4ms Catalyst Sequencer [Three Wave Music]

The Catalyst Sequencer combines a traditional clocked step-sequencer with an unconventional phase-based sequencer to produce a new paradigm in sequencing. Eight precision CV sequencer channels can be simultaneously driven by a clock, a phase CV, or scrubbed manually with the crossfader.

Each of the eight channels has its own sequence length, quantizer, transposition, clock divider, randomization, voltage range (max -5V to +10V), and selectable CV (precise 16-bit resolution) or Gate mode.

Phase-based sequencing is an advanced form of sequencing where each step is selected by CV. The Catalyst Sequencer has a smooth, responsive crossfader that scrubs the sequence, playing it forward or backwards to track your motions. Patching in a CV signal will do the same: a ramp-up CV plays the sequence forwards, a ramp-down plays it backwards, a triangle plays it ping-pong, and complex waveforms generate new interesting rhythmic and melodic patterns.

The Catalyst Sequencer can also turn into a Catalyst Controller! Hold down a special button combination to change between sequencer and macro controller modes. If you end up liking the Controller more, you can even remove the double-sided faceplate, flip it over, and re-install with the Controller artwork visible.

Based on the original Catalyst module from Emblematic Systems.

Features

• Sequences range from 1 to 64 steps
• Eight output channels, each can be CV or Gate
• Step forward, backwards, ping-pong, or randomly
• Smooth, responsive crossfader can Scrub the sequence
• Phase CV input scrubs the sequence with an external CV:
  • Ramp-up plays the sequence forward
  • Triangle wave plays ping-pong
  • Complex waveforms create complex patterns
• Each channel can have a different Start and Length, and can Reset to any step
• CV outputs can be set to -5V to +10V maximum, or limited to +/-5V, +5V, +3V, or +1V
• CV outputs can be unquantized (sub-1mV resolution), or Quantized to common scales
• Gate outputs fire one or more triggers when activated
• Transpose globally or per-channel
• Randomization of channel values/gates, with per-channel Random amount
• Glide (glissando) or gate Ratchet can be set per-step
• Tap Tempo button
• Copy/paste a “page” (eight steps) or an entire channel

Specs

Outputs

• Range: < -4.950V to > +9.950V
• Accuracy:
• Post-calibration: +/-0.5mV over entire range
• Uncalibrated: +/-12mV over 0-5V range
• Precision:
• Using knobs without Fine: 83.3mV per knob click
• Using knobs and Fine button: 3.3mV per knob click
• When interpolating (Morph, Glide, or Slew): 0.46mV
• Jitter
• 500µs worst-case, < 100µs typical
• Temperature drift: 2ppm/°C
• Output update rate: 3kHz
• Latency between outputs: 8uS worst-case

Inputs

• CV jack:
• Range: 0V to +5V
• Accuracy: 1.2mV (4096 points)
• Slider: Accuracy: 4096 points
• Reset jack: threshold = 0.7V
• Clock In/Trig jack: threshold = 0.7V

Power

• +12V: max 60mA
• -12V: max 25mA
• +5V not used

Size

• Width: 20hp.
• Depth: 24mm.