What Are Probability Gates and How Can They Be Used in Generative Music?

Probability gates are among the simplest and most useful tools for introducing uncertainty into a modular patch.

Their operation is… read more

What Is a Stochastic Sequencer and How Does It Work?

Stochastic sequencers take the idea of adjustable randomness significantly further than ordinary random trigger sequencers.

Instead of influencing only rhythm, they can… read more

How Do Random Trigger Sequencers Control the Amount of Randomness?

Many modern trigger sequencers allow patterns to change automatically.

Instead of manually programming every event, the module generates new trigger distributions… read more

How Do Euclidean Sequencers Create Complex Rhythms?

Euclidean sequencers occupy an interesting position between order and apparent randomness.

They do not generate random patterns at all. Instead, they distribute events… read more

How Do Gray Code Modules Generate Apparently Random Sequences?

Not every apparently random musical process is actually random.

Some systems produce results that sound highly unpredictable while following strict… read more

What Happens When a Sample & Hold Samples a Saw Wave Instead of Noise?

Sample & Hold modules are usually associated with noise sources.

However, sampling periodic signals often leads to even more interesting… read more

Can Audio Recordings Be Used to Generate Random Control Voltages?

Most discussions of Sample & Hold focus on white noise.

Yet recordings can be equally powerful sample sources.

In many situations they offer far greater control… read more

Can Sample & Hold Capture Complex LFO Networks?

White noise is not the only signal that can be sampled.

In fact, one of the most interesting applications of Sample & Hold involves sampling complex modulation networks.… read more

How Can Filters and VCAs Control Random Voltages?

Many musicians assume that random voltages generated by a Sample & Hold module must remain completely random.

In reality, the character of randomness can be shaped and… read more

How Does Sample & Hold Generate Random Voltages?

Sample & Hold is one of the classic techniques used to generate random voltages in modular synthesis.

Although the basic patch is simple, its musical potential extends far… read more