AN-036 min read

Rhythm Lab

Euclidean rhythms, independent cycle lengths, rotation, accents and humanize — visible as rings.

The Rhythm Lab spreads k hits as evenly as possible over n steps — a Euclidean rhythmk hits spread as evenly as possible over n steps: E(3,8) is the tresillo, E(5,8) the cinquillo.More in the handbook →. This single rule produces a surprising number of well-known rhythms: E(3,8) is the tresillo from Latin and afro house, E(5,16) a bossa feel, E(4,16) the straight kick.

0/5 done
ParameterRangeWhat for
Steps (n)2–32Cycle length of the track — every track may have its own
Hits (k)0–nHow many hits in the cycle
Rotation0–(n−1)Shift the starting point
Velocity20–127Base level of the track
Tempo60–200 BPMPlayback and MIDI

Presets, probability and ratchets

  • Ten presets from world music and genres: tresillo, son clave 3-2 and 2-3, rumba clave, bossa nova, afro house shaker, dembow, UK garage 2-step, amapiano log drum and trap hats with ratchets — each with an explanation.
  • Click steps: the track becomes a fixed pattern; “→ Euclid” spreads the hits evenly again.
  • Probability 0–100 % per track: hits drop out at random — great for lively hats and percussion.
  • [[ratchet|Ratchet]] ×2, ×3 or ×4 per track for rolls; a new variation seed re-rolls probability and humanize.

Try it yourself · AN-03

Change hits and steps per ring, then press play.

Quick check

What does E(4,16) give you?

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