DROID (MASTER)

Der Mann mit der Maschine 8HP
fw blue-7
UTILITY SEQUENCER QUANTIZER LFO ENVELOPE LOGIC RANDOM MIDI

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User-programmable universal CV processor. 8 CV in, 8 CV out (16-bit, ±10V), 4×4 multicolor LED matrix. Patches are text/forge-built networks of circuits: LFOs, quantizers, sequencers, logic, MIDI — all in one module.

Patch Ideas · 10

★ Hello world · LFO to O1
Canonical first patch. Declare one lfo circuit · set hz=5 · route square output to O1 · load to master · O1 pulses at 5 Hz · demonstrates that a DROID patch is just a list of circuits with parameters mapped to registers.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 2 modules and 1 connection. Modules: DROID, Envelope. Signals: 1 clock.DROIDEnvelopelfo: hz=5, square=O1O1clkTrigclkclock
Overridable internal clock
lfo hz=4 square=N1 · any circuit using I1 as clock reads the internal 4 Hz when I1 is unpatched · patch an external clock to I1 and the internal LFO is silently replaced · illustrates N1..N8 normalization — a patch can expose internal signals as default values on physical jacks.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 3 modules and 2 connections. Modules: DROID, External Clock, VCA. Signals: 1 cv, 1 clock.DROIDExternal ClockVCAlfo: hz=4, square=N1contour: trigger=I1, output=O1I1clkO1cvOutclkCVcv11. overrides internal clockcvclock
Quantized S&H melody
lfo hz=0.3 triangle=_NOISE (as pseudo-noise source) → sample input=_NOISE, trigger=I1 → minifonion input=sample.output root=P1.1 scale=P1.2 → O1 · external clock at I1 triggers a new random, quantizer snaps to scale set by two pots on a P2B8.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 4 modules and 2 connections. Modules: DROID, P2B8, External Clock, VCO. Signals: 1 pitch, 1 clock.DROIDP2B8External ClockVCOrandom: output=_RANDsample: input=_RAND, trigger=I1, output=_NOTEminifonion: input=_NOTE, root=P1.1, scale=P1.2, output=O1I1clkO11v/octOutclkV/Oct1v/octpitchclock
★ Euclidean drum trio
Three euklid circuits, one per drum · shared clock on I1 · length/fill/rotate from P1.1–P1.6 on a P10 · outputs → O1/O2/O3 → kick/snare/hat · B1.1 on a P2B8 mutes the hat via a button circuit · full rhythm box inside one 8HP module.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 7 modules and 4 connections. Signals: 3 trigger, 1 clock.DROIDP10P2B8External ClockKickSnareHateuklid: clock=I1, length=P1.1, fill=P1.2, output=O1euklid: clock=I1, length=P1.3, fill=P1.4, output=O2euklid: clock=I1, length=P1.5, fill=P1.6, output=O3, mute=B2.1I1clkO1trigO2trigO3trigOutclkTrigtrigTrigtrigTrigtrigtriggerclock
One knob ADSR (pot overlay)
P1.1 controls four targets: attack/decay/sustain/release on a contour · buttongroup B1.1–B1.4 selects which target is active · four pot circuits overlay P1.1 with select=L1.1..L1.4 · rotating the single pot edits only the currently-lit parameter · classic DROID menu-style interaction.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 4 modules and 2 connections. Modules: DROID, P2B8, Gate Source, VCA. Signals: 1 cv, 1 gate.DROIDP2B8Gate SourceVCAbuttongroup: button1..4=B1.1..B1.4, led1..4=L1.1..L1.4pot: pot=P1.1, select=L1.1, output=_Apot: pot=P1.1, select=L1.2, output=_Dpot: pot=P1.1, select=L1.3, output=_Spot: pot=P1.1, select=L1.4, output=_Rcontour: trigger=I1, attack=_A, decay=_D, sustain=_S, release=_R, output=O1I1gateO1cvOutgateCVcvcvgate
Chord voice generator
chord circuit inputs root=I1 type=P1.1 · outputs four V/oct values → O1–O4 · four voices tuned to the chord of the current root · change root CV on I1 to transpose · turn P1.1 to morph chord type (major/minor/sus/dom7 etc.).
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 7 modules and 5 connections. Signals: 5 pitch.DROIDP2B8SequencerVCO 1VCO 2VCO 3VCO 4chord: root=I1, type=P1.1, output1=O1, output2=O2, output3=O3, output4=O4I11v/octO11v/octO21v/octO31v/octO41v/octPitch1v/octV/Oct1v/octV/Oct1v/octV/Oct1v/octV/Oct1v/oct11. rootpitch
Algoquencer performance track
algoquencer circuit with 8 steps, buttons B1.1–B1.8 on B32 toggle activity, P1.1 controls density, P1.2 shifts rotation · clock on I1, trigger to O1, CV melody on O2 through minifonion quantized to D-minor · accent pattern on O3 via separate activity mask. A full generative track from one master+B32+P10.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 6 modules and 3 connections. Modules: DROID, B32, P10, External Clock, Drum, VCO. Signals: 1 pitch, 1 trigger, 1 clock.DROIDB32P10External ClockDrumVCOalgoquencer: clock=I1, step1..8=B1.1..B1.8, trigger=O1, output=_RAWminifonion: input=_RAW, root=2, scale=1, output=O2I1clkO1trigO21v/octOutclkTrigtrigV/Oct1v/octpitchtriggerclock
★ Self-tuning VCO with calibrator
calibrator circuit measures VCO frequency at O1 while sweeping through known V/oct values · stores correction curve to DROIDSTA.BIN · subsequent playback through O1 is octave-perfect across six octaves · feed VCO square out back to I1 · run calibration once from a button, use daily.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 3 modules and 2 connections. Modules: DROID, P2B8, VCO. Signals: 1 audio, 1 pitch.DROIDP2B8VCOvcotuner: input=I1calibrator: input=I1, trigger=B1.1, output=O1I1audioO11v/octV/Oct1v/octSquareaudio121. frequency measurement2. calibrated pitchaudiopitch
Internal cable modulation mesh
lfo 0.2 Hz → _SLOW · lfo 8 Hz triangle → _FAST · sample triggered by I1 from _SLOW → _STEP · mixer mixes _FAST*0.3 + _STEP → O1 · outputs layered modulation with stepped base and audio-rate wobble, using no physical cables · the DROID as a modulation matrix.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 3 modules and 2 connections. Modules: DROID, External Clock, Filter. Signals: 1 cv, 1 clock.DROIDExternal ClockFilterlfo: hz=0.2, sine=_SLOWlfo: hz=8, triangle=_FASTsample: input=_SLOW, trigger=I1, output=_STEPmixer: input1=_FAST, level1=0.3, input2=_STEP, output=O1I1clkO1cvOutclkCutoffcvcvclock
Tap tempo master clock
tap-tempo button on B1.1 → timing circuit outputs master clock at tapped BPM → N1 as internal clock default · euklid, algoquencer, lfo sync=clock all read I1 (falls back to the tapped tempo) · tap twice to reset · one DROID replaces a dedicated master clock module.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 4 modules and 2 connections. Modules: DROID, P2B8, System Clock, External Clock. Signals: 2 clock.DROIDP2B8System ClockExternal Clocktiming: tap=B1.1, clock=N1I1clkN1clkInclkOutclk121. internal default2. override with externalclock

