SSF Ultra-Random Analog Tutorial Videos by Learning Modular

Published on Nov 30, 2017 Learning Modular

"For more details about using the URA (as well as other modules I’ve made videos for), I encourage you to join the Learning Modular Patreon Tribe: https://www.patreon.com/LearningModular. For more on the Learning Modular Synthesis Eurorack Expansion Project for those exploring what module to add to their system next, visit http://learningmodular.com/eurorack-e..."

Playlist:

1. SSF Ultra-Random Analog 1/5: Overview (LMS Eurorack Expansion)

The Ultra-Random Analog (URA) is a very different take on the classic Buchla 'Source of Uncertainty' module. It is designed to be the clocked centerpiece of a complex random system or patch. This first movie features a brief drone jam using the URA, and then demonstrates each of its major sections:

0:00 short drone demo
1:36 specs & background
2:03 overview of major sections
5:15 sample & hold A
7:02 sample & hold B
9:28 toggle A/B
10:09 R-Flux (smooth random)
11:23 R-Pulse (random gates)
12:00 opto-integrator
13:14 cross-patching

2. SSF Ultra-Random Analog 2/5: Sample & Holds (LMS EE)

This second of five movies on the URA module dives deep into its two sample & holds, as well as the Toggle A/B Out that alternates between them. It is a particularly good overview of those who may be new to the use of sample & holds in general. The video breaks down like this:

0:10 “sample and hold” explained
0:32 sample & hold (S&H) A to pitch
2:35 S&H A to filter cutoff
3:34 sampling an external input
5:51 S&H A to VCO mix
6:44 sample & hold B
7:30 S&H B slew
8:02 external clock
8:52 using the two S&Hs together
10:08 toggle A/B
11:34 voltage-controlled clock

3. SSF Ultra-Random Analog 3/5: Random Gates + Opto Integrator (LMS EE)

This third of five movies on the URA module dives into its random gates & pulses section, including the associated opto-integration which can be used to smooth out those gates or an external signal. The video breaks down like this:

0:00 overview (including internal clock vs. random gates)
0:59 gate density & pulse divisions
3:10 triggering envelopes
6:02 opto-integrator
7:17 integration slope
7:45 processing other voltage sources

4. SSF Ultra-Random Analog 4/5: Random Flux (LMS EE)

This fourth of five movies on the URA module explains how its smoothly fluctuating “R-Flux” section works, including external voltage control as well as using it to add randomness to LFOs and envelopes. The video breaks down like this:

0:00 introduction
0:15 default R-Flux output (including clock rate)
1:25 R-Flux Influence CV (speed of changes)
2:25 R-Flux Probability CV (voltage range)
3:15 adding randomness to LFO shapes
5:08 adding randomness to envelopes

5. SSF Ultra-Random Analog 5/5: Audio Rate Clock Tricks (LMS EE)

This final movie on the URA module demonstrates a few “stupid pet tricks” with its voltage controlled clock: using it as a second VCO; using it to generate pitched noise that tracks the keyboard; and using it as a sample rate decimator to destroy your sound (which again can follow the keyboard). The video breaks down like this:

0:06 using it as a 1v/octave VCO
2:11 patching in a precision adder for octave offsets
2:50 pitched noise source
3:48 sample rate decimator (SR reduction)