RATCHET – clock ratchet generator for Eurorack (4HP) by BIGZUN

RATCHET turns a plain clock into a living rhythm. Every clock pulse passes straight to the output, and every few steps – or at random – it becomes a fast burst of 1 to 8 hits, like a snare roll or a hi-hat flurry. Bursts are spread evenly inside the clock step and always end before the next beat, so your groove never drifts or loses a step.

FEATURES

• Ratchet every 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 or 128 clock steps (RATE knob)

• 1–8 hits per ratchet, evenly dividing the step – 3 hits give a triplet (HITS knob)

• RANDOM HITS – random number of hits (1 up to the HITS setting) on every ratchet, always on the grid

• RANDOM RATE – each step gets a chance of a ratchet (0–25 %, set by the RATE knob)

• Both random modes can be combined; LEDs show active modes and blink when a mode acts

• CV inputs for HITS and RATE (0–5 V) – plugging a cable takes over the knob

• Automatic tempo detection from the incoming clock

• Button settings are remembered after power-off

• Activity LEDs on TRIG IN and TRIG OUT

CONTROLS

• HITS CV IN, RATE CV IN

• HITS (1–8) knob, RATE (CHANCE) knob

• RANDOM HITS and RANDOM RATE buttons with LEDs

• TRIG IN, TRIG OUT

IDEAS

• Hi-hat rolls: 16th-note clock, HITS 2–3, ratchet every 8 steps, RANDOM HITS on

• Fills before a new phrase: every 16 or 32 steps, HITS 4–8 into a snare

• Generative accents: RANDOM RATE with a low chance plus RANDOM HITS

• Berlin School: clock a sequencer from TRIG OUT to add fast note runs

• Moving density: slow LFO into RATE CV, stepped CV into HITS CV

SPECIFICATIONS

• Format: Eurorack 3U, 4HP

• Power: +12 V only, approx. 25–40 mA; −12 V not used; reverse polarity protected

• TRIG IN: 3.3–10 V, rising edge; clock step 2 ms – 4 s

• CV inputs: 0–5 V

• TRIG OUT: approx. 4.4 V, 5 ms pulses

• Keyed 10-pin power header

IN THE BOX

• RATCHET module

• 10-to-16 pin Eurorack power cable

• Mounting screws

User manual (EN/PL) download on website.

Designed and built by BIGZUN – modules made by a musician for generative and Berlin School-style patching.