(OB6 x2): Phase Polytemporality

Published on Feb 13, 2019 Kris Lennox

"Quick illustration of a principle i.e phase polytemporality. Initially it sounds like only one sequencer part (given both are playing the same sequence), but as the tempo drifts, it becomes obvious that we are hearing two parts.

The widest possible polytemporality of this video is too wide/sounds too disjointed, but it is interesting to hear it rather than assume it from a theoretical standpoint.

1BPM variance works very well (i.e 120/119 BPM).

The width of the tempi sounding 'off' is the temporal equivalent of hearing two frequencies of varying pitch: if close enough, the mind will perceive them as one sound; at a certain distance, the mind will start to perceive two independent tones.

Two independent tempi can be confusing - but slight phasing of tempi works great; like a 'detuning of time'.

I've experimented with this quite a bit over the years. I've found that (in general) keeping within 5% of the master tempo appears to give the illusion of phasing, as opposed to two independent tempi.

Given this video is an illustration of a theoretical principle, no musical context here i.e nothing other than the two sequencer lines.

PS the OB6 clock is like a rock - ideal for this kind of thing.

Best
Kris"