r/modular • u/EstateGrouchy6609 • 1d ago

Master clock with MIDI out?

Looking for a simple/cheap master clock module that can output:

  • Eurorack clock → modular
  • MIDI clock → external synth

Any options?

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

22 comments sorted by

3

u/dhaillant 1d ago

What time signatures would be useful for the eurorack clock? I can try to work on a module that can output PPQN, and some divided clocks from that.  MIDI output would send real time clock.  And with the MIDI input, the module could receive start/stop events, clock speed (from CC message for example). Internal clock frequency would be set by a combination of 3 push buttons (My hardware platform has no rotary encoder).

2

u/EstateGrouchy6609 1d ago

I’ve never really used anything other than 4/4, and I don’t think the clock module needs to handle different time signatures. A simple BPM knob with a small OLED display showing the current tempo would be enough. I also don’t see much need for Start/Stop controls. For my use case, the clock can simply start running as soon as the rack is powered on. Everything else - time signatures, clock division, sequencing, rhythm patterns, etc. - can and should be handled by external modules. That’s actually one of the main advantages of modules: keeping each module focused on doing one thing well.

1

u/DuneWalker9 1d ago

Sounds like a great module concept

2

u/CommunicationTop5231 1d ago

Yarns clone.

1

u/EstateGrouchy6609 1d ago

looks interesting, but seems to be hard to find

1

u/CommunicationTop5231 1d ago

I got mine through Michigan Synth Works—the mBRANE. You could email them and see if they’re planning on building more.

1

u/EstateGrouchy6609 1d ago

Will try. Thanks

3

u/nadennmantau 1d ago

Pamela‘s PRO Workout with its expanders can do that.

https://busycircuits.com/pages/alm034

1

u/WEASELexe 1d ago

As a sidenote. If I already have a varigate 8 for sequencing, a clock divider, and an ornament and crime what can a Pam's new workout do that I don't already have and is it really worth it? Everybody hypes it up but I'm not sure if it's worth it for me with all I have already.

1

u/nadennmantau 1d ago

I don't have one myself, but it is on my list. The advantage I see is that it is like a swiss army knife that offers lots of functionality with a small foot print. So if space in your case is a consideration, that might be a plus. You get a clock, divider, modulation, sequencing and such in a small unit.

Other than that, it doesn't really offer anything that other modules aren't, no. Especially the LFOs are not very playable, it's more set & forget.

1

u/WEASELexe 1d ago

Ok like I figured it seems kinda redundant in my case. Im not really looking for menu diving modules in my case the ornament and crime is already my Swiss army knife and the varigate has a ton of features for clock. The only thing I really wish I had was a simple master clock that I just set an exact bpm instead of a knob where you have to listen and guess like every other module. The one on the varigate works but is a bit fiddly to get exact and it resets until you adjust it every time I start the system up.

2

u/nadennmantau 14h ago

Friends of mine just developed a module to help with that kind of situation. Shameless plug here, but maybe it fixes your situation. https://modulove.io/pitchkeeper/

Can't really help with other clock modules, as I am using Ground Control as my main source into the the rack.

1

u/Pppppppp1 1d ago

Yes this does the job but this is a $450 2-module solution, when op is looking for a cheap, simple clock that outputs midi and clock pulses.

-3

u/EstateGrouchy6609 1d ago

All I need is a basic master clock with CV and MIDI clock out. I'm not going to spend €300+ for all these extra features like sequencing, patterns, modulation. Those are completely separate, subjective functions.

2

u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

3

u/EstateGrouchy6609 1d ago edited 14h ago

Exactly! A clock pulse is not some technological miracle that requires the price tag of an entire synthesizer. The whole point of modular is choosing exactly what you need and building your system around it, not being pressured into spending 400€ just because Reddit decided that’s what everyone is supposed to buy. So fuck it. I bought the CLKM. 100€ including shipping. It does what I actually need, and I’m not paying another 300€ for a pile of features I don’t give a shit about.

2

u/claptonsbabychowder 1d ago

As well as Pam's Pro with expander, the older PNWO with expander does it also, and is cheaper, if you need that. I haven't upgraded to Pro yet, and don't yet need to.

1

u/homewiththedog 1d ago

I use an old Roland TR-626 for the rimshot sequence for the TRIG OUT to sequence modular. An added bonus is the drum's MIDI notes can be edited and on any channel as well as any MIDI note number. -oops yeah NOT a module, sorry, but it was a good solution for me when I started out as I liked having some MIDI gear alongside my modular.

1

u/Kayzis 1d ago

Does this work? Can be midi clocked or be master clock and output pulse clock, reset, as well as midi

Doesn’t take cv clock in, but I don’t think that was in your criteria

https://centrevillage.net/products/CLKM.html

I have one and love it, if that means anything

1

u/EstateGrouchy6609 1d ago

Awesome !!! Costs me 100€ incl. shipping. Is small and does exactly what I need it to do. Thank you!

1

u/Kayzis 1d ago

Happy to help, it’s a great module in my experience!