This module performs a relatively simple scaling operation on V/Bar signals but it has quite a profound impact on the V/Bar timing system.
One way to think of the Time Flow Changer module is as something like a clock divider / multiplier in a clock based sequencing system.
Normally Adroit sequencers (such as CV Sequencer or Rhythm Sequencer) run for a single bar – there is a simple one-to-one relationship between the V/Bar signal and the running of the sequencer. A change of one volt results in one cycle of the sequence. However this module allows this relationship to be changed so that, for example, a 16 step sequence can last for eight bars (i.e. running 8 times slower than normal by using a 1/8 setting) or for just the duration of an quarter note (i.e. running 4 times faster than normal using a 4/1 setting).
Running a CV Sequencer at faster than normal rates can be handy for producing tempo-synced LFO modulations with user programmable waveforms.
Running a CV Sequencer at slower than normal rates can be used to create control signals similar to automation curves in a DAW.
In both of these applications engaging the GLIDE buttons on the CV Sequencers will produce nice smooth changes. Also note that feeding the the CV OUT signal from a CV Sequencer channel back to the channel’s MERGE input will enable the glide to interpolate between the last and first step when looping.
The range of the time flow multiplication or division available is quite vast as the change is expressed as a fraction that can vary from 99/1 (in other words 99 times faster than normal) down to 1/99 (or 99 times slower than normal). Also the scaling is very precise as 64 bit math is used.
Simple fractions such as 2/1 or 1/2 perform simple doubling or halving but it is also of course possible to enter weird values such as 15/17. If you are interested in polyrhythms then this module should offer you hours of fun.
One very important benefit of voltage control of timing is that Adroit sequencers don’t have an internal “count state”. So, when you change the time flow using this module you can revert back to a simple timing ratio such as 1/1 and any attached sequencers will immediately return to normal in-sync timing, unlike in a clock based system where sequencers would most likely be “confused” and require a reset in order to get back into synchronization.
Although this module is usually inserted just before the V/Bar input of a sequencer or chain of sequencers it can inserted anywhere in a V/Bar patch so can open up new possibilities with Time Splitters.
A slightly related module is V/Bar Utility which can be used to remap an oscillator’s -5 V to +5 V sawtooth output into the 1 V to 2 V range. You could then, for instance, use a CV Sequencer to create custom audio-rate or LFO waveforms.