Strokes is an all-in-one, cross platform sequencing & sampling workstation.

Strokes generates rhythms and modulation that bring new life to your software
and hardware instruments and effects.

Strokes features a collection of seven interconnected modules that interact

with one another in real time:

Grids - 4 x channels of euclidean or step (XOX/TR) rhythm generators

Logic - 4 x channels of algorithmic rhythm generators
Matrix - 8 x synchronized per step/stroke parameter modulation sequencers
Weights - 4 x envelope followers
Shares - 4 x probability processors using markov chain pattern analysis
Notes - 7 x pitch presets for sequencing chords, melodies and kit changes
Patterns - 5 x device wide snapshots / presets

Strokes allows you to create entire arrangements with endless variety and
complex interactions between devices inside any DAW environment that supports
VST3 or AU.

On iOS, Strokes can run as a standalone application or from within a host such
as AUM.
Contents
Contents

Getting Started
Euclidean Groovebox
Next Steps
Generative Melodies
Next Steps
Modulation Conductor
Next Steps

Sequencer
Channels 1-4
Euclid Mode
Step Mode
Channels 5-8
Matrix / Scope
Patterns / Notes
Note Learn
Shares
Weights
Config (VST3/AU/AUV3)
Config (iOS Standalone)

Sampler

Transport

Appendix
Logic Modes
DAWs
Ableton Live
Step by step
Bitwig
Step by step
Logic
Step By Step
VCV Rack
Step By Step
AUM
Step By Step
Standalone (iOS)
Getting Started
Strokes doesn’t impose any set workflow and is open ended by design - this
allows for you to develop your own approach as you become more familiar with
its functions. This quick start guide will demonstrate three workflows to get
you started.

Euclidean Groovebox

1. Create an empty MIDI track and add Strokes

2. Create a drum kit and assign it to receive MIDI from Strokes.
3. Create a new audio track and set it to record your jam
4. If you’d like to be able to edit the MIDI data later, create a new MIDI
track and set it to record MIDI from Strokes
5. Hit record and explore the euclidean parameters to generate euclidean
rhythms

Next Steps
- Assign Matrix’s sequences to the parameters of your voices for per step
parameter sequencing
- Create delay and reverb sends and use Weights mod buses to rhythmically
control your DAW’s send levels
Generative Melodies

1. Create a new MIDI track add Strokes

2. Create an instrument like a synthesizer or sampler and assign it to
receive MIDI from Strokes.
3. Use NOTES to build up chords / scales in each NOTE memory slot
4. Assign Matrix & Weights to instrument parameters such as filter cutoff
and decay time.
5. Create a new audio track and set it to record your jam
6. Hit record and explore

Next Steps
- Split MIDI data between multiple synth voices
- Transpose the outgoing MIDI notes with a MIDI pitch shifting device.
Modulate the pitch shifting device using Weights or Matrix to create
harmonic changes
- Modulate Strokes’ euclidean parameters with automation and modulation
and see what happens
Modulation Conductor

1. Create an empty MIDI track and add Strokes

2. Create 2 audio tracks and load a clip/loop onto each track (tip: use the
recordings you made from the previous two examples)
3. Assign Weight & Matrix to effects like filters, delay and reverb
4. Create a new audio track and set it to record your jam
5. Hit record and process your loops

Next Steps
- Assign Matrix & WEIGHTS parameters to a MIDI controller for hands on
control
- Setup another instrument / drum kit and create beats that are
rhythmically related to the processing of your loops
- Use WEIGHTS to mimic a sidechain compressor by setting the send amount
(10) to -1.0, the offset (40) to 1.0, adjust rise (37) and fall (38)
times, then assign the modulation to the volume control of the channel
you intend to modify
- Combine ideas from all three approaches
Sequencer

Channels 1-4
Each GRID channel features two sequencing modes which are selected using the
Euclid/Step Mode toggle. This toggle’s value is stored per channel, per
pattern slot - so on CH1 we can have a Euclid rhythm in Pattern A, a Step
rhythm in Pattern B etc. We can also flip between Euclid/Step modes and the
previous settings are recalled - you might think of this as a fill/variation
per Pattern slot - snare roll please!

