Speed Modifier / Master BPMEuclidean Steps / SwingFills / Phase Offset / HumanizeChannel 1 CV Input / Audio 1Channel 2 CV Input / Audio 2Channel 3 CV Input / CV 1Channel 4 CV Input / CV 2External Clock Sync / Pulse 1Reset / Run Gate / Pulse 2Output 1Output 2Output 3Output 4Output 5Output 6

26 Clockwork

By Vincent Maurer

6-channel polyrhythmic clock, gate generator, LFO, and envelope card inspired by Pamela's Workout. Each output channel operates independently with its own clock division or multiplication (/2048 to x128), Euclidean sequencer (0–16 steps), 14 analog or 6 digital output shapes (envelopes, LFOs, S&H, math logic), trigger probability, and quantizer scales. Syncs to external pulse or USB MIDI clock, and includes a browser-based Web MIDI manager with live oscilloscope views and preset loading.

Downloadclockwork.uf2 Launch web editorConfigure this card in your browser

SHA256:

WatchDemo video

Panel

Controls

Main knob

Waveform Shape / Clock PPQN
Select output shape (Analog Ch 1–4: Gate, Ratchet, Sine, Tri, Saw, Trap, Hump, Env, Log Env, S&H, Smooth, Delay, Math; Digital Ch 5–6: Gate, Ratchet, Trigger, Burst, Random, Utility). On Global Page: External Clock PPQN (1, 4, 24)

X knob

Level / Phase Delay / Seed
Output level (-100% to +100% on analog channels 1–4; phase delay on digital gate channels 5–6). On Global Page: Sequence Random Seed

Y knob

Wave Parameter / Pulse 2 Mode
Pulse width, decay duration, or math logic operator depending on active shape. On Global Page: PulseIn2 Mode (Gate / Run gate)

Switch

Shape: Main = Waveform Shape (Global: PPQN); X = Level / Phase Delay (Global: Seed); Y = Wave Parameter (Global: Pulse 2 mode). A quick flick UP (<400ms) toggles Play/Pause.

Rhythm: Main = Speed Modifier (Global: Master BPM 20–300); X = Euclidean Steps (Global: Swing); Y = Fills / Phase Offset (Global: Humanize / Randomization).

Advanced / Page: Tap to cycle active channel page (1–6 & Global). Hold DOWN to edit Advanced Settings (Main = Loop Length 1–64; X = Probability 0–100%; Y = Step Offset or Scale. Global: Preset Slot Load/Save/Reset).

Inputs & Outputs

Inputs

Outputs

Inputs

Audio 1

Channel 1 CV Input / Audio 1
CV input for Channel 1: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

Audio 2

Channel 2 CV Input / Audio 2
CV input for Channel 2: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

CV 1

Channel 3 CV Input / CV 1
CV input for Channel 3: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

CV 2

Channel 4 CV Input / CV 2
CV input for Channel 4: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

Pulse 1

External Clock Sync / Pulse 1
External clock pulse sync input

Pulse 2

Reset / Run Gate / Pulse 2
Clock reset trigger input or run gate

Outputs

Audio 1

Output 1
Channel 1 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

Audio 2

Output 2
Channel 2 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

CV 1

Output 3
Channel 3 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

CV 2

Output 4
Channel 4 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

Pulse 1

Output 5
Channel 5 digital gate output (Gate, Ratchet, Trigger, Burst, Random, Utility)

Pulse 2

Output 6
Channel 6 digital gate output (Gate, Ratchet, Trigger, Burst, Random, Utility)

LEDs

LED 1

Channel 1 / Matrix Bit 0
Lights when Channel 1 is active page; indicates top-left bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 2

Channel 2 / Matrix Bit 1
Lights when Channel 2 is active page; indicates top-right bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 3

Channel 3 / Matrix Bit 2
Lights when Channel 3 is active page; indicates mid-left bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 4

Channel 4 / Matrix Bit 3
Lights when Channel 4 is active page; indicates mid-right bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 5

Channel 5 / Matrix Bit 4
Lights when Channel 5 is active page; indicates bot-left bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 6