Behaviors

Circuit model patch loading

A patch is a list of circuit instances (lfo, quantizer, algoquencer, arpeggio, contour, mixer, logic, midiin, etc.) with each input parameter set to a fixed number, a register (I/O/P/B/L/G), a controller control, or an internal cable name. 70+ built-in circuit types cover sequencing, quantizing, envelopes, LFOs, logic, MIDI, random, slew, swing, chord generation, calibration.

Main loop continuous

Entire patch is evaluated at ~5.5 kHz (≈180 µs per cycle). Circuits execute top-to-bottom in file order; internal cables resolve in one cycle if source precedes destination, else incur ~160 µs delay. Reordering circuits can shave a loop cycle of latency.

Parameter columns A×B+C any circuit input

Every input accepts three columns: source value, multiplier/attenuation, offset. Result = A·B+C. Multiplier and offset can themselves be CVs — so every input has a built-in VCA + mixer for free.

Input normalization via N registers N1–N8 written, I1–I8 unpatched

If a circuit writes to N3, input I3 returns that signal when nothing is patched, and the external jack signal when patched. Classic use: internal clock (LFO→N1) overridden by external clock patched to I1.

State saved to DROIDSTA.BIN manual interaction

Button toggles, sequencer steps, matrix mixer positions, calibrations — all saved to the SD card ~1.5 s after change. State survives power cycles. LFO phases, cvlooper recordings, temporary values are not saved. Per-circuit dontsave=1 disables save.

Forge over X7 MIDI sysex X7 switch right + Forge Activate!

With X7 attached, patches upload from Forge over USB-MIDI sysex in under a second. No SD card swap. The only way to iterate fast. Without X7, upload requires pulling SD card to PC, writing droid.ini, reinserting, pressing the button.

Error display on LED matrix patch syntax/semantic error

On load, errors encode the offending line number and column via coloured LEDs on the 4×4 matrix. Full error text is written to ERRORS.TXT on the SD card. X1 register sends a live number value for in-patch inspection.

