Intellijel Metropolix Backpack

video upload by Intellijel

"The Metropolix Backpack adds a 10-pin Intellijel Case MIDI connector to the rear of Metropolix, allowing Metropolix to interface directly with the MIDI and USB ports on Intellijel Performance and Palette cases.

When using the Metropolix Backpack, you can connect Metropolix directly to other MIDI hardware or your Computer/DAW via your Intellijel Case Jacks.

This accessory requires:
• Intellijel Metropolix
• Intellijel Performance or Palette Case

Intellijel Case Compatibility:
• Performance Case 7U x 104HP
(Full Size 5-Pin MIDI In/Out/Thru + USB-MIDI)
• Performance Case 7U x 84HP
(Full Size 5-Pin MIDI In/Out/Thru + USB-MIDI)
• Palette Case 4U x 104HP
(TRS MIDI In/Out + USB-MIDI)
• Palette Case 4U x 62HP
(TRS MIDI In + USB-MIDI, Note: no TRS Out)"

"Sequence via MIDI from your Eurorack system

The Metropolix Backpack adds a 10-pin header to the back of Metropolix for connecting to the Intellijel 10-pin header* on all of the Intellijel Cases.

Intellijel 4U Palette Cases — TRS MIDI IN and OUT**, USB MIDI
Intellijel 7U Performance Cases — 5-Pin MIDI In, Out and Thru, USB MIDI

* Please note—the Intellijel case MIDI Jacks can only be connected to a single module: MIDI 1U, Metropolix w/ Backpack, μMIDI 1U (legacy).

** MIDI TRS OUT not available on the 62hp 4U Palette.

Metropolix w/ MIDI

MIDI on Metropolix does not interfere with classic CV/GATE modulate usage, it plays alongside it. Sequence your favourite modules, hardware synths, and software plugins all at the same time.

MIDI Clock In and Out — Integrate an external MIDI Clock Sync from other hardware or your DAW, or sync everything else with the Metropolix Clock and modulate the BPM.

MIDI Output from the iconic Metropolix Sequencer—

Output MIDI Notes and CC Modulation from both Tracks

Output CC Modulation from 8 Mod Lanes.

Deep support for configuring Slide (Glide/Portamento) for any synth.

The Backpack offers the same MIDI functionality as Metropolix Solo , but using the Jacks on your Intellijel Case. [see Intellijel Metropolix Solo - Desktop Sequencer with MIDI]

Tucked away

The Backpack is mounted directly onto the power header of Metropolix and secured with a screw.

The USB port is extended and connected with an included cable.


Full Installation instructions in covered in the updated Metropolix 1.5 Manual.

NOTE: With the Backpack installed, you can not connect the GX expander"

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

Intellijel METROPOLIX

Metropolix - First look

Additional overview video by loopop below.

Pic via CONTROL

The Intellijel Metropolix is a unique and powerful Eurorack format musical sequencer. With an abundance of hands-on, tactile controls and a wealth of modulation possibilities (both internal and external) you can quickly and easily create infectiously musical sequences that are never boring. Even the simplest riff can be brought to life with seemingly endless options to create variations or real-time manipulations. Equally at home in the studio or a live improvised performance, the Metropolix is sure to become a staple source of fresh ideas and killer riffs in your creative process.

On first blush, it appears to be a simple 8-stage sequencer — but there is far more functionality than first meets the eye:

● There are two tracks (TRK 1 and TRK 2) that are variants of the single master pitch/gate sequencer, which is programmed via the PITCH sliders, PULSE COUNT and GATE TYPE switches. Each track interprets the master sequence in a variety of ways — creating complementary sequence variations that enable you to generate counterpoint, polyrhythms, and all manner of sonic movement (both subtle and extreme). Each of these tracks has its own playback ORDER, sequence LENgth, clock DIVision, SWING amount, SLIDE time, and track GATE lengths. Other track-based sequence variables are accessible from the TRACK MENU, and include Pitch Slider inversion; sequence note range; track transposition; and more. In addition, Tracks 1 & 2 both have multiple lanes of per-stage playback parameters, including: GATE override; PITCH override; RATCHet count; PROBability of playback; ACCUMulating transposition, and a dedicated CV lane. Each stage also has a SKIP feature, and a pitch SLIDE option.

