schollz / plonky

a string-like keyboard and sequencer for monome grid

plonky

plonk (/plɒŋk/) - to play a musical instrument, usually not very well but often loudly

• Cambride Dictionary

https://vimeo.com/520650445

plonky is a keyboard and sequencer. i made it to be able to play mx.samples directly from the grid. the grid layout (and name) is inspired by the plinky synth, i.e. it is a 8x8 layout with notes spaced out between columns by a specified interval (default is C-major scale spaced out by fifths).

Requirements

• norns
• grid

Documentation

use the grid to play an engine. by default the engine is "PolyPerc", but if you install mx.samples you can also play that by switching "PLONKY > engine" via parameters.

voices: use E1 to change voices. each 8x8 section of the grid is a voice. you can play notes in that voice by pressing pads. the notes correspond to a C-major scale, where each column is a fifth apart. use the menu PLONKY to change parameters. while in a menu you can press a note to change to that voice.

arps: you can do arps by turning E2 or E3 to the right. in "arp" mode you can press multiple keys and have them play. in "arp+latch" mode the last keys you pressed will play. in "arp+latch only" mode keys you press will change the arp but no play when you press (useful for seamless arps). change the speed using the "PLONKY > division" parameter in the menu.

patterns: you can record patterns by pressing K1+K2 (for right voice press K1+K3). press a note (or multiple) and it will become a new step in the pattern. you can hold out a step by holding the notes and pressing K2 (for right voice press K3). you can add a rest by releasing notes and pressing K2 (for right voice press K3). erase steps with E2 (for right voice use E3). when done recording press K1+K2 (for right voice press K3). to play a pattern press K2 (for right voice press K3).

crow + jf: each voice sends one note to crow at 1v/octave. jf is available if you change this line of code. these are untested so idk if they work.

midigrid: check the instructions in the code in the plonky/lib/plonky.lua file, search for "midigrid".

Install

https://github.com/schollz/plonky

from maiden:

;install https://github.com/schollz/plonky