Fractionate

Fractionate is a very unique exploration of Euclidean MIDI sequencing, the idea is that you play the keys as a normal chromatic instrument and a Sequence is then played at the pitch of that note. There are a few modes that determine how Sequences are assigned, the main chromatic mode gives a Sequence for each Note in the scale so that playing a C will always trigger sequence 1. There are also Cycle modes that advanced through the Sequences each time a new note is played as legato, and reset when all are released. There is also a Random mode which will select a Random Sequence. The Gated button will force all Sequences to be synced together rather than the normal polyphonic operation where each Note uses it's own clock.

Euclidean Sequences are based on an algorithm which takes 'A' number of steps and distributes and distributes 'B' number of pulses as evenly as possible which results in fascinating Rhythms. It is more often used for Drums however it works great for Melodic Sequences too. You could also point this at a Drum kit as it is a MIDI sequencer and so the instrument generates no sound of its own, but is designed to be pointed at a hardware synth or VSTi.

Each Sequencer has various parameters:

• BPM - waits 'X' number of pulses therefore slowing down the master clock which can lead to some very experimental territory.
• Shift - allows offsetting the start of the Sequence by shifting it to the right.
• Velocity - is set per Sequence and so if you assign velocity to modulate parameters in your Synth it can be used in an interesting way beyond standard velocity.
• Length - is the Length of the not as a percentage of the current clock/BPM setting.
• Probability - allows adding random variance by reducing the chances of a step playing.
• Direction - determines how the Sequencer will function, choose between Forward, Reverse, various Alternate modes, Random and Toggle. Toggle uses randomization to decide where it goes to the next step or the previous.

{See video at top of page}