Channel 6 / Matrix Bit 5
Lights when Channel 6 is active page; indicates bot-right bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

Controls

Main knob

Speed Modifier / Master BPM
Clock division (/2048 to /2), straight x1 at noon, multiplication (x2 to x128), cross-channel triggers, or MIDI mode. On Global Page: Master BPM (20–300 BPM)

X knob

Euclidean Steps / Swing
Euclidean pattern step count (0 to 16; 0 = straight clock). On Global Page: Master Swing (50%–75%)

Y knob

Fills / Phase Offset / Humanize
Active Euclidean fill count when steps > 0; LFO phase offset (0–255) when steps = 0. On Global Page: Humanize / Randomization

Switch

Shape: Main = Waveform Shape (Global: PPQN); X = Level / Phase Delay (Global: Seed); Y = Wave Parameter (Global: Pulse 2 mode). A quick flick UP (<400ms) toggles Play/Pause.

Rhythm: Main = Speed Modifier (Global: Master BPM 20–300); X = Euclidean Steps (Global: Swing); Y = Fills / Phase Offset (Global: Humanize / Randomization).

Inputs & Outputs

Inputs

Outputs

Inputs

Audio 1

Channel 1 CV Input / Audio 1
CV input for Channel 1: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

Audio 2

Channel 2 CV Input / Audio 2
CV input for Channel 2: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

CV 1

Channel 3 CV Input / CV 1
CV input for Channel 3: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

CV 2

Channel 4 CV Input / CV 2
CV input for Channel 4: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

Pulse 1

External Clock Sync / Pulse 1
External clock pulse sync input

Pulse 2

Reset / Run Gate / Pulse 2
Clock reset trigger input or run gate

Outputs

Audio 1

Output 1
Channel 1 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

Audio 2

Output 2
Channel 2 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

CV 1

Output 3
Channel 3 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

CV 2

Output 4
Channel 4 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

Pulse 1

Output 5
Channel 5 digital gate output (Gate, Ratchet, Trigger, Burst, Random, Utility)

Pulse 2

Output 6
Channel 6 digital gate output (Gate, Ratchet, Trigger, Burst, Random, Utility)

LEDs

LED 1

Channel 1 / Matrix Bit 0
Lights when Channel 1 is active page; indicates top-left bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 2

Channel 2 / Matrix Bit 1
Lights when Channel 2 is active page; indicates top-right bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 3

Channel 3 / Matrix Bit 2
Lights when Channel 3 is active page; indicates mid-left bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 4

Channel 4 / Matrix Bit 3
Lights when Channel 4 is active page; indicates mid-right bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 5

Channel 5 / Matrix Bit 4
Lights when Channel 5 is active page; indicates bot-left bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 6

Channel 6 / Matrix Bit 5
Lights when Channel 6 is active page; indicates bot-right bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

Controls

Main knob

Pattern Loop Length / Preset Slot
Clamps pattern loop length from 1 to 64 steps (0 = infinite). On Global Page: Preset Slot Select (1–6 / Reset)

X knob

Trigger Probability / Preset Action
Probability of trigger generation per step (0% to 100%, acts as channel mute). On Global Page: Preset Load / Save / Reset action

Y knob

Step Offset / Quantizer Scale
Euclidean pattern rotation offset when steps > 0; quantizer musical scale select when steps = 0

Switch

Shape: Main = Waveform Shape (Global: PPQN); X = Level / Phase Delay (Global: Seed); Y = Wave Parameter (Global: Pulse 2 mode). A quick flick UP (<400ms) toggles Play/Pause.

Rhythm: Main = Speed Modifier (Global: Master BPM 20–300); X = Euclidean Steps (Global: Swing); Y = Fills / Phase Offset (Global: Humanize / Randomization).

