Sorry I've not been able to add my inane comments until now.
Has anyone seen that Subotnick DVD where he mentions how Bob Moog came by to
see him (was it 1967?) to see what a sequencer was since everyone had been
asking Moog to make one for them then?
I have to say that (as much as I hate to admit it) Moe is right about
everything here. While a very simple sequencer is useful, if one is really
interested in using sequencers (as I am), even a reasonably powerful one like
the Serge TKB will be a bit limiting.
I agree that the thought of purchasing (let alone designing and producing) a
large variety of logic based modules designed mainly for manipulating
sequencers is uncomfortable. Nonetheless, I think it is the best decision.
Many of the modules we first think of purchasing for a large modular system
would be ways of generating and modulating continuous functions -- so we buy
a lot of them (oscillators, filters, amplifiers, etc.). Why should we be so
reticent to buy a similar battery of modules for manipulating discrete
functions? I imagine it's because they're unfamiliar in many instances --
without adequate experience, we don't know how to use them.
So I guess I expect to pay a fair amount for the sequencer portion of my
system. I guess I see the clock like the oscillator, the dividers as being
like filters.
More inline comments below:
In a message dated 9/2/2001 5:25:19 PM,
mate_stubb@... writes:
>>>>
># of steps:
>I'm not sure 8 is right, Can a sequencer be flexible enough to
>recycle or quit at any point along the chain? How about 12 or 10 or
>7 ??
><<<
>
>Yes. Typically this is done one of three ways: a LENGTH rotary switch
>that selects the last step before resetting; a toggle switch on each
>stage that denotes the last step before resetting; or separate SET
>and POS gate jacks for each stage that allow patchable sequence reset
>points. With this final option, you do not always have to reset to
>step 1. Also, you could patch a MOTM-700 switch or two into the path
>and have VC of sequence vectoring.
As usual with modular stuff, I prefer the option of having pulse outs on
every stage (which can be patched to a reset input, as well as elsewhere)
rather than a length switch.
>>>>
>Quantizing:
>I assume this would be essential. Is this a feature one would expect
>inside the sequencer or as another external module? I assume if
>internal, you would want to be able to switch it on and off as some
>voltages (maybe controlling other things from oscillators) you would
>not want to be quantized.
><<<
>
>Often included built in, as in the ModCan, or can be an external
>module that can quantize other CVs as a general purpose module. I
>have done a dead-on "Baba O'Reilly sequence using two UEGs mixed
>together, and run through the Wiard MiniWave acting as a quantizer.
Yeah, quantizers are very useful and too often overlooked. Again, I'd prefer
an external quantizer module.
BTW, Moe I recently read (somewhere) that the "Baba O'Riley" patch was a tape
played back at double speed. The patch used the infamous Terry Riley "two
tape deck delay" (frequently referred to as the Fripp or Eno tape delay). The
tittle for the song is then an homage to two figures important to Townshend,
Meher Baba, and Terry Riley. So I'm very impressed that you could emulate it
in real time!
>>>>
>Timing:
>I would think you would want to be able to use an internal or external
>clock. But, if using an internal clock, would the "time" of each
>step be a quantity fixed as one division of the total sequence? Or
>would the time of each sequence be adjustable (like on Tony K's UEG?
>It seems to me that a 12 step pattern where each step got 1/12 of the
>time might be OK for some things and not for others.
><<<
>
>What is usual, is to have the clock (either internal or external)
>voltage controlled, then patch one of the rows to control the clock
>frequency. +1V = double speed, -1V = half speed.
I think VCClocks are very useful, but as I've said (numerous times here) I'm
more interested in using one common clock feeding multiple dividers
(preferably voltage controlled) which could be routed to a couple (or more)
different sequencers. One idea is to divide down from the MIDI pulse train.
>>>>>
>Sequentially challenged
>Stooge Larry
><<<<
>
>If you already have a UEG, play with it in sequencer mode!
>
>Note that I have limited my discussion entirely to the step sequencer
>genre. Pattern sequencers are a whole 'nother beast.
I need to get one of those UEGs soon!
Hey Moe, howsabout a wee primer in the differences in use for a pattern
sequencer vs. a step sequencer?
My list of sequencer necessities:
two rows minimum (preferable of 16)
reset
up/down
hold
pulse out for each stage
I'd also prefer to have LED for each stage, and pulse inputs for stage
selection.
JB