Nexus Sequencer: Rhythmic Routing Engine

Turn routing into rhythm. The Sequencer transforms Nexus into a powerful patterning machine, where your signal routing itself becomes musical. Program 16 different matrix configurations, then let the sequencer advance through them—creating complex rhythmic patches that evolve over time.

How It Works

Each step in the 16-step sequence stores a complete 8×8 matrix configuration. As the sequencer advances, it loads each step’s routing pattern, transforming your patch in time. What starts as a simple filter connection becomes a rhythmic modulation source, a polyrhythmic signal router, a dynamic texture generator.

Creative Applications

Rhythmic Patching

Create patches where the routing itself provides rhythm. A kick drum might route through different effects on each beat, or a melody might take different harmonic paths through each step.

Pattern Layering

Combine with external sequencers for complex interactions. Your Nexus sequencer controls the macro routing while other sequencers handle micro timing.

Generative Composition

Set up evolving patterns that create musical structures. The matrix becomes a canvas for algorithmic composition, where connections form melodies and harmonies.

Live Performance

Switch between radically different routing configurations in time. A single button press can transform your entire system’s character—from ambient washes to rhythmic complexity.

Why Sequencer?

Because traditional sequencers control pitch and timing. Nexus controls the very fabric of your patches—the connections between modules. This opens up entirely new creative territories where routing becomes rhythm, and patching becomes performance.

Build Notes

• Easiest option: from nexus/ino/, run ./build.sh sequencer.
• Arduino IDE option: open nexus-sequencer.ino.
• If the IDE can’t find nexus-core, copy ../libraries/nexus-core/ into your Arduino libraries folder.