In the world of modular synthesis, the impact of randomness and chance can sometimes be overlooked. These elements, when harnessed effectively, can add an inspiring level of unpredictability to any composition. This realization has sparked a fascinating collaboration between electronic musician/composer Ian Boddy and AJH Synth, resulting in the intriguing Tone Science Chance Delay Eurorack module.
At the heart of Chance Delay is a chance generator, responsible for random pulse production, yet its abilities extend far beyond that. One of its prominent features is its capacity for 'pulse stretching'. This operation infuses longer sustains to incoming trigger signals, effectively converting them to a gate. Conversely, the module can also shorten incoming gating signals to create trigger signals - a process known as 'Gate to Trigger' conversion.
In addition to these transformations, Chance Delay is a master of timing manipulations. This device boasts a generous 'Gate Delay' range of 0.5 milliseconds to 30 seconds. This function lets you delay the onset of gate output signals, providing a key tool for bringing strategic and musically engaging rhythmic displacement into your patches.
Sub bass generation is yet another feather in the cap of this module. By dividing the clock input by adjustable amounts, it's possible to introduce deep, resonant bass tones into your modular cacophony.
Chance Delay offers an impressive range of specific control options. All functions can be dialed-in manually via the module's intuitive front-panel interface, or manipulated dynamically by applying external CV sources. Achieving any level of chance is now feasible, as it ranges from quantifiable certainty (0%) to complete unpredictability (100%).
For tactile learners and manual operation enthusiasts, the addition of a 'TRIG' push button on the module allows for manual triggering of pulses. An accompanying green LED indicator provides real-time visual feedback of the output pulse status.
Moreover, the unique "Gate pass-through" mode is an intelligent addition. In this mode, when the 'Length' control is set to zero, the outgoing gate length mirrors that of the incoming signal, albeit the onset of the outgoing gate is influenced by the 'Chance' and 'Delay' controls.
Contributing to its immense adaptability is its compact 8hp form factor. This combined with a low power consumption, makes it an excellent addition to any Eurorack setup, without overburdening the power supply or monopolizing rack space.
To sum up, Chance Delay by AJH Synth encapsulates the profound effect of randomness on musical creation. This innovative module provides a vast array of functionalities, offering a new avenue for exploration in the world of modular synthesis. Whether you're after rhythmic displacement, timbre variation, or additional heft through sub bass generation, this Eurorack module warrants a closer look.
Example Usage
In a NOVICE-level setup, you can start by connecting the Tone Science Chance Delay module to your Eurorack system using patch cables. Begin by sending a clock signal or trigger into the module's input. Adjust the Chance control to set the probability of a pulse being generated. Use the Delay control to determine how long the generated pulse will be delayed before output.
Experiment with the TRIG push button to manually trigger pulses based on the Chance setting. Observe the green LED to monitor the status of the output pulse. Try out the Gate pass-through mode by setting the Length control to zero, allowing incoming pulses or triggers to be processed through the Chance and Delay controls while maintaining the original gate length.
Explore the various functions such as pulse stretching, pulse shortening, gate delay, sub-bass generation, and clock division offered by this versatile module. Don't forget to play around with the manual controls on the front panel to get a feel for the module's capabilities. As you familiarize yourself with the Chance Delay module, you'll discover new ways to introduce randomness and unpredictability into your Eurorack setup, opening up creative possibilities for your music production.
In an intermediate level usage example, let's explore creating evolving rhythms using the Tone Science Chance Delay module. Patch an LFO into the Chance CV input to modulate the probability of generating a gate signal. Connect the Gate output to a percussive module such as a drum synthesizer.
Set the Chance control to around 50% for a balanced randomness in triggering the drum hits. Adjust the Delay control to introduce subtle variations in the timing of the drum hits.
Next, engage the Sub Bass Generation feature by sending the Gate out to a bass module. Experiment with different Chance settings to add syncopation and unpredictability to the bassline.
To add more complexity, utilize the "divide by n" clock division functionality by sending the clock signal from a sequencer into the Chance Delay module. This will further manipulate the rhythm, creating polyrhythmic patterns.
By combining the Chance, Delay, and other functionalities of the module creatively, you can sculpt intricate rhythms and textures that continuously evolve within your Eurorack system.
Further Thoughts
In a patch scenario, the Tone Science Chance Delay module can be utilized in a variety of ways to add intrigue and unpredictability to your sonic explorations. Let's set up a patch where the Chance Delay module is generating unique rhythmic variations for a drum pattern.
First, send a clock signal from a sequencer to the Chance Delay's clock input. Adjust the Chance knob to introduce randomness to the clock signal, affecting the timing of triggers sent to your drum modules.
Next, use the Pulse Delay control to offset the triggers being sent to the drum modules, creating off-kilter rhythms and adding a sense of unpredictability to your beats.
To further enhance the evolving rhythm, you can experiment with the Gate Delay function to introduce variations in the duration of the drum hits. This will add a dynamic element to your pattern, keeping the listener engaged and on their toes.
By incorporating the Tone Science Chance Delay module in this manner, you can breathe life into your drum patterns and inject a sense of randomness and chance into your music, taking your Eurorack system to new creative heights.