--- title: "RYK Modular: M185 | Takazudo Modular" url: "https://takazudomodular.com/en/products/m185-intro/" language: en description: "An introduction to the RYK Modular M185. M185 is an 8-stage melodic sequencer that lets you set 1–8 step repeats and a variety of gate modes for each stage. It offers A/B split mode, 2-channel CV/GATE outputs, MIDI I/O, and 15 quantization scales, and chaining two units via the expansion header allows 16-stage sequences." alternate_ja: "https://takazudomodular.com/products/m185-intro/" source: "Takazudo Modular" --- ![RYK Modular: M185](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/ryk-m185-0-front__og/revisions/production/r1-3d8c51a7a79211d44b4a94f0db4b8582367ca0963ca0fb0a5d9878be8da8bc66/1200w.webp) # RYK Modular: M185 Author: Takazudo | Published: 2026/08/02 - [# RYK Modular](https://takazudomodular.com/en/tags/ryk/) - [# Modular Synthesizer](https://takazudomodular.com/en/tags/modular/) - [# Sequencer](https://takazudomodular.com/en/tags/sequencer/) - [# Quantizer](https://takazudomodular.com/en/tags/quantizer/) - [# MIDI](https://takazudomodular.com/en/tags/midi/) - [# CV](https://takazudomodular.com/en/tags/cv/) This is an introduction and overview of the **M185** by RYK Modular, available at Takazudo Modular. M185 is a melodic sequencer designed with performance in mind, letting you configure step repeats and how gates fire in detail for each of its 8 stages. The manufacturer positions the M185 as a sequencer focused on playability, and it's also the design that became the prototype for modules like Metropolis and Metropolix. In addition to the assembled unit, we also carry a through-hole DIY kit. [![RYK Modular: M185](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/ryk-m185-0-front__og/revisions/production/r1-3d8c51a7a79211d44b4a94f0db4b8582367ca0963ca0fb0a5d9878be8da8bc66/2000w.webp) RYK Modular: M185 68,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/2JUqQLywdS52FeNGNz2LwP) [![RYK Modular: M185 DIY Kit](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/ryk-m185-diy-0-contents/revisions/production/r1-04090a66dea8aa8724e8a06425744ff7c7042119efef3cc1b91b3caac5809544/2000w.webp) RYK Modular: M185 DIY Kit 53,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/2JUqMnMJ6tBRs23oQRTF2F) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/2JUqQLywdS52FeNGNz2LwP) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/2JUqMnMJ6tBRs23oQRTF2F) ## Product Photos: Assembled ![Photo: front of product](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/ryk-m185-0-front__og/revisions/production/r1-3d8c51a7a79211d44b4a94f0db4b8582367ca0963ca0fb0a5d9878be8da8bc66/2000w.webp) ![Photo: back of product](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/ryk-m185-1-back/revisions/production/r1-15cbd8541201b1b1392a853d691f5fe74c45456315736763b8a3821fbc199515/2000w.webp) ![Photo: 3.5mm adapter cable](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/ryk-m185-2-cable/revisions/production/r1-27032f0cf4356f2b5165c5db8f274e886c0b6b95de82c1c52044e1fa7f8e7785/2000w.webp) ## Product Photos: DIY Kit ![Photo: DIY kit contents](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/ryk-m185-diy-0-contents/revisions/production/r1-04090a66dea8aa8724e8a06425744ff7c7042119efef3cc1b91b3caac5809544/2000w.webp) ![Photo: DIY kit package](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/ryk-m185-diy-1-package/revisions/production/r1-255bdd03cdbd78974753352ddc5753cfbd6eb09138f128685827fb41a484da59/2000w.webp) ## Manuals and Guides Takazudo Modular publishes manuals and guide articles for this product. Please see below. - [M185: ManualJapanese translation included](https://takazudomodular.com/manuals/ryk-m185/) - [M185: DIY Main PCB Build GuideJapanese translation included](https://takazudomodular.com/manuals/ryk-m185-diy-build-main/) - [M185: DIY E-Panel PCB Build GuideJapanese translation included](https://takazudomodular.com/manuals/ryk-m185-diy-build-panel/) - [M185: DIY Main PCB Bill of MaterialsJapanese translation included](https://takazudomodular.com/manuals/ryk-m185-diy-bom-main/) - [M185: DIY E-Panel PCB Bill of MaterialsJapanese translation included](https://takazudomodular.com/manuals/ryk-m185-diy-bom-panel/) ## Overview M185 is an **8-stage** sequencer. One pitch can be set per stage, and what makes it distinctive is that how many times that stage repeats, and how gates fire within those repeats, can be decided individually for each stage. Outputs include **2-channel CV/GATE** as well as **MIDI I/O**. It has 15 built-in scales for pitch quantization, and microtonal CV output is also possible. Furthermore, chaining two units via the expansion header lets you treat them as a 16-stage sequence. ## Per-Stage Step Repeats and Glide Each of the M185's 8 stages can be set to **1–8 step repeats**. By specifying that one stage sounds only once while another repeats four times, and so on, you end up with a sequence that has a length and contour different from a simple 8-step loop, even though the structure is only 8 stages. M185 also has **per-stage programmable glide**. By choosing which stages get glide, the pitch connects smoothly when moving into that stage. ## Gate Modes **Gate modes** are what you use in combination with step repeats. Each stage can be set to one of the following 8 gate modes. - Off - Once - All - 1/2 - 1/3 - 1/4 - Probability or Programmable - Long Once outputs a gate only on the first repeat of that stage, and All outputs a gate on every repeat. 