2hp — Rnd
PDF Manual for 2hp Rnd
Creative Patching with 2hp Rnd for Distortion, Basslines, and Atmospheres
The 2hp Rnd module is a compact, versatile random voltage and gate generator. Let's explore patching ideas for your modular system to create distorted percussion, crazy modulated basslines, and haunting atmospheric pads.
Overview of 2hp Rnd Modulation Potential
- Smooth Output (Random S&H/LFO):
- Variable, continuously changing random voltage (rate set by RATE knob).
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Attenuator available for output scaling (0-10V range).
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Quant Output (Stepped Random):
- Generates a new random value on each clock pulse (sync to internal or external clock).
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Attenuator for output scaling.
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Gate Output:
- Produces either steady clock (internal) or random gates (external).
1. Distorted Percussive Sounds
Approach: Modulate distortion/waveshaper, VCAs, and drum voice CV inputs for unpredictable, glitchy timbres.
Patching Tips
- Random Envelope Decay:
- Patch Quant Output to a drum VCA's decay or release CV for wildly changing tail lengths and transients.
- Random Distortion/Drive:
- Send Smooth Output to control a distortion module’s drive/amount CV, creating unpredictable, evolving saturation over your drum hits.
- Random Gates for Percussive Rhythm:
- Set Rnd to external clock mode and patch Gate Output to trigger drum modules or envelopes for non-repetitive, syncopated patterns.
- Granular Glitch:
- Use Smooth Output to modulate sample position or bit reduction on a granular or lo-fi sampler.
Pro Tip: Adjust the RATE knob to taste—the faster, the more frantic and harsh the modulation.
2. Crazy Dubstep/Drum & Bass Basslines
Approach: Channel the classic "talking"/moving bass sound by modulating filters, wavetable positions, and amplitude.
Patching Tips
- Filter Modulation:
- Patch Smooth Output to a low-pass or band-pass filter’s cutoff frequency. The non-repetitive motion creates constantly evolving bass timbre.
- Use Quant Output (stepped) for sudden, dramatic filter jumps—especially with sync to your beat clock.
- Amplitude & Timbre Chaos:
- Use Gate Output in random mode to fire VCAs/envelopes on bass notes, adding broken-glitch rhythm (think: neuro, halftime).
- Waveshaper/Wavetable Scanning:
- Feed Smooth Output into the wavetable position or wavefolder CV input for constantly morphing bass sounds.
- Subtle Randomization:
- Use the output attenuators to scale modulation amount, keeping the chaos in control or letting it go wild.
3. Haunting Atmospheric Pad Sounds
Approach: Slow, unpredictable motion creates evolving textures and eerie soundscapes.
Patching Tips
- Evolving Filter/Pan/Reverb:
- Patch Smooth Output to the cutoff/resonance of a filter applied to a pad sound, or to the wet/dry CV of a reverb.
- Send the same output to a stereo panner, slowly drifting the sound across channels.
- Clocked Random for S&H Pads:
- Sync Quant Output to a slow LFO or external clock, driving slow-changing but stepped textures (modulate wavetable, filter, or harmony CV).
- Random Layer Movement:
- Use two channels (Smooth & Quant), one for filter movement, another for amplitude or FX parameters.
- Atmospheric Swells:
- Use the internal clock and RATE knob to set the pace of movement—slower for more ominous atmospheres.
Pro Tip: Try stacking several random modulations on different voice layers for lush, morphing backdrops.
General Modulation Strategies
- External Clocking: Sync Rnd’s randomization to your sequencer for “in time” modulations.
- Voltage Scaling: Use attenuators on Rnd to precisely dial in subtle or extreme random movement.
- Cross-Modulation: Feed one random output into a CV-controlled crossfader or mixer, blending/modulating between several modulation targets.
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