4ms Catalyst Controller

4ms Catalyst Controller with eight channels

The Catalyst Controller from 4ms is a new macro controller concept with the option of gliding through the scenes via CV and Crossfader. The module generates either CVs or gates on eight channels which, when combined, form a scene. A scene is a snapshot of the output level of the individual channels. If the outputs of the Catalyst controller are connected to the corresponding CV/Gate inputs of other modules, you can imagine a scene as a Preset or a specific sound in Patch. If a scene button lights up, this scene is currently active. If more than one scene is active, the channel outputs correspond to a crossfade of these scenes, whereby their relative presence in the mix is represented by their brightness. The 64 scenes of the Catalyst controller can be selected manually or run through with the Crossfader respectively a supplied control voltage (pathway). The maximum length of a scene pathway that can be run through with the Crossfader is 64 scenes. With fewer scenes, you have more scope for action when fading and can intervene more sensitively. In addition, the transition time can be set when changing scenes, which results in very smooth transitions between the stored voltages of the scenes. The morph time can also be set for each output. For example, if you want the pitch of each scene to change immediately but the wavefolder parameter to approach slowly, this is the way to go. A recording and output of up to 20 seconds of crossfader movement respectively modulation via control voltage is implemented as a nice extra.

Each track generates CV or gate, can have its own clock divider and has a voltage range from -5V to +10V. The generated voltages can be unquantized or quantized on one of the common scales. Thanks to the copy/paste function, you can quickly create variations of an existing sequence or transfer them to a new scene.

The Catalyst Controller can be transformed into a Catalyst Sequencer! You can switch between controller and sequencer mode with a special button combination, and the front panel is printed on both sides, so you not only have the functions of the other module to hand but also the correct labels after changing the front panel.