What does it do?
By itself, DFAM plays forward, one step per incoming trigger. That limitation is part of its charm, and part of what keeps it separate from the rest of your system.
Hey bro, help me out! drives DFAM's sequencer for you. Run speed, direction, triplets, burst, grooves, and a trigger input for every individual step, available via a knob-per-function interface and under CV at the same time.
Output B takes it further. Lock a second 8-step sequencer to DFAM and it runs in step with it, giving you an extra sequencer's worth of control over DFAM.
The HOLD button queues your changes. Flip any switch as you like while it's held, and they take effect at the start of the next bar.
Hey bro, help me out! helps you to make better use of your DFAM. It works with DFAM and other compatible 8-step sequencers.
Features
Sequencer control
Clock Sync
Locks to an external 24 PPQN clock and RUN signal. Hey bro tracks the tempo, so every division stays in time.
Run Direction
Play forward, backward or random. Flip the switch, or hand control over to CV.
Run Speed
Straight 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16 — or triplets at 1/2T, 1/4T and 1/8T. Switch the clock off entirely when you want silence.
Burst (Ratcheting)
Repeat the step that's playing, right now. Instant fills, rolls and ratchets on your DFAM.
Groove
There are two groove templates for every run speed, pushing the sequencer off the grid.
Sequencer Reset
Stop RUN and the sequencer parks on step 8, so the next start lands cleanly on step 1.
Interface & Performance features
Individual Trigger Inputs
Jump to any step from its own trigger input. Combine with the sync modes for odd-length patterns.
CV In
Run direction under voltage control. Patch an LFO and let the sequence wander.
Gate In
Fire Burst from a gate instead of the button. Longer gate, longer roll.
Hold Button
Change settings while HOLD is pressed and they land on the start of the next bar.
Knob-per-function
Every function gets its own switch, knob or button. No menus, no screen — as playable as DFAM itself.
Outputs
Two independent outputs: one for your DFAM, one for a second sequencer running in lockstep with it.
Output A
Connects straight to the ADV/CLOCK input on DFAM.
Output B
Drives a second sequencer alongside your DFAM. Configure it to match the clocking each compatible sequencer expects.
Hey Bro, help me out! retains the hands-on character that makes Moog DFAM so much fun to play. Its incredibly nice to extend the performative aspect of the synthesizer.
Built for DFAM, compatible with others
Run two sequencers at once: DFAM on Output A and a second 8-step sequencer on Output B. Both are driven from the same clock, so they stay locked together no matter how you change speed, direction or grooves.
Hey bro, help me out! works with sequencers that advance one step per incoming trigger and can keep up at high clock rates.
Every sequencer has its own limit on how fast it can accept incoming clock/triggers. The list below grows as new devices are tested. Slower sequencers lag a bit behind DFAM and might produce some 'artifacts' when patched in certain ways, such as noise level. Not all functions on your sequencer might work as intended in the non-forward directions. For example, gate outputs per step will often 'chatter' before landing on the correct step. I will do a write-up on the behaviour of these sequencers soon.
Via Output A
Via Output B
Output B is configured in the Editor web application: pick your sequencer, and the settings it needs are sent to the module. No menu diving on the panel, and no firmware flashing to switch between devices.
Questions
Can it do sequences shorter than 8 steps?
Yes! You can use an individual trigger input as a start point, and combine this with one of the clocked modes to create shorter sequences. You can play around with the Run Direction to create interesting patterns or variations. Another option is to use the individual trigger inputs to create your own sequence.
Another option is to modulate the Run Direction via CV In.
How does it work?
The module controls DFAM by sending specific lenghts and amounts of triggers. Basically, when we go one step back on the sequencer we actually go seven steps forward really fast.
Is the module available?
The module will be available for sale at Dutch Modular Fest 2026. The second batch of PCB's is being produced. I will open the webshop soon. You can always contact me.
Can I connect Output B to DFAM?
Output B is configured to have a different variations of triggers to be able to synchronize a different sequencer to DFAM. You can 'misuse' these triggers to control DFAM too. This will sound different from Output A when using the play directions. Experimentation is key, this is Eurorack after all!
Can I make use of Output B when not using a second sequencer?
In the next firmware update there will be new features for Output B, such as a (randomised) trigger for each step and a clock signal that follows the groove templates.
Why did you make this?
I love DFAM for its playability and sounds but it has some limitations. I wanted to open up its sequencer to use it more frequently and in different ways within my Eurorack system.
The option to connect a second sequencer - and control them simultaneously - really allows you to dive deep.
Will there be firmware updates?
Yes, there will be a few new features in a next version of the firmware. These features are mostly related to extending the possibilities of using Output B.
I have a 8-step sequencer that's not on the list. Will it work?
Maybe - it has to accept a high clock-rate and work with a advance-per-trigger type mechanism. You can always try the different Presets in the Editor to see if it can keep up. I'm very interested in testing other sequencers so get in touch!
Patch in.
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About
Lucid Modular makes modules & accessories for your modular synthesizer, studio or live-setup.
Lucid Modular is founded by Robbert van Zuiden and is based in the Netherlands. I strive to built nifty products for musicians that want to get the most out of their hardware setup.
