Constellations Sequencer

Constellations Sequencer: A Euclidean Polyrythmic Sequencer with Dual-Layer Architecture

Constellations is a 16-channel (expandable to 32) Euclidean polyrhythmic sequencer VST3/AU plugin with a unique dual-layer pattern architecture and extensive modulation system. Designed for producers who want to generate complex, evolving rhythms and harmonies without tedious step-by-step programming.

Core Capabilities:

• 16 independent channels (expandable to 32), each with its own MIDI note, channel, time division, and pattern.
• Dual-layer pattern architecture: each channel has two independent Euclidean layers (Layer 1 + Layer 2) that are OR-merged together. If either layer triggers at a step, the channel outputs a note. This creates far richer, more complex rhythms than single-layer patterns.
• 8 modulation lanes per channel: Velocity, Duration, Note, Contour (pitch), Polyphony, Strum, Chance, and Repeat.
• Wave-based modulation: each modulation lane uses 4 division depths (div2/4/6/8) with selectable wave types, phase, rate, and min/max ranges.
• Harmony system: global key/scale with snap-to-scale, plus cross-instance federated harmony (see below).
• Swing and timing: global swing amount with selectable division resolution.
• Preset system: save/load channel presets, and global project presets.
• Real-time safe: lock-free atomic parameters, no heap allocation in audio thread, sample-accurate timing.

What Makes Constellations Different:

1. Dual-Layer OR-Merge Architecture: Most Euclidean sequencers give you one pattern per channel. Constellations gives you two per channel, merged. This means you can layer a sparse 3-hit pattern against a dense 11-hit pattern, rotate them independently, and create polyrhythmic complexity that would require multiple tracks in other sequencers.
2. Cross-Instance Federated Harmony: In Single mode, multiple Constellation instances can communicate within your DAW process. You can link harmony axes (root note, scale, chord quality, voicing, inversion, tension, bass note, octave shift) across instances, control them from a single "master," or have them follow each other. This is particularly powerful for orchestrating harmonic progressions across multiple tracks or instruments.
3. Polyphonic Chord Generation with Strum: The Polyphony modulation lane generates chords (1-21 notes) with configurable strum orientation (bottom-up, top-down, center-out, center-in) and span. This is rare in Euclidean sequencers, which typically output monophonic sequences.
4. Modulation Depth, Not Just Automation: The modulation system isn't just LFO-style automation — it's pattern-based modulation. Each lane has its own Euclidean pattern that determines when modulation applies, with 4 independent division depths. You can have velocity modulation on every beat (div2), note modulation on offbeats (div4), and contour modulation every 4 bars (div8) — all simultaneously.

Where It Shines:

• Polyrhythmic exploration: The dual-layer architecture makes it trivial to create 3-against-4, 5-against-7, or any other polyrhythmic relationship within a single channel.
• Evolving sequences: The extensive modulation system lets you create patterns that breathe and evolve without touching the sequencer.
• Harmonic orchestration: Cross-instance harmony lets you manage harmonic progressions across an entire project from a single interface.
• Live performance: Real-time safe design means no audio glitches, even with 32 channels and heavy modulation.
• Sound design: The Contour (pitch) lane with 64-step resolution and 4-bar cycle is perfect for creating melodic motifs and pitch sequences.

Technical Details:

• VST3/AU/Standalone formats.
• Windows/macOS (Intel/Apple Silicon).
• Built with JUCE.
• GNU GPL v3 license.
• Sample-accurate MIDI timing with swing.
• Lock-free parameter system for real-time safety.

Constellations is particularly well-suited for electronic music producers, film/game composers, and anyone who wants to break out of grid-locked, repetitive sequencing into the world of generative, polyrhythmic composition.