Larry,
This is a good thread to start and I'm always interested in learning new ways to use
modular gear. One common mistake I see from your inital description is the thinking
that sequencers are most useful for controlling the pitch of oscillators. While it
is a great use and it forces you into different melodic structures than you might
develop with your own keyboard or primary controller technique, it is selling the
potential of a sequencer short. One of my favorite uses of sequencers is to provide
a controlled set of "random variables". I'll step the sequencer with whatever is
triggering notes (keyboard gate, MIDI clock, etc.) and use the CVs coming from the
sequencer to drive modulations or just to add some variation to the VCF Fc.
Another use for sequencers is as an interactive trigger sequencer. Use the knobs to
select which clocks trigger events (0 CV is a rest, a CV higher than the gate value
is a note).
Great fun and chaos can be had by taking a sequencer row and using it to modulate
the sequencer clock frequency or other recursive/regenerative parameters of the
sequence.
There are also sequencers like the Serge TKB that allow you to "play" them by
pressing the touch plates causing the sequence to change, reset, or change
direction. The TKB has the added feature of pressure sensitivity on the plates for
even more interactivity with the sequencer.
So, if you want something to provide quantized voltages for driving oscillators, get
a Doepfer MAQ 16/3 or a Frostwave Fat Controller, although they can do more. If you
want to go beyond, think of getting more access to the steps, clocks, and rows of an
analog sequencer...
Sequentially Yours,
Eric
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