The Nonlinear Circuits Pseudo module seizes the day when it comes to discovering new sonic landscapes in the world of electronic music. Infusing a traditional pattern generator with a pseudo-random twist, this versatile module offers endless boundaries to push and explore.
At its core, the Pseudo module is a dynamic duo of pattern generation and noise/tone generation. On one hand, it provides four diverse control voltage (CV) signals and two gate outputs, capable of producing loops of 8, 16, or 24 steps. On the other hand, when combined with a fast clock signal from a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), the module morphs into a noise and tone generator, emitting harmonically rich tones and pseudo-random noise.
The flexibility of the Pseudo goes beyond its dual functionality. Adopting CMOS chips in lieu of TTL, it operates on an external clock, relinquishing probability switches and ushering in a new age of manual or gated reset functionality. That's not all - at the heart of this module lie two 24-stage shift registers. One dances to the rhythm of the incoming clock, capable of creating a sequence spanning over 16 million steps, while the second one facilitates loops or non-repeating cycles.
The marriage of the Pseudo module to a modular system leads to CV outputs that sing a truly unique song. By employing binary weighting for U1 and U2, and Gaussian distribution for G1 and G2 outputs, a remarkable range of sonic colors emerge - from glitchy sine waves to more unpredictable, ever-changing patterns. The outputs vary from 0-5V, paving the way for numerous gate patterns that reset in coordination with the CVs. The mere presence of a fast clock rate can transform the Pseudo Random output into a captivating pseudo-random series of gates, akin to white noise.
In summary, the Nonlinear Circuits' Pseudo module sees no limits when it comes to sonic possibilities. It delivers not only as a versatile instrument but also, challenging the norms of modular synthesis and offering electronic music producers a world of unwavering creativity, dynamic patterns, and unexpected noise textures. Whether you are a sound design enthusiast or an experimental sounds creator, venturing into the wonderland of the Pseudo module offers both rhythm and pattern opportunities that are nothing short of inspiring.
Example Usage
Getting started with the Nonlinear Circuits Pseudo can open up exciting new rhythmic and textural possibilities for your modular setup. Here’s how you can dip your toes into its dynamic capabilities.
First, set up the module in two primary configurations: as a pattern generator and as a noise/tone source. For the pattern generator, connect the four CV outputs and two gate outputs to different modulation targets within your system. Experiment with the step length settings—8, 16, or 24—to see how they affect the looping sequences. You can reset these sequences using either a gate signal or the onboard switch, allowing you to lock into interesting rhythmic motifs or reset them mid-performance for dynamic variations.
In the role of a noise/tone source, connect a fast clock signal from a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to the Pseudo. Adjust the clock speed and observe how it generates rich, harmonic tones or riveting pseudo-random noise. Again, play with the step length settings to discover how they influence the timbral complexity of the outputs.
Begin by sending the G1 and G2 gate outputs to percussion modules to create uniquely irregular rhythms, while routing U1 and U2 CV outputs to parameters such as pitch or filter cutoff to introduce unexpected twists in your sound. Observe how G1 and G2 tend to produce more predictable, bell curve-like patterns, which can be particularly useful for beat-based compositions, while U1 and U2 provide more chaotic modulation—a boon for creating evolving ambient textures.
For a novice, experimenting with the Nonlinear Circuits Pseudo involves pairing it with other modules to uncover interactions that may surprise you, pushing you toward new compositional territories beyond traditional sequencing. Its unpredictability and flexibility make it a powerful tool for transforming predictable modular setups into realms of spontaneity and exploration. Try using it in both studio and live settings to take full advantage of its ability to generate continuously evolving sonic environments.
To delve into the intermediate functionalities of the Nonlinear Circuits Pseudo module, let's explore how you can harness its capabilities for dynamic rhythmic pattern creation and noise generation in a sophisticated modular setup.
Begin by using the Pseudo module as a complex pattern generator. By setting it to loop at 16 steps, you can create evolving rhythmic sequences. Connect a clock signal from an external VCO to drive the module. This external clock not only determines the speed of your sequence but also affects the density and feel of the resulting patterns. By introducing a second gate signal to the reset input, you can dynamically alter the length of the looping sequence, thereby creating rhythmic variations and keeping your patterns from becoming static.
