
Polypin by Mark Towers
POLYRHYTHMS, EUCLIDEAN & TRADITIONAL SEQUENCING
MAKE YOUR OWN TRIPLE PACK: Buy any three or more Mark Towers products at the same time and get a 20% Discount (automatically applied at checkout)
PolyPin is a MaxforLive Generative Sequencer inspired by Pinball and controllable by a range of Ableton Live supported MIDI Controllers.
Up to 8 sequencers run in sync or independently using specially developed sequencer modes:
- Probability for creating random chance based beats
- Euclidean for exotic polyrhythmic patterns
- Classic for retro 16 step sequencing.
USER GUIDE: PolyPin USER GUIDE






















Polypin by Mark Towers
POLYRHYTHMS, EUCLIDEAN & TRADITIONAL SEQUENCING
MAKE YOUR OWN TRIPLE PACK: Buy any three or more Mark Towers products at the same time and get a 20% Discount (automatically applied at checkout)
PolyPin is a MaxforLive Generative Sequencer inspired by Pinball and controllable by a range of Ableton Live supported MIDI Controllers.
Up to 8 sequencers run in sync or independently using specially developed sequencer modes:
- Probability for creating random chance based beats
- Euclidean for exotic polyrhythmic patterns
- Classic for retro 16 step sequencing.
USER GUIDE: PolyPin USER GUIDE
Additional information
| MaxforLive | MIDI Devices, Sequencers |
|---|---|
| Controllers | Ableton Push One, Ableton Push THREE Controller, Ableton Push TWO, Novation Launchpad |
| Ableton Live Compatibility | Ableton Live 10 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 10 Suite, Ableton Live 11 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 11 Suite, Ableton Live 12 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 12 Suite |
| Min. Requirements | Ableton Live 10 Standard with MaxforLive Installed or Ableton Live 10 Suite |
| OS | Mac, Windows |

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Polypin by Mark Towers
PolyPin is a MaxforLive Generative Sequencer that can be used with Ableton Live supported controllers. Designed and created by Ableton Certified Trainer Mark Towers this device takes it’s inspiration from trying to beat gravity and keep a spinning ball bearing on an upwards path bouncing of the bumpers around the table.
PolyPin works in standalone mode or can be controlled directly by the Ableton PUSH & Push TWO or Novation LaunchPad & LaunchPad PRO!
A Polyrhythmic Performance Sequencer inspired by Pinball. Up to 8 sequencers run in sync or independently using specially developed sequencer modes:
- Probability for creating random chance based beats
- Euclidean for exotic polyrhythmic patterns
- Classic for retro 16 step sequencing.
A big part of the Sequencer is it’s Accelerator feature. The accelerator is used to speed up or slow down a sequencer, this is a way of adding live variation to your performances. The accelerators are activated by your chosen control surface (Push, Launchpad or Launchpad Pro) when a sequencer is running; pressing one of the upper 7 pads for that sequencer will trigger the accelerator. When the accelerator is activated, you will notice the ‘Rate’ menu to the right change to a different speed. Rates can be Whole notes, Dotted, or Triplets, switching ‘Velocity’ on will disable the manual selecting of these controls, and the velocity applied to the pads will determine if the accelerator is Whole, Dotted or Triplets.
The ‘Lock’ option if on, makes pressing the pads toggle the accelerator, press once to activate it, press again to deactivate it returning to the default rate set in the menu to the right. The ‘Snap’ button/menu determines whether the accelerator will wait for the next bar or half bar to change its settings.
PolyPin is also available as part of the Arcade Series One and completes the line up consisting of Asteroids, Tetriq and Pong Deluxe
Frequently Asked Questions
PolyPin is a Max for Live device, so you will need Ableton Live Suite or a copy of Live Standard with a separate Max for Live licence. Make sure your Max for Live installation is up to date for the best performance.
PolyPin works in standalone mode without any controller, but it also has dedicated support for Ableton Push and Push Two, as well as the Novation LaunchPad and LaunchPad Pro, giving you hands-on control over the sequencer directly from your hardware.
