Eurorack Sync & Reset Issues

Different clocked modules interpret their "reset" input in two different ways. Of course, my main two pattern generators (Grids and Euclidean Circles, both being driven by Pamela's New Workout) each used a different method, so I had to find a way to resolve them. Here's what did and didn't work, and why.
This video was originally created for the Learning Modular Patreon supporters, and came with a long post providing more detail: / my-new-gigging-6-23153145
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[@stolencoats63]

Its brutal that we need another module and have to sacrifice 2hp to get modules that need the reset before the 1 to work but this is the best solution I have found so far scouring the net. Will have to give it a try. Thanks for making this video!

[@stolencoats63]

Kept digging and found this tidbit on MW in a thread about reset inconsistency: "btw, my solution was to move the Reset pulse to output #1 on Pams Workout. Turns out the clocks out of Pamelas are not all in perfect sync and the signals are microseconds delayed as you move from #1 output through #8.. not a problem musically, but a big problem for a clock pulse driven sequencer waiting on a reset signal."

[@NimrodScott]

Excellent video describing the issue and ways to work around it. Thanks for educating me on some of the details around clocking various modules.

[@ryanblais5799]

So many hours chasing this problem with these modules, and the Tsyklon Chaos Divider and Tip Top Trigger Riot. You helped clear up many of the questions I had. Thanks Chris. As usual, trial and error can eventually solve my issue, but understanding really speeds things up.

[@LearningModular]

Can I quote you on that last bit? It's a point I try to get across...

[@strawmanhat]

@@LearningModular absolutely. I would be honored. Have a peek at my jam channel if you are inclined. I'm less experienced than you, but I'm learning fast :) Search for Strawman Hat. Thanks for all your time and lessons. I really love your live setup with the strings and springs. Cheers from Toronto.

[@PaulJBurns]

Good video. I moved on from Grids some years ago. It was fun though. Gave it to a friend. As an aside it was my second Grids, the first (Mk1, later versions do not have the problem) blew up after a voltage spike ( long story). I had been in contact with Olivier of Mutable Instruments since before he even considered Eurorack, and without hesitation another Grids was couriered to me overnight, free of charge. I cannot say enough what a really nice guy Olivier is over and above his incredible talents.

[@DeathTrapProductions]

YOUR VIDEOS HAVE SAVED ME ENDLESS HOURS OF FRUSTRATION! If we ever meet in person I owe you a drink or two haha.

[@steveturner1815]

Chris I re bought Euclidean Circles and sure enough had the same problem and FOUND YOUR VIDEO AGAIN. Thanks very much for your dedication to your craft, and sharing your knowledge so broadly.

[@omnidivergence9846]

This was a huge help syncing the tiptop z8000 and the ASQ-1. It solved the problem. Thank you.

[@LearningModular]

I'm really glad to hear that. I always figure if something is tripping me up, it may be tripping up others as well - so I should share what I learned.

[@syntholabo]

Thanks for this There is a lack of reset philosophy and execution discussion in the world. I love playing with multed / divided / odd reset messages, but it’s a heartbreak

[@steveturner1815]

OHHHH it is in the same menu level as the multipliers and dividers. I never realised what that was for! THANK YOU!!!

[@nectariosm]

I admire your patience and dedication. Very useful video, but man...what a nightmare...

[@LearningModular]

It was a bit of hell for a couple of weeks...but finally have it sorted.

[@sssilverman]

Mylar melodies brought me here. Great advice, thanks

[@easymac24]

Great video. Really glad you touched on this topic. I've been having this exact problem using Pam's to reset multiple sequencers lately. Didn't expect anyone to address this. Thanks for it. Anymore info on this or similar clocking issue would be awesome.

[@nb-oj5xu]

thanks! I was having the same issue between PNW and Grids. Fantastic Video

[@Natemasterflex]

I think almost everybody must deal with this at one time or another. 😸

[@TerekkiTerekki]

You have saved a lot of people a lot of pain

[@joantorruella4891]

1000th viewer here 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 so cool to see the view count at 999

[@TheEntireRobot]

This is amazing. I've been having the exact same problem, with the exact same modules. I can't wait to try this out!

[@chaotician23]

That was genuinely interesting and useful, cheers!

[@brokenscart7989]

Helpful video, thanks

[@LearningModular]

You're welcome

[@R3V1ZION]

Thank you this was very helpful!

[@MartinDoudoroffLLC]

Brilliant tutorial!

[@riotghandi]

Hey Chris, i can not find the inverted square wave to reset an external sequencer. can you be so kind and explain me the way through the menus to adjust this? thx a lot

[@LearningModular]

You don't need an inverted square wave; just a normal positive-going gate or trigger or other pulse. It so happens that Pamela also has the option for a signal that stays high while running, which I've used; if I remember correctly, it's an alternate selection for a time division - not the waveshape selection you would expect. Click the encoder to modify the time multiplier/divider, and it's one of the options beyond the numbers. Look in the manual on page 7 where it talks about "utility" modifiers.