Euclid Mode
By exploring the relationship between the four Euclidean Parameters (LENGTH,
LOOP, STROKES, SHIFT), we can generate an endless amount of rhythms. Each
channel contains a rhythmic ‘buffer’ - STROKES (note events) are distributed
evenly throughout the buffer.

1. LENGTH sets the size of the buffer

2. LOOP sets the reset point in the buffer
3. STROKES sets the number of note events in the buffer
4. SHIFT set the start point for the buffer
5. GRID DISPLAY shows the contents of the buffer and the current play
position.
6. DIRECTION sets whether to advance forward, backward or palindromically
7. CLOCK RATE sets the rate at which each channel advances through the
buffer
8. OCTAVE shifts the current note up or down an octave
9. INV flips the buffer so that any note events become rests and vice
versa.
10.WEIGHTS A sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus A
11.WEIGHTS B sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus B
12.WEIGHTS C sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus C
13.WEIGHTS D sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus D
Step Mode
Step mode allows us to input individual note triggers into the grid XOX/TR
style. Each Step can be automated, modulated or toggled with a mouse click.

1. LENGTH sets the size of the buffer

2. LOOP sets the loop length
3. STROKES is disabled/hidden in this mode
4. SHIFT set the start point for the loop
5. GRID DISPLAY shows the contents of the buffer and the current play
position. Each Step can be toggled with a mouse click and controlled by
the host using automation, modulation or MIDI control.
6. DIRECTION sets whether to advance forward, backward or palindromically
7. CLOCK RATE sets the rate at which each channel advances through the
buffer
8. OCTAVE shifts the current note up or down an octave
9. INV flips the buffer so that any note events become rests and vice
versa.
10.WEIGHTS A sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus A
11.WEIGHTS B sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus B
12.WEIGHTS C sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus C
13.WEIGHTS D sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus D
Channels 5-8
Note triggers on channels 5-8 are derived by comparing the current state of
channels 1-4 and the accent channel. Each channel has eight selectable logic
modes. Each logic mode is a combination of two input channels, and a logic
operation (AND, XOR, NOR).

14.CH-5 MODE sets the logic mode for channel 5

15.CH-6 MODE sets the logic mode for channel 6
16.CH-7 MODE sets the logic mode for channel 7
17.CH-8 MODE sets the logic mode for channel 8
18.GRID DISPLAY shows the outcome of all eight logic modes simultaneously.
The four horizontal rows correspond to the four channels. The eight
vertical columns correspond to eight logic modes.
19.INV flips the outcome of the channel 5’s logic operation.
20.INV flips the outcome of the channel 6’s logic operation.
21.INV flips the outcome of the channel 7’s logic operation.
22.INV flips the outcome of the channel 8’s logic operation.
23.WEIGHTS A sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus A
24.WEIGHTS B sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus B
25.WEIGHTS C sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus C
26.WEIGHTS D sends triggers from this channel to the WEIGHTS mod bus D
Matrix / Scope
MATRIX is a collection of eight overlapping analog style step
sequencers. All eight sequences run simultaneously and you can view
the current position of each sequence using the selector at the bottom
of the plugin window.

27. MATRIX 1-16 sets the value of the steps

28. Sets which channel to display on the SCOPE and MATRIX LEDs
29. Toggles which modulation buses to display on the scope. M
corresponds to the selected MATRIX channel (28). A/B/C/D
represent WEIGHTS modulation buses
30. SCOPE display
Patterns / Notes
PATTERNS is equipped with five Pattern memory slots, each Pattern is a
snapshot of all of the values within Strokes.

NOTES is equipped with seven Note memory slots, each Note slot is a snapshot
of the channel's assigned note numbers (32).

