The provided source material describes the Five12 Numerology software as a comprehensive modular ecosystem for music sequencing, rather than a tool related to Vastu Shastra, Tarot, or traditional Numerology. This software is designed for audio professionals and enthusiasts, offering a wide array of components that can be combined in various ways to approach sequencing from countless angles. It leverages a history spanning multiple decades to provide sequencing possibilities that can compete with and often surpass newer entries in the category. The system emphasizes depth at the most basic level of its individual modules, containing a multitude of rarities even in a single device.
Numerology is noted as a Mac-only application, with Windows and Linux users advised to expect "extreme FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out). Despite not being a darling of current trends and lacking a flashy user interface, the software possesses over two decades of development that is extraordinary in both depth and breadth. It remains actively supported and updated to keep pace with the evolution of MacOS. For those curious about intermediate and advanced sequencing possibilities, Numerology presents an immensely deep and fascinating creative landscape.
Core Features and Modular Components
The ecosystem contains a wide array of components that can be combined in a huge variety of ways. The fundamental depth present at the most basic level of its individual modules is a significant part of what makes Numerology powerful. Even using a single module by itself is considered basic for the software, yet it contains a multitude of rare features.
MonoNote, PolyNote, and Drum Sequencers
These modules offer both real-time and step-time sequence recording options. This feature allows users to program steps from a MIDI keyboard. In conjunction with several other features of the sequencing modules, it opens up interesting compositional options including "sound on sound" looped composition and generative auto-accompaniment.
Chord Sequencer
The Chord Sequencer module makes it easy to build chord progressions using a series of sequenced high-level parameters. These parameters include: - Scale degree (I, IV, V, etc.) - Chord family and type (including 10 types of 7th chords) - Inversion - Spacing - Octave offset
The Chord Sequencer also includes options to strum and arpeggiate the notes of a chord, or to play them as "broken" chords. It is designed to be accessible and useful for both complete newbies and seasoned pros, making the building and experimenting with chord progressions a quick and enjoyable task.
Per-Step Groove Controls
All Note Sequencer modules now have per-step groove controls. These allow the timing of each step to be individually pushed or pulled relative to the overall tempo. When combined with the groove timing options of the GrooveClock module, this offers the most flexible set of timing options of any sequencing application.
Keyboard Module
A new Keyboard module emulates a MIDI keyboard. It can be used for triggering sounds and for monitoring MIDI note streams.
I/O Modules
A new set of I/O modules provides additional flexibility for routing MIDI, Audio, and CV signals.
Step-Trigger Option
A new 'step-trigger' option is available for all sequencers to make it easier to emulate the behavior of analog step sequencers.
Transport Loop
The software includes a Transport Loop feature.
Advanced Sequencing Capabilities
Numerology offers several advanced functions that allow for complex and evolving sequences.
Random Jump and Step Repeat
Parameters and functions like step length, random jump, and step repeat are available in the mono note sequencer. Finding just one of these in a sequencer is rare, but Numerology offers them simultaneously.
Auto-Reset
The Auto-reset function allows a sequencer to automatically restart from step one after a given number of steps. This can be used to "reign in" effects like Random Jump, helping to underscore the effect when the sequence resets against drums.
Evolve Section
The Evolve section is described as one of Numerology's secret weapons. It is a system for introducing variations into a sequence, either manually or automatically. The Evolve controls display a range of functions available for manipulation: - X, Y, and Z lists: Three different sets of constrained randomness, each containing its own unique set of commands. Each list can be played back by itself or in conjunction with other lists. - Probability control: For each potential randomization, there is a probability control to determine the likelihood of that transformation occurring.
Auto-evolve determines how often a new modification might happen.
ReWire Integration and Audio Features
Numerology 2.1's ReWire driver offers full support for running Audio Unit plugins, including their editor windows. This allows users to seamlessly integrate Numerology with ReWire host applications while maintaining nearly all features present when running standalone. The only missing item is audio input. Improvements to the ReWire implementation include the addition of 30 audio output channels, bringing the total to 16 stereo pairs. This driver also includes fixes to transport-related problems and much reduced CPU overhead.
The beta version 2beta29 introduced two major features: Audio Recording and a simple, but highly useful polyphonic Audio Sample player.
Stability and Fixes
The developers have addressed various bugs and issues over different versions. For example, users of ParamMod on GroupOut volume need to update ParamId settings. The location for the Patchbay Setup file, which holds preferences for Numerology's internal busses, moved to /Library/Application Support/Five12/Numerology. The new code checks for an existing old p-bay setup file in the old location and copies its settings.
Miscellaneous fixes and updates include: - Fixed a 'buzz' sound that could happen when deleting AU Synths. - Fixed a stuck note problem that could happen with external sync. - The level knob in the LFO module works again. - Fixed a subtle display bug affecting the Routing page for modules. - Stopped the "Rec" indicator in the transport from 'floating around' when resizing the project window. - Added "Run Mode", "Loop", and "Auto Reset" menus to the ModulationSeq module (in the advanced settings panel). - DualLFO: randomness of S&H waveforms much improved. - Fixed a display bug in ParamMod related to the display of some parameters, including "StartStep" and "EndStep". - Sequencers: Fixed several bugs that would occur when the start step is greater than the end step.
Context and Authorship
The software is developed by Five12. An article discussing the software was written by Andre LaFosse, a music teacher and transcriber, guitar owner, producer/engineer, composer/improviser, devil's advocate of live looping, synthesizer dilettante, and general tortured artist. He is described as being equally at home and/or out of place in the worlds of instrumental performance and electronic programming. His music-making explores various ways of reconciling, uniting, contrasting, and/or fighting those two facets of sound creation. He is a graduate of California Institute of the Arts, and his work has been covered in publications and outlets including Guitar Player, Electronic Musician, Tape Op, Time Out New York, WNYC Radio’s New Sounds, Alternative Press, Make Weird Music, and many others. His recorded body of work is available through 7D Media.
Conclusion
The Five12 Numerology software is a deeply developed modular sequencing environment focused on musical composition and audio production. It provides a rich set of tools for creating rhythmic and melodic sequences, managing chord progressions, and introducing variation through advanced parameters. Its longevity and active support for MacOS highlight its established position in the audio software landscape.