K4815 Production Model
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K4815 // Pattern Generator
Eurorack CV and MIDI Pattern Generator - 20HP
As its premier offering in the modular synthesizer world, the
K4815 Pattern Generator by Kilpatrick Audio packs
incredible power into a small 20HP Eurorack module that offers
virtually unlimited creative potential for modular players. The
K4815 can produce notes and varying control voltages for a
wide range of musical applications. Its unique approach to
music creation is sure to have you finding new melodies and
rhythms never heard before. Unlike a step sequencer, where the
player picks each note in a sequence, the K4815 creates
sequences by combining a scale, a visual pattern (as shown on
the display) and a sequence playback motion to determine the
rhythms and notes that are actually played. Other parameters
can adjust the note and sequence length, as well as the
transposition, direction of playback, and so on.
The K4815 is fully analog and MIDI compatible. The MIDI
interface is available on an internal connector and is
compatible with the K1600 MIDI Converter from
Kilpatrick Audio. You can even build your own MIDI interface. See:
AN-1 Simple MIDI Interface
for a free design. The analog connections support three
inputs for connecting analog clock, and analog control of the
playback direction and pattern playback reset. The CV
and GATE outputs are high performance analog outputs
for controlling VCOs and envelope generators. High quality 12-bit
DACs ensure accurate tuning, and jumper selectable voltage
offset and trimming are provided internally to allow
integration with most modular equipment.
But notes are
not the only thing that can be produced with the K4815. In the
alternate X/Y mode, varying voltages are produced on
both the CV/X OUT and GATE/Y OUT. By using the X/Y mode,
the playback position creates varying voltages and MIDI control
changes which can be used as a source of modulation.
The essence of any sequencer is the clock. The K4815 has a
high stability internal clock which can generate a wide range
of tempos. The unit also supports analog (5V) clock on the
CLOCK IN connector or MIDI clock. When the internal or
analog clock is used, MIDI signals are generated
automatically, making the system a useful MIDI clock generator
or converter.
Pattern Generation Concept
New ways of creating melodies and control signals help to
break new ground in music and sound. The K4815 helps you
explore new melodies and rhythms using a unique concept of
generating patterns. Unlike random pattern generators or ones
based on various mathematical concepts, the K4815 bases its
music-making foundation on simple scales, visually-designed
patterns, and intellectually-designed motions. These three
elements can be controlled by the player in realtime to create
an enormous variety of sounds. And it is done in a visual way
that is fun to use. Everything happens on the 8x8 LED matrix,
which is both a visual indicator and a conceptual view of how
the system works internally. Scales, patterns and motions are
all mapped to points on the matrix, which show in realtime
exactly what is happening.
The K4815 concept can be thought of as three distinct layers:
- Scales - Underneath the 8x8 LED matrix are the notes
which are assigned to each of the 64 points on the grid. The selected
scale can be major or minor, large or small. These are selected with
the MAJ/MIN and LARGE/SMALL switches. Only four choices might
seem like a limitation, but what happens on the other two layers
ultimately affects the rhythms and melodies that are produced.
- Patterns - Patterns are visually designed icons, symbols
and patterns which define which notes will play. They are shown in
the background at all times. There are 32 patterns which can be
selected with the PATTERN TYPE knob. If a point on the 8x8
LED matrix is lit, the underlying scale note is active. If the playback
ball lands on that point, its note will play.
- Motions - Motions define how a sequence is
played. Each motion defines up to 64 steps in a sequence. Each
step can land on any of the points on the 8x8 LED matrix. If a
step lands on a point which is lit, a note will play. There
are 64 different motions, some sequential and
musically-designed, and others more abstract or
geometrically-designed. By using MIDI it is possible transpose
the scale, and also to start and stop motion playback with
note commands, changing the K4815 into a special type of
auto-arpeggiator.
Features and Specs
- Eurorack (3U) form factor - 20HP width
- 64 LED (8x8) multi-brightness grid to show patterns and playback
- Clock control via internal clock, or MIDI or analog (5V) clock
- Clock, direction and reset inputs (0V/5V = off/on)
- CV/GATE or X/Y outputs - range: -5V to +5V
- High-precision 12-bit DACs with internal trim adjustment
- Internal MIDI header compatible with future Kilpatrick
Audio modules or DIY breakout boards
- Only 30mm deep (including ribbon cables)
- Serial numbers up to 1009500: Requires +/-12V (less than 10mA) and +5V (less than 65mA)
- Serial numbers from 1009501 onward: Requires +12V (80mA) and -12V (less than 10mA)
- 16 pin Doepfer-style power cable used
- Designed and made in Canada using high quality parts.
- Warranty: 1 year
Downloads and Info
Firmware Updates
New firmware for the K4815 is available and can be updated by the user. All modules ship with the stock firmware
but additional functionality can be obtained by updating. Please see the Firmware Updates
page for information about updating your module.
Audio Samples
Here are a few test clips that were made during K4815 development that demonstrate
the machine driving modular synths:
- Test 1 - An early K4815 prototype driving Andrew's
prototype Kilpatrick Audio modular synth. (VCO, ADSR, VCA, reverb, no filter)
- Test Random - A production prototype K4815
testing its random mode driving a Doepfer A-111-5 mini synth module.
Availability
List Price: $399 USD
Available through Authorized Dealers
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