# IO Labs — Flux Sequencer - [Manual PDF](../../manuals/IO Labs - Flux Sequencer - 107 User Manual.pdf) --- [**Download the FLUX Manual PDF**](https://iolabs.co.uk/flux/downloads/FLUX_USER_MANUAL_OPEN_BETA_V1.07.pdf) --- # Using FLUX to Create Distorted Percussive Sounds, Crazy Basslines, and Haunting Pads The FLUX module by IOLabs is an exceptionally deep and flexible sequencer/modulation source for Eurorack, based on Temporal Modulation Synthesis® and packed with advanced modulation, logic, and CV/gate possibilities. Here's how you can exploit its architecture for the type of sounds you want: --- ## General Modulation Approaches in FLUX FLUX offers three primary modulation sources: - **Macro Pots (Manual Potentiometers)** - **CV Inputs (Four Assignable Jacks)** - **Evolve LFOs (85 Internal Per-Parameter LFOs, Savable Per-Preset)** You can mix and match these sources using the **modulation matrix** and three color-coded **mod buses** (Yellow, Grey, Purple), assignable **per-step**! ### Setting up Modulation - **Quick Setup:** In the Main UI, select a parameter, then hit the `MOD` button to jump directly to its modulation nodes (Evolve, Macro, CV in sequence). - You can modulate virtually any parameter per step and per channel: density, curve, value, phase, gate, humanize, mask, CV min/max, envelope, LFO params, quantization, etc. - The Evolve LFO engine offers multiple waveforms—including various random, square, and triangle types, as well as bipolar (invertible) shapes for more expressive changes, plus a VCA-style dry/wet per LFO to control depth or automation. - Macro Pot mapping and CV input mapping are via attenuverters for positive or negative modulation of each parameter. --- ## Distorted Percussive Sounds ### Parameter Tricks - **Density (`DENS`) & Compression (`COMP`):** Push trigger density high and use negative compression/expansion to cause rapid fire/flammed triggers—increase distortion or overdrive in following drum modules. - **Humanize (`HUMA`), Mask, Phase (`PHAS`):** Add randomness for organic "broken" distortion. - **Gate Lengths (`GATE`):** Short/long gate times create clicky versus smeared/overdriven pulses. - **CV Outputs:** Modulate VCA envelopes controlling drum VCAs, introduce random or envelope-controlled transients. - **Auxiliary Outputs in Boolean Modes:** Use AND, OR, XOR logic to interleave or alternate triggers unpredictably. - **Random LFO on Accent/CV Out:** Assign a random or triangle LFO to trigger amplitude tweaks, pitch modulation, or even FM input on external voices for noisy, gnarly percussion. #### Patch ideas: - Use a single-step pattern with high density (`DENS > 32`), long length (`LENG > 8`), then automate `VAL` with an LFO for moving between clustered and spread hits. - Layer two percussion voices (e.g., kick/snare) and use different masks and phase offsets; modulate which AUX output is performing logic like AND/OR for trigger interplay. - Send envelope CV out to a wavefolder or distortion module gated by a random or square LFO pattern for crushed, broken percussive textures. --- ## Crazy Basslines (Dubstep, DnB, Neuro) ### Parameter Tricks - **TM Curve (`CURV`) and Value (`VAL`):** Skew bass notes or rhythmic triggers unpredictably for that chopped/jerky feel—modulate with triangle or sample-hold LFOs. - **CV Modulaton:** Assign LFO, AR-envelope, or even random S+H voltages to filter cutoff or oscillator pitch of your bass voice. Use frequency-synced LFO modulation for classic dubstep LFO-wobble. - **Quantization (QUAN):** For more chaotic basses, reduce quantization steps or leave only a few nodes active per octave for "broken" scales. - **Macro Pots:** Use a macro to sweep filter cutoff, FM depth, or wavefold amount in real-time over evolving step sequences, then automate macro depth to create performance macros. - **Burst Mode:** Use Burst mode with triggers controlled externally—they allow you to retrigger steps/basses for re-syncs or fills typical in DnB. #### Patch ideas: - Automate step CV out mode to `LFO`, sync it to step/trig, and send to a resonant LPF or VCF on your bass synth. Assign Evolve LFO (triangle or random) to `MAXV` and `MINV` for fluctuating LFO depth, mimicking modern growl bass modulations. - Use step-specific quantization and mask with macro/CV assignment to "mute" or "ghost" notes, yielding syncopated, chopped grooves. - Utilize auxiliary outputs set to chained logic modes to generate stuttery gate patterns for gating distortion or bitcrush on your bass voice. --- ## Haunting Atmospheric Pads ### Parameter Tricks - **Long Envelope Mode (`ENV+`/`ENV-` on CV Out):** Program step CV outs as long AR envelopes modulated by Evolve LFOs with slow triangle/sine shapes for evolving textures. - **CV Output Range (`MINV`, `MAXV`):** Automate the voltage range per step to create shifting timbres—perfect for morphing pads. - **Phasing, Compression (`COMP`):** Use subtle negative compression and phase modulation to produce drifting, ambiguous attacks for each trigger—think smearing granular textures. - **Humanize/Mask:** Add low-level humanize and complex mask steps for unpredictable ambience. - **Quantization Nodes:** Turn on only certain intervals per step for modal, non-Western, or ambiguous harmonies. - **LFO’s VCA Dry/Wet:** Fade in/out modulation depth per LFO over time with the per-parameter VCA control, creating swelling/ebbing textural movement. #### Patch ideas: - On a dedicated channel, sequence long 8+ step patterns with low density and widely spaced triggers. Set CV Out to AR envelope, modulate release/attack times with Evolve LFOs, and use the pad's CV to modulate reverb/delay on your effects to simulate distant, breathing atmospheres. - Randomize quantization nodes and automate CV range per step so each new chord or drone step is harmonically ambiguous and morphing. - Stack multiple CV outs routed to different oscillators’ timbral controls, each with different LFO/ENVELOPE settings, for evolving polyphonic pads. --- ### Advanced Tactics - **Boolean Logic for Surprises:** Use AUX logic modes (&, ||, x||, etc.) for pseudo-generative triggers—ideal for both glitchy percussion and unpredictable pad textures. - **Step-by-Step Wild Variation:** Use ALL mode to initialize patterns, then go off ALL and hand-edit irregularities—good for "almost repetitive" sequences that trick the ear. - **Macro + Mod Matrix Automation:** Assign multiple parameters to a single Macro or CV input for one-knob (or envelope) deep transformations across the entire patch. --- ### Additional Resources - [Full FLUX Manual PDF (Official)](https://iolabs.co.uk/flux/downloads/FLUX_USER_MANUAL_OPEN_BETA_V1.07.pdf) --- [Generated With Eurorack Processor](https://github.com/nstarke/eurorack-processor)