Internal cables _NAME in a parameter cell

Any string starting with _ is a named internal cable. One output writes it, any number of inputs read it. Equivalent to a virtual patch cable inside the DROID. Used heavily for modulation routing without eating physical jacks.

Voltage ↔ number convention jack ↔ register

Input voltage is scaled: 10V ↔ 1.0, 5V ↔ 0.5, −10V ↔ −1.0. Numbers sent to O registers scale the same way out to the jack. V/oct uses 0.1 per semitone so 0.5 = 60 semitones up = C5. Numbers beyond ±1 are clipped at ±10V at the jack but used at full precision internally.

One knob multiple functions overlayed pot circuits

Declare multiple pot circuits pointing at the same physical P1.1 with different select inputs tied to a button/buttongroup/switch output. Each pot circuit drives its own target. One pot becomes attack/decay/sustain/release on a contour — menu-style CV control. Physical position persists per virtual slot.

Controls

Global Button Loads the patch from the SD card at droid.ini. Press after swapping the card.
momentary · also used for maintenance menu on long-press
Global Micro SD slot Holds droid.ini (patch) and DROIDSTA.BIN (saved circuit states).
always keep card inserted during play · removing card loses state saves
I/O display 4×4 LED matrix Top two rows mirror inputs I1–I8, bottom two rows mirror outputs O1–O8. Bipolar signals shown red/blue, unipolar white.
can be overridden with R1–R16 registers for custom display · X1 register shows a number live
Rear Controller bus header 6-pin chain to P2B8/P4B2/P10/S10/P8S8/B32/M4/E4/DB8E controllers. X7 always first if present.
up to 16 controllers · last controller's jumper = LAST · others = PARK
Rear G8 expansion header 8-pin chain to up to 4× G8 gate expanders.
adds 8–32 gate in/out jacks · red stripe down on ribbon cable

I/O

IN · 1

  • I1–I8 ±10V · 16-bit · clipped at ±10V CV
    Eight CV inputs. Read as numbers −1.0 … +1.0 inside the patch. Every circuit input can attenuate (×) and offset (+).

OUT · 2

  • O1–O8 ±10V · 16-bit · precise timing CV
    Eight CV outputs. Patch circuit outputs to O1–O8. Any number outside −1..+1 is clamped at ±10V.
  • N1–N8 (virtual) same as I when unpatched
    Virtual output registers that feed the normalization of I1–I8. Patch an internal LFO to N1; I1 reads that LFO when unpatched, the external signal when patched.

Expanders

DROID G8 4HP

DROID gate expander. Eight tristate jacks, each freely assignable per-patch as gate input (≥0.75V = high) or 0V/5V output. Up to four chain to one master for 8–32 extra gate jacks. Auto-detected, no droid.ini entry.

Behaviors

Bidirectional jacks patch assignment

Each jack's direction is decided by how it appears in the patch: if a circuit reads from G3 (input side of a parameter), jack 3 becomes an input; if a circuit writes to G3 (output side), jack 3 becomes an output. A jack cannot be both simultaneously. Flexible gate I/O topology without hardware switches.

5V-only outputs any G register used as output

Hardware compromise: the tristate I/O chip that makes the jacks bidirectional cannot source 10V. 99.9% of Eurorack modules trigger cleanly at 5V, but some vintage analog envelopes may need higher. For those cases, use one of the master's O1–O8 outputs, which swing to 10V.

Register naming differs on MASTER vs MASTER18 chain position + master type

On MASTER (no built-in gate jacks), the first G8’s jacks are G1..G8, the second G8 is G2.1..G2.8, and so on. On MASTER18 (which has four built-in gate outs named G1..G4), the first G8 is numbered G2.1..G2.8 and the fourth G8 becomes G5.1..G5.8. Dot-notation (Gn.m) works universally on both masters.

Up to four G8s per master chain wiring

G8 v2 introduced daisy-chaining. Master → G8₁ → G8₂ → G8₃ → G8₄ via 8-pin ribbon cables, no termination jumper needed. Gives up to 32 extra gate I/O on a single DROID system. The last G8 in the chain may be v1 or v2; all earlier positions must be v2 because v1 has only one connector.

No declaration required using G registers in patch

Unlike controllers (P2B8, P10, etc.) G8s are NOT declared in droid.ini — they are detected automatically. Writing to G3 just works if a G8 is present; if no G8 is present the patch still loads and other non-G registers run normally.

LED override via R registers writing to R17–R48

The eight LEDs follow default jack state (blue = input high, red = output high) unless the patch writes to their R registers: R17–R24 for the first G8, R25–R32 for the second, R33–R40 for the third, R41–R48 for the fourth. Values between 0 and 1 produce colors/brightnesses per the master’s LED color table. Great for sequencer position, envelope phase, or any patch-generated display.

