Overview

Whenever you create a new project in Numerology 2, there are always two stacks added. The first stack is called "Clock" and contains two modules: a Groove Clock, and a CV Sequencer. The CV Sequencer in the Clock stack is setup to be used as a global accent sequencer, it can be very handy, but is not necessary.

The GrooveClock module, on the other hand, is the master clock for your project and is all-important: It generates a clock signal that must be routed to every sequencer in your project, as well as some other modules (such as the LFO and Dual LFO modules). This clock signal is simply a high-resolution floating-point value that represents the current beat the clock is at. All sequencer modules need this signal to run.

The tempo setting (BPM) in the transport bar, as well as the bar/beat counter, and the sync on/off switch, are permanently tied to the equivalent controls in the master clock. You can set the tempo either on the transport, or on the module itself. You can also modulate the overall tempo by using parameter modulation on the tempo parameter of the master clock.

There are also several other parameters that can be used to temporarily push or pull the tempo, giving you great flexibility in performance.

In addition to the basic task of providing a tempo-specific clock signal to drive sequencers, this module offers a number of advanced features for "groove" timing and tempo adjustment. Groove timing is controlled using a sequence if diamond-shaped controls on the module. This groove sequence is 4 beats / 16 steps long (which covers all the 16th notes in a four beat bar), and all steps but the first can be changed to occur up to 40% earlier or 50% later (percentages are relative to the length of a 16th note). The length of the groove sequence can be set to 1, 2, 3 or 4 beats. For simple groove patterns, such as basic swing, a groove length of 1 (the default) is generally sufficient-- just tweak the settings of the "e" and "a" parts of beat 1 and you're done.

The overall amount of 'groove' relative to standard time can be controlled from a single spot, the "groove amount" control. This allows you to smoothly transition from a clock signal in standard time (groove amount = 0), to the full groove specified by the groove controls (groove amount = 1.0), or even the inverse (groove amount = -1.0).

Tempo Controls

There are two ways to change the tempo of the Groove Clock. The usual way is to change the BPM field (click on the field, enter a number, hit return). However, an alternate way is to use the "BPM Fine Adjust" control. This control allows you to easily change tempo over a limited range, and (if desired) for a limited amount of time. The range of the fine adjust slider can be set with the "Adj. Range" control, from a minimum of 5% to a maximum of 50%. If "latch" Button is on, then changes to the Fine Adjust slider are momentary -- the value drops back to 0% when you release the mouse. This technique is handy for pushing or pulling tempo for a short time. Both the BPM and Tempo Fine Adjust controls can be remotely controlled via MIDI (via MIDI Remote), or from a control source in Numerology via the Param Mod module. If you want control over a specific range, then the BPM Fine Adjust is the control for you.

Sync: Ins and Outs

The master clock for each project also includes settings for synchronization with other programs via MIDI Clock or MIDI Time Code (MTC). These settings appear both on the GrooveClock module, and on the Sync Settings dialog. For more information on using them, consult the chapter on Synchronization.

Instances of the GrooveClock modules other than the master do not have MIDI Sync controls.

Parameters

Each Groove Clock has its own transport. The controls for the master clock are locked to the controls on the transport bar.

Counts time in bars and beats. The length of a bar is set using the "Bar Length" Control. The length of the bar is independent from the length of a groove.

This number box sets the tempo in Beats Per Minute. It can be controlled remotely via MIDI or Param Mod, and respects preset changes.

Adjusts the BPM by a percentage. Very useful for temporary BPM changes, or for finely controlled tempo modulation.

If this parameter is ON (the default), changes to BPM Fine Adjust are 'sticky'. If it is OFF, then changes to the Fine Adjust slider are momentary.

Sets the range of the BPM Fine Adjust slider in percent.

These 16 diamond-shaped controls form the groove sequence. The first step is fixed, but all other steps can be changed to +40% or -50%.

This slider allows you to scale the effect of all groove timing steps at once. At a value of 0, there is no groove (i.e. standard time).

This button sets all groove timing steps to zero.

This button only appears on Groove Clock modules that are not the master clock. If this button is set, then the sub-clock's transport will follow the master transport.

Sets the length of a bar in beats. This affects the counter, and for the master clock, the bar lengths in the tracks sequencer.

Sets the length of the groove sequence in beats. It is completely independent of bar length.

Enables and disables all sync transmission and reception.

Sets the mode of incoming MIDI Clock sync between MIDI Clock and MTC.

Sets the MIDI Clock sync input source.

If this is set to "Yes", then any changes to sync settings will be saved as preferences for later sessions.

Sets the mode of outgoing MIDI Clock sync between MIDI Clock and MTC.

These menus allow you to send MIDI Clock to two destinations.

Sets the format for MTC sync to one of the standard SMPTE Formats. For more information, see the chapter on Synchronization.

Ports

This outputs 'grooved' clock signals.

This outputs standard-time clock signals, no groove is applied.

This gate signal will be on (1.0) when the clock is running, and off (0.0) when the clock is off.