● 8 separate and individual MODulation lanes are accessed via the MOD button. Each MOD lane has 8-stages of modulation values and its own playback ORDER, LENgth, and clock DIVision; and each lane is routable to one of Metropolix’ two assignable outputs or to dozens of internal destinations, allowing for some sophisticated and powerful self-modulation.

● A trio of AUX inputs allows for external modulation of user-assignable sequencer parameters for even greater variation, while two assignable CTRL knobs give you direct access to the parameters you want to adjust most frequently during a performance. With dedicated Pitch/Gate outputs for both Track 1 and Track 2; two totally user-assignable outputs (A and B); and internal MOD routing, Metropolix features a wealth of patching opportunities.

● Metropolix also features a Loopy mode, allowing you to instantly play back short sub-sequences, or even “play” the stage buttons directly (like a ‘keyboard’).

● Metropolix stores up to 64 preset configurations (in 8 banks of 8 presets), and all live settings are stored in EPROM, ensuring that your Metropolix will always power up exactly as you left it — even if you haven’t saved them to a preset. By default presets can change all the structural (menu-based) elements of your sequencer without overwriting the front panel controls, but full recall is also available.

● The operation of the Metropolix is optimized for live performance and jamming, with quick access to all the most important performance parameters, and the ability to greatly affect your sequences with a single slider or switch.


video by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00​ Intro
1:00​ Sliders & switches
2:05​ What’s old?
3:30​ What’s new?
3:55​ Two tracks
5:10​ New lanes
6:30​ More news
8:45​ Stage buttons
10:40​ Track controls
13:35​ Knobs & IO
15:10​ This setup
17:10​ Home screens
17:35​ Mod tracks
21:15​ Skip invert
22:30​ Decoupling 1 & 2
23:20​ “Split view”
24:20​ Pitch override
26:45​ Accumulator
28:40​ Loopy
29:20​ Split kbd/seq
30:30​ Using presets
32:40​ Pros & cons
37:45​ Outro track

Introducing Metropolix!

video by Intellijel

"The Intellijel Metropolix is a unique and powerful Eurorack format musical sequencer. With an abundance of hands-on, tactile controls and a wealth of modulation possibilities (both internal and external) you can quickly and easily create infectiously musical sequences that are never boring. Even the simplest riff can be brought to life with seemingly endless options to create variations or real-time manipulations. Equally at home in the studio or a live improvised performance, the Metropolix is sure to become a staple source of fresh ideas and killer riffs in your creative process.

On first blush, it appears to be a simple 8-stage sequencer — but there is far more functionality than first meets the eye:

● There are two tracks (TRK 1 and TRK 2) that are variants of the single master pitch/gate sequencer, which is programmed via the PITCH sliders, PULSE COUNT and GATE TYPE switches. Each track interprets the master sequence in a variety of ways — creating complementary sequence variations that enable you to generate counterpoint, polyrhythms, and all manner of sonic movement (both subtle and extreme). Each of these tracks has its own playback ORDER, sequence LENgth, clock DIVision, SWING amount, SLIDE time, and track GATE lengths. Other track-based sequence variables are accessible from the TRACK MENU, and include Pitch Slider inversion; sequence note range; track transposition; and more. In addition, Tracks 1 & 2 both have multiple lanes of per-stage playback parameters, including: GATE override; PITCH override; RATCHet count; PROBability of playback; ACCUMulating transposition, and a dedicated CV lane. Each stage also has a SKIP feature, and a pitch SLIDE option.

● 8 separate and individual MODulation lanes are accessed via the MOD button. Each MOD lane has 8-stages of modulation values and its own playback ORDER, LENgth, and clock DIVision; and each lane is routable to one of Metropolix’ two assignable outputs or to dozens of internal destinations, allowing for some sophisticated and powerful self-modulation.

