From the heart of Pittsburgh Modular's innovative lineup, the Voltage Lab 2 has been stealing the spotlight with its advanced features and intuitive design. Part of what makes this module a must-have for any eurorack enthusiast is its bottom sequence section. Offering a robust toolset to produce controlled voltage sequences, this section shines with its state-of-the-art capabilities.
The feature-packed bottom sequence section boasts two individual outputs capable of 16-step sequencing or, alternatively, a single output with 32-step sequencing. This versatility not only allows for complex musical phrases but also stunning sub-rhythms and polyrhythms in live performances and studio productions.
Additionally, the sequencing section has exhaustive connectivity options that allow for deep integration of the module into your setup. Besides the standard CV out and gate, Pittsburgh Modular has thoughtfully included outputs for key pressure and unquantized CV – remarkable for adding expressivity and harnessing randomness, respectively. There's also MIDI I/O, giving you a way to interact seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible devices.
Talk about inputs, and this module stands tall with options like clock, reset, chance, repeat and one-shot. These allow dynamic interaction with other modules or external gear, resulting in highly engaging performances filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Another ingenious feature of the Voltage Lab 2's sequencing section is its pattern storage capability. Imagine weaving intricate melodies and rhythms, and having the convenience to recall them whenever need be. Furthermore, you can select scales and perform microtonal quantization, pushing the boundaries of traditional tunings, and bringing a whole new world of sonic possibilities to the table.
From Euclidean to generative and more, the different algorithmic sequencing modes at your disposal allow you to experiment and push beyond the usual step-sequencing paradigm. Meanwhile, the adjustable sequence length, randomization, and step conditions open up a palette of options for creating moving, groovy, or off-kilter sequences.
The Voltage Lab 2's swing and humanization features add the icing on the cake, making your sequences feel less mechanical and more natural – or not if you choose! The jump, start step, reversing, step length, and ratcheting capabilities are akin to a well-stocked musical spice rack, ready for seasoning your sonic concoctions to taste.
Last, but not least, the module's blue channel offers a quantized CV output setting the decay envelope and gate length for the red and yellow channels in sequencer mode. Coupled with the flexibility of routing, this feature ensures you have unapparelled influence over not just the pitch, but also the feel and timbre of your sounds.
Every feature of the Voltage Lab 2's bottom sequence section is designed with one purpose: to unlock your creativity. It's a powerful, inspiring tool in the right hands, one with a musical vocabulary as expansive as your imagination. As you delve deeper into this treasure trove of sequencing possibilities, remember, the true joy of modular synthesis lies not just in the destination but in the journey. Happy patching!
Example Usage
The Bottom Sequence Section of Pittsburgh Modular's Voltage Lab 2 is designed to inspire creativity and facilitate experimentation, making it a great choice for novice users eager to explore the world of modular synthesis. In this section, you will engage with the sequencer while familiarizing yourself with its versatile features.
To get started, connect a sound-generating module, like an oscillator, to one of the outputs from the sequencer. For example, let's focus on the blue channel as your quantized CV output. Set up a basic patch where the output from the blue channel controls the pitch input of your oscillator. Next, access the sequencer interface and begin by choosing a simple, melodic scale. This will help keep your notes harmonically coherent as you create your sequence.
Now, program a sequence of 16 steps by entering different note values corresponding to your selected scale. Utilize the pattern storage feature to save this sequence for later playback. You’ll want to experiment with the step conditions, perhaps enabling jump conditions on certain steps to introduce some unexpected surprises in your sequence.
Once you've programmed a sequence, apply some humanization to the output. This feature slightly varies the timing and pitch of individual notes, giving your sequence a more organic feel—particularly useful in a live performance setting. You might also want to adjust the swing setting, adding a groove that makes your sequence feel more dynamic and engaging.
For added complexity, use the red and yellow channels for additional sound modulation or layering harmonies. You’ll find that the decay envelope and gate length set through the blue channel can dramatically affect how your oscillator responds to the input. Experiment with different decay settings to achieve a range of sound textures from plucky to sustained tones.