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 output a gate at that fraction of the repeats, Probability outputs gates probabilistically, and Long stretches the gate out. And with Programmable, you can write the timing of gates within the repeats directly as a pattern, in the manner of X0X-style step entry. By setting the three elements of step repeat, pitch, and gate mode for each stage, you can build the rhythmic character on the sequencer side as well. ## A/B Split Mode M185 provides an **A/B split mode**. This is a mode that divides the 8 stages into two and treats them as two separate sequences. Since M185 has 2-channel CV/GATE outputs, this mode lets you output each of the two divided sequences from a different channel, running two sound sources at the same time. Below is a demo video of the M185's A/B split mode (serial) from the official RYK Modular YouTube channel. It shows how things behave when the 8 stages are split into two, so please have a look. [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWK1D2sogks) Below is a demo video of the M185's A/B split mode (parallel, 2-channel CV/GATE output) from the official RYK Modular YouTube channel. It shows two sequences running simultaneously, so please have a look. [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U91YN1eKKDA) ## Quantization and CV Output M185 has **15 built-in quantization scales**. When setting pitches with the knobs, they're corrected to notes that fit the selected scale, which makes it harder to play a wrong note even while performing. The CV output range can be selected from `2.5V` and `5V`. It also supports **microtonal CV output** that bypasses quantization, so it can be used when you want to work with tunings outside equal temperament. ## Clock and MIDI Clock I/O works in **both directions**. You can run the M185 from an external clock, or make the M185 the master and send clock to other gear. As for MIDI, in addition to MIDI clock I/O, it supports **transposition via MIDI notes**. By sending notes from an external keyboard or sequencer, you can transpose the key of the entire running sequence. ## 16-Stage Configuration via the Expansion Header M185 has an **expansion header** on its PCB, allowing two M185 units to be chained. When chained, the stages of both units are treated as one continuous sequence, operating as a **16-stage** sequencer. ## Panel and Firmware The panel is **black anodized aluminum**, with RAL 9002 silkscreen. The firmware can be **updated by the user** via MIDI sysex. ## Technical Specifications - Width: 30HP - Depth: assembled module 25mm / through-hole DIY kit 38mm (manufacturer specifications) - Power consumption: 75mA (peak 110mA) +12V / 10mA -12V --- About the Brand ## About RYK Modular RYK Modular is a modular synthesizer maker based in the UK. RYK Modular makes modules that are unique yet genuinely practical. Their most talked-about module right now is the M185 — a classic sequencer reimagined in a form that feels right at home in a modular rig. Their VectorWave FM oscillator module is another standout. - [RYK Modular Website](https://www.ryk-modular.com/) - [X: @RYKModular](https://x.com/RYKModular) - [Instagram: ryk_modular](https://www.instagram.com/ryk_modular/) - [YouTube: RYK Modular](https://www.youtube.com/@RYKModular) ![Logo: 電氣美術研究會](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/denbi/revisions/production/r1-c35cb4eaf5f608733e69add54a5d951fcd8e67a5b52edf89e605c75dd0a0fd42/820w.webp) ## Bonus: Modular Accessory Set by 電氣美術研究會 (Denki Bijutsu Kenkyukai) Included In the hope that more people will get hands-on with modular synths, we have teamed up with 電氣美術研究會 to bundle a modular accessory set with this product. The contents vary by season — patch cables, power cables, a dress-nut sample set, a mono splitter, and more. The set is included with the product, so please give it a try! - [電氣美術研究會](https://ears-modular.com/) That concludes our introduction of the M185. Through the combination of per-stage step repeats, gate modes, and scale quantization, this module lets you build sequences with variation despite its 8-stage scale. With 2-channel CV/GATE, MIDI I/O, and 16-stage operation by chaining two units, it's a sequencer that covers a wide range, from simple melody lines to building multiple parts. [![RYK Modular: M185](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/ryk-m185-0-front__og/revisions/production/r1-3d8c51a7a79211d44b4a94f0db4b8582367ca0963ca0fb0a5d9878be8da8bc66/2000w.webp) RYK Modular: M185 68,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/2JUqQLywdS52FeNGNz2LwP) [![RYK Modular: M185 DIY Kit](https://imgs.takazudomodular.com/images/p/ryk-m185-diy-0-contents/revisions/production/r1-04090a66dea8aa8724e8a06425744ff7c7042119efef3cc1b91b3caac5809544/2000w.webp) RYK Modular: M185 DIY Kit 53,800 yen (tax & shipping included)](https://jp.mercari.com/shops/product/2JUqMnMJ6tBRs23oQRTF2F) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/2JUqQLywdS52FeNGNz2LwP) - [Buy this item via Buyee (International shipping)](https://buyee.jp/mercari/item/2JUqMnMJ6tBRs23oQRTF2F) We hope you find this helpful. ## Product information (catalog snapshot) This is the catalog information published on the site when it was built. It is not a guarantee of live Mercari Shops inventory; check the purchase page for current availability. This page covers 2 catalog items (variants). Availability is per item and may differ between them. ### M185 - Brand: RYK Modular - Price: ¥68,800 (JPY) - Status: Listed for sale (on Mercari Shops) - Width: 30HP - Depth: 25mm - Purchase page: - Purchase page: ### M185 DIY Kit - Brand: RYK Modular - Price: ¥53,800 (JPY) - Status: Listed for sale (on Mercari Shops) - Width: 30HP - Depth: 38mm - Purchase page: - Purchase page: