ADDAC Systems — ADDAC-506 SignalFlow

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ADDAC506 VC Stochastic Function Generator & Expansion Manual (PDF)

Generating Hyper Complex Percussion and Rhythms with the ADDAC506

The ADDAC506 VC Stochastic Function Generator & Expansion is a powerhouse for crafting densely rhythmic and hyper complex percussion sequences in your Eurorack setup. Here’s how you can exploit its features to make polyrhythmic, multi-timbral, and idiosyncratic percussion:

1. Use All Four Channels Independently for Polyrhythms

• Four Independent Envelopes: Each channel acts as a function generator/envelope that can be triggered or slewed by independent sources.
• Unsynced Cycles: Trigger channels using unrelated or clock-divided gate/triggers, causing each envelope to loop at different rates. This immediately creates polyrhythms and cross-rhythms.
• External Randomization (Expansion): Use the Expansion’s RANDOM TRIGGER inputs to re-randomize envelope times mid-cycle for bursts, fills, and unexpected time changes.

2. Embrace Complexity with Stochastic Rise/Fall Times

• Variable RISE/FALL Minimum & Maximum: Set each channel’s RISE and FALL min/max to different, musically meaningful ranges (e.g., one short, one long, one medium, etc.).
• Randomization per Trigger: Each new trigger/loop chooses a new envelope time within set limits, resulting in constantly shifting, non-repeating patterns. Modulate min & max with CV for evolving polyrhythmic envelopes.
• Lock Feature: Lock certain channels to “freeze” a rhythm, then unlock and modify others for very intentional variability in patterns.

3. Exploit Loop/One-Shot and Gate/Trigger/Slew Behavior

• Loop Mode: Use some channels as looping envelopes and others as one-shots to overlay static time signatures with freeform or stochastic elements.
• Slew Mode: Slew can turn stepped voltage sequences (like LFOs or random CVs) into percussive envelope shapes, following CV inputs in a unique, organic way. Great for anti-clock “ratcheting” percussive effects or unexpected swells.

4. Gate & EOR/EOF Outputs for Complicated Triggers

• Gate Outs: Use the GATE OUT during the “rise” segment to define gate length; patch these to drum modules, VCAs, or hit/reset/clock inputs of other sequencers or digital modules for off-grid triggers.
• EOR/EOF: Use these outputs for meta-patterns – patch them to other envelope triggers, clocks, or sequential switches to create generation-on-generation polyrhythms.

5. Modulate Everything for “Living” Percussion

• CV Control Over Everything: Feed LFOs, stepped modulations, random CV, or even audio-rate signals to RISE/FALL min or max, amplitude, offset, and curve parameters. Your envelopes become meta-instruments, responding dynamically in highly nuanced ways.
• Curve Control (LIN/LOG): Morph between linear and logarithmic curves for each envelope to get snappier, more articulate “attack” phases or slow, booming decays—turning basic envelopes into a rich palette of percussion energies.

6. Summed & Averaged Mix Outs for Layering

• SUM/AVERAGE Outputs: Use the sum or average of all 4 envelopes mixed together as a multi-layered modulation source—excellent for modulating filters, FX sends, or even as the master VCA envelope for a drum mix bus.

7. Unique Percussive Voice Design

If using the outputs as voices: - Ping “Analog” Percussion Circuits: Patch envelope outs directly to resonant filters, LPGs, or dedicated analog drum circuits for wildly unique percussive pings and thwacks. - Punch & Character: Modulate amplitude and offset for each percussive hit. Pair with non-linear curves for snap. Try extreme settings to get glitchy, hyperactive digital artifacts.

Patch Examples

Meta-Polyrhythm Patch

• ENVELOPE 1: Set to fast loop, RISE/FALL random range narrow (5–50 ms), into hat module trigger input
• ENVELOPE 2: Medium loop, wide random range, into snare trigger
• ENVELOPE 3: Triggered from an external rhythm generator, used as a complex modulation source for a drum synth’s pitch or filter
• ENVELOPE 4: One-shot mode with stochastic Rise, to play on “off-beat” kicks or FM percussion
• Use SUM/AVG out to modulate a send effect amount for all drums or drive a resonant LPG for pseudo stereo panning.

Final Tips

• Always experiment with cross-patching random outputs, EOR/EOF, and random triggers.
• Morph CV and amplitude throughout a performance for evolving, living rhythms.
• The stochastic re-triggering means no two bars will ever be identical—harness this for unpredictable, intricate sequences.

Generated With Eurorack Processor