Acid Rain Constellation: Parametric long-form pattern generator
5,0 / 5,0 | 
From Acid Rain Technology comes an 8-channel pattern generator that creates long, complex and fascinating trigger and gate rhythms by poking Euclidean with a stick.
Constellation
The idea behind Constellation is to push Euclidean rhythms into uncomfortably complex situations. Euclidean rhythms are these simple, competing but related patterns of beats that sit together in very pleasing ways. Constellation takes up to 8 of those patterns, and combines and develops them into more complex outcomes. Acid Rain says that the module can generate up to 999 steps of musically interesting, explicitly defined and yet non-repeating rhythmic material from simple patterns. That’s quite extraordinary.
Within the module, there are 8 channels of trigger/gate generation with their own clock divisions and multiplications. Each channel can use up to 8 Euclidean patterns with individual clock divisions, burst, ratchet and probability factors. You can route them through Logic circuits to increase complexity. You’ll find 8 CV inputs that can be assigned to whatever you like to keep things modulating and parameters moving. You can save and recall everything and you can even trigger different presets from the buttons when in Live Mode.
Familiar layout
The layout and button interface are very similar to that of the Maestro LFO. Acid Rain has definitely dialled in a particular style. I found that the Maestro took a little bit of getting used to but once you cracked through the interface it became very fast, creative and surprising. It let you do complex things with ease. I imagine Constellation has a similar vibe.
Red Means Recording has done some great work on the module by way of demonstration.
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Constellation could be a fascinating module that could work its rhythmic flavours through much of your system. Not just trigger percussion but running the gate patterns on basslines, lead arps and so much more. At $549 it’s a premium bit of gear but a very exciting one. It should be available very soon.
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