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2. Using a sequencer module as an oscillator

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Now for something a little unusual! In this tutorial, we’ll be calling upon a Sequencer module to act as an oscillator. As you’ve probably already guessed, it all starts when you hit that New button in the upper-left. There’s now an empty rack into which you’ll install an Amplifier module, the Output of which will be patched to the Main Outs’ 1L(M) jack. 4

Run a cable from the Pitch jack in the CV Outs panel down to the Osc’s Keyb CV. Next, patch that Osc’s Sawtooth output to the Sequencer’s Ext Clk jack and click the Ext button to lash the Sequencer’s clock to the Oscillator’s frequency. Go ahead and click Play on the sequencer to get it started. 2

As is often the case, you’ll want an Envelope Generator. Add one and then go to the CV Outs panel and patch its Gate jack into the Envelope’s Gate In patch point. Route the Envelope’s Env Out to the Amplifier’s CV In. Now, at last, add an Eight-Step Sequencer module. 5

You won’t hear anything yet. For that, you’ll need to create a waveform using the Sequencer’s sliders. For the moment, push the first four all the way up. Now, if you play some notes from your keyboard controller, you should hear something like a square wave. Add an Oscilloscope module and connect the Amplifier’s Output to the Oscilloscope’s Input. 3

Route the Sequencer’s Output to the Amplifier’s Input. Most sequencerbased patches use a sequencer to control the pitch of one or more oscs. This patch does it the other way round, using an osc to control the pitch of the Sequencer’s output. You’ll see what we mean in a moment. For now, add an Osc to the left of the Sequencer module. 6

You might notice that the sound sort of “falls apart” at some frequencies. You can get slightly different results by using the Oscillator’s Pulse Wave to drive the Sequencer. Try setting its width to 95%. Now, looking at the ‘Scope, experiment with the Sequencer’s sliders to produce different shapes.