Patch Ideas · 5

★ 8-voice drum trigger rack
Eight [algoquencer] circuits, each with its own pattern and its trigger routed to a different G8 jack · shared clock on I1 · activity/density per voice driven from P10 pots · master's O1–O8 stay free for pitch or decay CV.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 7 modules and 5 connections. Signals: 4 trigger, 1 clock.DROIDDROID G8External ClockDrum 1Drum 2Drum 3Drum 4algoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G1algoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G2algoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G3algoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G4algoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G5algoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G6algoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G7algoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G8I1clkG1trigG2trigG3trigG4trigOutclkTrigtrigTrigtrigTrigtrigTrigtrigtriggerclock
★ Gate-based logic utility
Three external gate signals → G1, G2, G3 (as inputs) · three [logic] circuits produce AND/OR/XOR → written to G6, G7, G8 (as outputs) · same G8 module simultaneously reads three inputs and outputs three derived logic signals · no extra logic module needed.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 8 modules and 6 connections. Signals: 3 trigger, 3 clock.DROIDDROID G8Clock AClock BClock CDestination ADestination BDestination Clogic: input1=G1, input2=G2, and=G6logic: input1=G1, input2=G2, or=G7logic: input1=G1, input2=G3, xor=G8G1clkG2clkG3clkG6trigG7trigG8trigOutclkOutclkOutclkTrigtrigTrigtrigTrigtrigtriggerclock
★ Euclidean polyrhythm bank
Four [euklid] circuits, each with different length/beats settings driven by four P10 pots · each output writes to G1–G4 of the G8 · four polyrhythmic gate streams from one master+P10+G8 · master's I1 carries the shared clock · O1–O8 stay free for pitch, accents, decay modulation.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 8 modules and 5 connections. Signals: 4 trigger, 1 clock.DROIDP10DROID G8External ClockVoice 1Voice 2Voice 3Voice 4euklid: clock=I1, length=16, beats=P1.1*15+1, output=G1euklid: clock=I1, length=16, beats=P1.2*15+1, output=G2euklid: clock=I1, length=16, beats=P1.3*15+1, output=G3euklid: clock=I1, length=16, beats=P1.4*15+1, output=G4I1clkG1trigG2trigG3trigG4trigOutclkTrigtrigTrigtrigTrigtrigTrigtrigtriggerclock
LED scope — rolling bar-graph display
1 Hz [lfo] writes triangle wave to cable _PHASE · eight [compare] circuits split _PHASE into eight thresholds · each threshold drives R17..R24 · G8's eight LEDs become a rolling bar graph of the LFO phase · useful as a visual tempo indicator while the gate jacks are used elsewhere.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 2 modules and 0 connections. Modules: DROID, DROID G8.DROIDDROID G8lfo: hz=1, triangle=_PHASEcompare: input=_PHASE, compare=-0.875, output=R17compare: input=_PHASE, compare=-0.625, output=R18compare: input=_PHASE, compare=-0.375, output=R19compare: input=_PHASE, compare=-0.125, output=R20compare: input=_PHASE, compare=0.125, output=R21compare: input=_PHASE, compare=0.375, output=R22compare: input=_PHASE, compare=0.625, output=R23compare: input=_PHASE, compare=0.875, output=R24
Four G8 chain — 32 drum gates
Full percussion trigger matrix: four chained G8s (v2+v2+v2+v1) give jacks G1.1..G4.8 · one [algoquencer] per drum voice, trigger routed to any of the 32 jacks · G1.1..G1.8 kick variants, G2.1..G2.8 snare variants, G3.1..G3.8 hats, G4.1..G4.8 percussion · one DROID master + 4 G8s gives a full 32-voice trigger rack without touching O1–O8.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 11 modules and 5 connections. Signals: 4 trigger, 1 clock.DROIDDROID G8External ClockDROID G8 #1KickDROID G8 #2SnareDROID G8 #3HatDROID G8 #4Percalgoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G1.1algoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G2.1algoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G3.1algoquencer: clock=I1, trigger=G4.1I1clkOutclkG1.1trigTrigtrigG2.1trigTrigtrigG3.1trigTrigtrigG4.1trigTrigtrigtriggerclock

I/O

IN · 1

  • Jack 1–8 (as input) ≥0.75V = 1 (high), below = 0 · negative voltages read as 0 GATE
    Any of the eight jacks acts as a gate/trigger input when a G register is read in a circuit parameter. Register names: G1..G8 (first G8 on MASTER, dot-notation G1.1..G1.8 also works), G2.1..G2.8 (first G8 on MASTER18 — G1..G4 are reserved for the MASTER18’s built-in gate outs), and Gn.m for chained G8s.

