Omnitone Beatsi and Rhythmi modules for Eurorack take you on an inspiring journey of evolving drum voices and rhythms.
You may remember the Omnitone Rosci module from 2024, an oscillator that can generate almost infinite waveforms thanks to intelligent algorithms and some dedicated parameters. Liz and Tristian, the developer couple, don’t stop there and bring this unique generative approach to drum and rhythm generation.
Omnitone has unveiled Beatsi and Rhythmi, two very original drum modules: an evolving drum voice with almost endless sounds and a rhythm generator that inspires the user with constant new patterns.
Omnitone Beatsi and Rhythmi
Beatsi and Rhythmi are two new modules that perfectly harmonize to make a Eurorack pair. They are an entire drum machine in just 22HP.
The two can be easily connected using the connector on the back. You can also use the modules as individual modules at any time. Omnitone Beatsi and Rhythmi harmonize just as well with other drum sequencers or voices.
Omnitone Beatsi
Beatsi is a unique 8HP five-channel drum voice with kick, snare, hi-hat, tom, and crash channels. Each sound can be triggered individually with a trigger input. The hi-hats are different, as you can send in a trigger for a closed hi-hat and a gate for an open hi-hat. Additionally, the tom has a second input as it tracks 1v/oct.
The module’s magic comes from the middle of the grid. At its core is traditional drum synthesis, which uses fundamental building blocks (sine wave, pitch envelope, etc.) for real-time drum generation—no samples or other mysterious concepts.
The color-coded matrix with an X and Y row manages this engine. X represents the drum voices (kick, snare, etc.), while Y gives you their parameters: timbre, pitch, decay, and level. With the two knobs (parameters, value), you have complete control over each voice parameter.
Timbre, pitch, etc… are not ordinary parameters. They are “macro controls” that control several parameters in a large synthesis chain. Tweak a parameter, and you will quickly get a new sound. Omnitone estimates that you can achieve 4.7 million sounds with the various combinations.
To simplify things at the beginning, each Omnitone Beats voice has three color-coded fixed kits that serve as a starting point: acoustic (orange), Lo-Fi (blue), and alien (green). You can smoothly morph from one kit to another, even with CV.
Regarding CV, Omnitone Beatsi has two CV attenuverters that can be assigned to any or all parameters and have individual attenuversion levels.
Omnitone Rhythmi – Beatsi’s Best Friend
Beatsi’s almost endless colorful drums must also be triggered, which the new Omnitone Rhythmi does. Rhythmi is a new 14HP generative drum sequencer for Eurorack with a twist. Drum patterns in the classic old-fashioned XOX method cannot be set here. The built-in generative algorithm does that for you.
According to Omnitone, the Rhythmi algorithm is inspired by evolution. You start with a root rhythm and shape the drum sound intensity as you like, using the density and synco knobs. Density offers all available hits to be played in a loop, while synco sets the ratio of off-beat to on-beat hits.
Once the drums are set in the starting pattern, you can let them evolve with the dedicated press encoder that generates a new branch of rhythms. The evolve function enables a smooth transition between related rhythms through the branches. This gives almost an unlimited number of related patterns you can morph and modulate between them.
Plus, you can add energy, set the length of the pattern, and add a swing to them. All these parameters allow rhythms to shift, transform, and melt into one another. Further, you can find a clock section that provides internal or external clocking with division and multiplication.
First Impression
Two fascinating new drum-focused modules that are a lot of fun at first glance. I like that it is very easy to use with the color-coded interface. The concept also looks very inspiring and coherent to me.
Omnitone Beatsi and Rhythmi are available now for 360 CAD/$250/230€ and 385 CAD/$270/245€, respectively. You can get both modules also in a bundle for 670 CAD/470€.
More information here: Omnitone / Etsy
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