MATRIXSYNTH: Serendipity L-Thing vs D-Thing+: Upgrades for Moog DFAM & Labyrinth

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Serendipity L-Thing vs D-Thing+: Upgrades for Moog DFAM & Labyrinth


video upload by Noisegate and Sam Stosuur

"We patch both modules together, sync them via Mother-32, and explore how they interact with DFAM, Labyrinth, and Teenage Engineering Rhythm for a wild semi-modular jam.

The D-Thing+ transforms the Moog DFAM, adding reset, swing, step control, micro-timing, shuffle, reverse, random modes, and MIDI/CV clocking — turning a brilliant but limited sequencer into a powerful performance instrument.

The L-Thing is built to pair with Moog’s Labyrinth, providing dual clocks, polymeter and polyrhythm modes, Euclidean rhythm options, and generative sequencing that pushes Labyrinth far beyond its stock behavior — while still working with any CV-capable synth.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Intro: Serendipity + what we’re testing
0:23 — Why DFAM needs this (no reset, studio workflow)
2:23 — D-Thing+ reset explained (DFAM’s biggest quirk)
2:52 — Step length control (1–8 steps)
3:43 — Multi menu: step loops beyond 8 steps
4:58 — Micro menu: per-step microtiming / swing feel
5:02 — Sequencer modes overview (normal, reverse, bounce, odd/even, shuffle)
6:34 — Random mode + MIDI/CV modes
8:35 — L-Thing intro + what it unlocks on Labyrinth
10:03 — Patching L-Thing to Labyrinth (clock + bit flip)
11:06 — Sync setup: D-Thing+ clocking L-Thing + reset in sync
11:34 — LFOs + using it with other Moog (Grandmother/Matriarch)
12:44 — Polymeter setup: beats/bar + length tricks
13:42 — Polyrhythm mode (firmware note + chaos)
14:59 — Fast performance tweaks / weirdness
17:56 — Wrap-up: who these are for + closing

👉 Check out Serendipity Synths for more: https://thewessens.net/Serendipity/ma..."



The D-Thing is a device that adds significant capabilities to the DFAM (or Edge) sequencer, such as:

MIDI integration — clocking and individual step play,
Reset — manual, via CV or via MIDI,
Variations in the step order — Forward, Reverse, Bounce, Odds & Evens, Shuffle, Random and Custom,
Changing the sequence length — 1 to 8 steps (up to 16 steps for a custom step order),
Step repeat — assign a play count of up to 8 times to any step,
Off-grid timing — swing beat as well as arbitrary shifts away from the beat.



The original Eurorack version of the D-Thing was an 8HP module that offered V/Oct CV no place of MIDI. This has been superseded by the D-Thing+ Euro, a 12HP module that includes nearly all the features from the standalone device, while adding V/Oct CV support, a dedicated Clock output for synchronising with other gear, and a Cycle output that fires at the start of each pattern cycle.

Integrating the DFAM Thing with the DFAM and other gear is via two CV outputs, two CV inputs and a MIDI input. These are all on the right hand side of the device so as to not interfere with operating the controls.

Outputs
Advance: connect to the ADV/CLOCK input on the DFAM so the DFAM Thing can drive the DFAM sequencer. This is the minimum required connection between the DFAM and the DFAM Thing.
Run/Stop: optionally connect this output to the DFAM’s RUN/STOP input, so the DFAM Thing can control starting and stopping of the sequencer. However, although a high signal on the DFAM’s RUN/STOP input will start the sequencer, it will not trigger the envelopes, so to make use of this feature you will also need to mult the Advance output of the DFAM Thing to the TRIGGER in on the DFAM. If you setup so the DFAM will start on step 1, the two devices will be in sync with regard to step numbering.
Cycle: In the D-Thing+, there is a dedicated Cycle output for this signal.
Clock: fires once per step for syncing external gear.
Inputs
Reset In: a high to this input will cause a reset to (the DFAM Thing’s idea of) step 1.
Trigger In: when the clocking is external, clock steps are determined by pulses at this input.
MIDI In: a 5-pin DIN MIDI input for MIDI note, clock & CC messages.

Enhanced Eurorack D-Thing+
video upload by Ken Wessen

The Eurorack D-Thing has been enhanced! It is now 12HP, but includes:
MIDI (clock, note-to-step mapping & CCs)
Multistepping and microtiming/swing
Clock and cycle outs
Double speed/half speed support (long press the Control/Step encoder to toggle)
See http://thewessens.net/DFAMThing/DFAMT... for details and contact info.


00:00 – Introduction
00:30 – Basic Operation
02:00 – MIDI
02:49 – Multistepping/Microtiming/Swing
04:26 – Clock and Cycle outputs
05:09 – Configuration

DFAM Unleashed: The Ultimate Companion Module You Need! - DFAM Thing +

video upload by Braintree56

"Take your Moog DFAM to the next level with the DFAM Thing +! This incredible companion module fixes many shortcomings and adds tons of usable features. Serendipity outdid themselves with this one!"

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