PATTERNS and NOTES run independently, so different PATTERNS can be auditioned

with different Notes and vice versa.

PATTERNS and NOTES can be selected using MIDI notes

- PATTERN slots A-E : C#0 D#0 F#0 G#0 A#0
- NOTE slots 1-7 : C0 D0 E0 F0 G0 A0 B0

In Ableton Live, the Strokes Receiver AMXD device will generate MIDI clips for
changing PATTERN/NOTE slots.

Each PATTERN and NOTE slot has an indicator which displays whether there is
data present. To clear a PATTERN/NOTE slot, hold the corresponding button for
3 seconds.

31.PATTERN SELECT changes the current pattern. When changing to a blank

pattern, the current pattern is copied into the new slot allowing for
quick variations.
32.Set the note number for each channel
33.NOTE SELECT changes between seven different NOTE presets
Note Learn

Note Learn allows us to quickly assign

note numbers to each GRID & LOGIC
channel. The note Learn button is
located next to the Patterns label at
the bottom of the window.

When enabled, the last selected

channel is underlined and the next
MIDI note Strokes receives will be
assigned to the corresponding channel.

Once the MIDI note has been assigned,

the next channel is automatically
selected and a new MIDI note can be
assigned to the selected channel.
Shares
SHARES acts as a probability thermostat, constantly analyzing the distribution
of note events across each channel.

For each channel, we designate a target % of note triggers using the fader
(36). If the target % is below the current %, SHARES will begin to drop note
events until it reaches its target. The further the target share is from the
current share (37), the more likely a note will not trigger.

SHARES responds well to MIDI control and can be used to create space or
dynamically control the intensity of our rhythms.

34. Displays the probability of the last note event

35. SHARE MODE SELECT sets whether probability occurs on the GRID channel,
the LOGIC channel, or both.
36. TARGET SHARE AMOUNT sets the target % of note triggers
37. CURRENT SHARE AMOUNT displays the current % of note triggers. Moving
the fader (36) below the current share amount will cause notes to be
dropped.
Weights
WEIGHTS is a collection of envelope followers which convert note triggers into
control signals. WEIGHTS is designed to mimic the functionality of sends and
returns on a traditional analog mixer, each STOKES channel can be sent (10-13)
to any of the four modulation buses.

Each modulation bus has controls for an offset amount (40), delay time (41),
and rise (38) and fall (39) time, allowing smooth modulation curves, snappy
rhythmic pulses and anything in between.

38. RISE sets the rise time

39. FALL sets the fall time
40. OFFSET sets the base modulation level
41. DELAY TIME adds a synchronized delay to the modulation signal, useful
for creating call and response movement between rhythm and modulation.
Config (VST3/AU/AUV3)
The CONFIG page enables us to
reassign MIDI CC numbers and MIDI
channels for Notes, Matrix & Weights,
allowing Strokes to simultaneously
sequence multiple machines.

This view is disabled in Ableton

Live, primarily because the Max For
Live receiver handles mapping of
parameters, but also because Ableton
Live does not allow for multichannel
MIDI out of VST3 plugins.

Config (iOS Standalone)

In standalone mode, the config view is
accessed by pressing the cog button in the
lower left corner.

This page contains additional controls for

setting up audio and MIDI devices as well as
saving and loading projects.
Sampler

Strokes is equipped with 8

sampler channels which are
deeply integrated with the
sequencer.

Each sampler channel follows the

same voice architecture, with
independent modulation sources
for each channel.

Besides the sample file path and

root note, all sampler
parameters can be stored and
recalled using Patterns.

The sample file path and root

note are stored as part of a
“Kit”. Kits and Patterns can be
independently imported, allowing
different Kits to be auditioned
with different Patterns and vice versa.

