ALM PEXP-2 (2016–)

Two HP that turn your Pamela’s New Workout into a rock-solid master clock for the entire studio—MIDI, DIN Sync, and all.

Overview

You know that moment when your modular is cooking, everything’s locked in, and then—your Digitakt drifts half a beat ahead? Frustrating. The ALM PEXP-2 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it solves that exact problem with surgical precision. It’s not a standalone module; it’s a tiny, 2HP expansion that snaps onto the back of your Pamela’s New Workout, transforming it from a brilliant internal clock into a full-fledged sync hub for the rest of your gear. And once you’ve used it, you’ll wonder how you ever ran a hybrid setup without it.

Pamela’s New Workout (PNW) is already legendary in the Eurorack world for its rock-steady timing, swing algorithms, and ability to feel both mechanical and alive. But out of the box, its external sync options are limited. That’s where the PEXP-2 steps in. It adds a dedicated 3.5mm MIDI clock output, a buffered x24 pulse clock, and a run/stop gate—each on its own 3.5mm jack. These aren’t afterthoughts; they’re engineered to be the last clock source you’ll need for your outboard drum machines, samplers, or sequencers. The MIDI clock output is especially clever: by flipping the internal connector on the module’s rear, you can switch between Korg/Make Noise and Arturia pinout standards. This tiny hardware toggle saves you from buying multiple cables or frying gear with mismatched wiring—a real-world fix for a real-world headache.

Compared to its sibling, the PEXP-1 (which adds CV/Gate outputs for melodic control), the PEXP-2 is all about rhythm and synchronization. It’s the module you reach for when you want your Elektron box, your Roland Boutique, or your Teenage Engineering deck to lock perfectly to Pam’s impeccable timing. It doesn’t generate notes or modulate filters—it keeps time, and it does it better than almost anything else in the format. At just 2HP, it’s a space-saving powerhouse, and while it draws only 15mA from the +12V rail (none from -12V or 5V), its impact is massive. You don’t notice it until it’s gone—and when it’s working, you don’t notice it at all, which is exactly how a clock should behave.

Specifications

Key Features

Switchable MIDI Output for Cross-Brand Compatibility

The PEXP-2’s most underrated feature is its ability to speak two different 3.5mm MIDI dialects. Because not all manufacturers wire their 3.5mm MIDI jacks the same way, a mismatch can mean silence—or worse, damage. The PEXP-2 avoids this by letting you physically reverse the internal TRS connector. Align the indicator with the ‘*’ on the PCB, and it matches Arturia’s pinout; flip it, and it works with Korg and Make Noise gear. This isn’t software configuration or a menu dive—it’s a hardware-level fix that reflects ALM’s deep understanding of real-world modular integration. It’s the kind of detail that makes technicians nod in approval and new users breathe easier.

Buffered x24 and Run Outputs for Reliable Sync

The x24 clock output isn’t just a copy of Pam’s internal timing—it’s a buffered, low-impedance signal designed to drive long cable runs and multiple inputs without degradation. This is critical when syncing gear that expects a clean, strong pulse, like older Roland DIN Sync devices or modern boxes with finicky clock inputs. The run/stop gate is equally robust, providing a solid high/low signal to start and halt external sequencers in perfect time with PNW’s internal state. These outputs free up Pamela’s front-panel jacks for modulation, gates, or CV duties, letting you keep the core module focused on what it does best.

Seamless Integration with Pamela’s NEW Workout

The PEXP-2 doesn’t just plug in—it disappears. It draws power and data from the dedicated expander header on the back of PNW, requiring no additional cables or power strips. It’s not hot-swappable, but once installed, it becomes a permanent extension of the module. Only one expander can be used at a time (you choose between PEXP-1 and PEXP-2), so the decision is intentional. For rhythm-centric setups, the PEXP-2 is the obvious choice. Its presence doesn’t alter PNW’s behavior—it enhances it, quietly ensuring that the entire studio moves as one.

Historical Context

The PEXP-2 emerged in 2016, right as Eurorack was shifting from niche curiosity to mainstream force. Modular wasn’t just for purists anymore; it was being integrated into hybrid setups with digital workstations, grooveboxes, and DAWs. That created a demand for reliable, bidirectional sync—especially from a module as universally trusted as Pamela’s New Workout. ALM, already known for no-nonsense, utility-first designs, responded with a pair of expanders: the PEXP-1 for melodic control, and the PEXP-2 for rhythmic command.

At the time, many clock modules either lacked MIDI output or required additional interfaces. The PEXP-2 cut through that clutter by offering a direct, hardware-level solution. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective—exactly the kind of module that thrives in professional environments where reliability trumps novelty. Competitors like Intellijel’s Metropolis or Make Noise’s Mimeophon offered complex timing features, but none matched the PEXP-2’s focused utility. It wasn’t trying to be a sequencer or a modulation source; it was a sync bridge, and it did that one job exceptionally well.

Collectibility & Value

The PEXP-2 has never been rare, but it’s consistently in demand. New units typically sell for $75, and used ones trade between $60 and $85 depending on availability. Because it has no moving parts and minimal circuitry, failure rates are extremely low. The most common issue reported by owners is incorrect MIDI cable pinouts—users plug in a cable wired for the wrong standard and assume the module is broken. The fix is simple: reverse the internal connector or use the correct cable. No firmware, no updates, no software quirks—just a physical switch and a clear manual.

When buying used, verify that the module powers up when connected to a PNW (it draws power through the expander header, so it won’t light up on a test bench alone). Check for bent pins on the header and ensure the MIDI output switch works by testing with both Korg and Arturia-compatible devices if possible. Since it’s a passive expander, there’s no calibration or alignment needed—just plug, flip, and play.

Despite its simplicity, the PEXP-2 holds value well because it solves a persistent problem in a format that otherwise thrives on complexity. It’s not a “must-have” for everyone, but for anyone running a hybrid setup, it’s close. And because ALM continues to produce it, there’s no scarcity premium—just steady utility at a fair price.

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