Rhythmic Sequence

Create driving, rhythmic synthesizer patterns with sequencers and clock divisions.

The rhythmic sequence patch

Overview

This patch creates a complete rhythmic synthesizer pattern with a driving bassline, sequenced filter movement, and rhythmic interest. It demonstrates how to build compelling electronic music patterns from scratch.

Character: Driving, hypnotic, rhythmic, energetic Good for: Techno, house, electro, acid, dance music

Modules Used

• 1x Clock
• 2x Sequencer
• 1x Oscillator
• 1x SVF Filter
• 1x VCA
• 1x ADSR Envelope
• 1x Distortion
• 1x Delay
• 1x Audio Output

Optional:

• 1x LFO
• 1x Compressor

Patch Diagram

┌───────┐     ┌────────────┐     ┌─────────┐     ┌────────┐     ┌──────┐
│ Clock │──▶  │ Sequencer 1│─CV──▶│Oscillator│─Audio─▶│ Filter │─Audio─▶│ VCA  │
│(120BPM)│     │  (Pitch)   │     │  (Saw)  │      │ (SVF)  │      │      │
└───┬───┘     └─────┬──────┘     └─────────┘      └───▲────┘      └──▲───┘
    │               │                                  │             │
    │1/16           │Gate                              │             │
    │               ▼                                  │             │
    │         ┌─────────┐                              │      ┌──────┴──────┐
    │         │  ADSR   │──────────────────────────────┘      │    ADSR     │
    │         │(Filter) │                                     │ (Amplitude) │
    │         └────▲────┘                                     └──────▲──────┘
    │              │                                                  │
    │              │                                                  │
    │    ┌─────────┴───────────────────────────────────────┐         │
    └───▶│                   [Sequencer Gate]               │─────────┘
         └─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

[VCA]──▶[Distortion]──▶[Delay]──▶[Output]

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Clock - The Foundation

Set up the master clock:

Clock Settings:

2. Pitch Sequencer

Create a 16-step pattern:

[Clock 1/16] ──▶ [Sequencer 1 Clock]

Sequencer 1 Settings:

• Length: 16 steps
• Direction: Forward

Example acid bassline pattern (1 octave range):

3. Oscillator

[Sequencer 1 CV] ──▶ [Oscillator V/Oct]

Oscillator Settings:

• Waveform: Saw (classic acid sound)
• Base Frequency: C2 (or lower for bass)

4. Envelopes

Connect gate to both envelopes:

[Sequencer 1 Gate] ──▶ [ADSR 1 Gate] (Filter)
                   ──▶ [ADSR 2 Gate] (Amplitude)

ADSR 1 (Filter):

ADSR 2 (Amplitude):

5. Filter - The Acid Sound

[Oscillator Audio] ──▶ [Filter Input]
[ADSR 1 Env] ──▶ [Filter Cutoff CV]

Filter Settings:

The high resonance creates the classic "acid" squelch.

6. VCA

[Filter Lowpass] ──▶ [VCA Input]
[ADSR 2 Env] ──▶ [VCA CV]

7. Effects Chain

[VCA] ──▶ [Distortion] ──▶ [Delay] ──▶ [Output]

Distortion Settings:

Delay Settings:

Creating Variations

Accent Pattern

Add accents on certain steps:

Method 1: Use higher CV values Method 2: Add second envelope for accents

[Sequencer 2 (accent pattern)] ──▶ [Attenuverter] ──▶ [Filter Cutoff CV]

Slide/Glide

Add portamento for 303-style slides:

Between certain notes, enable glide on the oscillator or add a slew limiter.

Gate Length Variation

Vary gate lengths in the sequencer for rhythmic interest:

• Long gates for legato
• Short gates for staccato
• Tied notes for slides

Variations

Classic Acid

Resonance: 0.85
Filter Cutoff: 300 Hz
Distortion: 0.5
ADSR 1 Decay: 300 ms

Driving Techno Bass

Oscillator: Square
Resonance: 0.3
Distortion: 0.4
BPM: 135
Shorter envelope decays

Hypnotic Minimal

BPM: 124
Sequence Length: 4 steps
Resonance: 0.5
Delay: 500ms (1/4 note)
Delay Feedback: 0.5

Electro Funk

BPM: 110
Syncopated gate pattern
Moderate resonance: 0.4
Add subtle chorus
Longer envelope attack: 10 ms

Adding Groove

Swing

Apply swing to the clock:

Clock Swing: 30%

This pushes every other beat slightly late.

Velocity/Accent Sequencer

Add a parallel sequencer for dynamics:

[Clock 1/16] ──▶ [Sequencer 2 Clock]
[Sequencer 2 CV] ──▶ [VCA Level CV] (via attenuverter)

Program accent pattern in Sequencer 2.

Ghost Notes

Add quiet notes between main beats:

1. Program main pattern with normal gates
2. Add additional quiet steps with very low output
3. Creates more complex rhythm

Advanced Techniques

Filter Sequencing

Use a second sequencer for filter cutoff:

[Clock 1/4] ──▶ [Sequencer 2 Clock]
[Sequencer 2 CV] ──▶ [Filter Cutoff CV]

The filter pattern moves independently of the note pattern.

Polyrhythms

Set sequencers to different lengths:

Sequencer 1 (pitch): 16 steps
Sequencer 2 (filter): 12 steps

The patterns shift against each other over time.

External Modulation

Add LFO for evolving character:

[LFO (slow)] ──▶ [Resonance CV]
[LFO (slow)] ──▶ [Envelope Decay CV]

Troubleshooting

No squelch: Increase resonance, increase filter envelope depth

Too harsh: Lower resonance, reduce distortion

Notes running together: Shorten envelope release, check gate lengths

Too quiet: Check VCA level, output level

Timing feels off: Adjust clock BPM, check gate lengths

Performance Tips

1. Tweak the filter cutoff: Main expressive control
2. Adjust resonance live: Changes character dramatically
3. Play with envelope decay: Longer = more squelch
4. Use delay feedback: Build tension
5. Mute/unmute sequencer gates: Create arrangement

What You've Learned

• Building rhythmic sequenced patterns
• Creating acid bass sounds
• Using filter envelopes for character
• Clock divisions for different rhythmic rates
• Adding groove and variation