Ctrl-R
Channel: Dave Phillips
Date: 2020-07-06

Ctrl-R is an experiment with the Stoermelder 8FaceX2 presets sequencer. Sixteen randomizations of the Fundamental Seq3 sequencer were stored as presets with an 8FaceX2 module configured for random selection of its current preset when triggered. The selection timing is controlled by a clock division to provide rhythmic consistency when switching presets. However, randomization of the Seq3 Reset function guarantees an inconsistency to the length of any given preset.

The audio production unit expands upon a patch from the Patch & Tweak book, specifically the "West Coast FM" patch displayed on p.28 of my copy. I began by following the diagram, then twisted it into something less strictly defined, primarily by adding considerable CV modulation to the audio generator components. Particular attention is given to the excellent Vult Julste low-pass gates and Squinky Labs Shaper modules (used here in wavefolder mode).

The raw output from Seq3 is massaged by the usual crew members - attenuverters, quantizers, octave shifters - before heading out to the oscillators. The two Julste LPGs receive the sequencer's untreated output to modulate their Sharpness controls. All other controls of the Julste and Shaper modules are modulated by the BPM LFOs.

Although the 8FaceX2 presets are strictly defined their playback is subject to many points of random control. Thus, despite the unchanging internal consistency of every preset, no two runs of the patch will sound the same.

The quantizers are another guarantee of internal identity. Both are left in their selected modes throughout the performance, though of course they could be configured for key and mode changes. In this version of the patch I decided against adding that degree of variety. For present purposes enough goes on within the patch as it stands now.



This recording is a fragment from a much longer performance. The original recording was made with ecasound and edited with mhwaveedit, all on Linux, Ubuntu 18.04 with the Ubuntu Studio extensions.



The ensemble:

Autodafe - 1x8 Mult
Bogaudio - S&H
Frozen Wasteland - BPM LFO
HetrickCV - Random Gates
Impromptu Modular - Clocked, Tact-1
JW-Modules - Quantizer
NYSTHI - Mverb, 4DCB
RJModules - Button
Squinky Labs - Shaper, Form
Stoermelder - 8FaceX2, uMap
SV Modular - M
SynthKit - Clock Divider
VCV - Seq3, VCO-1, VCA-1, VCA-2, ADSR, 8vert, Octave, Audio-8
Vult - Julste
Wiqid Anomalies - Dual Attenuverter

Great gratitude to them all and to all members of the VCV Rack community. Peace.

dp
6 July 2020