How does the ARP 2600's Prancing Raindrops patch combine ring modulation, Sample & Hold, oscillator cross-modulation and internally triggered envelopes to generate a continuously changing sequence without playing the keyboard?

The ARP 2600 Patch Book contains a… read more

How can you create and blend synthetic trumpet and French horn sounds on the ARP 2600 using a sawtooth oscillator, the low-pass filter, ADSR envelope and different audio signal paths?

The ARP 2600 is an iconic synthesizer, and there is no shortage… read more

How does Pigeon Plink's continuous carrier-to-modulator ratio control work, and how can it be used for experimental FM synthesis in VCV Rack?

Pigeon Plink is an FM-oriented oscillator for VCV Rack based on Kitchen Sink. The two modules share much of the same general approach to… read more

How Can ADSRs Create Smooth Transitions Between Voices?

Simple voice switching often creates abrupt transitions.

Many musical situations benefit from smoother changes.

One effective solution is to combine ADSRs with VCAs.

How Can Multiple Voices Be Switched On and Off Automatically in a Modular Patch?

One of the most effective ways to change the character of a generative patch is not by changing notes, rhythms, or timbres, but by changing which voices are… read more

How Can Quantized Notes and Pitch Glitches Have Different Dynamics?

Once quantized and non-quantized pitch streams exist, they do not need to share the same dynamic behaviour.

The chapter presents a technique… 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