● A trio of AUX inputs allows for external modulation of user-assignable sequencer parameters for even greater variation, while two assignable CTRL knobs give you direct access to the parameters you want to adjust most frequently during a performance. With dedicated Pitch/Gate outputs for both Track 1 and Track 2; two totally user-assignable outputs (A and B); and internal MOD routing, Metropolix features a wealth of patching opportunities.

● Metropolix also features a Loopy mode, allowing you to instantly play back short sub-sequences, or even “play” the stage buttons directly (like a ‘keyboard’).

● Metropolix stores up to 64 preset configurations (in 8 banks of 8 presets), and all live settings are stored in EPROM, ensuring that your Metropolix will always power up exactly as you left it — even if you haven’t saved them to a preset. By default presets can change all the structural (menu-based) elements of your sequencer without overwriting the front panel controls, but full recall is also available.

● The operation of the Metropolix is optimized for live performance and jamming, with quick access to all the most important performance parameters, and the ability to greatly affect your sequences with a single slider or switch."

Additional posts featuring Metropolix

Intellijel Metropolix Solo - Desktop Sequencer with MIDI

video upload by Intellijel

"INTELLIJEL METROPOLIX SOLO: CV and MIDI Sequencing on your desktop

We've set Metropolix free from the rack, in a small desktop case, allowing you to interface with your DAW or other hardware music machines without needing a full eurorack system.

Going Solo, but not alone

The Metropolix Solo Kit is available for current eurorack Metropolix owners that want to set Metropolix free to sit next to their modular systems.

Connections

Metropolix Solo has all the connections you need for USB MIDI, Serial MIDI (TRS or DIN with Adaptors) and CV/GATE for modular systems. Use CV/Gate, TRS and USB MIDI all at the same time.

Top Panel (CV/Gate)
- A/B Assignable CV Outputs
- X/Y/Z CV Modulation Inputs
- CLK Sync and Reset Input
- CLK Sync Output
- Track 1 and 2 Pitch and Gate

Rear Panel (MIDI/Power)

- MIDI TRS: In / Out / Thru
- MIDI USB-C
- 2.1mm DC for Power Supply"

Intellijel Cascadia Melodic Techno with Metropolix sequencer

video upload by Intellijel

"Intellijel Cascadia is sequenced by Metropolix which in turn is synced to Ableton Live via the Midi 1U module. Output A of Metropolix (CV A) has been patched to modulate the ENVELOPE A time. It is used to shorten the envelope right when the sequence is doing a faster ratcheting. The Metropolix clock output is patched to the Cascadia S&H trigger which is used to modulate the filter cutoff.

The second Pitch output of Metropolix (PITCH B) is used to sequence VCO B of Cascadia. VCO B SAW is mixed into the first channel of the Mixer as an additional melodic layer.
The Strymon Timeline is connected to the final output for some added delay fx."

Metropolix + Syntrx // A Quick First Test

video by Genshi Media Group

"::| TO HEAR THE FULL RANGE OF FREQUENCIES AND STEREO EFFECTS, A GOOD PAIR OF HEADPHONES ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |::

This is a quick first test of the new Intellijel Metropolix Sequencer paired up with my Erica Synths Syntrx Synthesizer (makes for a perfect pairing!) The big new thing with the Metropolix over their previous Metropolis sequencer is the new "Accumulator" feature, which allows you to have different notes in a scale play, not only per step, but per Pulse count on each and every step, or per Ratchet on every step! It's groundbreaking! And makes for a very musical sequencer in only 8 steps..."

See this post for details on intellijel's Metropolix.

Intellijel Metropolix: The sequencing power of Mod Lanes

video upload by Intellijel

"We put together a quick demonstration to show just how rapidly you can transform sequences on Metropolix with Mod Lanes.

Metropolix has 8x independent Modulation Lanes, in addition to the 2x Sequencer Tracks. They can be assigned to internal sequencer parameters, CV outs or even MIDI CCs. Mod Lanes expand the capabilities on Metropolix beyond the sliders, stages & pulse switches, allowing you to craft deeper, evolving patches that are recallable and repeatable."