Inputs & Outputs

Inputs

Outputs

Inputs

Audio 1

Channel 1 CV Input / Audio 1
CV input for Channel 1: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

Audio 2

Channel 2 CV Input / Audio 2
CV input for Channel 2: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

CV 1

Channel 3 CV Input / CV 1
CV input for Channel 3: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

CV 2

Channel 4 CV Input / CV 2
CV input for Channel 4: modulates wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger depending on selected shape

Pulse 1

External Clock Sync / Pulse 1
External clock pulse sync input

Pulse 2

Reset / Run Gate / Pulse 2
Clock reset trigger input or run gate

Outputs

Audio 1

Output 1
Channel 1 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

Audio 2

Output 2
Channel 2 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

CV 1

Output 3
Channel 3 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

CV 2

Output 4
Channel 4 bipolar/unipolar CV/LFO/gate output

Pulse 1

Output 5
Channel 5 digital gate output (Gate, Ratchet, Trigger, Burst, Random, Utility)

Pulse 2

Output 6
Channel 6 digital gate output (Gate, Ratchet, Trigger, Burst, Random, Utility)

LEDs

LED 1

Channel 1 / Matrix Bit 0
Lights when Channel 1 is active page; indicates top-left bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 2

Channel 2 / Matrix Bit 1
Lights when Channel 2 is active page; indicates top-right bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 3

Channel 3 / Matrix Bit 2
Lights when Channel 3 is active page; indicates mid-left bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 4

Channel 4 / Matrix Bit 3
Lights when Channel 4 is active page; indicates mid-right bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 5

Channel 5 / Matrix Bit 4
Lights when Channel 5 is active page; indicates bot-left bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

LED 6

Channel 6 / Matrix Bit 5
Lights when Channel 6 is active page; indicates bot-right bit of waveform 3x2 matrix

README

Clockwork

A 6-channel polyrhythmic timing and modulation card for the Workshop Computer, inspired by ALM Pamela’s Workout.

Clockwork turns the Workshop Computer into a central clock generator, gate sequencer, LFO source, and USB MIDI interface. Each of its 6 independent outputs generates clock divisions and multiplications, Euclidean rhythms, custom LFO shapes, or decay envelopes.

6 Output Channels: Configure each channel independently for gates, ratchets, envelopes, LFOs, random voltages, or CV delay lines.
Euclidean Engine: Built-in Euclidean pattern generators (0 to 16 steps) with fills and step rotation offsets.
Clock Sync: Automatically syncs to incoming USB MIDI clock or external pulse clock, or runs on its internal clock engine.
USB Device & Host Modes: Connect to a computer for Web MIDI Manager telemetry and DAW clock sync, or plug a USB MIDI controller directly into the card in host mode to drive channels with MIDI note, velocity, and pitch.
Web MIDI Manager: Interactive browser-based editor (web/index.html) with real-time oscilloscope telemetry, Euclidean orbits, and preset backup.

Videos & Media

Tutorial Walkthrough: Clockwork Tutorial Video
Performance Demo: Clockwork Demo Video

Patch Ideas

Synthesized Kick Drums: Set an analog output channel to Envelope or Log Env shape with a short decay time. Patch the output directly into an oscillator's pitch or filter FM input to synthesize punchy kick drums.
Euclidean Snare & Percussion Patterns: Set a digital gate output to a Euclidean rhythm (e.g., 12 or 16 steps with 5 fills) and ratchet subdivisions. Use the gate to trigger a noise generator or slope generator for shifting percussion.
Quantized Sample & Hold Melodic Lines: Set an analog output channel to S&H shape, set its speed modifier to a cross-channel trigger (so it clocks in sync with another channel), and enable a quantizer scale (e.g. Minor Pentatonic or Harmonic Minor). Set pattern loop length to 8 or 16 steps for repeating, in-key melodic sequences and arpeggios.
Cross-Modulated Waveforms & Math Logic: Set an analog channel to Math shape and select another channel's LFO or trigger as the modulator. Use Knob Y in Shape mode to combine the signals using Multiplication (*), Minimum (min), Maximum (max), or Logic operators (AND, OR, XOR) to generate complex, evolving modulation waves.