OUT · 1

  • Jack 1–8 (as output) 0V or 5V (cannot output 10V — hardware limitation of the tristate chip) CV
    Same jacks act as outputs when any circuit writes to their G register. The jack emits 5V for values ≥ 0.1, otherwise 0V. No continuous CV — the I/O chip that makes the jacks bidirectional only supports digital 0V/5V output.

Controls

Panel, one per jack 8 multicolor LEDs Indicate jack state. Blue = input high, red = output high. Can be overridden from patch via R17–R48 registers for custom display.
one LED per jack · R registers allow visual feedback for any patch value
Rear Master connector (v2: right-hand, labelled “Master”) 8-pin IDC header wired to the DROID master’s G8 expansion port (or to the previous G8 in the chain).
red stripe down · both v1 and v2 have this connector
Rear Chain connector (v2 only, left-hand) Second 8-pin header that feeds the next G8 in the chain. v1 G8 does not have this — a v1 unit must be the last module in the chain.
no termination jumper needed · up to 4 G8s total
DROID P10 5HP

DROID controller. Ten pots — two large (same as P2B8) and eight small — all 0–10V / 0.0–1.0. Free assignment from the patch to any circuit parameter. Up to 16 controllers chain to a master.

Behaviors

Pot-circuit indirection pot circuit in patch

A bare P1.1 reference can be used directly as a CV, but wrapping it in a pot circuit unlocks features: notch at 0.5 (artificial detent), overlay multiple virtual pots on the same physical knob (with select), bipolar range with split halves, and 16 LED position display on the master matrix. The P10's physical travel stays constant; virtual values follow via selectat + persisted state.

Multi-function overlay select input on pot circuit

Declare N pot circuits all reading P1.1 but each with a different select input. Only the currently-selected virtual pot is active; others retain their last value. Classic DROID trick to get attack/decay/sustain/release on one P10 knob via a 4-way buttongroup switch. Physical rotation edits whichever virtual pot is lit.

A×B+C on every parameter patch scaling

Wherever P1.n is used, the patch can attenuate and offset it: attack = P1.3 * 0.3 gives 0–0.3 instead of 0–1. Bipolar mapping: input = P1.1 * 2 - 1 gives −1…+1. Removes the need for external attenuverters.

State persistence — virtual values pot circuit with select

The saved state in DROIDSTA.BIN records the last virtual value for each select slot, NOT the physical pot position. On power-up, virtual values are restored; the physical pot is only read when you touch it (after take-over behavior configured in the pot circuit). This prevents jumps when switching virtual menus.

Chain order matters controller declarations

In the patch, [p10] must appear in the same order as the physical chain, starting with the controller closest to the master (or X7). Swapping order garbles incoming data — Forge visually mirrors physical chain order and offers a 'master on right' option.

Ten pots, one small module physical layout

At 5HP the P10 fits more knobs per HP than the P2B8 or P4B2. Trade-off: small pots are harder for fast performance edits but ideal for set-and-forget parameters (quantizer scales, algoquencer density, mixer levels) while the two large pots stay at hand for live-performance controls.

