VPME

ManualsBrandsvpme.de ManualsCV SequencerEurorack Module

uclidean Circles was

originally released as

a DIY PCB in late

2015, and now

VPME are back with

version 2 and a full

retail release.

The module is essentially a gate

sequencer, but as the name suggests

the focus here is on Euclidean

rhythms. Euclidean algorithm is a

theory presented in 2004 by a

Canadian computer scientist that

shows how most rhythmic patterns of

world music (except Indian) can be

generated by ﬁ lling patterns with

beats that are (as much as possible)

evenly spaced. When you try and

play ﬁ ve hits in a 16-step pattern

they cannot ﬁ t evenly so a more

interesting off-beat rhythm is

created. If you play two patterns of

differing lengths off against each

other you create poly-meter. The

interplay between the rhythms

creating patterns that seem much

longer than their component parts.

Guiding lights

So how does it work in practice?

Three large LED dials take up most

of the front panel, each with a

glowing encoder in the centre.

Pressing the central encoder on each

channel cycles the mode through

three colours: blue controls the

length of the pattern, orange controls

the density of beats and red controls

the start/reset point. Patch in a clock

or set the tempo on the module itself

and you’re away!

The ﬁ rst thing you’ll notice is how

amazing this module looks,

particularly once it’s set in motion

with the patterns all ticking away.

The LED rings give instant visual

feedback. Basic operation is very

intuitive and it’s quick to get some

rhythms working.

Patterns pending

There are six patterns available but

only three dials on the panel. A push

of the F Button or a long press on

the top encoder switches control

from rhythms 1-3 to 4-6. The colour

of the LEDs is different for the

second set, making it a lot easier to

remember where you are.

For simpler beat programming,

each encoder can also be set to step

sequence mode where steps are

entered manually. Whichever mode

you’re in, two or three patterns can

be chained together for a maximum

48-step pattern.

The Six Switches expander gives

you direct muting control over each

of the six patterns, which really adds

to the playability. If you’re getting

this module I’d deﬁ nitely grab the

expander too.

The big change in V2 is the F

Button which can be programmed to

provide a variety of functions

including picking presets, toggling

between odd and even presets and

inserting ﬁ lls. I didn’t ﬁ nd the Fill

mode particularly useful but toggling

between presets is a good way to

inject variety when playing live.

Going deeper, there is a settings

menu which lets you conﬁ gure the

module to your needs and playing

style; this is well thought-out but you

will deﬁ nitely need to consult the

manual during setup.

I had the most fun using Circles

as a CV source for Mutable

Instruments’ Plaits. Attenuated gates

provide rhythmic modulation – great

for adding variety. With six outputs,

there’s plenty scope for providing

both rhythmic gates and CV or other

clocking duties at the same time.

THE PROS & CONS

Intuitive, hands-on

playability

Can also be used as

a straightforward

step sequencer

Pretty ﬂ ashing lights!

No CV inputs

Randomness

affects every channel

at 25%

FM VERDICT

7.0

While some will ﬁ nd the

lack of CV inputs a problem,

Circles is all about play and

it certainly excels here. Easy

and fun to jam with