1. Load or drag & drop a Sample

2. Amp envelope attack
3. Amp envelope decay
4. Filter cutoff
5. Reverb send amount
6. Modulation Destination label
7. Modulation amount
8. Modulation source label
9. Note trigger indicator
10. Root note - sets the base pitch of the sample
11. Gain
12. Filter resonance
13. Filter mode
14. Delay send amount
Transport
*iOS standalone only

The transport is where we set the BPM and

start/stop the sequencer clock.

To stop the clock, press and hold the stop

button for three seconds.

When running as an AUV3/VST3/AU, Strokes

receives MIDI clock from the host application
and this module is not displayed.
Appendix

Logic Modes

By moving the logic selector through the eight different logic modes we cycle
through eight different arrangements of inputs and logic operations. Let’s
break down the eight modes relating to channel 5.

Channel 5 Logic Modes

Param Value Input A Input B Logic Type

1 CH1 CH2 AND

2 CH1 CH2 XOR

3 CH1 CH2 NOR

4 CH1 *CH2 AND (/2)

5 CH1 Accent AND

6 CH1 Accent NOR

7 CH1 **Accent AND (/2)

8 CH1 ***Accent AND (/4)

* Input B (CH2) toggles between 1 & 0 with each trigger

** Input B (Accent) toggles between 1 & 0 with each trigger
*** Input B (Accent) toggles between 1 & 0 every four triggers.

The subsequent channels have identical logic modes except their inputs are
incremented.

Channel 6 Logic Modes

Param Value Input A Input B Logic Mode

1 CH2 CH3 AND

5 CH2 Accent AND

By inverting the channel we invert the outcome of each logic operation giving
us access to NAND, NOR and XOR, effectively allowing 16 different logic modes.
1 - AND
Triggers every 16th note where CH1 and CH2 are both active

2 - XOR
Triggers every 16th note where only one of CH1 and CH2 is active

3 - NOR
Triggers every 16th note when CH1 and CH2 are inactive

4 - AND (/2)
In this mode, every time a trigger occurs in Input B we toggle between 0 and
1. This functions like a clock divider where Input B is divided by 2. Input A
is then compared against the toggled state.

5 - AND
Triggers when CH1 and an accent both occur.

6 - NOR
Triggers when neither CH1 or an accent occur.

7 - AND (/2)
In this mode, every time an accent occurs we toggle between 0 and 1. This
functions like a clock divider where Input B is divided by 2. Input A is then
compared against the toggled state.

8 - AND (/4)
This mode is identical to the previous mode, except we divide the signal
again, requiring four triggers on the accent channel to toggle the state.
DAWs

Ableton Live
Whether you’re using Mac or
Windows, you’ll need to use the
VST3 version of Strokes within
Ableton Live.

Due to the limitations of Ableton

Live’s MIDI implementation, a
companion Max For Live device is
required. You’ll find the
“strokes v3.3 receiver.amxd”
device in the download folder.
The M4L device does three tasks:

- If there is a single
instance of Strokes VST3 in
a project, the M4L device
will set up its own routing
and arm itself to record.
- Then the M4L device creates
MIDI clips on the Strokes
VST3 channel which allow
you to change Pattern and
Note Select.
- The M4L device converts
MIDI pitch-bend data* to
parameter modulation, with
four modulation
destinations (Map Buttons)
per source.

*Live is the only host which doesn’t allow MIDI CC data to be passed out of
VST3 plugins - so as a workaround all of the modulation data from Strokes is
sent via the pitchwheel, the M4L device converts this data to Map buttons and
strips the dummy pitchwheel data from the outgoing MIDI signal. Strokes knows
which host is running and only chooses to send this weird pitch-bend
information when running in Ableton Live.

You’ll need to use the M4L device on every channel that receives MIDI from
Strokes, or weird pitchwheel data will be passed on to your devices further
down the chain.
Step by step
1. Add Strokes VST3 to a MIDI channel.
2. Create another MIDI channel
3. Add the “strokes v3.3 receiver.amxd” device from your download folder,
or Max For Live Devices > Max MIDI Effect
4. The M4L device sets up its own routing, so add a drum/instrument rack
after the M4L device and you’re ready to go
Bitwig

Whether you’re using Mac or

Windows, you’ll need to use the
VST3 version of Strokes within
Bitwig.

