Manifold Research Centre - The Tetragrid

The Tetragrid is a sequencer that seems to be an anti-sequencer. The module consists of a magnetic-board gate & cv pattern generator, which core is based on Ciat Lonbarde’s rollz & roolz gewei circuits, and multidimensional geometry.

The design of this module is based on a rather unusual interface, using magnetic pins directly on the faceplate to create patches. It was inspired by the concept of magnetic board games and by the stunning magnet matrix from Meng Qi.

The module has 6 square-like LFO outputs (the attack can be slightly sloped, depending 1on how it is self-patched), with two of them (at the edges) having a dedicated speed control knob.The other LFOs are free running. By placing magnetic pins on the faceplate, you connect a set of 30 cross-modulation touch points – the playing board. This will cross-modulate the different LFOs. By using your hand as a conductor, you can connect distant points on the board.

Depending on how the connections are made, you get different outputs. The LFOs are transistor based and their behavior can be unstable, it can take a little moment for the connections you made to stabilize – resulting in scattered variations, making the module behave like a living organism.  Depending on the currently made connections the output changes, it can become anything between a gate, trigger, ramp, a random cv, or clicks and crackle at audio rate.

To really get into detail with the Tetragrid, we recommend reading the Manifesto linked below!

Please be aware:

• You will be using moving parts on the module, don’t let the magnets fall inside your case and short the power rails – worst awful apocalyptic scenario – be careful about that!
• With certain combinations it is possible that some of the outputs stop
• Although the outputs are considered to be at unipolar positive voltage occasional negative spikes can occur

Nine magnets are included