Omnitone’s Beatsi and Rhythmi modules for Eurorack provide users with a unique and inspiring experience, offering evolving drum voices and rhythms.
Fans of Omnitone may recall the Rosci module from 2024, an oscillator known for its ability to generate virtually infinite waveforms through intelligent algorithms and dedicated parameters. Developers Liz and Tristian continue to innovate, now extending their generative approach to drum and rhythm creation with the introduction of Beatsi and Rhythmi.
Beatsi and Rhythmi are two original drum modules designed to complement one another in a Eurorack setup. Together, they form an entire drum machine in just 22HP. The modules can be connected easily via a connector on the back, though they can also function as standalone units, making them highly versatile. Additionally, they integrate well with other drum sequencers or voices.
Beatsi is an 8HP module with five channels dedicated to kick, snare, hi-hat, tom, and crash sounds. Each sound can be triggered individually via a trigger input. A special feature for the hi-hat allows a trigger for a closed hi-hat and a gate for an open hi-hat. The tom channel also includes a second input, as it tracks 1v/oct.
At its core, Beatsi utilizes traditional drum synthesis, based on essential building blocks such as sine waves and pitch envelopes, for real-time drum generation. This approach avoids samples and other complex methods. The module’s interface features a color-coded matrix with X and Y rows, where X represents the drum voices and Y controls parameters like timbre, pitch, decay, and level. Two knobs provide users with full control over these parameters, which are considered “macro controls” that modify several elements of the synthesis chain. According to Omnitone, this setup allows for up to 4.7 million different sound combinations.
To help users navigate the array of sounds, Beatsi includes three fixed kits: acoustic (orange), Lo-Fi (blue), and alien (green), which can be easily morphed between, even using CV (control voltage). The module also features two CV attenuverters that can be assigned to any of the parameters, offering further flexibility.
While Beatsi generates a vast range of drum sounds, it requires a sequencer to trigger these sounds. That’s where Omnitone’s Rhythmi module comes in. Rhythmi is a 14HP generative drum sequencer that departs from the traditional XOX-style sequencing. Instead, it employs a generative algorithm that evolves drum patterns in real time.
Inspired by the concept of evolution, the Rhythmi algorithm starts with a root rhythm and allows users to manipulate the drum sound intensity using the density and synco knobs. The density knob controls the number of hits in a loop, while the synco knob adjusts the ratio of off-beat to on-beat hits.
Once a rhythm is established, the dedicated press encoder can be used to evolve the pattern, smoothly transitioning to related rhythms. This branching process generates an almost unlimited variety of patterns that can be morphed and modulated. Additionally, users can adjust energy levels, pattern length, and swing, allowing rhythms to shift and evolve.
The Rhythmi module also features a clock section, which supports internal or external clocking with division and multiplication capabilities.
Together, Beatsi and Rhythmi offer a highly innovative and inspiring approach to drum sound and rhythm generation. The modules’ intuitive, color-coded interfaces make them accessible and easy to use, while their generative concepts offer endless creative possibilities.
Omnitone Beatsi and Rhythmi are currently available for purchase, priced at 360 CAD/$250/230€ and 385 CAD/$270/245€, respectively. A bundle of both modules is available for 670 CAD/470€.
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