Intellijel Metropolix - version 1.1 New Features

video by Intellijel

"The Metropolix multi-track performance sequecencer has now been updated to version 1.1. This update brings some exciting new features such as a much more powerful accumulator and 14 new Chord Scales.

Changelog for 1.1.0.0.

New Accumulator Features and Updates!
- Accum Mode: Stage (Original/Default) | Track.
- Accum Reset: Manual (Default) | Auto (Original).
- Accum Order: Wrap (Original/Default) | Pendulum | Random | Hold.
- Accum Polarity: Unipolar (Default) | Bipolar (Original).
- Default Accumulator Limits updated to ±7.
- New Aux/Mod/Ctrl Destinations for Accum Mode.
- New Aux/Mod Destinations for Accum Direction and Accum Polarity.
- Upgraded the "Accumulator" Ctrl to a tri-state control called "Accum Dir" allowing you to change - -Direction or Freeze the Accumulator with a single knob.
- Upgraded the "Accum Invert" Ctrl to a tri-state control called "Accum Polar" allowing you to change - - Polarity and Invert the Accumulator Order with a single knob.
- Change Upper/Lower Limit labels to Positive/Negative.

Better labeling for Toggle and Tri-state control assignments.
Updated menus with new visual features: Disabled items, Dividers.
14 Chords added to the Scales list.
New Global setting for Clock Mode: Running (Original/Default) | Always.
New Global setting for Run Btn: Run/Pause (Original/Default) | Run/Stop.
When EDIT is active the selected stage item will blink, both in Track and Mod mode.
Press Reset when Metropolix is NOT running to drop the gates low on Tracks 1 and 2.
Pitch offset modulation is now still added when a track is muted; but it will still ignore updates to the pitch offset modulation when the track is muted.
Fixed Mod Lane resets on Queued Preset Loads.
Fixed crashing bug when RUN goes LOW before a queued preset loads. (Thanks Aaron!)
Fixed Pulse Count modulation. (Thanks Rich!)
Other minor bug fixes."

Eurorack jam featuring Metropolix, Manis Iteritas, Prok Drums, Zen Delay, and electric guitar

video upload by Jay Hosking

"A live, semi-improvised modular performance performed entirely on hardware, with one guitar overdub.

This jam started with a simple exploration of the Intellijel Metropolix, a neat sequencer that helps you stumble into inspiration, along with two voices (the Noise Engineering Manis Iteritas and the Acid Rain Chainsaw). My ambitions were no more than "play guitar with eurorack". But as the song found itself, and more and more was added to the table, it became clear I'd have to add guitar after the the fact.

A big highlight here is the Prok Drum modules being sequenced by the Mutable Instruments Grids. Not only is Grids fast and inspiring, but its modulation allows you to add performability (like the snare rolls I add via a touch pad here) and variety (through its chaos and frequency controls). Special thanks to Michael, a good human and also a member of my Patreon community, for allowing me to commission him to build the Prok modules! You're the best, Michael.

And of course, the Erica Synths Zen Delay works its magic again. Here, it runs everywhere from flanger to filter to gonzo delay, and I just love what it adds to a jam.

The patches would take a very long time to explain, but here are the modules:

Voices:
- Noise Engineering Manis Iteritas
- Squarp Rample
- Acid Rain Chainsaw
- Qu-Bit Chord
- Frequency Central Product
- Prok drum modules

CLICK FOR MORE »

Metropolix Solo Jam with Therapsid, MEGAfm & Meris FX | Hardware Jam

video upload by Bobo makes music

"I put the Metropolix Solo up for sale but wanted to give it some playtime since it’s been a while. Now I’m not so sure I want to let it go… the life of loving music gear can be tough sometimes 😅

In this jam I’m using the Metropolix Solo with the Therapsid and the MEGAfm, plus effects from the Meris LVX and Mercury X."

Metropolix 1.6 Update: What's New?

video upload by Intellijel

"A brief overview of the new Metropolix 1.6 firmware update.

