Sequencer Module with Individual CV out per stage?

[MPM]

Is there a sequencer (or arpeggiation) module where each step has a dedicated CV out? Or a sequential switch that would provide sequential CV output? I've looked at a lot of modules but haven't found anything like that so far, although I certainly could have missed one if it exists. On a simple level I'm looking at something where I could have x number of oscillators or sound sources and each note would be sent to the oscillators in sequence - Note #1 - to oscillator #1, note #2 to oscillator #2, etc. I'm trying to create a structure similar to what I do with my Korg Mono Poly (which I've owned since 1984) where each note from the arpeggiator is fed sequentially to the four oscillators. With each oscillator set up differently, and/or with the X-mod & other features engaged you can create interesting repeating structures. Of course, where the feature has its limits with respect to the Mono Poly, with VM you could get likely get quite complex with it. I've seen VM modules that have individual outputs per stage but the outputs only appear to be gate/trigger (i.e. for drum patterns) and not CV/Note. Thanks.

[huggermugger]

Not sure this is the most efficient method, but it gets the job done. I used an Eight-Step Sequencer and two Cherry 1x8 Switch modules. The first Switch module passes the changing Sequencer CV output to consecutive oscillators (I used four BCI K-Strings, which is a complete voice in a module). The second Switch module passes the Sequencer's Trig out to the oscillators in sync with the first. At first I just fed the first Switch's CV outs direct into the K-Strings, but after each step was over, the CV output returned to neutral, causing the pitch to change (the KStrings have a long release, so you could hear it). I solved this by using a S&H module for each CV Out into KString, so the latest pitch would be held until the next one came in.

I looked for the type of sequencer you want, but couldn't find one. I looked in VCV Modular too, and there might be a couple there that would do it, but it seems to be an unlikely option.

(I have owned two MonoPoly's in my life. One of the finest synths I ever used, and not least because of the four unique oscillators).

[PoorFellow]

Not sure this is the most efficient method, but it gets the job done.

That sounds interesting
Since you did not attach it here then I'd like to suggest that you post the 'preset' over at Preset Exchange (viewforum.php?f=12 ) .
Your picture I am sure is very helpful if you can understand it at a glance , for someone like me then the best way to save your preset suggestion is as a preset. Especially if it is possible that you can post the whole explanation text inside the preset to be seen in VM.

I personally like to download and save anything preset that I think sounds or looks interesting though I have to confess that at the moment then I still struggle to find out even the most basic meanings of stuff and 'rules' for using VM - doesn't make it any easier when even the most basic of stuff such as e.g. A.D.S.R is something that I haven't got full grasp of since knowing the meaning of the words for years doesn't really help much before one starts experimenting with it all in VM (one have to learn to understand not only how one thing works but also how modules work and how stuff works when connected and the 'magic rules' /logic of using VM modules)

[Steve W]

A while ago I picked up P.Moon's modules specifically to use them to design a custom sequencer. I liked that his sequencer kit had a bunch of sequencer building blocks. I tested a few ideas but never developed a patch using my test builds. I like your idea and have started to take another look at those modules to see if I can develop your idea with them. Thanks for giving me an excuse to revisit them. I am starting with these. If it pans out, I will let you know.

P.Moon Sequencer Test - 000'.png (62.8 KiB) Viewed 7159 times

[Steve W]

On a simple level I'm looking at something where I could have x number of oscillators or sound sources and each note would be sent to the oscillators in sequence - Note #1 - to oscillator #1, note #2 to oscillator #2, etc. I'm trying to create a structure similar to what I do with my Korg Mono Poly (which I've owned since 1984) where each note from the arpeggiator is fed sequentially to the four oscillators.

Is this a round robin kind of thing? For example, with 4 oscillators notes 5, 9, 13, 17 . . . go to oscillator #1, notes 6, 10, 14, 18 . . . go to oscillator #2, etc.

Also, is your plan to use a "paraphonic" design where all oscillators go though one voltage controlled amp/filter + envelope generator? My first attempt successfully uses P. Moon's Stepper module to trigger the envelope --> amp for each osc. For a second attempt, the following modules were used without per oscillator amp shaping.

P.Moon Sequencer Test - 002.png (192.07 KiB) Viewed 7155 times

The Stepper Module goes into the Switch 8 to 1 which chooses each of the 4 oscillators I used in sequence.

P.Moon Sequencer Test - 002''.png (607.55 KiB) Viewed 7150 times

You should be able to do this kind of thing with modules from other providers.

[huggermugger]

Not sure this is the most efficient method, but it gets the job done.

That sounds interesting
Since you did not attach it here then I'd like to suggest that you post the 'preset' over at Preset Exchange

For now, I'm sharing two versions of my patch with you here. One is a four-voice version, like the MonoPoly; the other is simplified to two-voice, so it's easier to look at. I redesigned the patch to use ONLY Cherry modules. However, the 1x8 Switch module, which is central to this patch, is only available in the Cherry Core Bundle. I don't know if you own that.