Operating Modes & Switch Controls

Clockwork uses Switch Z (Up, Middle, and spring-loaded momentary Down) to navigate pages and adjust settings:

Switch Position	Mode Name	Description
Middle	Rhythm	Main = Speed Modifier (`/2048` to `/2`, `x1` at noon, `x2` to `x128`, Cross-Triggers, MIDI Mode); X = Euclidean Steps (`0` to `16`); Y = Fills (when steps > 0) or LFO Phase Offset (when steps = 0).
Up	Shape	Main = Waveform Shape; X = Output Level / Phase Delay (bipolar `-100%` to `+100%`); Y = Wave Parameter (pulse width, decay, or math operator). Short flick UP (<400ms) toggles Play/Pause.
Down (Held)	Advanced	Main = Pattern Loop Length (`1` to `64` steps, `0` = infinite); X = Trigger Probability (`0%` to `100%`); Y = Step Rotation Offset (when steps > 0) or Quantizer Scale (when steps = 0).
Down (Tap)	Page Cycle	Tap briefly to step forward through channels 1–6 and the Global Page (indicated by lit LEDs). Hold slightly and release to cycle backward.

Global Page Settings (All 6 LEDs Pulsing)

Cycle past Channel 6 to reach the Global Page:

Switch Middle: Main = Master BPM; X = Swing; Y = Humanize / Randomization (subtle timing jitter at lower settings; skips beats or randomizes voltages at higher settings).
Switch Up: Main = External Clock PPQN; X = Random Seed (swaps random sequence patterns); Y = Pulse 2 Input Mode (selects Gate or Run gate).
Switch Down (Held): Preset Menu: Main = Select preset slot (1–6) or Reset; X = Turn left to Load, right to Save, or Reset.

Special Speed Modifier Settings (Right Side of Speed Knob)

Rotating the Main Speed knob past x128 in Middle mode accesses special clocking modes:

Cross-Channel Triggers: Clocks the active channel loop from another channel's gate transitions (e.g. Channel 2 clocks Channel 1). Ideal for synced Sample & Hold or cross-clocked LFOs.
MIDI Mode: Clocks the channel from USB MIDI input (Channels 1–6). Automatically maps MIDI notes, velocity, or pitch to output shapes.

Quantizer Scales (Switch DOWN Held, Steps = 0)

Turn Knob Y while holding Switch DOWN (when Euclidean steps = 0) to snap smooth random walks or LFOs to musical scales for playing melodies and arpeggios: OFF (Raw CV), CHRO (Chromatic), MAJ (Major), MPEN (Major Pentatonic), MIN (Natural Minor), MINP (Minor Pentatonic), DOR (Dorian), MIXO (Mixolydian), LYD (Lydian), PHRY (Phrygian), HMIN (Harmonic Minor).

Panel Jack Reference

Inputs (Jacks 1–4 correlate to Channels 1–4)

Patching a cable into jacks 1–4 overrides default channel behavior depending on active shape:

Audio In 1 (Channel 1 CV Input / Audio 1): Modulates Channel 1 wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger.
Audio In 2 (Channel 2 CV Input / Audio 2): Modulates Channel 2 wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger.
CV In 1 (Channel 3 CV Input / CV 1): Modulates Channel 3 wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger.
CV In 2 (Channel 4 CV Input / CV 2): Modulates Channel 4 wave parameter, S&H sample input, CV delay input, Math carrier, or external clock trigger.
Pulse In 1 (External Clock Sync / Pulse 1): External clock pulse sync input.
Pulse In 2 (Reset / Run Gate / Pulse 2): Clock reset trigger input or run gate.

Outputs

Audio Out 1 (Output 1): Channel 1 bipolar/unipolar CV, LFO, envelope, or gate output (SPI DAC).
Audio Out 2 (Output 2): Channel 2 bipolar/unipolar CV, LFO, envelope, or gate output (SPI DAC).
CV Out 1 (Output 3): Channel 3 bipolar/unipolar CV, LFO, envelope, or gate output (PWM).
CV Out 2 (Output 4): Channel 4 bipolar/unipolar CV, LFO, envelope, or gate output (PWM).
Pulse Out 1 (Output 5): Channel 5 digital gate output (Gate, Ratchet, Trigger, Burst, Random, Utility).
Pulse Out 2 (Output 6): Channel 6 digital gate output (Gate, Ratchet, Trigger, Burst, Random, Utility).

