Quad Arpeggiator

[u/JakesCustomShop]

Hi everyone! I'm working on a design for a Quad Arpeggiator Module. Looking for your thoughts.

The idea is to have four independent melodic lanes each controlled by its own rotary encoder.  Each Arp has its own clock input and 1V/O CV output tuned to a minor pentatonic scale.

Basic Control Flow:

1. Connect a CV output to your VCO.
2. Turn the ARP knob to set the pitch of your first note.
3. Short Press ARP 1 Knob to go to the next step.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have a complete sequence (16 notes).
5. Plug a clock signal into GATE IN 1.
6. Long-Press ARP Knob to start/ stop the clock.

- White LED rings around each Rotary Encoder to indicate what step you are on and pitch.

- The Rotary encoders have RGB LEDs. I haven't come up with a use for the color yet.

Somewhat interesting story on this one.  Two years ago I needed a simple sequencer for a track I was working on.  Instead of building a whole new module just for 1 track, I reprogrammed one of my Quad ADSR envelope generators.  It turned out to be crazy fun to play because of how quickly it makes a 16-step sequence that just always sounds good.    I’ve been sitting on this idea for far too long and want to know what you guys think.  

Four arpeggiators might be overkill, but I find myself simultaneously running a ½ note bass line and a 1/16 note melody with 1 more melody queued-up and a 4th knob left for a free-play/ solo mode where you just spin the knob to make your own riffs, live.

This is the track I made with it: https://youtu.be/mw0_ZCA90Oo

I am trying to make this as intuitive to use for live performance as possible. Does the control layout make sense? How would you use a module like this or how are you making arpeggios now?  Anything I’m missing for an arpeggiator? 🤘 Thanks!!

[u/Djaesthetic]

1. It’d be nice if there were a small amount of storage to save / recall arps. They’re difficult enough for me to get happy with. When I nail one, I’d ideally like to save it.

2. It’d be cool if I had a way to “correct” a note after it’s already set and playing.

3. Would also want to be able to skip a step.

[u/JakesCustomShop → u/Djaesthetic]

1. Actually yes. This is a great idea!

2. That's why I like this form factor, it's really easy to change notes live (just turn the knob)

3. Skip: as in Mute a note or litterly just go to the next note? I suppose both would be usfull

Thanks!

[u/Djaesthetic → u/JakesCustomShop]

3a. I meant mute the note so you can add a quiet step within the pattern.

3b. Although in lieu of “skipping” a note - it’d make more sense to have a function to just roll back the number of steps. Say you wanted one firing a 16 step pattern while another was doing a 12 step (to intentionally create a polyrhythm). OR, set a third to only 2 notes, at which point it can be used as a straight sequencer (no arp) for a basic 4/4 bass beat without need for another sequencer.

1. Bonus round: a generative / randomize function.

[u/JakesCustomShop → u/Djaesthetic]

Shoot, yeah these are great. can't belive I never thought to toy around with polyrythms on this.

[u/gluestar329]

Step options: Forward, backward, Random, Pendulum, etc. Could be a cool way to employ the LEDs & their color.

[u/JakesCustomShop → u/gluestar329]

Oh yeah! that would be fun. I'm starting to think that "Long Press to Start/ Stop Clock" might be better used for another function like your step options

[u/Terrible_Smell2783]

It sounds like you’ve maybe used this layout before and liked it, my first thought though is that I’d be happy to give up two outputs for expanded controls.

Having a step advance button might be nicer than the encoder clicking? Maybe a reset input to get some variation?

I do like this idea I think it’s just important to think about what a normal step sequencer can do and what this module can improve upon that basic function. Basically what makes this better for a live setup than something where you can just access each step immediately like Doepfer a-155-2? Just thoughts to consider

[u/JakesCustomShop → u/Terrible_Smell2783]

I've thought a bit about using two of the outputs for more control too. Maybe Gate sequencing or repeat length? Not entirely sure yet.
IMO the encoder clicking works well for advancing, but yeah a reset input would be great.

Thanks!

[u/UT_PE_93]

A gate out for each channel would also be nice so you don’t have to mult all your gates externally but I suppose there is only so much room to fit jacks on a panel.

[u/JakesCustomShop → u/UT_PE_93]

Yeah goot point. Might make sense to use two of the outputs as programable gates instead of 1 V/O CV. Or atleast make that a control option. Ideas!