I always use colour-coded cables to make things easier to follow. Yellow = logic signals (triggers, gates). Blue = control signals (envelopes, LFO's, pitch CV). Pink/orange = audio signals. Grey = utility signals (resets, sundry signals).

Modular synthing is powerful and flexible but also daunting. The advantage of hardwired synths like the MonoPoly is that some of the more complex routings and functions are done for you. In modular, most of those functions live on separate modules, and the routing is up to you. It's helpful to analyze existing patches, but ultimately it's best to work with the modules one by one until you understand their operation. Then you'll find it easier to imagine ways in which they can be interconnected, the essence of modular.

I'll post an explanation of how the two-voice patch works soon, in this thread, if you like.

[huggermugger]

By the way, the KString module you see in my original image is a freebie, and really useful for experimentation and learning. I use it a lot when I'm learning new processes and demoing new modules because it's so convenient and it keeps the patch simple. It's a single module that combines the functions of oscillator (sound), VCA (amplification), and envelope (shape of the amplification). Just input a pitch CV and a trigger and it's good to go.

https://store.cherryaudio.com/modules/bci-kstring

[PoorFellow]

Not sure this is the most efficient method, but it gets the job done.

That sounds interesting
Since you did not attach it here then I'd like to suggest that you post the 'preset' over at Preset Exchange

For now, I'm sharing two versions of my patch with you here. One is a four-voice version, like the MonoPoly; the other is simplified to two-voice, so it's easier to look at. I redesigned the patch to use ONLY Cherry modules. However, the 1x8 Switch module, which is central to this patch, is only available in the Cherry Core Bundle. I don't know if you own that.

I always use colour-coded cables to make things easier to follow. Yellow = logic signals (triggers, gates). Blue = control signals (envelopes, LFO's, pitch CV). Pink/orange = audio signals. Grey = utility signals (resets, sundry signals).

Modular synthing is powerful and flexible but also daunting. The advantage of hardwired synths like the MonoPoly is that some of the more complex routings and functions are done for you. In modular, most of those functions live on separate modules, and the routing is up to you. It's helpful to analyze existing patches, but ultimately it's best to work with the modules one by one until you understand their operation. Then you'll find it easier to imagine ways in which they can be interconnected, the essence of modular.

I'll post an explanation of how the two-voice patch works soon, in this thread, if you like.

Thank you very much for all of it both presets and explanation , that is a great kindness of you
I will save it all , thank you !
Incidentally then it appears as if the BCI KString is free at least at the moment , and yes , I like to keep it simple too , also I may not be rich but I have bought a little here (also will buy a lot more Cherry Audio modules if the offer is ever extremely generously discounted and I happen to be able to find the money)
Black Cloud Industries BCI KString : https://store.cherryaudio.com/modules/bci-kstring

[MPM]

Thank you very much for the responses and the ideas!

Huggermugger - I haven't tried the patches you posted yet, but after your initial note regarding the use of the CA 1x8 switches I did some experimenting last night and the results were very promising. I started with a template for a four voice synth (4 Oscillators, 4 filters, 4 VCAs and 4 envelope generators) and then patched in two switch modules - one for the V/Oct and one for the Gate. It pretty much did what I was hoping for but I need to go back and look at some stuff. What I set up seems to run backwards (steps 4-3-2-1) instead of 1-2-3-4. The lights on the switch light up in order (1-2-3-4) but watching the indicator lights on the mixer shows the voices being triggered backwards. But I need to play with it more to make sure that I don't have anything mis-configured. Plus - the CA 8 step sequencer never seems to work like "I" think it should be working. But I thank you very much for giving me a path to work on, and I'm sure your patches will help to further my understanding. I agree it's far better to start simple and then start adding the layers from there. I have 40 years of experience with non-modular synths, but only a couple of years with modular equipment (both hard & soft) so I'm still early in the learning curve.

Steve W - regarding your questions. It could be extended to a round robin structure as stated in your note. In the Korg Mono Poly in "Poly" mode, keys played on the keyboard rotated through the four oscillators sequentially. With the arpeggiator, notes 1-4 trigger oscillators 1-4 sequentially, note 5 starts the process over again starting with oscillator 1. The synth could play 4 note chords and it did that by assigning an oscillator to each key. By adding an additional note to the chord (5 keys held down) the synth would discard the note initially assigned to oscillator 1 and assign it to note 5. The Mono-Poly was not a very good poly synth, and most people used the poly mode to do sounds that could be accomplished by cycling through the oscillators. Like most analog synths of that day, the Mono Poly mixed the output of the oscillators and fed them through a single filter and VCA (with separate envelopes). But one of the reasons that I've been interested in doing this with VM is because you are not necessarily locked into an audio chain with a single filter/VCA. You can add even more variety/complexity than available with the original synth. But, as Huggermugger notes it does add to the complexity of figuring out the process/flow vs a normalized signal path like the Mono-Poly itself.

I don't have all of the P.Moon modules used in your example, but I will take a look at them. It's good to have multiple ways to address an issue.