This is a sequencer for generating repeating patterns by sampling two LFOs that are modulating one another. The pattern produced is dependant not only on the frequency and shape of the LFOs, but also the tempo of the clock going in. In summary, I use this as a source of repeating patterns that will change organically as the tempo changes.
There are two versions included here. One is the reduced version, which is a great source of modulation and provides unipolar and bipolar modulation. The larger version has a built in STS uQuantizer V6 integrated into it along with scaling and glide, as these were elements I found myself adding over and over.
I/O
Input
Signal Range
Notes
0 - 1
Clock input, gate length has no effect
0 - 1
Reset input, responds to gates
Output
Signal Range
Notes
3 octaves
produces 1/oct signal that can be switched up 3 octaves and down 4
0 - 1
This is the same sequence as the 1/oct output but fixed to scale between one and zero for modulating knobs, it is not affected by parameters other than ‘shape’ and ‘lngth.’
Controls and Displays
Parameter
Function
Notes
LFO Shape
This is a macro control that changes several parameters in the LFOs within the module including frequency, modulation index, and crossfade. Low values create a slow continuous sine while higer ones are more chaotic.
Pattern Length
Controls the length of the pattern, up to 32 steps.
Glide
This applies slew limiting to the output creating note slides. It can be turned on and off via gate for external sequencing.
Quanntizer Root Note
The notes are assigned chromatically A-G# mapped to the range 0-11
Quantizer Scale
Scrolls through semitone, major, natural minor, harmonic minor, pentatonic major, pentatonic minor, blues major, and blues minor scales. Scale notes are indicated in light blue and the selected note is selected in white.
Pattern Range
multiplies the bipolar signal of the internal LFO between 0 and 3 before being quantizing.
Octave Switch
Transposes the scaled pattern up 3 and down 4 octaves in quantized steps.
Probably mostly slept on… This package is absolutely wonderful. I recommend setting up multiple stages of envelopes and also animating those – looping envelopes work really well. I like how I can manipulate the “shape” knob and get different rhythmic shifts without loosing the mood in a patch. Often quantizing tools can lend themselves to a grid-locked pattern, which needs to be supplemented with various techniques to ‘humanize’ it. These modules seem to lend character to sequencing from the outset. Well done.
Here is a prototype of version 4, with about 1/3rd the CPU of the last version and an on-board euclidean sequencer to provide gates. You can also sum sequences using the BIAS input.
Should I make an ES-8 friendly version with built-in VPO and envelope signals?
The loop length on the euclidean sequencer is currently different than the overall length of the pattern for extra generative possibilities. Is this useful or confusing?
“Clock division” is always a bit confusing for me. Do you mean dividing the frequency or the period? The first is straight forward using a counter, the second requires an independent oscillator synced using a zero-crossing node. The first could be a useful add, but the second might not be worth the extra CPU.
I meant more like a counter that divides the incoming clock into every other, third, fourth, etc. The thought is that you could set up several of these sequencers and have them going at different related rates.
I got a little late night inspiration to make the adjustments to the patch. Hopefully after some sleep I can find a way to make the front panel a little clearer, maybe by adding some SVGs. As always, feedback is welcome.
So I am getting pretty happy with the layout. I’ll probably make a new pixel-art logo tomorrow but this will do for now as I will start to test it with modular and maybe try to make a little overview video before starting a new thread for this version.
I like the new layout, it’s much clearer which controls belong to which function. I think I would start a new thread. Maybe call it the LFO Sequencer Mk II.
