The Clock module is typically used to step a sequencer with its pulse output signal. It can also be used as an external pulse divider. What sets this module apart from an LFO or oscillator is the ability to divide the clock into standardized music note durations or divisions.

The clock module uses ROM data tables which are programmed to divide the master clock pulse by 1/16th, 1/8th, 1/4 notes etc. There are 8 tables to choose from. Some are simple divide by 2 and 4 And some have triplets and syncopated values. It works very much like a pulse divider or divide by N module but with the added ability to select the range of divisions available. A typical divide by N module will divide from 1 to 60. Dividing by 19 or 41 etc. are fun but sometimes you just want to divide by standard note values. The Clock 53B makes this an easier task by connecting an output row from the sequencer to voltage control the step duration of the clock.

Example: step one can be a 1/4 note, step 2 an 1/8th, step three a 1/16th etc. Odd number divisions are also available in some of the tables for dividing by 5,7,9 etc. Being able to select or filter the range of division values is unique as it makes it possible to 'play' the sequencer, changing step durations on the fly. In some of the simpler division tables like table 4 with only 4 choices, it is very easy to position the controlling step sliders as only 4 positions are needed to cover the range, effectively reducing the resolution of the slider to 4 steps.

  • Features:
  • 8 division tables stored in ROM with CV select
  • CV control division within table
  • Master clock out and divide out
  • Clock out jack does double duty as 16 and 32 bar reset output
  • Divide of External pulse signals
  • Clock and Divide LED indicators
Example Division Tables
Table Divisions
1 1,2,4
2 1,2,3,4
3 1,2,4,8,16,32,64,128
4 1,3
5 1,3,6,9
6 1,3,6,9,12,16,24,32
7 1,2,3,4,6,8,9,12,16,24,32,48,64,96,128
8 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16

Specifications: Inputs: 100k ohms
Outputs: 1k ohms
CV Input Range: 0 - +5V
Signal Output: +5V
Gate Input: +5V
Power: 45mA@+15V, 15mA@-15V