New features include:
• MIDI Program Change
• MIDI Root Note
• RUN-C Reset Mode
• plus Tweaks & Bug Fixes

Update now with our web updater tool: https://intellijel.github.io/firmware/

Other gear featured in this video:
• Intellijel Cascadia - Bass Synth
• Elektron Digitone MkII - MIDI, Drums and FX

#metropolix #eurorack #sequencer #firmwareupdate"

Eurorack: Polyrhythms Electronic Jam feat. Metropolix - Subharmonicon - Mother-32

video upload by lucafrancinimusic

"I've programmed two sequences in Metropolix, the second one skips a beat creating an unfinished loop. The Doepfer clock divider spits out triggers at various divisions that clock the DFAM, Mother-32 and the Subharmonicon, which at the end of the video adds its own polyrhytm using the two internal sequences.
A few patch notes in the video"

Intellijel Atlantix Demo: An SH-101 with bells on

video upload by mylarmelodies

"Here's a demo of the Intellijel Atlantix, a complete 101-inspired eurorack modular voice, plus its optional expander, the Atlx. I'll rapidly explain the main features and differences between this and Atlantis, and then explore it musically in a series of acid jams, sequenced by Metropolix (and Z8000), Sealegs for Atlantix reverb and delay, and more.

Tiptop Z8000 is used to transpose Metropolix, and I'm making use of Metropolixes dual outputs to sequence Atlantix and Intellijel's standalone Cascadia at once. Intellijel Sealegs provides dedicated reverb and delay on Atlantix. ALM Cizzle is used at certain points for creating chord sounds, fed into one of the Aux inputs of Atlantix.

Drums are mainly System 80 880 (another Canadian classic), running in serial through two DIYRE Colour Palette 15ips cards for warmth and compression, plus Roland TR8, and the Atlantix sound samples I made, running in the Soundforce Samples II module. Effects are the Alesis Quadraverb on Cascadia, H3000 doing some occasional weird pitchshifty zingy sounds, and Alesis Microverb II on stereo with of the kraftwerk zaps. Desk is a Midas Venice 320!

Intellijel hired me to make a demo of Atlantix - thanks to Intellijel for both giving me the opportunity to show off another wicked module, and for supporting the channel 🙌"

00:00 Hello, what's to come?
01:10 Panel Overview
09:08 S&H Acid
11:46 FM and Classic Acid
13:11 Atlantix Drumkit (+808)
14:47 DrumKit Acid
17:08 Ring Mod Acid
20:04 Freaky Fast FM Acid
22:17 Cizzle Input Chord Acid
25:23 Cizzle & Cascadia Acid
27:59 Can it do a Sad 101 Meow Acid?
30:01 A little soft acid, with Cascadia
33:06 Vowel Acid
35:56 Made with love by Robots in Canada

Metropolix - version 1.3 - Preset Chaining, BPM modulation and More

video upload by Intellijel

"The Metropolix multi-track performance sequencer has now been updated to version 1.3. This update adds comprehensive Preset Chaining, BPM modulation, CTRL knob output routing, and several other bug fixes and enhancements.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Quantum

video upload by Ebotronix

Intellijel Designs,
2x ,Dubmix with Expander, Azimuth 2 , Quadrax,Tetrapad,Tete,
Shapeshifter , 2x Amps , 4x Planar 2 , 4x Polaris Multi Mode Filter,
5x Dixie II +, 2x Plonk , 2x Multi FX 1u, 2x Mixup, 2x Tangrams,
2x Quadratt 1u, 2x passive LPG, Dr. Octature 1 & 2, Steppy,
Scales, Bifold, Flurry , Quad VCA,Metropolix Solo,
Sealegs, Quad Inverter, µMod V1 , ADSR,Metropolix,
2x 104 ~ 7 U Case,104 ~ 4U Case,
Cylonix - Cyclebox II, with expander,
2x Ornament and Crime, (mixolydian scale),
Doepfer R2m ,
WMD Timewarp,
Mutable Instruments Shades,
Hologram Electronics Microcosm Special Edition 2024,
Strymon Big Sky MX, in Dual Mono Mode controlled with
Midi CC ( 16 channels) by, 16n Faderbank, AtoVproject ,
17.10.2025
video# 2574

Syntakt and Eurorack Performance with Patch Breakdown

video upload by Patchwerks

"In this video Steven (aka Project 32) performs with the Elektron Syntakt and various wonderful modules in a 7U Intellijel Performance case, including a Moog Mother 32.

