chord blimey
README
Chord Blimey!
Chord Blimey! is an arpeggiator for the Music Thing Modular Workshop Computer that generates arpeggios from selected chords, with multiple playback directions, configurable sequence length, and random CV outputs for extra patch variation.
Overview
Send a trigger to the Workshop Computer and it outputs an arpeggiated chord on CV Out 1, with a matching trigger on Pulse Out 1 for each note.
When the full arpeggio cycle ends, Pulse Out 2 fires so you can chain or loop sequences.
You can control root pitch, chord type, speed, sequence length, and arpeggiator direction using the Workshop Computer’s knobs, CV inputs, and toggle switch.
Random voltages on Audio Out 1 & 2 change probabilistically at the end of each chord, for modulation sources.
Inputs & Outputs
| Jack / Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Pulse In 1 | Starts the arpeggio when triggered. If patched from Pulse Out 2, the arpeggio will loop. |
| Pulse In 2 | Not used in this program. |
| CV In 1 | Adds to the root note (in volts). 1V = 1 octave. |
| CV In 2 | Adds to the chord selection (0–1V range). |
| CV Out 1 | Current note of the arpeggio (root + chord degree). |
| CV Out 2 | Root note of the chord (constant for the duration of the chord). |
| Pulse Out 1 | Fires for each note in the arpeggio. |
| Pulse Out 2 | Fires when the last note of the arpeggio plays (also at startup). |
| Audio Out 1 | Random voltage 0–1V (changes at chord end). |
| Audio Out 2 | Random voltage 0–1V (changes at chord end). |
Controls
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Big Knob (Z Pot) | Controls arpeggio speed (note length). Faster at higher settings. |
| X Knob (X Pot) | Controls root note in volts (0–1V) — combined with CV In 1. |
| Y Knob (Y Pot) | Selects chord type — combined with CV In 2. |
| 3-position toggle switch | UP: Full-length mode (all chord notes). MID: Fixed-length mode (limits to selected number of steps). DOWN: Short press cycles fixed-length number (1–6 steps). Long press changes arpeggiator direction. |
| LEDs | Show current step in sequence during playback. Also flash a pattern when arpeggiator direction changes, or when fixed-length is adjusted. |
Arpeggiator Modes
Long-press the toggle switch in the DOWN position to cycle through modes.
LEDs briefly show a pattern for the selected mode.
| Mode | Description | LED Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Up | Ascend through notes. | 0XXXXX |
| Down | Descend through notes. | XXXX0X |
| Up-Up | Ascend, playing each note twice. | 00XXXX |
| Down-Down | Descend, playing each note twice. | XXXX00 |
| Up-Down Inclusive | Ascend then descend, repeating the highest note. Example (degrees): 0, 1, 3, 5, 5, 3, 1, 0 |
X0XX0X |
| Up-Down Exclusive | Ascend then descend, skipping repeats at both ends. Example (degrees): 0, 1, 3, 5, 3, 1 |
0XXXX0 |
| Random | Play notes in random order. Each trigger selects a random note from the chord. | 0XX00X |
When in fixed-length mode, these modes still respect the step count — extra notes are generated by octave jumps if needed.
Sequence Length
- In MID position, the number of steps is fixed (1–6).
- Short press the toggle in DOWN position to increase step count (wraps around after 6).
- If the chord has fewer notes than the selected steps, higher octaves are added automatically.
Random Outputs
- Audio Out 1 & 2 output random voltages 0–1V.
- They change only at the end of a chord.
- The probability of change starts low and increases each time until a change happens, then resets.
End-of-Arpeggio Output
Pulse Out 2 always fires at the end of an arpeggio cycle.
This can be used to:
- Trigger another module at phrase boundaries.
- Feed back into Pulse In 1 for self-looping arpeggios.
Typical Patch Example
- Patch Pulse Out 2 → Pulse In 1 to make the arp self-loop.
- Patch CV Out 1 to a VCO’s pitch input.
- Patch Pulse Out 1 to your VCA or envelope.
- Use X/Y knobs (or CV In 1/2) to choose key and chord.
- Use Z knob to set note speed.
- Use toggle and short/long presses to set step length and arpeggiator mode.
- Optionally, send Audio Out 1/2 to modulate filters, LFO rates, etc.