Sitka Gravity, a versatile 6-channel clock and trigger sequencer module for Eurorack with MIDI options, is now open-source.
A clock generator is essential in a Eurorack system. You can either use the clock from a sequencer or a dedicated module. The ALM Pamela’s Pro Workout, which I use myself in my system, is particularly popular.
An exciting alternative is Gravity from the Ukraine-based company Sitka, which covers the same area but offers additional features. And it’s even cheaper. The good news is that the module is now open source and has become a platform for alternative firmware.
What Is Sitka Gravity?
Gravity is a compact and flexible 6-channel clock and trigger sequencer module. Each channel can function as a steady clock with dividers (up to /128) and multipliers (x24), a randomly skipped clock, or a trigger sequencer.
Yes, Sitka Gravity also has a trigger sequencer that lets you program up to 32-step XOX-style percussive sequences (new in 1.2) or record them live with the buttons. You can store patterns in two banks, each with 8 memory slots. So, you can also use it as a 6-channel trigger sequencer.
On the connectivity side, it has two freely assignable CV inputs, an external clock input, and six trigger outputs. Via the additional MIDI expander, you can also MIDI-fy the Gravity module, allowing you to seamlessly synchronize with your MIDI gear.
The MIDI expander has a MIDI input, a MIDI output, and a pulse output that provides an additional x24 pulse clock.
Gravity Open-Source
The developer originally started the Gravity module as a hobby project. Its great success enabled the developer to found the company Sitka Instruments.
Since development has slowed somewhat in recent years, he is now making the Gravity module open-source and giving it back to the community that made it so successful.
He has open-source the entire module, including the schematics and the code. The main aim of it is to give people a new project they can learn something helpful for own their own future projects. But, you can also create DIY it or even clone it.
According to the developer, you can now easily and affordably DIY the module as it uses only classic SMD components available everywhere. It’s also possible to create commercial clones of it as long as the developers open source the changes they make.
Stika also says that he would be happy if the company that clones it and make any money of it, make an a donation to the Ukrainian charity
More exciting about this news is that developers other than Sitka can now create custom firmware for the Gravity module. This makes the Gravity module an open platform.
There are already some cool alternative firmware by Adam Wonak, including an Eculidean sequencer, or comparator.
First Impression
A very welcome move by the developer. I’m curious to see how the community will continue to develop the module. I hope the developer will continue to offer the module commercially.
Sitka Gravity is available now for $ 199, £ 145, or 169€, and the MIDI expander for 59€. The firmware is now open-source.
More information here: Sitka Instruments
Available from my partner
I recently got this module from Sitka. It is easy to work with and super reliable. This is an interesting move…. I have to wonder if it will put price pressure on other vendors. Also what a great way to raise money for charity.