rhythm Delays per Channel (1-8 16ths)
  3 +/- 5V CV Inputs With Red/Green LED Indicators
  Colour Coded UI/Output LEDS (Ch1 = Orange, Ch2 = Green, Ch3 = Blue, Ch4 = White)
  External Clock Input
  Preset Save/Load

Here are some examples demonstrating rhythms with low density steps & linear spacing between triggers,
the first example demonstrates the humanize algorithm at 25%:


These rhythms demonstrate high density steps & linear spacing between triggers:


Finally, here are some examples of rhythms using various curvature combinations:




There are some additional short demo videos online: FLUX Website
You can also get in touch or follow the project on Twitter: FLUX on Twitter

[mdoudoroff]

Most intriguing.

Do I understand correctly that each of the four channels can have its own BPM?

[starthief]

It's nice to see such a truly original idea. I don't think this module is for me but I look forward to hearing some seriously wicked IDM etc. from people using this.

[VanEck]

Definitely has my curiosity... need some videos and such to catch my attention. I believe I can already achieve a lot of what this sequencer can do with my sequencing/logic rig. But it would be nice to have a lot of that functionality condensed into 1 interesting module with a friendly interface.

[VCOscillator]

Most intriguing.

Do I understand correctly that each of the four channels can have its own BPM?

Hi Mdoudoroff, sorry for any confusion - I have changed the BPM parameter to 'Global' on the website. It would be possible to add BPM per channel as a configuration option but when active it would come at the expense of some of the synchronisation features.

In the current firmware the sequencer tracks all permutations of sequence and step lengths at the current BPM. This means that when you change the total sequence length either via the UI parameter or the Modulation Matrix/CV the sequencer can sync to the tracked microsecond and step for the new sequence length, keeping everything tightly synchronised across all channels regardless of temporary Mod Matrix/CV modulation and allowing you to return to the correct spot in your original rhythm when you remove the modulation.

It's nice to see such a truly original idea. I don't think this module is for me but I look forward to hearing some seriously wicked IDM etc. from people using this.

Thanks starthief!

Definitely has my curiosity... need some videos and such to catch my attention. I believe I can already achieve a lot of what this sequencer can do with my sequencing/logic rig. But it would be nice to have a lot of that functionality condensed into 1 interesting module with a friendly interface.

Hi VanEck, thanks for checking out the project. I have longer videos to share than those on the website currently and hopefully they might showcase some features that you may be missing currently!

[mdoudoroff]

Aha. Seems like it’s probably more polymetric than polyrhythmic, then.

Love the ratcheting under the influence of curves.

I will look forward to more videos and the Kickstarter info.

[Jumbuktu]

This looks interesting! Less along the usual lines of 'electronic drum kit' for techno style music, and more in keeping with the origins of modular synthesis as part of a wider field of experimental music in general. I can see it as a way of exploring rhythmic ideas without getting bogged down in preconceived roles like kick, snare, hihat or 4 beat patterns. Bring it on!

[Daisuk]

Just by looking at the description I have no clue how this works, but it sounds interesting, so will have to check out the videos when I come home from work - just replying to make sure I do.

[Jaypee]

[Modulus]

Very interesting. Would like to see more demos in a musical context and also how you can make variations using the cv inputs.

[KittenVillage]

Looks interesting. I would love to see a video of it in action.

[cackland]

Congrats. Super interesting and loving looking aesthetics.

[atl]

This is really interesting.

Have you played with any of the CV inputs (e.g. BPM, Density, 16ths) being mapped exponentially (like, 1v/oct), instead of linearly? What I hear in the demos sits at the boundary of pitch and rhythm, and it would be great to at least have the option of driving the system in a pitch-like way.

[dooj88]

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seriously this looks like a ton of fun to experiment with

[VCOscillator]

Just by looking at the description I have no clue how this works, but it sounds interesting, so will have to check out the videos when I come home from work - just replying to make sure I do.

Sorry Dais That is my fault - I am working on additional demos right now and hope to launch on or before Monday, the Kickstarter page has in depth descriptions of all of the features and additional videos etc but I will edit the original post here on Muffs as soon as I get more demonstrations uploaded that might add clarity to the features.

Aha. Seems like it’s probably more polymetric than polyrhythmic, then.

Love the ratcheting under the influence of curves.

I will look forward to more videos and the Kickstarter info.

