Mask Pattern MIDI Generator

An idiosyncratic rhythm generator that builds patterns from negative space. The initial inspiration for this device was my desire to create a rhythm generation algorithm that would be able to produce the regular, evenly-distributed patterns that the Euclidean algorithm is known for, as well as lopsided patterns that are unevenly distributed, with clusters of notes in a short amount of time. What ended up coming out was an algorithm that could do exactly what I hoped AND way more: a one-to-four track rhythm generator that can produce a range of interlocking polymetric patterns. It works great for percussion, obviously, but also delivers surprising melodic discoveries through the interplay of patterns running at different pitches.

I strongly recommend pairing this one with the Reduce transformer, which allows you to generate a crazy polyrhythmic pattern, then systematically reduce its density to arrive at something appealing.