Probability mode introduces random chance into your beats, Euclidean mode generates mathematically distributed polyrhythmic patterns across the steps, and Classic mode gives you straightforward 16-step sequencing for more traditional programming. You can use different modes across the eight sequencers simultaneously.
Yes, the sequencers can run in sync or independently of one another, which is what makes PolyPin suited to creating complex polyrhythmic arrangements and generative patterns that evolve over time.
The Accelerator is a core part of PolyPin’s generative character, drawing on the pinball inspiration by adding momentum and movement to how sequences progress. It allows patterns to shift and evolve in a way that goes beyond standard step sequencing.
After purchase you will receive a download from Isotonik Studios. Simply drag the Max for Live device file into your Ableton Live User Library or directly onto a MIDI track, and it is ready to use straight away.
Absolutely. The controller integration with Push and LaunchPad makes it a strong choice for live performance, while the probability and Euclidean modes work just as well for exploratory studio sessions and generative composition.
Important Information
V1.9.0 – Released February 2025
Added Push 3 Controller Compatibility to all devices.
V1.0.0 – Initial Release – June 2017
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.
END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR ISOTONIK STUDIOS SOFTWARE PRODUCTS.
PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THIS PROGRAM INSTALL.
This End-User License Agreement (referred to as “EULA”) is a legal agreement between an individual or a single entity (referred to as “LICENSEE”) and Isotonik Studios for the Isotonik Studios software product(s) which may include associated software components, media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation (referred to as “SOFTWARE PRODUCT”). By installing, copying, or otherwise using the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, the LICENSEE agrees to be bound by the terms of this EULA.
This EULA represents the entire agreement concerning the program between the LICENSEE and Isotonik Studios and it supersedes any prior proposal, representation, or understanding between the parties. If the LICENSEE does not agree to the terms of this EULA, the LICENSEE should not install or use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold.
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- DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS.
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(b) Distribution. The LICENSEE may not distribute registered copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to third parties.
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(e) License transfer The LICENSEE may not transfer their license to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to any third party. Any attempt to do so will be considered a violation of this EULA.
(f) Support Services. Isotonik Studios may provide the LICENSEE with support services related to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT for a period of 12 months following the date of purchase. Any supplemental software code provided to the LICENSEE as part of the Support Services shall be considered part of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and subject to the terms and conditions of this EULA.
(g) Compliance with Applicable Laws. The LICENSEE must comply with all applicable laws regarding use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
- TERMINATION Without prejudice to any other rights, Isotonik Studios may terminate this EULA if the LICENSEE fails to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, the LICENSEE must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT in the LICENSEE’s possession.
- COPYRIGHT All title, including but not limited to copyrights, in and to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and any copies thereof are owned by Isotonik Studios or its suppliers. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the content which may be accessed through use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is the property of the respective content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright or other intellectual property laws and treaties. This EULA grants the LICENSEE no rights to use such content. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by Isotonik Studios.
- NO WARRANTIES Isotonik Studios expressly disclaims any warranty for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is provided ‘As Is’ without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including but not limited to any warranties of merchantability, noninfringement, or fitness of a particular purpose. Isotonik Studios does not warrant or assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. Isotonik Studios makes no warranties respecting any harm that may be caused by the transmission of a computer virus, worm, time bomb, logic bomb, or other such computer program. Isotonik Studios further expressly disclaims any warranty or representation to the LICENSEE or to any third party.
- LIMITATION OF LIABILITY In no event shall Isotonik Studios be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, lost profits, business interruption, or lost information) arising out of the LICENSEE’s use of or inability to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, even if Isotonik Studios has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event will Isotonik Studios be liable for loss of data or for indirect, special, incidental, consequential (including lost profit), or other damages based in contract, tort or otherwise. Isotonik Studios shall have no liability with respect to the content of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or any part thereof, including but not limited to errors or omissions contained therein, libel, infringements of rights of publicity, privacy, trademark rights, business interruption, personal injury, loss of privacy, moral rights or the disclosure of confidential information.