Patch Ideas · 6

★ Full ADSR + mixer on one P10
P1.1 attack, P1.2 decay, P1.3 sustain, P1.4 release on a contour · P1.5–P1.8 four mixer inputs with per-input attenuation done in the expression (input1 = I2 * P1.5 etc., since the mixer circuit has no separate level jacks) · two large pots stay free for live performance (filter + VCA or similar).
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 5 modules and 3 connections. Modules: DROID, P10, Gate Source, VCA, Output. Signals: 2 cv, 1 gate.DROIDP10Gate SourceVCAOutputcontour: gate=I1, attack=P1.1, decay=P1.2, sustain=P1.3, release=P1.4, output=O1mixer: input1=I2 * P1.5, input2=I3 * P1.6, input3=I4 * P1.7, input4=I5 * P1.8, output=O2I1gateO1cvO2cvOutgateCVcvIncvcvgate
Quantizer scale selector
minifonion quantizer driven from the P10 · root=P1.1 * 12 (lets the large pot sweep the 12 chromatic roots) · degree=P1.2 * 11 (selects from the 12 base scales 0..11) · seven select inputs mapped to small pots so you can dial in custom chord-tone sets (select1 = root, select3 = 3rd, select5 = 5th, etc.) · P1.10 = transpose in volts · full scale-control panel inside 5HP.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 4 modules and 2 connections. Modules: DROID, P10, Sequencer, VCO. Signals: 2 pitch.DROIDP10SequencerVCOminifonion: input=I1, root=P1.1 * 12, degree=P1.2 * 11, select1=P1.3, select3=P1.4, select5=P1.5, select7=P1.6, select9=P1.7, select11=P1.8, select13=P1.9, transpose=P1.10, output=O1I11v/octO11v/octCV1v/octV/Oct1v/octpitch
★ Eight-step sequencer
sequencer circuit with pitch1..pitch8 tied to P1.1..P1.8 · clock on I1 · P1.9 * 8 scaled into stages to set active length (1–8 steps) · P1.10 routed to gatelength for variable gate shape · pitchoutput on O1 to VCO, gateoutput on O2 to envelope · pots directly set step voltages (not quantized — add a minifonion after O1 if you want musical pitches).
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 5 modules and 3 connections. Modules: DROID, P10, Clock, VCO, VCA Env. Signals: 1 pitch, 1 gate, 1 clock.DROIDP10ClockVCOVCA Envsequencer: clock=I1, pitch1=P1.1, pitch2=P1.2, pitch3=P1.3, pitch4=P1.4, pitch5=P1.5, pitch6=P1.6, pitch7=P1.7, pitch8=P1.8, stages=P1.9 * 8, gatelength=P1.10, pitchoutput=O1, gateoutput=O2I1clkO11v/octO2gateOutclkV/Oct1v/octGategatepitchgateclock
Overlay activity with select
Two algoquencer tracks sharing one P1.1 · buttongroup on P2B8 (B2.1/B2.2) lights L2.1/L2.2 · pot circuit 1: select=L2.1 → output _A1 · pot circuit 2: select=L2.2 → output _A2 · turning P1.1 edits only the currently-lit track's activity · other virtual value frozen (DROIDSTA.BIN).
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 6 modules and 3 connections. Modules: DROID, P10, P2B8, Clock, Drum 1, Drum 2. Signals: 2 trigger, 1 clock.DROIDP10P2B8ClockDrum 1Drum 2buttongroup: button1=B2.1, button2=B2.2, led1=L2.1, led2=L2.2pot: pot=P1.1, select=L2.1, output=_A1pot: pot=P1.1, select=L2.2, output=_A2algoquencer: clock=I1, activity=_A1, trigger=O1algoquencer: clock=I1, activity=_A2, trigger=O2I1clkO1trigO2trigOutclkTrigtrigTrigtrigtriggerclock
★ Live modulation matrix
Ten independent LFOs, one per pot · each pot sets the rate of its lfo · outputs summed pairwise into mixers · sends modulation to O1..O5 · P10 becomes a live modulation console where each knob sweeps an LFO rate from slow drift to audio-rate · perfect for drones, generative textures.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 7 modules and 5 connections. Signals: 5 cv.DROIDP10FilterVCAPanFXDronelfo: hz=P1.1, sine=O1lfo: hz=P1.2, sine=O2lfo: hz=P1.3, triangle=O3lfo: hz=P1.4, triangle=O4lfo: hz=P1.5, square=O5O1cvO2cvO3cvO4cvO5cvCutoffcvCVcvCVcvTimecvPWMcvcv
Bipolar offsets × 10
Ten copy circuits, each doing its attenuation + offset in the input expression (the copy circuit has no multiplier/offset jacks — scaling is done with the standard A*B+C syntax): input = P1.n * 2 - 1 gives a -1…+1 bipolar offset voltage · route to O1..O8 (the two large pots can feed internal cables for extra destinations) · manual CV offset bank in 5HP.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 4 modules and 2 connections. Modules: DROID, P10, Destination 1, Destination 2. Signals: 2 cv.DROIDP10Destination 1Destination 2copy: input=P1.1 * 2 - 1, output=O1copy: input=P1.2 * 2 - 1, output=O2copy: input=P1.3 * 2 - 1, output=O3copy: input=P1.4 * 2 - 1, output=O4copy: input=P1.5 * 2 - 1, output=O5copy: input=P1.6 * 2 - 1, output=O6copy: input=P1.7 * 2 - 1, output=O7copy: input=P1.8 * 2 - 1, output=O8O1cvO2cvCVcvCVcvcv

I/O

OUT · 3

  • P1.1 (large) 0.0–1.0 (= 0–10V when routed to O register)
    First large pot. On first P10 in chain addressed as P1.1 in patch; on second controller in chain, P2.1; etc.
  • P1.2 (large) 0.0–1.0
    Second large pot.
  • P1.3–P1.10 (small) 0.0–1.0
    Eight small pots, same 0.0–1.0 range, just smaller physical knob. Harder to fine-tune but space-efficient.