[@steveturner1815]

What is the STEP UP option in PNW? Can not see the screen clearly but my PNW doesnt seem to have it... What am I missing here? Same issue with Euclidean Circles. Frustrating!

[@evthomet9484]

Steve Turner mine doesn’t either. Did you find out why?

[@steveturner1815]

Ev Thomet see my other comment here you go - OHHHH it is in the same menu level as the multipliers and dividers. I never realised what that was for! THANK YOU!!!

[@viDUBla]

I understand the OR chooses one or the other inputs but with only the clock in input A what is it doing to slow it down so slightly

[@LearningModular]

OR gates that use diodes - like the Intellijel - work almost instantly. But others - like the 2hp - that reads the inputs with a microprocessor, does math in code, and then writes the gate output back to hardware have a slight processing delay.

[@liquidacoustics8329]

Really useful video mate .... Love the Patch & Tweak Blank panel. Is that a buffered multiple you're using to split the clock signals or just a passive multiple ?? Noob Question I know I'm sorry :-(

[@LearningModular]

The P&T blank is holding a space for a yet-unreleased module... ;-) I'm using a passive mult for the clock splitting. Buffered mults are only needed for pitch, or in some cases if you're splitting a LOT of clock signals (like, 1 into 6).

[@liquidacoustics8329]

Fair enough, that makes sense. I might have to invest in a buffered mult anyway. Unreleased module ...... sounds exciting !! Thanks so much for your prompt reply. Enjoy the Holidays.

[@zebmars8944]

Great video

[@AshBashVids]

Such modules aren't really designed to be used with a dynamic clock, *unless* that clock change is in sync (eg. 4/4 for 3 bars, then 8/4 for 1 bar so it will sync up). Unfortunately this isn't really possible without CV controlling the clock source itself or having a clock source that won't change it's speed until the next bar. Modules like Grids don't blindly follow the clock (like PNW when slaved), so that makes it trickier still. Generally I just avoid messing around with the master clock source on the fly and opt for modules which have such functionality built in. Eurorack doesn't have the luxury of MIDI clock with it's SPP when it comes to most modules.

[@Hirsbrochannel]

Mister Shledge yeah I would use a rcd or qcd if I wanted to mess/change the tempo/ division for individual modules much less headache

[@LearningModular]

I have a 4ms QCD over in my big case. In this case, the programmability of Pamela allows me to decide what divisions to run Euclidean Circles, the Echophon, and the arpeggiator at and change it from number to number. I'm also enjoying the synchronized modulation on the spare channels.

[@steveturner1815]

Hey Chris you mentioned a second video - where is that? I have looked!

[@LearningModular]

I honestly don't remember. Can you point me to where I said that, for context, to jog my memory?

[@steveturner1815]

@@LearningModular hahah right at the end, something about an ARPEGGIATOR.

[@LearningModular]

@@steveturner1815 the lost video! I was talking about an earlier firmware version of the TiNRS Tuesday: It was 1.5 clock ticks ahead during the first measure, and 0.5 clock ticks behind from the first “reset” onward. I had to invert its gate out to get it back in sync. I am told that has been fixed in the current firmware.

[@sonicultura]

Hi, I have a gate that is my master if I use that to Pamel would it also solve my problem you think? Thanks for a great tip!

[@LearningModular]

I need a few more details. Gate is your master reset, or clock? And what is the problem you're having?

[@wishbonebrewery]

Thanks for that, I just needed a simple Reset and the Manual for Pams wasn't helping me.

[@martinharbus7361]

I'm having problems with external clock into Grids...I notice the LED on your output 2 on Pam...seems to be static? so have you it set to a specific set of parameters?

[@LearningModular]

I run Grids at its highest clocking resolution, which is 24 ppqn. Therefore, I have Pam set to the same speed (x24). This means the LED blinks so fast that it appears to be on constantly. The other two secrets are turning the clock knob on Grids all the CCW so it takes external clock, and to patch up a reset signal.

[@martinharbus7361]

Hi...thanks very much for the reply.@@LearningModular

[@MarkoDeLaVoota]

cool , new vid , I am eyeballing PNW ,

[@MassVill586]

FUUUUUUCKKKKK THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUU SOOOOOO MUCHHHHHHHH

[@thehowlingterror]

Where is the STEP UP option?

[@LearningModular]

It's one of the clock division/clock multiplication options. Just keep scrolling through until you get to the symbols for Step Up and Step Down (little icons showing the gate's shape), as well as On and Off. Many make the mistake of looking for them one level down in the Extended Per Trigger Adjustment menu (long press on the encoder), but that's not where they live - they're up on the default level along with /2 etc.

[@thehowlingterror]

Got it. Thanks for your help.

[@walrtbstudios5430]

@@LearningModular Thank you. That’s been driving me up the wall for DAYS…

[@jedgould5531]

Please slow and clarify your pronunciation. I love what you have to say, but trouble understanding you.

[@LearningModular]

Yeah...I talk too fast when I get excited. That's why I'm hoping to add closed captions to my online courses later this year.