F_KLIKZ – Grouped Metronome, Accent and Pattern Generator

Overview
F_KLIKZ is a compact but highly flexible metronome and rhythm generator. It produces an internal click sound and multiple synchronized pulse outputs, including step, main accent, and sub accent signals. Unlike a traditional metronome, F_KLIKZ allows full control over how a meter is divided into smaller groups, making complex and uneven rhythms easier to hear and use. The module can run from its own internal tempo or follow an external clock, and can also introduce rests into the pattern, turning it into a structured rhythmic generator rather than a simple timing reference.

Main idea
The module operates on a pulse-based system. Each meter defines a fixed number of pulses per bar. A grouping pattern divides these pulses into musical blocks. The first pulse of each bar is always the main accent. The first pulse of each following group becomes a sub accent. All other pulses are treated as regular steps. In addition to accents, groups can also be turned into rests, allowing entire parts of the pattern to be silent while the timing structure continues internally.

Flexible grouping system
Instead of using a fixed set of groupings, F_KLIKZ dynamically generates all musically useful group combinations for the selected meter. This means you are not limited to standard patterns like 3+2+2, but can also use alternative structures such as 4+2+2, 5+2, or even asymmetrical splits like 1+5. This makes the module especially suitable for experimental rhythms, progressive music, and generative patches.

Examples
In 4/4 with grouping 2+2, the pattern feels evenly divided. In 4/4 with grouping 3+1, the bar shifts toward a strong early accent. In 7/8 with grouping 3+2+2, the pulse accents fall on steps 1, 4, and 6. In 8/8 with grouping 3+3+2, the rhythm takes on a familiar uneven feel. In 10/8, combinations like 3+3+2+2 or 4+4+2 create longer flowing phrases. By introducing rests into selected groups, parts of these patterns can be removed, creating syncopation and space while keeping the internal timing intact.

Controls

TEMPO
Sets the pulse speed when no external clock is connected. The tempo directly controls how fast individual pulses occur. In compound or uneven meters, this determines the speed of each counted subdivision.

LENGTH
Controls the duration of each click sound. Short values produce sharp ticks, while higher values create slightly longer percussive sounds. This affects only the sound envelope, not the timing.

ACCENT
Adjusts the difference between normal steps, sub accents, and the main accent. Higher values increase contrast and make the grouping structure more pronounced.

SHUFFLE
Applies timing swing to the internal pulse stream. Positive values delay the offbeat steps, creating a laid-back feel. Negative values push the offbeats earlier, creating a more forward or urgent groove. At zero, the timing is completely straight. Shuffle only affects the internal clock engine and is ignored when an external clock is connected.

LEVEL
Controls the output level of the audio signal. At minimum, the audio output can be completely silent while timing signals continue to operate.

SOUND
Selects the click character. CLICK is bright and sharp, WOOD is softer and more percussive, and BEEP is more tonal. These are designed as functional timing sounds rather than full percussion voices.

METER
Selects the total number of pulses per bar. Available meters include 3/4, 4/4, 5/8, 6/8, 7/8, 8/8, 9/8, 10/8, 11/8, and 12/8. Each meter defines the total pulse count that the grouping system operates on.

GROUP
Selects how the pulses are divided into smaller blocks. The available options are generated dynamically and can include both traditional and unconventional groupings. This control directly determines where sub accents occur and how the rhythm is perceived.

RUN / STOP
Controls the transport when no external RUN signal is connected. In RUN, the module advances continuously. In STOP, the sequence halts and outputs are silent. When a cable is connected to RUN IN, the external signal overrides this control.

Inputs

CLOCK IN
External clock input. When connected, the internal tempo is ignored and each rising edge advances the sequence by one step. This allows F_KLIKZ to function as a structured accent and grouping processor driven by another module. Because the timing is fully defined by the incoming clock, shuffle cannot be applied in this mode.

RUN IN
Gate input for transport control. A high signal allows the module to run, while a low signal stops it. A rising edge restarts the pattern from the beginning of the bar, ensuring a clear downbeat.

RESET IN
Trigger input that resets the sequence to the first pulse of the bar without altering meter or grouping.

Outputs

OUT
Main audio output containing the click sound.

STEP
Pulse output for each active step in the sequence. Steps that belong to a muted group do not produce STEP pulses, so rests affect both the audio click and the gate outputs.

ACC
Pulse output for the main accent only, marking the start of each bar.

SUB
Pulse output for sub accents, marking the starts of internal groups.

Rests and pattern behavior
F_KLIKZ allows groups to be treated as rests. When a group is muted, its steps no longer produce audio, STEP, ACC, or SUB pulses, but the internal timing continues. This means the rhythmic structure still advances internally while selected parts of the pattern become completely silent. Rests therefore function as true structural gaps in both the click output and the gate outputs.

Internal and external timing
When CLOCK IN is not connected, the internal tempo engine drives the sequence and allows full control over timing, including shuffle. When CLOCK IN is present, the module follows the incoming clock exactly, advancing one step per pulse. This guarantees tight synchronization but disables any internal timing modifications such as shuffle.

Transport behavior
The RUN / STOP toggle only applies when no external RUN signal is connected. External RUN always takes priority. Both RUN IN and RESET IN can restart the sequence from the beginning of the bar, ensuring consistent alignment with other modules.

Typical uses
Use F_KLIKZ as a metronome, an odd-meter trainer, a grouped trigger generator, or a structural timing source. It is particularly effective for creating complex rhythmic frameworks that can drive envelopes, percussion modules, or modulation sources.

Practical patch ideas
Use STEP to drive a steady trigger stream while using ACC and SUB to control layered percussion or modulation. Combine multiple instances of F_KLIKZ at different clock divisions to create evolving polyrhythms. Introduce rests to remove parts of the pattern and create syncopation while maintaining a stable timing grid. When driven by an external clock, use F_KLIKZ as a rhythm shaper that adds structure and accents to an existing sequence.

Notes
F_KLIKZ is designed as a precise and flexible rhythm tool. Its strength lies in the combination of pulse-based timing, dynamic grouping, external synchronization, and the ability to introduce silence as a structural element within the pattern.