Thanks Mdoudoroff! An example of how you could generate a polyrhythm would be if you cycle a single step on 2 channels then use linear spacing to evenly distribute 2 differing densities of triggers across the 2 steps of the same length. There is essentially no quantization, rhythms can be programmed by selecting densities and step lengths or by sequencing simple 1-16 on/off steps. Each of the 4 channels can sequence from 1 to 16 steps and each step can have a unique length (1-64 16ths), density (1-64), curve and curvature.

Very interesting. Would like to see more demos in a musical context and also how you can make variations using the cv inputs.

Hi Modulus, most of the parameters are CV-able but I think the 3 that are most useful are Gate Length, Curvature Value and Density. I have a video recorded demonstrating CV control over Density but I will make sure to record a longer demonstration of the CV inputs.

Looks interesting. I would love to see a video of it in action.

Thanks! lots of videos coming asap.

Congrats. Super interesting and loving looking aesthetics.

Thank you!

This is really interesting.

Have you played with any of the CV inputs (e.g. BPM, Density, 16ths) being mapped exponentially (like, 1v/oct), instead of linearly? What I hear in the demos sits at the boundary of pitch and rhythm, and it would be great to at least have the option of driving the system in a pitch-like way.

That's something that I have not experimented with. I think it is a very interesting idea, you can sequence melodies by ear in the current firmware by using different high density values sequentially in a sequence, I have added some sound clips recorded today to the original post and some of them are decent examples of this, but no V/Oct scaling for the CV inputs currently unfortunately

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[red]

a full picture and... a price tag would be great!


thanks

[Funky40]

This looks really interesting !

agreed: to have a price tag would be nice, though.

also would i like to hear more what sounds were used (soundcource) ( you just triggered samples in a sampler ? )


.....

[atl]

Have you played with any of the CV inputs (e.g. BPM, Density, 16ths) being mapped exponentially (like, 1v/oct), instead of linearly? What I hear in the demos sits at the boundary of pitch and rhythm, and it would be great to at least have the option of driving the system in a pitch-like way.

That's something that I have not experimented with. I think it is a very interesting idea, you can sequence melodies by ear in the current firmware by using different high density values sequentially in a sequence, I have added some sound clips recorded today to the original post and some of them are decent examples of this, but no V/Oct scaling for the CV inputs currently unfortunately

Thanks for the response and consideration. There’s always some other way of accomplishing what I want, but at 32hp, it sure would be nice for it to be included.

[damase]

this thing grooves like no other. the low density humanized rhythm demo is a huge seller for me. bravo, and more of that, please

couple questions, apologies if i missed this info somewhere

can a cv input be assigned as a reset input?
can more curves be added in the future?
has it been extensively tested with various clock sources, such as notoriously jittery midi from ableton, and reliably stay in sync?

[behndy]

i am SUPER interested in this. looks beautiful, the feature set sounds dream like.

WANT.

[Misk]

just poured through your site and then found this thread — very cool concept! Those humanizing algorithms sound nicely organic.

[NoLegs]

Love this. Eager to see/hear/know more.

[Flounderguts]

these are some cool beans

[behndy]

Capture.JPG

seriously this looks like a ton of fun to experiment with

this made me giggle. THANK YOU.

i mean. this plus a NoiseEng Pons Asinorum or two?

mmmmmmm. yes PLEASE.

[VCOscillator]

Thanks for all of the nice comments everyone. Everything looks good to launch the project tomorrow!

this thing grooves like no other. the low density humanized rhythm demo is a huge seller for me. bravo, and more of that, please

couple questions, apologies if i missed this info somewhere

can a cv input be assigned as a reset input?
can more curves be added in the future?
has it been extensively tested with various clock sources, such as notoriously jittery midi from ableton, and reliably stay in sync?

Thanks damase, reset will be assignable to any of the 3 CV inputs or to the clock input in internal clock mode. The latency is in low microseconds in external clock mode from input clock received to trigger sent so the sync is very tight. The best way to sync to a DAW is to load a pulse sample into a basic sampler and send this on every 16th note to the Clock input and have another single reset pulse sample at the very start of your arrangement sent to reset the module (these samples will be provided). Then the module can follow your BPM and reset when you restart your arrangement. There is no MIDI io, so it does require 1 audio output to send the clock and another to reset the module to sync to a DAW (this could be a headphone output with a 3.5mm stereo to dual mono cable if you don't use an external sound card).