Ricochet
Key Features
- Eight independently moving balls trigger MIDI notes when they reach the bottom of their paths.
- Starting-height changes create new cascading rhythmic and melodic relationships without drawing notes manually.
- Sync Mode locks patterns to Ableton Live's tempo and selectable rhythmic divisions.
- Gravity Mode accelerates the falling motion for looser, less grid-bound rhythmic movement.
- Per-ball enable switches let you thin out or rebuild a pattern without replacing the whole setup.
- Note and scale controls reshape the generated material into a chosen musical context.
- MIDI output can drive synths, samplers, Drum Racks, and other MIDI-controlled instruments.
Description
Ricochet is a Max for Live MIDI generator from Human Pyramids that turns eight independently moving bouncing balls into evolving melodies, rhythms, and polyrhythms. A ball sends a note when it reaches the bottom of its path, so changing its starting height reshapes the timing rather than requiring piano-roll editing.
Sync Mode locks the bouncing behavior to Ableton Live's tempo and lets the device work as a repeatable rhythmic source. Gravity Mode instead accelerates falling balls, producing patterns that feel less grid-bound and more organically unstable.
The eight balls can be enabled or disabled individually, while note and scale controls keep the output musically directed. That makes the device suitable for feeding synths, samplers, Drum Racks, or any other MIDI-controlled instrument without committing to one sound source.
Ricochet began as an instrument for the Critter & Guitari Organelle before becoming an interactive sound-and-light installation with 24 incandescent bulbs. Its visual, physics-inspired approach was initially prompted by the Yamaha Tenori-on's Bounce mode, but Human Pyramids describes it as an independent project with no Yamaha affiliation.
The official Human Pyramids Gumroad listing is published, in stock, and priced at 0 GBP with an optional pay-what-you-want amount. It is a Max for Live AMXD device, so it is intended for Ableton Live users with a Max for Live-capable setup rather than VST, AU, or AAX hosts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ricochet generate?
Ricochet generates MIDI notes from eight bouncing-ball lanes. Each ball triggers a note when it reaches the ground, so their different starting heights create overlapping rhythms, melodies, and polyrhythms.
What is the difference between Sync and Gravity modes?
Sync Mode locks the bounce patterns to Ableton Live's tempo and rhythmic divisions. Gravity Mode uses accelerating falling behavior, so it produces a looser and more organic timing feel.
Can Ricochet be used with drums as well as melodic instruments?
Yes. The official listing says its MIDI can be sent to synthesizers, samplers, Drum Racks, or any other MIDI-controlled instrument.
Is Ricochet a standard VST or AU plugin?
No. It is an AMXD Max for Live MIDI device, designed to run inside Ableton Live with Max for Live available rather than in general VST, AU, or AAX hosts.
