Multi-Modal Programmable Pattern Generator

KRONO is a 4HP programmable multi-mode clock and rhythm generator module featuring tap tempo,
state persistence, CV group swap and 12 independent outputs

Features
• Twelve individual outputs.
• Thirty Operational Modes:
Alpha 1-10 - Clock Manipulation;
Beta 11-20 - Static and Morphing Drum Patterns
Gamma 21-39 - Sequential Logic and Utilities.
• Weighted Tap Tempo and External Sync and active learning.
• State Persistence: Saves Tempo, Active Mode, and Swap State for each mode, retaining them across power cycles.
• MOD button and cv input: access individual parameters for each mode.
• Visual Feedback: the Status LED indicates the active mode; the Auxiliary LED signals state changes (tap, mode select, swap).
• Fast-Skip: access quickly to all the available modes with maximum 10 clicks.
• Hardware Platform: STM32F411.
• Open Source firmware.
• “whatever” power connector – don’t mind the polarity, it’s protected eighter way.

Modes – firmware v1.4
1. RATIOS: Direct multiplications and divisions of the base tempo for proportional rhythmic ratios.
2. EUCLIDEAN: Generates Euclidean rhythms by distributing K pulses over N steps.
3. MUSICAL: Applies common musical ratios (e.g., triplets, dotted notes, predefined swing divisions).
4. PROBABILISTIC: Outputs trigger based on defined probability thresholds for each output.
5. SEQUENTIAL: Generates clocks based on mathematical sequences (Fibonacci, prime numbers).
6. SWING: Applies individual swing/shuffle levels per output, delaying even beats.
7. POLYRHYTHM: Assigns independent X:Y ratios to outputs; output 6 can generate a logical sum.
8. LOGIC: Applies logic operations (AND, OR, XOR, NAND, XNOR) between the internal clocks.
9. PHASING: Generates pulses with configurable time offsets (phase shifts) relative to the main clock.
10. CHAOS: Creates unpredictable rhythmic patterns based on chaotic algorithms.
11. FIXED: 10 banks of 16-step fixed patterns at 4× main clock; drum-style mapping1.
12. DRIFT: Fixed base pattern with increasing stochastic mutation probability.
13. FILL: Fill-focused groove with sparse low-end behavior at low values.
14. SKIP: Base pattern with probabilistic skipping of hits.
15. STUTTER: Base pattern with randomization and looping stutter lengths.
16. MORPH: Fully generative morph stream (A→B→C→D... continuously evolving pseudo-chaotically).
17. MUTE: Random additive/subtractive mute flow by output.
18. DENSITY: Controls trigger presence — low values are sparse, high values are dense.
19. SONG: Bars 1–6 = generated base loop, bars 7–8 = generated variation loop.
20. ACCUMULATE: Automatic loop with random output activation and random offsets on each output.
21. RESET: One output active per beat, 1A…6A then 1B…6B (12 steps) with reset
22. FREEZE: Same sweep as 21with freeze (hold step).
23. TRIP: Six scripted sequential patterns with 12 steps each.
24. FIRE: Triggered by MOD press, starts with pair 1A+6B and then proceeds inverted.
25. BOUNCE: All 12 jacks fire once together, then A speeds up / B slows down.
26. PORTALS: Held levels – when A is open, B is closed and vice versa. Higher rows alternate faster.
27. COINTOSS: On each beat, per column A vs B with fixed odds (85/75/65/50/25/15 % for A).
28. RATCHET: 1A–6A multiplication, 1B–6B division. MOD press: 2x.
29. ANTI-RATCHET: Same routing as 28. MOD press: /2.
30. STARTnSTOP: Same routing as 28. MOD press: mutes all outputs.
New modes will be added with future firmware updates.

Why
• To copy, sync and multiply clocks with algorithmic flexibility
• To generate complex, evolving, and synchronized clock patterns via multiple outputs.
• To explore algorithmic rhythms (euclidean, chaos, polyrhythms) and musical ratios.
• To sync your system using tap tempo or external clock sources.
• To instantly save and recall the state for each operational mode.

With
• Sequencers: Drive step progression with synchronized clocks and various rhythmic divisions/multiplications.
• Drum Modules / Samplers: Create dynamic, polyrhythmic, or probabilistic percussion patterns.
• Modular Effects (Delay, Chorus, etc.): Synchronize effect parameters to the master tempo.
• LFOs / Envelopes / VCAs: Trigger modulations and gates with rhythmic precision and mathematical/musical relationships.
• Logic Modules: Combine KRONO's outputs to create even more intricate trigger sequences.

How
Set the Base Tempo:
• Tap Tempo: Rhythmically press the TAP button at least 4 times. KRONO record and averages the intervals. The Aux LED blinks on each valid update. This base tempo is present on outputs 1A and 1B (modes 1-20).
• External Clock: Send a clock signal to the TAP input. KRONO automatically syncs after validating stable pulses and coping the external input clock. The Aux LED will blink when the new tempo is stored internally. At this stage you can then remove the external clock jack and use it somewhere else in your system, Krono already copied it.

Select Operational Modes:
1. Press and hold the TAP button for at least 1 second and then release it.
2. Click the MOD button X times to select mode X (two clicks will select mode 2, etc.).
(to select modes >10 you can follow the “fast skip” instructions in the next page)
3. Click TAP to confirm the selection of mode X and activate it.
• The Status LED blinks X times to indicate the active mode
(one long blink for the decimals and a short one for the units: mode 2 – two short blinks, mode 12 - 1 long blink and two short ones; mode 30 – three long blinks, etc).
• Automatic Save: When entering mode selection (hold Tap >1s), KRONO automatically saves the current tempo and Swap state to Flash memory after 5 seconds if no mode change occurs – settings are preserved across power cycles.

MOD Parameter:
• Give the MOD button a short press or send a gate signal to the MOD in to access each mode settings.
• Some modes will use this triggers or repetitive clicks to cycle parameters or states.
• The Aux LED blinks to confirm the new parameters.

Demos and other documentation at jolin.tech/krono

https://jolin.tech/krono