A Gray Code is a binary representation of integers in which the bit pattern of successive integers always differs by exactly 1 bit. Squinky Labs produced a VCV Rack module that simply cycles through a gray code sequence, with each bit represented as a gate, as well as a digital to analog conversion of all 8 bits to create a periodic stepped wave with a distinctive shape.

I used various logic operations on one gray code to combine different sets of the bit gates into the rhythm for three parts, and sampled the voltage from another gray code running at a different rate, passed through a quantizer, to establish melodic lines.

I had no idea what to expect, and was very happy to discover a sweet, playful, and innocent tune. I imagine some young kids stuck indoors on a rainy gray day, and a Marry Poppins type figure showing them how to have fun when they can’t play outside.

The piece fades in on startup, and fades out on end. After configuring the Audio module for your system, simply press your keyboard Alt key, or press the GATES PUSH button to start/stop the piece.