Bitwig’s Unified Modulation

System makes it the perfect
companion for Strokes.

In this folder you’ll find two

Bitwig presets and a project
file to help you get started.

“StrokesCC.bwpreset”

Contains 12 MIDI CC modulators

that allow you to map Strokes’
modulation to parameters.

CC20 - CC27 = Matrix CH1-CH8

CC102- CC105 - Weights A -
Weights D

“StrokesDrumMachine.bwpreset”

Contains a Note Receiver, the MIDI CC modulators and a Drum Machine. This is a
handy template for getting started, all you need to do is set up the Note
Receiver.

Step by step
1. Add Strokes VST3 to a MIDI channel.
2. Create another MIDI channel
3. Add StrokesDrumMachine.bwpreset
4. Setup the Note Receiver in StrokesDrumMachine
Logic
When using Logic please use the Audio Unit (AU) version of Strokes - in this
setup, Strokes is a MIDI plugin which generates MIDI notes and CC data.

Drop the plugin into a MIDI FX slot before your instruments, then use
Modifiers to receive CC modulation and map to parameters:

CC20 - CC27 = Matrix CH1-CH8

CC102- CC105 - Weights A - Weights D

On Mac you’ll need to use the installer contained in “Install - Mac” - this
installer occasionally misses previous installations, so if you’re having
trouble with Strokes please first remove Strokes.component from these two
locations:

[user]/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components
Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components

Then run the v3.3 installer again.

Step By Step
1. Add strokes to an instrument channel's MIDI FX.
2. Use Modifiers to receive modulation and map to parameters.
VCV Rack
Whether you’re using Mac or Windows,
you’ll need to use the VST3 version
of Strokes within VCV Rack - using
plugins within VCV Rack also
requires VCV Host.

In image on the right, HOST’s first

input is assigned to “Clock (12
PPQN)”

The second input is “Start/Reset”.

You’ll find a preset for HOST-CC

which has Matrix / Weights CC values
readily mapped.

HOST-GATE handles MIDI note

triggers.

From VCV docs:

Host-CV, Host-CC, and Host-Gate (MIDI output expanders)

If a VST plugin in a Host, Host-FX, or Host-XL module generates MIDI output
(such as a sequencer or audio-to-pitch detector), you can place one of these
expanders on its right to convert the VST plugin’s MIDI output to CV and gates
in Rack.

These modules function identically to VCV MIDI-CV, MIDI-CC, and MIDI-Gate

except instead of selecting a hardware MIDI input, it “steals” MIDI generated
by the Host module touching its left side. If your VST plugin generates
multiple channels of MIDI output, you can filter by MIDI channel by clicking
an expander’s LED display. Host MIDI expanders can be daisy-chained, sending
MIDI from their left to their right.

Step By Step
1. Create a HOST, HOST-CC & HOST-GATE, CC preset for HOST-CC is included
2. Add Strokes to HOST
3. Setup a clock source as described above
AUM

In AUM, Strokes
functions as a Audio
Unit MIDI Processor
allowing MIDI notes
and CC to be sent
between other AUV3
plugins.

Step By Step
1. Create a MIDI channel and add Strokes
as an Audio Unit MIDI Processor. When
Strokes opens, the aspect ratio of the
window may be incorrect - double
tapping the menu bar will resize the
window to fit to the screen.
2. Create another MIDI channel and add an
instrument plugin
3. To route MIDI from Strokes to the
instrument, open menu icon next to the
instrument plugin to access the MIDI
input selection menu
Standalone (iOS)

On iOS, Strokes can run as a standalone application.

In this instance, the Config View is expanded to

have controls for audio/MIDI devices, as well as
saving and loading projects.

The transport is controlled using the BPM dial and

the start/stop button. To stop the transport, hold
the stop button for three seconds.