Learn more about the Elektron Syntakt here: https://bit.ly/pw_syntakt
Learn more about the Intellijel Metropolix here: https://bit.ly/metropolix
Learn more about the Moog Mother 32 here: https://bit.ly/moog_mother_32

https://patchwerks.com/
Demo by: Project 32
Video by: Matthew Piecora ( EZBOT), Steven Ly (Project 32), and Oliver Bacon (Looma)
https://www.ezbot.live"

Superlative SB01 with Roland SH-101 - production unit 2025

video upload by Antony Fewster

"Very quick play around with the new Superlative SB01 (last minute thing, apologies for the lack of lighting and shaky iphone). SB01 sequenced by the Intellijel Metropolix, SB01 keyboard (running on internal battery) controlling external SH-101.
u-he uhbik 2 beta on delay duties.
Not the best quality lighting, nor does it (not intended) show the breadth of what this can do (I only had one hand free), but wanted share an initial take how this looks and sounds in a style I'm familiar with. I'm a fan."

Superlative SB01 filter mod

video upload by Antony Fewster

"Metropolix sending gate, cv and additional cv into the mod CV input of the SB01. Gives any baseline more movement and life - a really nice addition that takes it beyond the standard sh-101. Playing around with the filter and resonance for effect."

Moog Matriarch Modular Space Rock Walkthrough - Hardware Tour - Stage 1

video upload by Synth Seeker

"🎹 Taking the Matriarch to Modular Town! Let’s break down phase one of the Berlin School / Space rock system.

00:00 - Intro Noodle / Sound Demo
02:46 - Intro Discussion
05:01 - FX Processing
06:07 - Matriarch Layer 1
07:12 - Space Bleeps Technique
08:19 - Sound Layer 2 - Virt Iter Legio
10:29 - Layer 3 - Braids & Metropolix Arps
12:35 - Clocking
14:09 - Pitch CV Management
15:13 - Teletype
17:15 - Super Code Nerd Geek-gasm
19:45 - Teletype Feeds Metropolix
21:38 - I am a system building nerd
24:11 - Zadar is cool - Thanks discord peeps!
26:23 - Closing remarks and noodle

---
BACKGROUND
Hi! I'm Luke Stark and I'm creating videos here as Synth Seeker because I like to share the things I find fun or useful as I make music! Here you will find techniques, discoveries and distractions. Have fun!

MY MUSIC
⛺️ BandCamp: https://lukestark.bandcamp.com (releases)
🍎 Apple Music: https://tinyurl.com/spevewkp (releases)
☁️ Soundcloud: / lukestark (weird ideas and experiments)"

Recreating Halloween Soundtracks with Modular Pt. 2 🎃

video upload by Intellijel

"After having a crack at 'Reborn' from Hereditary in part 1, we asked Jamie in assembly what we should do next... and he definitely did suggest
'Halloween - Main Theme' by ‪@johncarpenter1‬. With a bit of light mathematics and Mod Lane tricks, we got Metropolix to sequence the whole thing.

Featuring:
Cascadia - Melody & Bass
VCO 1U - 2nd oscillator for the Bass
Flurry - Noise Pattern
Plonk - Thud
Sealegs - Delay & Reverb
Metropolix - Sequencing

Happy Halloween 🎃"

Intellijel Metropolix + E-RM Polygogo

video by Genshi Media Group

"::| TO HEAR THE FULL RANGE OF FREQUENCIES AND STEREO EFFECTS, A GOOD PAIR OF HEADPHONES ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED |::

Another quick test of the new "Accumulator" feature on the Intellijel Metropolix, this time sequencing the E-RM Polygogo module."