Output Waveforms & Parameter Reference

Active shapes are displayed on the 6 panel LEDs as a 3x2 matrix (● = ON, ○ = OFF):

Row 1: [LED 0] [LED 1]
Row 2: [LED 2] [LED 3]
Row 3: [LED 4] [LED 5]

1. Analog Outputs (Channels 1–4 / Jacks 1–4)

Bipolar (-6V to +6V) or unipolar (0V to +6V).

Index	Shape Name	LED Matrix (3x2)	Knob Y Parameter
0	Gate	○○ / ○○ / ○○	Duty cycle / pulse width
1	Ratchet	●○ / ○○ / ○○	Subdivisions (2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16 pulses)
2	Sine	○● / ○○ / ○○	Phase offset (0° to 360°)
3	Triangle	●● / ○○ / ○○	Skew (falling saw ↔ tri ↔ rising saw)
4	Saw ↑	○○ / ●○ / ○○	Curve skew (log ↔ linear ↔ exp)
5	Saw ↓	●○ / ●○ / ○○	Curve skew (log ↔ linear ↔ exp)
6	Trapezoid	○● / ●○ / ○○	Peak flat sustain duration
7	Hump	●● / ●○ / ○○	Peak center skew
8	Envelope	○○ / ○● / ○○	Linear decay duration
9	Log Env	●○ / ○● / ○○	Exponential decay duration
10	S&H	○● / ○● / ○○	Random Sample & Hold (1V/Oct pitch in MIDI mode)
11	Smooth	●● / ○● / ○○	Smoothing/slew rate (MIDI velocity in MIDI mode)
12	Delay	○○ / ●● / ○○	CV delay feedback level
13	Math	●○ / ●● / ○○	Math logic operator (Mix, Sub, Min, Max, Mult, AND, OR, XOR)

2. Digital Gate Outputs (Channels 5–6 / Jacks 5–6)

Unipolar (0V to +6V).

Index	Shape Name	LED Matrix (3x2)	Knob Y Parameter
0	Gate	○○ / ○○ / ○○	Pulse width / duty cycle
1	Ratchet	●○ / ○○ / ○○	Double trigger spacing
2	Trigger	○● / ○○ / ○○	Phase delay (10ms fixed pulse width)
3	Burst	●● / ○○ / ○○	Pulse count (1 to 8 triggers)
4	Random	○○ / ●○ / ○○	Max random gate width scale
5	Utility	●○ / ●○ / ○○	Utility mode (1 PPQN, 4 PPQN, 24 PPQN, Run Gate)

Web MIDI Manager

Open web/index.html in Chrome or Edge, or visit the online Clockwork Web Manager.

Clockwork Web MIDI Manager

Live Oscilloscope: Monitor output voltages across all 6 channels in real time.
Euclidean Orbits: Concentric rings showing step counts, active fills, phase offsets, and rotations.
Instant Hardware Sync: Turning hardware knobs updates the web browser live, and tweaking web UI controls updates the card immediately.
Preset Manager: Save, load, name, and back up 6 preset slots to disk or internal flash memory.
Routing & Scale Controls: Configure cross-channel triggers, math operators, and quantizer scales visually.

Building from Source (Developer Info)

mkdir build
cd build
cmake ..
make

Flash the generated clockwork.uf2 by holding BOOTSEL while connecting the card via USB-C.

Created for the Music Thing Modular Workshop System by Vincent Maurer with assistance from Google Gemini. Special thanks to Tom Whitwell and Chris Johnson.

Verify your download

Confirm the file you downloaded really is that new firmware.

macOS / Linux (Terminal)

shasum -a 256 firmware.uf2

Linux also has sha256sum firmware.uf2.

Windows (PowerShell)

Get-FileHash firmware.uf2 -Algorithm SHA256

Compare the result to the SHA256 on the website — it should match exactly.