Controls

Panel Pots 1–10 (P1.1–P1.10) Two large top pots + eight small pots. All identical behavior. Output 0.0 at fully CCW, 1.0 at fully CW.
0.0–1.0 number range · = 0–10V if routed to an O register · use A×B+C in patch to rescale
Rear LAST / PARK jumper Three-pin jumper terminating the controller chain. Must be LAST if this P10 is the last controller, PARK or removed otherwise.
wrong setting: LEDs light on boot but no pot data reaches master
Rear LINK IN / LINK OUT Two 6-pin shrouded headers for chaining. LINK IN to previous controller (or master/X7), LINK OUT to next controller.
do not connect to the unshrouded Debug header · powered by master, no separate power
DROID X7 4HP

DROID expander. USB-C + TRS MIDI in/out with polyphonic mapping, four extra gate outs at modular levels, USB access to the master's SD card, sub-second sysex patch upload from the Forge.

Behaviors

Always first in the chain installation

The X7 connects to the master's 6-pin controller header and MUST be the first module in the controller chain. Any P2B8, P10, B32, M4 etc. chain off the X7's OUT connector. Only one X7 per master. The X7 is not declared in the patch — it's auto-detected — and does not consume a controller number, so P1.1 still refers to the first non-X7 controller. The X7 also works with the MASTER18 (adding its four gates and a second USB/MIDI bus).

USB-stick mode stops the patch switch LEFT

In the left position the master exposes its SD card as a mass-storage device to the host PC. While in this mode the patch is NOT running — outputs freeze. Return switch to middle to re-mount the patch and resume. Useful for grabbing ERRORS.TXT, STATES1.TXT or writing droid.ini directly.

Forge sysex activate switch RIGHT + Forge Activate!

With the switch right the X7 is a class-compliant USB MIDI device. Forge's Activate! button uploads the patch via sysex in under a second, with no SD card eject. The only interactive DROID development workflow; without an X7 every iteration requires SD card swapping.

Polyphonic MIDI in midiin circuit

midiin assigns incoming note events across as many voice slots as outputs declared. Supports note on/off, CC, pitch bend, aftertouch, clock, running state, pedals. USB and TRS streams are independent — two simultaneous input streams.

CV-to-MIDI with stabilization midiout circuit

midiout converts CV pitches and gates to MIDI. Built-in pitch-stabilization detection eliminates micro-variations from Eurorack sequencers/quantizers, so sequenced melodies translate cleanly to MIDI notes without jitter retriggers.

Four extra gate outputs G9–G12 written in patch

Frees master O1–O8 from gate-duty. Outputs 0V/5V. Use for drum triggers, clock distribution, envelope gates. Addressed just like G8 expander jacks but always available as long as the X7 is connected, regardless of G8 presence.

MIDI through routing midithrough circuit

midithrough forwards all events from one MIDI stream (TRS or USB) to the other — e.g. let USB-MIDI pass straight to TRS out. It does no filtering or on-the-fly processing, but any midiin and midiout circuits still work in parallel, so you can splice additional events into the forwarded stream.

Not a USB host connecting USB-device MIDI controllers

The X7 is a USB device, not a host. USB-only MIDI keyboards (no DIN, no TRS) cannot be connected to the X7 via USB. Use the TRS MIDI IN with the supplied DIN adapter instead. The USB port is for connection to PC/Mac/tablet/phone only.

