Evolved Standalone Sequencing for MIDI, CV, and Beyond
Intellijel’s Metropolix supplied Eurorack synthesists with a comprehensive suite of sequencing tools, with eight lanes of multitrack modulation, detailed rhythmic possibilities, and dynamic inter-modulation across pitch and gate signals. For all its artistic prowess, Sweetwater’s producers wondered how its distinctive tool kit could be utilized beyond the Eurorack platform, and Intellijel has delivered just the solution: Metropolix Solo. The standalone unit harnesses the distinctive capabilities of its stage-based pitch and gate system for a world of limitless interoperative possibilities. Intellijel outfitted this desktop variant with a formidable suite of connectivity options, including dedicated MIDI TRS in, out, and thru jacks, as well as 2-way MIDI over USB-C and all the CV/Gate connections facilitated by the original Metropolix. The best part? All these formats can be used simultaneously.
Related Videos: Metropolix Solo Desktop Multi-track MIDI/CV Sequencer
Multi-stage gate and pitch sequencing: expanded
With the Intellijel Metropolix Solo, don’t think in terms of steps — you’ve got eight stages to play with, and each has a surprising amount of flexibility. Each stage has an eight-way Pulse Count switch, which can extend the length of that individual stage, and a four-way Gate Type switch for every stage alters how notes are played back within that stage. Confused yet? Don’t be: Once you get your hands on it and start tweaking switches on the fly, it proves to be very intuitive.
Dual-track pattern production
The Metropolix Solo provides two tracks, which are variants of the master pitch and gate sequencer, to create complementary sequences that can be output to separate voice modules, class-compliant MIDI devices, and untold numbers of USB-MIDI-capable instruments, virtual or physical. Each track has independently adjustable parameters, including playback order, sequence length, clock division, swing amount, slide time, and track gate length. Dive into the track menu for additional sequence variables such as pitch slider inversion, note range, and track transposition, or decouple the tracks for more autonomous manipulation.
Eight lanes of powerful, versatile modulation
Where the Metropolix Solo stands apart from other sequencers is in its eight powerful modulation lanes. Each mod lane presents eight stages of modulation values and has its own playback order length and clock division, allowing you to go deep by adjusting the unit’s numerous parameters on a per-stage basis. Moreover, the Metropolix Solo includes two assignable outputs for pattern-based manipulations of external devices, including MIDI CC signals.
Primed for performance with flexible looping and more
Designed for improvisation and generative sound design, the Metropolix Solo sports a host of performance-oriented features — not the least of which is its Loopy mode. With Loopy mode engaged, you can freeze and repeat patterns in numerous step combinations and utilize the Metropolix Solo as a keyboard. Synthesists at Sweetwater enjoy letting a sequence play on track one while setting track two to Loopy mode to play live leads and bass lines.
Malleable warping and transformative sequencing
Three auxiliary control jacks — X In, Y In, and Z In — give you access to a ton of control over how the Metropolix plays back your sequence. These assignable inputs can control gate length, transposition, key shift, root shift, sequence length, step divisor, and octave offset. Patch in an LFO for rhythmic variations, or connect an envelope generator for more complex and nonlinear transformations. However you use them, the aux inputs on the Metropolix Solo are the key to creating endless variations from a single sequence.
Onboard quantization and 100 scale possibilities
Blips and bleeps are fun. But, when it comes to making melodic music, you’ll appreciate the built-in quantization featured on the Metropolix Solo. You can select from 100 different musical scales arranged by class, selecting notes via the Pitch slider for each stage. This helps you to write melodies and bass lines faster, and it allows you to manipulate sliders during live performances without worrying about hitting a “wrong” note.
Painless preset management
Construct a killer sequence? Save it for instant recall using the Metropolix Solo’s eight banks of eight preset slots for a total of 64 onboard preset configurations. This is a great way to hold onto your favorite sequences, store sketches for making variations, or structure a live set. By default, presets load without overwriting front-panel controls, but values are viewable via the OLED screen. Plus, the Metropolix Solo stores live settings in EPROM, so you can pick up wherever you left off, even after restarting the module.
Intellijel Metropolix Solo Features:
- Pitch and gate sequencer module for Eurorack modules and MIDI-capable instruments
- 8-stage sequencer with adjustable Gate Type, Pulse Count, and Pitch for each stage
- Control inputs allow you to manipulate gate length, transposition, key shift, root shift, sequence length, step divisor, and octave offset
- 2 sequencer tracks for constructing complementary sequences
- 8 modulation lanes for internal and external pattern manipulation
- Can serve as your master clock or as a slave to an external clock
- Internal clock divider with odd/even/all modes can be used to sync stage changes
- Adjustable slider pitch range, clock division type, sync type, and reset type
- 100 user-defined scales offer unparalleled versatility
- Freeze and repeat patterns and play the sequencer like a keyboard in Loopy mode
- 64 preset slots for storing sequences (eight sequences in eight banks)
