Knowledge base
Generative Music
What Are Different Ways to Create Randomness in Modular Generative Music?
Five Faces of Randomness in Generative MusicRandomness is one of the defining characteristics of generative music. However, not all randomness behaves the same way.
A random process can influence:
… read moreHow Can Envelope Generators Become Cyclic Modulation Sources?
Creating Self-Running Envelope Feedback LoopsA pair of envelope generators can become a continuously running modulation system by introducing feedback.
From Chain to LoopIn an envelope chain, one envelope triggers the next… read more
How Do You Trigger One Envelope from Another Envelope?
Creating Envelope Chains in Modular SynthesisSome envelope generators provide an End Of Cycle output.
This output makes it possible to connect envelopes into chains.
The PrincipleWhen the first envelope finishes its cycle,… read more
How Can Two Envelope Generators Create a New Composite Envelope?
Combining Multiple Envelope Generators with a CV MixerEnvelope generators become far more powerful when they are combined.
The simplest method is adding their outputs together with a CV mixer.
Creating Composite… read moreWhat Happens When You Modulate Envelope Attack, Decay and Release Times?
Modulating Envelope Stages with Control VoltageSome envelope generators provide CV inputs for individual stages such as attack, decay, sustain and release.
These inputs open the door to a completely different… read more
How Do You Add Envelope and LFO Signals Together in Modular Synthesis?
Combining Envelope Generators and LFOs with CV MixersAnother powerful way to create sophisticated modulation signals is simply adding envelope and LFO outputs together.
The Basic IdeaInstead of one module… read more
How Can an Envelope Generator Modulate an LFO in a Modular Synthesizer?
Using Envelopes to Modulate LFOs in Modular SynthesisOne of the simplest ways to create more sophisticated control voltages is combining an envelope generator with a low-frequency oscillator. A particularly useful… read more
How Much Randomness Should a Generative Music System Contain?
Mixing Stable and Random Elements in Generative CompositionOne of the central challenges of generative music is balancing predictability and surprise.
Too much stability becomes repetitive.
Too much randomness… read more
How Do You Create Tempo Jumps and Melody Inversions in Modular Systems?
Changing BPM and Inverting Melodies in Generative MusicTwo simple techniques can dramatically alter musical perception: tempo changes and melodic inversion.
Jumping Between BPM ValuesTempo does not need to change… read more
How Can Random Voltages Be Controlled Without Losing Their Character?
Sculpting Randomness and Setting Limits in Modular SynthesisRandomness becomes most useful when it operates inside meaningful boundaries.
The goal is rarely maximum chaos.
The goal is controlled… read more