ADDAC 511 Stochastic Voltage Generator

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"ADDAC has added a really promising voltage generator to the line-up, which is labelled 'stochastic'. There are roughly three levels of randomness covered by the module. The first is traditional random voltage we know from sample and hold circuits. Then there's aleatoric, which is more controlled e.g. by using a scale and time signature variations. Aleatoric is about throwing dice, but these are used to generate variations in a stream of scaled notes. The final mode is 'stochastic' where a composition is created by setting rules and boundaries that would sculpt the composition. This can go as far as introducing chances of individual notes, scale changes and key changes, but also includes generation of expressions and envelopes. While this is still unnatural, it mimics a performance of a natural player.

The 511 has four channels with gate/CV outs, there's an internal clock, but are four external clocks to drive all kinds of events. You have eight CV inputs to add external influences and there are three logic outputs which will support conditional boolean events, counters and clocks. This is simply not a module I can explain in 20 minutes and a 60+ page manual is inevitable.

Compared to competitive modules like the SIG and the Melodicer, the 511 is prepared to design first, and play later. The others are more for live improvising with generative parameters, where the 511 lets you prepare the parameters with three states per preset, and each preset can be a movement in your performance. It all sounds like a lot of work, and it is, but IMHO the 511 is currently the most powerful generative module in eurorack.

I also need to say that there's a LOT of code involved. There's a menu per button approach, but still, there are a lot of buttons. This also applies to the SIG and honestly it could use a menu. I still haven't figured out the SIG. Melodicer is super easy, but it can only generate one CV/GATE pair.

Since it's also brand new, there may be updates. If you don't have the patience of an early adopter, I'd recommend sitting this one out."

See the announcement post here.