10 things to know about Turing: Pulses

4 HP | 25mm deep | 20mA
Designed January 2013 Updated January 2016

Modular Grid | Videos
Github | Schematic

Available from Thonk

  1. Pulses turns the sequence from the main Turing Machine into a series of repeating rhythmic semi-random clock signals, that are based on the main clock input.
  2. Seven of the 11 outputs are just the binary steps of the sequence on the front panel of the main module. The other four are derived from those pulses - so when steps 1+2 are active, the 1+2 output pulses.
  3. As with most of the Turing Machine features, it is hard to explain, but very easy and intuitive in practice: send pulses from the module to anything that takes a rhythmic pulse; envelope generators, FM Index inputs, drum modules or other sequencers. Very complex polyrhythms come easily.
  4. Because the Pulses are all related to the main module, they randomise, lock and change with that module. With the main module's big knob at 12 o'clock, the pulses are random. At 5 o'clock, they are locked, and at 3 o'clock they will 'slip' slowly over time.
  5. You can try out a fully operational Turing Machine + Pulses + Volts in the free VCV Rack software.
  6. Pulses connects around the back with a 16-way ribbon cable and works with any Turing Machine (Mk2, or Mk1 with the backpack).
  7. Pulses uses Surface Mount components but is still a very simple build for anyone who has done a bit of through hole soldering beforehand.
  8. Here is an epic series of videos from mixolydian2010 that documents the whole build process
  9. Here's a very old audio demo from when I was developing Pulses, which shows the kind of polyrhythmic craziness it can create.
  10. Despite involving SMD components, Pulses is a very straightforward DIY build, that most people complete without any problems. If you get stuck, the Pulses Github Issue List or the main Turing Machine issue list are probably the best places to start.

Mylar Melodies Ten Years of Turing


DivKid explains the Turing Machine & expanders


mixolydian2010 builds a Pulses expander


Turing workout from Mylar with Pulses action from 19:06