The Pittsburgh Modular Time Runner is an analog clock divider and programmable pattern generator for Eurorack modular synthesizers.

The Time Runner utilizes a voltage-controlled dual logic core to create a wide range of programmable gate patterns.

The TimeRunner starts with a single clock source and divides it down into four individual channels. The output of each channel is based on a complex relationship between the clock source, a clock divider, and a chain of switchable and voltage controlled logic options. The result is a unique and extremely musical patten generator.

How It Works

The signal path of the TimeRunner starts with an internal or external clock source. The clock is split using a divider into 4 cascading channels creating even /2, /4, /8, /16 divisions of the clock source.

The output of each channel division is then split and sent to the first logic input of both an AND and XOR logic chip. The second input of the AND and XOR logic chips is referred to as the Seed. The first channel Seed is always high unless the Seed Input Jack is used. The Seed input for the remaining channels is derived from either the AND or XOR logic output of the previous channel using the Channel Seed Switch. The output of each channel is selectable between the AND and XOR logic output using the Logic Selector Switch or Logic In gate input.

Logic Selector Switch and Logic In Gate Input are at the end of the channel signal patch. Their settings affect only the output of their specific channel.

The Channel Seed Switch is at the beginning of the channel signal patch. Its setting affects the output of its specific channel and also cascades to affect the channels below. For example flipping the Channel Seed Switch on channel 2 will affect the pattern of channel 2, channel 3, and channel 4. Flipping the Channel Seed Switch on channel 3 will affect the pattern of channel 3 and channel 4. Because channel 4 is the last channel, flipping the Channel Seed Switch on channel 4 will affect the pattern of channel 4. The seed input of channel 1 works in the same way. If the Channel 1 Seed Input Jack is used, the result will affect all 4 channels.

Here’s a video demo of the Time Runner in action:

The Time Runner is available for US $299.