Abakas

Elegantly complex counter

What was originally, and quite appropriately named Abacus, is now the Likaon Instruments Abakas; based on the origin word for an abacus, a device used to count. The module is based on the simple premise of counting incoming pulses. As simple as this sounds, the way Abakas works will help open up the possibilities of your system.

Abakas is a unique 6HP utility that transforms incoming pulses into structured, probabilistic patterns using chained counters. Each of its three tracks features two counters in series, with assignable pulse input, reset, and a single pulse output.

Each counter counts down from 1–9999 pulses and includes its own probability setting, letting you decide how likely it is to pass an incoming pulse to the output while that counter is active. When the first counter finishes, the second begins. After both have completed, the track can loop, pause until reset, or chain into the next track (effectively creating up to six counters in series).

Inputs are fully routable, allowing one track to reset or clock another, or multiple tracks pulsed by the same input. Presets can be saved and sequenced via triggers for evolving structures. Whether you’re building long clock divisions, one-shot gate events, or complex generative patches, Abakas brings structured unpredictability and deep timing logic to your system.

A collaboration between Likaon and Konstantine.

Three independent tracks, each with:
* A freely assignable pulse input
* Two serial counters (A → B), each counting down from 1–9999
* A reset input that resets both counters
* A pulse output (mirrors width of incoming pulse)

Counter behavior:
* Counter A begins counting incoming pulses. Once complete, Counter B starts
* Each counter has its own probability setting that determines whether to pass the incoming pulse to the output

Track output behavior:
Pulse outputs are emitted during count down based on the respective probability

End-of-cycle behavior modes:
After Counter B finishes, choose:
* Loop: restart from Counter A
* Pause: wait for a reset pulse
* Chain: begin another track's count

Extremely flexible routing:
* All inputs (pulse, reset, next preset) are freely assignable
* Tracks can control each other: e.g. one track’s output can reset another

Preset system:
* Save multiple configurations
* Advance presets via trigger input (freely assignable)

CREATIVE USE CASES
Long clock division: create exact or probabilistic divisions over super long time spans
Probabilistic sequencing: control randomness at two stages per track
One-shot pulses: fire pulses on specific conditions that never repeat
Conditional behavior: flip logic states or trigger sequences based on timing
Chain reactions: cascade events across tracks
Generative patches: evolve structure over time with saved presets and chained logic

https://likaoninstruments.com/product/abakas-formerly-abacus/