Xaoc Devices Moskwa II & Ostankino II, Rotating Sequencer In V2 With Micro-Steps & More

June 1, 2021 Synth Anatomy Eurorack, Hardware, News 0

Xaoc Devices has released its rotating sequencer Moskwa & matching Ostankino expander in version II with new expanded, inspiring features

Eurorack sequencers are available in various designs. For notes, for triggers / gates, so rather for rhythmic or parameter modulations. All three have one thing in common: they are a lot of fun and add a lot of life to modular systems. Once used, you don’t want to do without it again.

One of the hands-on sequencers that completely dispense with deep menus with a display has now received a major update. Xaoc Devices today gave its popular Rotosequencer Moskwa a big feature boost.

Xaoc Devices Moskwa II & Ostankino II

The Moskwa II is the second generation of the beloved Roto Sequencer. It remains an 8-step sequencer that is capable of generating gate/trigger as well as CV signals. The developers say that it takes inspiration from classic analog sequencers but greatly expanded with functionalities. In terms of format, everything remains the same including the size (20HP), panel structure, and operation principles. Users of the first version will therefore have no problems making friends with the new version.

Moskwa II offers a parallel core. This consists of an 8-step CV sequencer and an 8-step trigger/gate sequencer. Together these sequencers provide the single pair of CV and gate/trigger signals necessary to play looped eight-note musical phrases typical of old-school analog sequencers. Thus, you can use both signals separately to launch events and modulate parameters using the bipolar mode.

The CV signals generated by the module can also be modified with the built-in quantizer and slew limiter. This is a neat functionality to fine-tune the signals down to the last detail. An internal or synchronizable external clock sets the tempo of the sequence. You can also multiply or divide the incoming clock if necessary.

Advanced Features

Moskwa II not only has the hands-on features of its predecessor but also deeper ones that put it on a new level. This includes eight independent gate/trigger pattern generators, one for each step of the sequence. They act like a sequencer within the actual sequencer offering eight micro-steps for each main sequence step. Plus, you have lovely probability and slew mode. All this opens up a new sequence spectrum not possible with the former version. It invites you to create complex gate/trigger rhythmic patterns with step repeats, additional pauses, micro-timing, and more.

It also ships with two independent randomization sections with which you randomize the sequencer parameters and create instant, inspiring variations. Plus, it can store up to 8 presets to be loaded at any time. All these features are real sources of inspiration and allow the user to create very complex varied patterns. Away from 8 steps to much longer sequences with up to 256 steps.

Ostankino II

Those who want more flexibility can also get Ostankino II, an expander for the Moskwa II sequencer modules. It gives you voltage control over the MII parameters, random, slew, probability, transposition, range as well as first last step inputs. Almost a must-have when you get the second version of the Rotosequencer.