Random functions of the Serge TKB sequencer

In this video I demonstrate some uses of the RND input of the Serge TKB sequencer. N.B. the random choices of the TKB are not truly random, but the result of sampling one of 16 values of a fast-running counter. I am using a eurorack build of the Serge, as close as I could get to the 3 panel fixed package of Serge Series ’79, from 1979. Modules (including TKB) are from ARC, others are Random*Source, with added modules for MIDI (Pittsburg), quantiser (2hp Tune), and LFO (Ladik).

1) Random from the keyboard voltage output (KV). Created by connecting a clock (e.g. from USG END output) to only the RND input. This produces one of 16 different voltage levels at a time, separated by approx a major third.
2) The sequencer can still be clocked separately in the usual manner through the CLK input, with outputs from e.g. A B C or D, without affecting the KV output. If the clock going the the RND input is doubled up to a reset input (RST), it will reset the step of the normally clocked sequencer output. I show how this works with two clocks of different speeds.
3) Random selection of the sequencer step. In simple form, this is achieved by sending a clock signal (e.g. from USG END output) to RND input doubled up to a RST input.
4) I show how the wide steps of the KV output can be retuned using a scaleable input, e.g. the bidirectional frequency control input (attenuverter) of the NTO (New Timbral Oscillator). I tune them to semitone steps. The TKB outputs provide a range of an octave and a minor third. Needless to say, a quantizer could also be used in between, to force the pitches to a chosen scale.
5) The row potentiometers of the TKB sequencer can be tuned to minimum and maximum values and used for making logical decisions. The output transitions are sometime not abrupt enough to trigger things, so I put them through a comparator. In this case I use the CMP out of the Divide-by-N comparator (NCOM). I use the output of the comparator to trigger the SAMPLE input of the STEPPED GENERATOR (right side of SSG). The KV output goes to the IN of the SSG, and the STEPPED OUT of the SSG goes to the NTO frequency voltage control.

Of course, this may not be an exhaustive use of random on the TKB. There may be other techniques. Enjoy!

[otoskope]

Thanks Andrew! Some good tricks in there. Learnt something!

[skipp]

Nice to see you back doing some more Serge videos. Gave me some more ideas for using my ARC TKB!

[algorithmicsound]

Welcome to my first Serge video in a long while. A companion to a previous one on Random Walk on the Serge TKB. People who have built modern eurorack Serges may be interested in the set up.