K-Devices, an innovative developer of music software tools, has released the HEXO, a Max For Live Device of deep and innovative composition tools to create, sketch, and/or variate harmonic, melodic loops and beats.
Edit and write MIDI patterns using six independent tracks in a highly editable brick-grid. Set probabilities for each step and let HEXO create variations on the fly or use the advanced random functions to create brand new rhythms and grooves. HEXO provides advanced time settings per track, to easily go polymetric and/or polyrhythmic. Choosing between Arpeggio or Riff modes lets HEXO build harmony movements on top of your live played notes and MIDI clips - or just hit play and let HEXO do the whole job.
The core of HEXO is the pattern editor: The GRID
HEXO’s Grid is based around six tracks of MIDI note sequence streaming, each of which are always visible and can be independently set from 2 to 32 steps. For each step of each track you can define the event on, its velocity, its length and its chance to be generated. This allows you to create riffs and patterns with continuous changes or add even more complexity using multiple metrics (polyrhythmic, polymetric, or both at once.)
Each track has exclusive tools for advanced editing: time resolution, range-based smart randomization, a function to rotate the sequence, as well as global parameters for length, velocity, sequence bending and a delay timing parameter to change timing relations across tracks.
With a chance feature similar in operation to our classic AutoBeat device, HEXO is very helpful in generating both original riffs and variations on these riffs, based on your preference settings.
Being a MIDI device, HEXO works with any MIDI instrument. Each track can be set to work on a specific MIDI note or interval. Using the live input function, it is also possible to map these with an external keyboard on the fly by holding up to six notes on your MIDI keyboard. You then have the option to change the harmony of the sequence in real time, while the pattern is running.
HEXO uses two different modes of operation: ARP or RIFF
In ARP mode, HEXO acts like an arpeggiator, building the pattern on top of live incoming notes. You can feed HEXO by firing off MIDI clips, or simply playing live. By enabling the Retrig function, the pattern loses the sync with transport, and all sequences start from step 1 each time a new note is received. This can be useful for such things as quick ‘soloing’ notes for part of the pattern, then holding notes when you want the get the whole pattern arpeggiated.
In RIFF mode, HEXO acts as a very complex polyphonic step sequencer. You can still get an arpeggio-like behavior by enabling the Live Input, you set the notes for each track, on the fly. This can be useful for changing harmony while you work on a pattern. Enabling the thru function gives you live input to play along with HEXO, adding your live incoming notes to the pattern.
HEXO’s Extensive Snapshots section:
It is also possible to capture and store up to 4 snapshots per preset, which can be recalled by automation, remote control, or the Autosnaps system. This allows for setting a 'weight' (probability) for each of the snapshots, and a time interval to get a trigger in sync with the transport. The trigger will then recall a snapshot by a weight-controlled random function. The AutoSnaps function then can be used to modulate the variate between these snapshots with user definable probability amounts.
HEXO pack content:
Enjoy HEXO immediately: we included exclusive presets, Ableton clips, and two instruments.
IMMERSIVE 1 is a series of devices and presets crafted by sound designer Stèv (Stefano Fagnani), exclusively conceived around HEXO. It features two unique playable sources – the mellow, atmospheric Pluck and the acid stab Hyperism – paired with space effects, particles parameters and transient enhancement, all controllable through pre-mapped useful macros.
HEXO is available now with a special introductory price: 24€ (39€ value) at https://k-devices.com/products/hexo/.