Life Generative Sequencer

New in version 1.1.0 - more game rules, CV modulation outputs, “infinite” mode reset, CV modulation inputs for the X,Y,Z morphing controls, and more (see Product description for details)

Life is a generative sequencer player based on John Conway’s famous “Game of Life” cellular automaton. Its versatile architecture makes it suitable for a variety of applications, such as drum sequencer, melodic sequencer or arpeggiator.

The central display with its 32x32 dot matrix is where the game is played. Create a seed cell configuration, then press play and watch the cells evolve. As they move across the dot matrix, they trigger the output channels and generate notes and modulation signals via the CV output jacks.

Once you have something playing, there are several options to modify the sequence. First, you can morph the dot matrix using the x, y and z controls which can be randomized or modulated via CV signals. Second, you can customize the notes and CV assigned to each channel, set a trigger probability and velocity with some amount of velocity or CV variation. Third, you have control over the sequencer parameters, including the number of steps, the step offset, the rate, the amount of swing, the density of the notes and CV produced and the overall trigger probability.

All these parameters can be stored inside 8 Variations with instant recall of your settings.

The factory patches include a folder named “Pattern Library” with many interesting seed cell configurations. Additionally, it is possible to insert “pre-made” configurations known as “oscillators” from a contextual menu. When you want to create your own configurations, there is a complete suite of editing tools at your disposal. You can easily select, copy/paste, shift, rotate and flip cells.

Lastly, the player has an External MIDI mode which allows it to receive notes from an external input, for example another player, a midi clip or keyboard. This is where the device shines as a very capable arpeggiator which can generate interesting sequences with minimum effort.

• Color 32 x 32 dot matrix to play the original “Game of Life” and 3 other game variants, with morphing controls plus randomization
• 32 step sequencer with step offset, selectable rate and swing amount, plus “infinite” mode for ever evolving sequences (“infinite” mode can be reset at any step by using a CV signal to create sequences of arbitrary lengths)
• Polyphonic or monophonic mode, plus density and global trigger probability to control the amount of notes generated per step
• Output section comprised of 8 color coded channels with custom note and CV assignments, plus individual trigger probability, velocity, velocity and CV variation
• Output Edit menu with commands for duplication, shifting, shuffling and randomization of notes and CVs, velocities, velocity and CV variations
• Fully featured edit mode for creating your own cell configurations with cut/copy/paste, plus shift left/right/up/down, rotate left/right, flip horizontal/vertical commands
• Ready to use “oscillators” patterns which can be inserted via a simple click
• 8 Variations which can store snapshots of all the parameter settings and can be switched instantly for fun performances
• External MIDI mode to dynamically assign notes to the output channels from an external midi source with 4 different modes, including “As Played” and “Note Number” which are great for creating arpeggios, plus “Drum Kit” and “Drum Kit (inv)” to play live with drum patterns
• Note, Gate and Modulation CV jacks for each output channel, plus special CV jacks for “Mono” mode
• CV inputs for modulation of the X, Y and Z morphing controls
• Comprehensive MIDI and Remote implementations

Version History

Version 1.1.0:

• New games rules (“High Life”, “Seeds” and “Day&Night), plus new edge behaviors
• New CV panel controls and CV output jacks for generating modulation signals
• Gate, Note and CV jacks specific for “Mono” mode
• “Infinite” mode reset via mouse click or CV input
• CV modulation inputs for the X, Y and Z morphing controls
• Capture the current phase of the cells as the starting seed configuration
• Improved algorithm for generating random seed configurations, plus new randomization shortcut
• Expanded automation list including the game rules and edge behaviors
• New front panel knobs for the Output section

Version 1.0.0: initial release