To take your exploration further, engage the randomization feature on your sequence. By adjusting the randomization parameters, you can generate unique variations of your original sequence, keeping each performance fresh and captivating. Additionally, try out the different algorithms available for Euclidean and generative sequencing; these can transform your musical ideas in surprising directions.
In summary, the Bottom Sequence Section of the Voltage Lab 2 offers novice users an accessible yet powerful way to explore sequencing within modular synthesis. By creating simple sequences and layering them with additional parameters, you can unlock a whole new realm of creative possibilities in your music-making journey.
To fully harness the capabilities of the Bottom Sequence section of Pittsburgh Modular's Voltage Lab 2, let's explore a practical example that showcases its diverse functions.
Begin by patching the red and yellow outputs to individual oscillators. Set up the blue channel to control the gate length and decay envelope of both outputs, giving you dynamic control over how each note is articulated. Start with a basic sequence in the sequencer mode using the blue channel as your primary output. Select a 16-step sequence to give you a manageable framework for experimentation.
Once your sequence is playing, dive into the variable sequence length feature by modifying the red channel's length to eight steps while keeping the yellow channel at sixteen. This creates a call-and-response effect, filling out the texture with unexpected rhythmic interplay.
Next, introduce some swing into your sequence by adjusting the swing parameter. This will give your patterns a human feel, loosening the rigidness that can accompany standard quantized sequences. Additionally, add some randomness to the yellow channel by adjusting the randomization controls. Notice how this brings unexpected variations, enhancing your sonic landscape.
Implement the step conditions feature to jump to an alternate step every four steps in the red channel, offering an unpredictable element to your arrangement. Utilize the one-shot input to trigger a unique sequence when a specific event occurs, like the press of a key or an external trigger. This can be your launchpad for evolving patterns.
To take your creative exploration a step further, experiment with the quantization and scaling features. Choose a microtonal scale that intrigues you. When using the blue channel, observe how changing the quantization affects the harmonic structure of your sequences.
Lastly, consider integrating external MIDI source control. The MIDI outputs can connect to another sequencer or external device, allowing you to route generated patterns outside the Voltage Lab 2, thereby expanding your performance options and increasing versatility across your entire rig.
This example not only illustrates the inner workings of the Bottom Sequence section but also demonstrates how to creatively manipulate its features to unlock countless possibilities in your musical composition.
Further Thoughts
The Bottom Sequence Section of Pittsburgh Modular's Voltage Lab 2 is a powerhouse for creative sequencing, offering intricate control over your musical ideas. Let's explore an expert-level usage example that showcases its capabilities.
Imagine you are crafting a lush ambient soundscape. Set up the blue channel to deliver a quantized CV output, selecting a scale that resonates with the mood you want to evoke. Use the touch controller to dial in smooth variations, allowing you to play with pitch variations in real time—this tactile interaction can create an organic feel amidst the precision of the sequencer.
For the red and yellow channels, you can design complementary sequences. Utilize the randomization feature to introduce variability, giving each run a unique character. Adjust the decay envelope settings to craft a legato feel, where notes smoothly transition into one another, enhancing the ambient quality of your composition.
Next, set the sequence lengths for each channel independently. This allows you to create polyrhythmic patterns that evolve over time. Activate one-shot mode on one of the channels to trigger a short melodic phrase that springs out occasionally, becoming a surprise element within your overall sequence.
Introduce swing to give a laid-back groove, perfect for ambient and downtempo styles. The humanization features will help in softening the rigidity of your sequences, making them feel more alive. For instance, subtly adjust the timing of certain notes to breathe more variability into the performance.
Don’t forget the step conditions. Set one of the channels to jump between segments of a longer pattern randomly, making it feel as though you’re not just sequencing but composing on the fly. This dynamic control can be particularly potent in live settings, where spontaneity reigns supreme.
Finally, take advantage of the extensive pattern storage possibilities inherent in the Voltage Lab 2. You can easily recall various sequences, allowing for a seamless transition between different moods and textures within your performance. By leveraging the intuitive nature of the interface paired with these advanced tools, you can not only unlock new creative paths but also enrich your sonic narratives with compelling complexity.
Using the Bottom Sequence Section of the Voltage Lab 2 can transform your sequencer into a veritable partner in creativity, crafting intricate musical tapestries that evolve and breathe with each performance.