Now, explore the CV outputs, U1 and U2, to control various parameters on other modules—such as filter cutoff or oscillator pitch. Because U1 and U2 generate different types of pseudo-random voltages, they can lend a unique evolution to your sound. For instance, patch U1 to modulate the resonance of a low-pass filter to introduce erratic yet controlled timbral shifts, while U2 can be used to slightly detune an oscillator, adding richness and unpredictability to your soundscape.
Shift focus to the sonic textures possible by employing the noise/tone generation aspect of the Pseudo. By increasing the clock rate substantially, you're able to push the module into generating complex harmonically rich tones. These tones can be processed further through wavefolders or bit crushers to create intricate sonic layers ideal for experimental music genres.
Experiment with G1 and G2 outputs as well. Their Gaussian distribution makes them perfect for more predictable modulation tasks, akin to subtly varying sine waves. Incorporating these outputs into your patches can add a layer of consistency needed to anchor more chaotic elements. For example, employ G1 to modulate the delay time on a digital effect module, ensuring rhythmic coherence to your otherwise eclectic sequence.
Harness the pseudo-random gate output for generating percussive elements or triggers. At high clock rates, it mimics white noise, which can creatively be shaped using VCAs and envelopes to produce dynamic hi-hat patterns or glitch percussion.
The Pseudo module is a formidable ally in crafting complex audio landscapes, allowing for exploration beyond traditional rhythmic confines, offering a blend of predictable and unpredictable sound elements that can significantly enrich your modular performances and compositions.
Further Thoughts
To harness the full potential of Nonlinear Circuits' Pseudo as an expert user, one must dive into the nuances of its dual functionality: the rhythmic pattern generation and the diverse sonic palette of its noise/tone generation. By carefully orchestrating these capabilities, you can craft complex and evolving rhythmic patterns alongside unique noise textures, enriching your modular system's output.
Start by exploring the capabilities of Pseudo in the realm of pattern creation. Connect an external clock source to synchronize the module with your entire setup. Opt for the looping feature, locking the module into 8, 16, or 24 steps per your musical needs. This structured approach enables continuity in your compositions, with the reset function facilitating dynamic restarts at varying intervals. The G1 and G2 gate outputs, with their Gaussian distribution characteristics, are prime candidates for driving percussion or accentuating rhythmic elements, particularly when stabilized over multiple cycles for a subtle yet evolving pattern.
The CV outputs, particularly U1 and U2, reveal profound potential when integrated with modulation destinations across your system. U1's spread across the stages ensures a broader range of variation, lending itself beautifully to applications demanding dramatic shifts in tonal dynamics. The inherent unpredictability of these outputs can infuse your patches with a sense of organic movement, ideal for ambient soundscapes or evolving textures.
Switch gears into noise/tone generation by utilizing a fast clock signal, perhaps from a precise VCO. The Pseudo becomes a treasure trove of harmonically rich tones and noise textures, ripe for experimentation. Through manipulation of the reset functionality, impose a structure or let the tones exert a life of their own in true stochastic fashion. Pseudo's noise capabilities can serve as the source of granular textures, directly manipulated through filters for lush sound beds or percussive elements.
The 24 stage shift register's sprawling sequence potential is another aspect to exploit. By experimenting with clock rates and reset intervals, manage the considerable sequence length to induce evolving patterns that keep your compositions thrillingly unpredictable. Meanwhile, the pseudo-random gate output, operating outside the loop constraints, offers a steady source of rhythmic deviation that mimics white noise under high clock speeds—a resourceful way to introduce variability.
Further your exploration by integrating Pseudo in a feedback loop with other modules, layering its output through effects such as reverb, delay, or wavefolder to push the boundaries of its sonic capabilities. The CMOS-based circuitry imbues the module with idiosyncrasies distinct from typical TTL configurations, contributing thin, delicate tones or aggressive textures contingent on your modulation approach.
In conclusion, Nonlinear Circuits' Pseudo, with its expansive and versatile functions, becomes more than a module—it's a catalyst for creative exploration in any modular synth setting. Whether driving rhythms or generating intricate noise patterns, the breadth of Pseudo's capabilities will undoubtedly enhance your sonic palette.