Shakmat Modular Harlequin's Context
Quad-channel modulation preset programmer: 4 acts of 4 scenes, each channel a chameleon.
12 HP Eurorack module
The Harlequin's Context is a 12HP modulation preset programmer that arranges 16 scenes into 4 acts of 4 scenes. Each scene contains four independent channels (A/B/C/D), and every channel can shapeshift between fifteen roles: positive/bipolar/inverted offsets, sample-and-hold and slewed random, five LFO waveforms (saw up/down, triangle, sine, square), three envelope shapes (attack-release, release, attack), or two serial roles (Level and Deviate) that process the previous channel. Scenes are switchable manually with the four scene buttons, addressable from the CV input, or sequenced from the gate input. A 7-segment display provides UI feedback; the FNCT button is the gateway to all secondary modes (Roles attribution, Set selection, Range, Save/Load, Select Bus, Factory Reset). Built for live performance and studio modulation choreography.
Features
- 12HP, 29mm depth — Eurorack
- 16 scenes grouped into 4 acts of 4 — perfect for performance arrangement
- Quad channel A/B/C/D with independent assignable roles per scene
- 15 channel roles: 3 offsets, 2 random, 5 LFO waveforms, 3 envelope shapes, 2 serial (Level/Deviate)
- Scene selection: manual, CV addressed (0-5V) or gate/clock sequenced
- Range editor — define how many scenes the CV input cycles through
- 14 Sets: Basic (Morphing Off / On), Expert and Jester for alternate behaviours
- Morphing mode interpolates values and roles between scenes for smooth transitions
- 16 memory slots (1-G) plus a random ('r') slot for instant role/value scrambles
- Select Bus protocol (Off/Receive/Transmit) — compatible with WMD, Expert Sleepers, Malekko
- Per-channel knob lock-on-recall with pass-through unlocking — prevents value jumps when switching scenes
- Scene store-all-16 (Scene 01 + Scene 04 with Store) for quickly broadcasting one scene everywhere
Controls & Jacks (18)
- CV In
- Gate In
- Output A
- Output B
- Output C
- Output D
- Channel A
- Channel B
- Channel C
- Channel D
- Store
- Clear
- Act
- FNCT
- Scene 01
- Scene 02
- Scene 03
- Scene 04
How-To Guides
- Performance mode tour: switch scenes and acts
- Build a scene from scratch (Roles + values + Store)
- Sequence scenes from a CV source
- Morphing VCA scene chain (Basic Set 1)
- Save and load a preset to memory slot 4
- Configure as Select Bus receiver
Explore the interactive Harlequin's Context panel on BleepDex — tap any control to learn what it does.
