clank/chaos

Chaos

CLANK

A six-channel aleatoric sequencer and modulation generator combining a random engine, per-channel looping, and a step sequencer. Workflow proceeds in three layers: shape the random generation with tunable parameters, lock a loop and globally modify it, then edit individual steps. Each channel produces an independent gate output and CV output with probability, width, swing, ratcheting, time (as clock multiplier/divider or free-running in ms), quantization, slew, and voltage window controls. A master clock output (10ms–10s) is available and external clock sync is supported. Ten preset slots allow saving and recalling full channel state.949

Capabilities 4

Aleatoric Sequenceraleatoric-sequencer
Six independent channels each generate random gates and voltages. Parameters including probability, width, ratcheting, time, swing, voltage window, ground transpose, slew, and quantization shape the random output. Channels can be looped and then edited step-by-step in sequencer mode.949
Clock Sourceclock-source
Provides a master clock output (10ms to 10s per cycle) from a dedicated Clock Out jack. Can sync to an external clock on the Clock In input. Each of the six channels can be independently synced or run as a free-running clock at its own ms-based rate.949
Quantizerquantizer
Per-channel quantization to one of 24 scales across three sets (10 basic scales, 7 melodic major modes, 7 melodic minor modes) with selectable root note. Works on both internally generated random voltages and externally sampled CV.949
Step Sequencerstep-sequencer
From FW 1.17, activating Edit Mode on a looped channel allows per-step editing of voltage, probability, width, ratcheting, swing, slew amount, and note deviation across up to 32 steps.949

Jacks 17 (4 in / 13 out)

NameSignalVoltageDescription
Inputs (4)
CV Incv0V to 8VMultipurpose CV input (0–8V). Per-channel assignable to: external voltage source for Sample & Hold, CV transpose of Ground Transpose, or global slot recall via voltage (0–5V in 0.5V increments).949
Chaos Ingate949
Clock Ingate949
Loop Ingate0V to 10V949
Outputs (13)
CH1 CV Outcv0V to 8V949
CH1 Gate Outgate≤8V949
CH2 CV Outcv0V to 8V949
CH2 Gate Outgate≤8V949
CH3 CV Outcv0V to 8V949
CH3 Gate Outgate≤8V949
CH4 CV Outcv0V to 8V949
CH4 Gate Outgate≤8V949
CH5 CV Outcv0V to 8V949
CH5 Gate Outgate≤8V949
CH6 CV Outcv0V to 8V949
CH6 Gate Outgate≤8V949
Clock Outgate≤8V949

Parameters 13

NameTypeRangeBehavior
EntropyknobControls how far modifier values can deviate from their current settings when the Chaos randomization function fires. Can be set independently per channel or per individual modifier. When a modifier's entropy is set, it overrides the channel-level entropy for that modifier.949
Ground Transposemenu_settingShifts the lower voltage limit of the random generator upward from 0V. Each encoder step raises the base level; dark LEDs on the right of the value bar indicate the new transposed ground level.949
Loop Lengthbutton≤32stepsSets the number of steps included in the loop from 1 to 32. Chaos continuously keeps the last 32 steps in memory. Loop pages are indicated by two LEDs on the right of the value bar.949
Note Deviationmenu_settingIn sequencer (Edit) mode, replaces the Voltage Window modifier to add per-step random voltage deviation. Higher values cause the output voltage to stray further from the step's stored value each time it plays.949
Probabilitymenu_setting0% – 100%Determines whether the channel gate fires on each step. Reducing the value lowers the likelihood of the gate firing. When channel 1 is used as master clock, probability affects its gate output but not the master clock data stream.949
QuantizationbuttonSnaps CV output voltages to a selected musical scale. Available in three sets: 10 basic scales, 7 modes of the melodic major scale, and 7 modes of the melodic minor scale. Default is unquantized. Works with both internal random generation and external CV sampling.949
Ratchetingbutton1multiplier – 8multiplierMultiplies the number of gates emitted per step; accessible as secondary function of the Width button via tap-and-hold. Gate width is halved for each ratchet step proportionally.949
Root NotebuttonTransposes the quantizer root from C by semitone increments. White LEDs represent the seven natural keys; red LEDs represent sharps. Accessed by holding the quant/slew button then pressing and holding the encoder.949
Slewbutton0% – 100%Activates smooth transitions between consecutive CV output voltages. The slew amount is expressed as a percentage of the step duration; at 100% the CV takes the full step length to reach the new value. Not available when sampling external CV input.949
SwingbuttonShifts the channel's gate timing forward in time relative to its clock rate. Selectable delay values are 0, 1/4, 2/4, or 3/4 of the clock rate. Accessible as secondary function of the Time button via tap-and-hold.949
Timemenu_setting10ms – 10000msWhen the channel is synced to master clock, sets a multiplication or division of the master rate (1–8, 16–32 in either direction). When unsynced, sets the millisecond interval between consecutive gates (10ms–10s). Supports tap tempo when unsynced and a secondary Swing function via tap-and-hold.949
Voltage Windowmenu_settingReduces the upper voltage limit from which the random generator selects new values. The value bar shows available voltage range in white; when the full 8V range is selected the top LED flashes orange.949
Widthmenu_setting1% – 100%Sets the gate duty cycle length as a percentage of the step period. At 100% the gate is fully open. Also has a secondary Ratcheting function accessible by tap-and-hold.949

Firmware history 2 versions

VersionReleasedNotes
1.17Added external loop reset via gate input and a full step sequencer (Edit) mode allowing per-step editing of all parameters on looped sequences.949
1.16Added channel settings clear, copy & paste, run/stop per channel, time swing, tap tempo, ratcheting, adjustable slew limiting, CV IN transpose, two new quantizer scale sets, root note selection, loop direction, loop counter reset, 1–32 loop step selection, independent entropy per modifier, and last-saved slot recall at startup.949

References 3

  1. [949]
    CLANK Chaos User Manual v1.17bmanual
    verified 2026-05-24
  2. [950]
    CLANK Chaos Quickstart v1.1manual
    verified 2026-05-24
  3. [951]
    CLANK Chaos product pageproduct_page
    verified 2026-05-24