This is a Euclidean Rhythm Generator. With this program, you are able to generate complex percussion patterns using mathematical distribution. It is playable on your computer either by keyboard or mouse.

The interface feature three independent rhythm layers, called necklaces, which appear in concentric rings. Each ring manage its own sound source. This way, you can produce interlocking polyrhythms that align and rotate in real time.

How to Use the Rhythm Generator

Below the visualization, there are three buttons labeled Kick, Snare, and Hat. Click one of these or use keys 1, 2, 3 on your keyboard to select the necklace that you’d like to edit. The outer ring will now display the pattern for the selected voice. It’s in the large ring. The other two voices are still visible but in smaller inner rings so you can see their relationship with what you’re editing. The instrument label change to indicate the one you’re working with (top).

The Necklace loom controls let you shape the rhythm. Orbit lets you control the overall number of steps in a cycle. Seed adjusts how many hits are spread out among all those steps. The hits is placed by the generator as equally as possible, which makes for classic Euclidean patterns.

With the Clockwise rotation slider, you can shift where the start happens without altering the spacing. To pick off certain strikes and make them stand out, you can use the Accent offset. You can also interact directly with the visualization to further fine-tune your pattern. To do this, simply tap on any of the outer ring’s beads while it is active. It will turn the corresponding bead in the active outer ring into either a gap or a strike. This will break up even distribution and create a more custom rhythm. The interface highlights emphasized beads by making them thicker.

Finally, use the Accent cadence dropdown to set how frequently you want accents to occur. Options include regular intervals and just one moving accent.

The buttons at the base of the stage area control playback. Clicking Ignite orbit will start a continuous loop of all three rhythms. Keyboard key O toggles playback on and off. Sound one cycle plays only the currently selected necklace from beginning to end. This allows you to hear the pattern in isolation.

The Align interlocks button find phase relationships that minimize collisions. It automatically rotates the non-active patterns so that their hits don’t overlap too frequently.

Transport controls are located at the very bottom for fine tuning of level and timing. To adjust tempo, drag on the Orbital clock slider. Range is 50 BPM (190 BPM). To adjust master volume, use the Observatory level slider.

Real time feedback is provided by the status bar at the bottom. This will tell you if the orbit is running and give details on which pattern is currently playing, while a small pulse light flashes in sync with the beat to give you a visual reference. A little light pulses along to the beat.

Wax Cylinder Memories let you save and recall your patterns. All three necklaces stores their current state in Imprint A or Imprint B. Click Return to A or Return to B to go back to your saved state. The Blend button blends between the two saved states. It slowly shifts the rotation and density of the patterns from one memory to another. It is good for making evolving transitions.

The readout portion explains what your pattern is made of. It will name well-known weaves like Cinquillo or Tresillo. And it shows you the distance between each strike in a row with a series of numbered chips. That’s an instant visual representation of the intervallic structure.

As you edit a bead manually, the readout changes. It shows the new custom weave along with the altered gap distances.

When you’re out of the edit mode for that particular control, just navigate with keyboard shortcuts. Use Arrow Left and Right to jump from bead to bead within currently-active ring. Hit Space or Enter to switch that highlighted bead into/out-of a gap/hit. There are also two buttons to orbit the pattern one notch forward/back. These turns it by single steps. With these, you can make very fine tweaks while leaving the mouse alone.

Explore new polyrhythms by mixing Euclidean ratios: for example begin with a basic one such as three kicks in eight steps. Then add another of five snares in twelve steps. See how the system settles on balancing the density using the Align interlocks button.

Now try the Invert gaps and strikes checkbox which will flip the pattern so that what was a hit is now a rest, and vice versa. That can unlock some of the other rhythmic layers in a single mathematical structure.

Experiment with the interactions of the three voices. It’s meant as a place of discovery. Go wild, try different parameter settings and hear what happens. Save cool ones into your memory slots. Combine them to form rich evolving grooves. Use the visual feedback to see how the rhythms are locking together. This makes it possible to write intricate percussion lines.

Begin by messing around with the volume and tempo. Once you’re comfortable then start digging deeper into the pattern controls.