Little Nerd

Clock, Trigger and Gate Processor

Discontinued

Little Nerd is a trigger and clock manipulation module which tries to be able to do everything you have ever imagined and wished to do with the trigger or clock signals in your modular in only 6 HP. It has 2 inputs (1,2) and 5 programmable outputs (A,B,C,D,E). The signal from input 1 can be processed into outputs on channels A, B, and C . Signal input 2 can be processed into outputs D, and E. Signal input 2 has a probability mix knob which sets whether the signal to be processed by output D and E is taken from input 1 or input 2 (fully counter-clockwise means it always processes the signal from input 2).

Every channel has a dedicated knob, and the functionality of the knob is dependant on the output mode of the individual channel. Output mode can be set by pressing the MODE button after selecting the channel by turning one of the A,B,C,D,E knobs (now the RGB shows the color of the specific mode). The color of the RGB led indicates which mode is selected for the specific channel.

In most of the modes, you have 2 PARAMETERS you can set. PARAMETER 2 is set only while holding down the SHIFT button. PARAMETER 1 is set while no buttons are pressed. The modes are: DELAYED DIVIDER, TRIGGER 2 GATE / FLOP DIVIDER, MULTIPLIER, TRIGGER REPEATER, EUCLIDIAN SEQUENCER, CLOCK OSCILLATOR, and PROBABILITY / GROOVE.

Features

  • multipurpose clock, trigger, and gate processor
  • 2 inputs 1, 2
  • 5 outputs with assignable function mode and 2 parameters
  • outputs A, B, C process signal from input 1
  • outputs D and E process input from 2 or 1 with a certain probability (probability mix knob)
  • DELAYED DIVIDER – clock divider that can be offset from the original clock (or just delay when the divider is set to 1)
  • TRIGGER 2 GATE / FLOP DIVIDER – converts pulse to different pulse length, offsettable flop divider (flips gate state with every clock)
  • MULTIPLIER – outputs clocks in between clock signal – can be set from 1-8
  • TRIGGER REPEATER – you can set how many times it repeats input pulse and how fast
  • EUCLIDIAN SEQUENCER – 16 step, independently set sequence length and number of fills
  • CLOCK OSCILLATOR – pulse width can be set, goes up to the audio range, can be used as detune to input frequency
  • PROBABILITY / GROOVE – the probability of trigger goes thru or not with certain probability if set to GROOVE delays every second clock
  • number setting assistant – RGB led helps you to orientate while setting specific number by a knob
  • 5V trigger outputs
  • open-source, Arduino compatible and re-programmable (6pin FTDi connector)
  • front panel from aluminium or oak wood
  • handmade locally by Bastl Instruments in Brno, Czech Republic

Technical details

  • 6HP
  • 50mm deep
  • power consumption on 5V < 30 mA
  • PTC fuse and diode protected 16 pin power connector
  • pdf user manual download
  • pdf mode info card download

DIY kit

You can build your own littleNerd with our DIY kit. Go through the complete assembly guide below and make sure that you understand all the steps.

  • complete assembly guide pdf
  • schematics: bottom board pdf pots board pdf connector pdf
  • board diagram: bottom board pdf pots board pdf connector pdf
  • bill of materials google docs

Video