Gem by K-teck

An LFSR is a binary circuit that generates complex, evolving sequences by rotating a series of bits on each step. In Gem, this 12-bit register means your note output shifts in a mathematically driven but musically unpredictable way, producing sequences that feel alive rather than rigidly programmed.

Yes, Gem is a Max for Live device and requires Ableton Live with Max for Live installed. It is recommended you run a current version of Live Suite, or Live Standard with a separate Max for Live licence.

The 12 bits of the LFSR are scaled to create note values, so while the sequence evolves organically, the Rate_of_Change control lets you dial in how much the bit pattern mutates per step. Lower probability settings keep things more stable, while higher settings push the sequence into more unpredictable territory.

Instead of triggering the LFSR rotation on every clock step, the Euclidean mode spaces out triggers across the sequence using classic Euclidean rhythm distribution. This means you get rhythmically interesting patterns driving your binary note output rather than a straight continuous stream.

Yes, Gem syncs directly to Ableton Live’s tempo. The Clock control sets the base pulse rate as a division of Live’s BPM, and the Clock_Divider can slow things down by up to 128 times, making Gem equally useful for fast melodic sequences and very slow evolving textures.

The Velocity control determines how the raw 12-bit LFSR output influences the velocity values sent with each note. K-Teck describe it as unpredictable by design, so expect organic, human-feeling velocity variation rather than a simple linear mapping.

Gem excels at generating evolving melodic and harmonic content that avoids repetitive, loop-like patterns, making it ideal for ambient, modular-style, and experimental electronic music. It is also a strong tool for producers who want to break out of grid-based thinking and introduce genuine unpredictability into their compositions.

Product transferred from K-Teck 3rd March 2024

V1.2.0

Gem v1.2.0 features K-Teck’s updated Scale Scanning code giving the user access to 127 musical scales

v1.1.0:

Theme Responsive UI. This means that Gem’s UI responds to Ableton Live’s Theme, the darker the theme the darker the Gem

Our Products are generally provided as Zip file downloads which in all cases will need to be extracted and saved to your hard drive prior to installation. Details on the different file type provided and what to do with them are below.

.alp Files – These are Ableton Live Packs and will either install directly into the Packs Section of the browser of Ableton Live or ask you to save them to your hard drive. For packs that install to the library, when you double click on them you will see a pop up window asking you to confirm that installation is ok as the files are described as “Legacy”. This is fine and you are ok to proceed, the packs are created using the format for an earlier version of Live and so remain compatible with the current version.

.amxd files – These are individual MaxforLive Devices and can be stored anywhere on your hard drive. We’d advise creating a folder for them and then adding that folder as a location within the Places section of Lives Browser.

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