8
Less Random
Randomization is a tricky subject—particularly when human perception
is involved. In designing MS, I wanted to build in different options for
people who might want to incorporate different ideas of “random” for
synthesis. The result is a three-mode module that gives the user the ability
to define the amount and type of randomization they want.
In all modes the randomization knob controls both the probability the
current step will be randomized as well as how extreme the
randomization will be. Turning clockwise both increases both the chance
the step will be randomized and the amount of randomization.
Randomization occurs only to the current step in the current pattern on
the beat.
The mode switch on Mimetic Sequent allows three different ways of
randomizing. The simplest mode is 5C. This mode treats the voltages as
values. When it chooses to randomize a step, it uses the random knob to
control the maximum movement from the current value so when the
knob is mostly CCW it will only make small changes to the current
pattern. This mode is not pitch cognizant and is best used for controlling
other parameters.
Mode 2P was designed specifically for pitch. Mode 2P only randomizes
across 2 octaves of pitches, but when it randomizes, it modifies the
voltage in ways that make sense for the values being pitches. For example,
in this mode, MS may offset by a fifth or copy another note from a
different part of the pattern. As the knob is turned more clockwise the
actions that it chooses between become less consonant and at the
maximum becomes entirely random. By careful playing of the random
knob musical variations can easily be produced on the fly. Mode 5P is
similar to Mode 2P but instead randomizes over 5 octaves for a much
broader range of sounds. Although these modes were designed with pitch
in mind, their utility is definitely not limited to pitch CV.
Noise Engineering
Mimetic Sequent
6HP CV randomizer and recorder
