Euclid3an Arp
Key Features
- Transforms a held chord into three independently cycling Euclidean rhythm layers for evolving polyrhythmic arpeggios.
- Gives each layer its own hits, steps, rotation, pattern contour, rate, gate, level, chance, range, shift, drift, Spin, and MIDI-channel settings.
- Routes all chord notes, the lower half, the upper half, or the root to each layer so one chord can feed separate musical roles.
- Uses a direct-manipulation ring: vertical dragging changes hits, horizontal dragging rotates the pattern, and scrolling changes steps.
- Spin gradually advances the rotation after a cycle, while Roll explores variations around the current setup instead of fully randomizing it.
- Includes latch, per-layer mute, eight preset slots saved in the project, and host automation for every parameter.
- The download supplies Audio Unit MFX and VST3 builds for macOS plus an illustrated PDF manual.
Description
Euclid3an Arp is a macOS MIDI arpeggiator by François Pé that turns a held chord into three independently cycling Euclidean rhythms. Each layer can use its own step count, hit count, subdivision, and MIDI channel, allowing short patterns to interlock into evolving polyrhythmic parts without drawing a conventional sequence.
The three layers can each address the full chord, its lower or upper notes, or the root alone. This makes it practical to use one held chord as separate bass, midrange, and high-register parts while keeping the rhythmic roles distinct.
A circular control changes hits, rotation, and step count directly, with bar displays mirroring the same edits. Per-layer controls include gate, level, chance, range, shift, drift, seven pattern contours, and rates from 1/32 to 1/4, so the rhythm can move from a steady pulse to a less predictable phrase.
Spin advances a layer’s rotation after each cycle for gradual change, while Roll varies the current setup instead of replacing it wholesale. Latch, per-layer mutes, eight project-saved preset slots, parameter automation, and MIDI-channel routing make it a focused idea generator for polyphonic synth arrangements and multi-part MIDI setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Euclid3an Arp create a pattern from a chord?
It distributes a chosen number of hits as evenly as it can over a chosen number of steps, then plays those rhythm positions from the chord you hold. Euclid3an Arp runs three of these independent rhythm layers at once, so differing cycle lengths create longer evolving relationships.
Can the three layers play different parts of the same chord?
Yes. Each layer can play all of the chord, its low notes, its high notes, or only the root, and it has its own MIDI channel setting. This lets one held chord serve distinct bass, harmony, and upper-part roles when the receiving instruments are routed accordingly.
What do Spin and Roll do?
Spin moves a layer's rotation forward by one step at the end of a cycle, which makes a pattern change gradually over time. Roll produces variations around the current settings, so it is intended for exploring alternatives without discarding the working pattern.
Can I recall and automate Euclid3an Arp settings in a project?
Yes. The developer lists eight preset slots that save inside the project and says every parameter is exposed for automation. The plug-in also includes latch and per-layer mute controls for performance-oriented changes.