Patch Ideas · 6

★ MIDI keyboard to 4-voice CV
midiin circuit declares four pitch/gate pairs (polyphony comes from the number of output pairs, not a voices parameter) · pitches routed to O1–O4, gates to G9–G12 · plug a MIDI keyboard into the X7 TRS IN via the supplied DIN adapter · play four-note chords driving an external 4-voice polysynth from the master.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 11 modules and 9 connections. Signals: 1 audio, 4 pitch, 4 gate.DROIDMIDI KeyboardDROID X7VCO 1VCO 2VCO 3VCO 4VCA 1 EnvVCA 2 EnvVCA 3 EnvVCA 4 Envmidiin: channel=1, pitch1=O1, pitch2=O2, pitch3=O3, pitch4=O4, gate1=G9, gate2=G10, gate3=G11, gate4=G12O11v/octO21v/octO31v/octO41v/octMIDI OutaudioMIDI INaudioG9gateG10gateG11gateG12gateV/Oct1v/octV/Oct1v/octV/Oct1v/octV/Oct1v/octGategateGategateGategateGategateaudiopitchgate
★ CV to DAW (MIDI out)
Eurorack sequencer V/oct → I1 · gate → I2 · midiout converts to note-on/off on USB channel 1 · X7 switch RIGHT · DAW records a clean MIDI performance with stabilized pitch (no jitter retriggers) · modular plays, DAW captures.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 4 modules and 3 connections. Modules: DROID, Sequencer, DROID X7, DAW. Signals: 1 audio, 1 pitch, 1 gate.DROIDSequencerDROID X7DAWmidiout: channel=1, pitch1=I1, gate1=I2I11v/octI2gatePitch1v/octGategateUSB-CaudioUSB Inaudioaudiopitchgate
Four-gate clock distribution
lfo generates _CLK at 2 Hz (120 BPM) · three clocktool circuits divide _CLK by 2, 4 and 8 into G10–G12 while G9 takes the raw clock · the modular gets four synchronized clock lanes without consuming any of the master's O outputs.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 6 modules and 4 connections. Modules: DROID, DROID X7, Drum 1, Drum 2, Drum 3, Drum 4. Signals: 4 clock.DROIDDROID X7Drum 1Drum 2Drum 3Drum 4lfo: hz=2, square=_CLKclocktool: clock=_CLK, output=G9clocktool: clock=_CLK, divide=2, output=G10clocktool: clock=_CLK, divide=4, output=G11clocktool: clock=_CLK, divide=8, output=G12G9clkG10clkG11clkG12clkTrigclkTrigclkTrigclkTrigclkclock
Forge-driven live coding
Switch set RIGHT · Forge open on laptop · edit circuits live and hit Activate! · patch reloads in <1s · sequencers restart with saved state preserved in DROIDSTA.BIN · iterative DROID development with no SD card fiddling · workflow the X7 was designed for.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 2 modules and 1 connection. Modules: DROID X7, Laptop. Signals: 1 audio.DROID X7Laptopswitch: RIGHTUSB-CaudioForgeaudio11. sysex Activate!audio
★ MIDI clock slave
midiin reads MIDI clock from external hardware · clock output → G9 at 24 PPQ · running-state flag → G10 (high while master transport is playing) · sync the whole DROID patch to DAW or groovebox · beat-accurate without audio-rate drift.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 5 modules and 3 connections. Modules: DROID, DAW, DROID X7, System Clock, Transport Gate. Signals: 1 audio, 1 gate, 1 clock.DROIDDAWDROID X7System ClockTransport Gatemidiin: channel=1, clock=G9, running=G10MIDI ClockaudioMIDI INaudioG9clkG10gateInclkIngateaudiogateclock
SD card edit without removal
Switch LEFT · SD card appears as USB drive on PC · edit droid.ini in a text editor directly on the card · save · set switch to MIDDLE · patch auto-loads without pressing the master's button · fastest iteration for text-editor patch development.
▸ Show diagram
Patch diagramPatch diagram with 3 modules and 2 connections. Modules: DROID X7, PC, DROID. Signals: 2 audio.DROID X7PCDROIDswitch: LEFT (USB-stick mode)In USB-CaudioOut USB-CaudioText EditoraudioSD Cardaudio11. edit droid.iniaudio

I/O

IN · 1

  • MIDI IN (TRS) MIDI TRS A/B autodetect
    3.5mm TRS MIDI input with autosensing for MIDI TRS type A and B. Accessed in patch via midiin circuit.

OUT · 2

  • MIDI OUT (TRS) MIDI TRS (A by default)
    3.5mm TRS MIDI output. Switch must be middle or right for DIN adapter use. Accessed via midiout circuit.
  • G9 / G10 / G11 / G12 0V / 5V GATE
    Four dedicated gate/trigger outputs at modular level. Always addressed in the patch as G9, G10, G11, G12 (G1–G8 are reserved for the first G8 expander, whether present or not). Output only — unlike a G8 these jacks cannot be used as inputs.

Controls

Global Mode switch (top) Three-position switch at the top of the panel selecting the function of the USB-C port.
left: USB-stick mode (master exposes SD card, patch stops) · middle: USB off (use for loading patches / DIN adapter output) · right: USB-MIDI active
Rear TRS type A/B switch (rear) Small switch on the back of the module selecting MIDI TRS type A or B for the TRS output only (the input auto-senses).
set to position B when using the shipped TRS↔DIN adapters
Panel USB-C port Class-compliant USB. Appears as mass-storage or MIDI device depending on switch. Not a USB host.
requires Rev 1.5.1 hardware and firmware orange-912+ for USB-C↔USB-C · earlier revs need the supplied USB-A↔USB-C cable
Panel LED indicators Eight multicolor LEDs (R49–R56) overridable in a patch. Factory function: SD card state, USB-MIDI state, TRS MIDI in, TRS MIDI out, and the four gate outputs G9–G12.
top-left: SD card · top-right: USB-MIDI · second-row-left: TRS MIDI in · second-row-right: TRS MIDI out · bottom 2×2 field: G9 G10 / G11 G12 (green=note on, red=note off, blue=other MIDI event)