Study on how to make fixed sequences sound random and random sequences deterministic. The intent of the exercise was to create a limited feel of randomness, while maintaining a certain sense of direction.

Generative ambient soundscape with synth chords, acoustic guitar lead, bass and two noise tracks.

The chord progression in Timeline Player (Entrian) is fixed, but each chord note is played with randomized volume envelopes (trigger and ADSR), yielding different pitch combinations and flow dynamics on every play, while keeping the overall chord structure recognizable.

Patch uses VCV Rack Pro + Host, four instances of Zyklop VST (free) by Dawesome for the pad voice, each with a different timbre and playing a different chord note, and Dynamic Guitars VST (free) by DSK as lead acoustic guitar.

The Compressor (VCV) module is from in VCV Rack Pro, but can easily be replaced by any other standard compressor.

The noise samples “Movement-07.wav” and “Movement-47.wav” in sickoPlayer (Sickozell) are from the free sample library “InterSpace” by Introspectral. The pack can be downloaded from 99Sounds at https://99sounds.org/interspace/.

Random guitar melody was created with Melodygen (SS-Modules). The bass plays random notes created with NoteSeq16 (JW Modules).

Play the patch by starting the clock by clicking the RUN button on the CLKD (Impromptu) module. The clock turns off automatically after the Timeline Player clip ends (at about 2m30s). When disconnecting the two cables coming from the ‘End of clip’ port of Timeline Player, the patch will play continuously.

Scale is C Major.