draft: false
Name: Asterisk
short-description: Six-track generative drum synthesis with one-switch randomization, Filter, Decay, Heat, and USB MIDI or analog clock sync.
summary: >
  A six-track generative drum synthesizer for the Music Thing Modular Workshop Computer.
  Synthesized drums, bass, and melodic percussion draw from 14 synthesis algorithms.
  Three knobs shape the sound, and one flick of the switch generates a new scene.
  The web editor adds per-track mixing, delay time and Auto Pan, scale selection,
  single-track randomization, and patch save/recall as files on your computer.
Language: C++ (Pico SDK + ComputerCard)
Creator: Laboratory 0
Version: "1.2"
Status: Released
License: Laboratory 0 Freeware (see LICENSE.txt)
date-created: "2026-09-21"
date-updated: "2026-10-06"
Editor: web
demo-link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/i8sVAtF1YXs

tags:
  - drums
  - generative
  - synthesizer
  - percussion
  - sequencer
  - midi
  - stereo

uf2:
  - path: Asterisk_Workshop_v1.2.uf2
    name: Asterisk 1.2

panel:
  inputs:
    - id: CVIn1
      name: Filter CV
      type: cv
      description: Adds modulation to the Main Filter setting.
    - id: CVIn2
      name: Decay CV
      type: cv
      description: Adds modulation to the X Decay setting.
    - id: PulseIn1
      name: Clock
      type: pulse
      description: Each rising edge advances one sixteenth note (4 PPQN). A plugged-in cable takes priority over USB MIDI clock.
    - id: PulseIn2
      name: Reset
      type: pulse
      description: Restarts the sequence from the beginning on the next clock step.
  outputs:
    - id: AudioOut1
      name: Left
      type: audio
      description: Stereo left audio output.
    - id: AudioOut2
      name: Right
      type: audio
      description: Stereo right audio output.
    - id: CVOut1
      name: Envelope 1
      type: cv
      description: Fixed-decay trigger envelope from the kick track.
    - id: CVOut2
      name: Envelope 2
      type: cv
      description: Fixed-decay trigger envelope from a melodic percussion track.
    - id: PulseOut1
      name: Clock
      type: pulse
      description: Sixteenth-note clock pulses.
    - id: PulseOut2
      name: Kick trigger
      type: pulse
      description: Triggers from the kick track.

controls:
  knobs:
    - main:
        name: Filter
        description: Low-pass to the left, unfiltered in the center, high-pass to the right.
      x:
        name: Decay
        description: Approximately 0.25x to 4x decay, with 1x at the center. Changes apply to new hits.
      y:
        name: Heat
        description: Saturation, density, and grit with level compensation.
  switch:
    up:
      name: Pause
      description: Stops new hits while existing tails ring out. Return to center to restart from the beginning.
    middle:
      name: Play
      description: Runs the sequencer.
    down:
      name: Randomize
      description: Generates new sounds and patterns once on entry. Holding down does not repeatedly randomize.
    tap:
      name: Randomize
      description: Flick down to create a new combination; it takes over on the next clock step after preparation. Knob settings remain unchanged.

host:
  usb:
    - name: Asterisk Workshop
      role: MIDI device
      description: Receives 24 PPQN MIDI Clock, Start, Stop, Continue, and Song Position Pointer from a computer or DAW. Also connects to the web editor over USB MIDI.
  notes: >
    Enable MIDI Clock output to Asterisk Workshop in your DAW.
    Pulse In 1 takes priority when a cable is connected. Without an external clock,
    the sequencer uses its internally generated tempo and swing. Audio inputs are unused.