F_GENSEQ

F_GENSEQ – Generative Probability Sequencer

F_GENSEQ is a compact generative sequencer built around probability, repetition, and controlled randomness. Instead of programming fixed step values, F_GENSEQ generates evolving musical patterns from an internal pool of notes, using probabilistic rules that shape when notes play, repeat, or remain silent. The module is designed for generative melodies, evolving basslines, ambient sequences, and rhythmic pitch modulation. In WINDOW mode, variation is stable within a cycle and only changes when explicitly regenerated or when the window position shifts. In PURE mode, the pitch is freshly randomized on every clock tick.

At the core of F_GENSEQ lies a fixed internal 64-step pitch pool. This pool defines the musical material of the sequence and is interpreted by the controls, rather than being continuously regenerated. Once created, this internal sequence remains unchanged until a RESET operation is performed. This makes sequences persistent, repeatable, and suitable for composition and patch-based workflows.

Clocking

F_GENSEQ can be driven by an external clock or by its internal clock. If the CLOCK input is connected, the external signal is used. If no cable is connected, the internal clock becomes active. The internal clock speed is set using the BPM knob. The DIV knob determines how the clock is subdivided or divided depending on whether an internal or external clock is used.

RESET (Sequence DNA)

The RESET input and button both generate a completely new internal sequence. When triggered, the 64-step pitch pool and the per-step probability distribution are rebuilt, creating a new musical “DNA”. Playback position and internal counters are reset at the same time. In WINDOW mode, this results in a new repeating sequence built from fresh material. In PURE mode, RESET refreshes the random generator state so that the stream of pitches immediately changes character.

The internal sequence is stored as part of the patch. When a patch is saved and later reloaded, the exact same 64-step pitch pool and probability mask are restored. This means musical results are fully repeatable. The sequence will remain unchanged across reloads until RESET is used again.

PAUSE

The PAUSE button freezes the sequencer immediately. While paused, the module stops responding to clock pulses, stops emitting gates, and holds the last generated pitch at the PITCH output. This allows momentary silence without losing the current sequence position. PAUSE can also be controlled via the MOD matrix. When modulated, the PAUSE button visually follows the incoming control signal.

F_GENSEQ operates in two modes selected by the MODE switch.

PURE Mode

In PURE mode, each clock pulse generates a new random pitch within the selected range. No 64-step pool or windowing logic is used. This mode is ideal for continuously evolving random melodies and modulation signals where repetition is not required.

WINDOW Mode

In WINDOW mode, F_GENSEQ uses the fixed 64-step pitch pool. A movable window scans across this pool, producing repeating but slowly shifting patterns. This mode behaves most like a musical sequencer, balancing repetition and variation.

WIN (Window Length)

The WIN knob sets how many steps are played from the pool before the window loops. Short window lengths create repeating motifs, while longer windows produce more linear melodic phrases. WIN can be modulated via the MOD matrix.

HOLD (Cycles)

The HOLD knob determines how many full window cycles repeat before the window position shifts. Increasing HOLD stabilizes patterns and slows harmonic motion. HOLD = 0 disables window shifting entirely, causing the same sequence segment to repeat indefinitely. HOLD = -1 selects a random hold length for each segment. HOLD can be modulated via the MOD matrix.

SHIFT

The SHIFT knob controls how far the window moves through the 64-step pool once the HOLD count is reached. Larger values result in more dramatic melodic changes. SHIFT can be modulated.

Probability Controls

PLAY

PLAY sets the global probability that an enabled step will produce a note. Even if a step is otherwise valid, it will only fire if this probability test succeeds. PLAY introduces rhythmic variation and sparsity.

RAND

RAND sets the probability that, in WINDOW mode, a step ignores the window note and plays a random pitch instead. This adds controlled chaos on top of structured patterns.

STEP PROB

STEP PROB does not change the pitch pool. Instead, each step has a fixed random value assigned when the sequence is generated. STEP PROB acts as a threshold that mutes steps whose value exceeds the knob setting. This allows live density control without altering the underlying sequence.

Pitch Generation

RNG (Range)

RNG sets the pitch range in octaves for random note generation and for generating the 64-step pool. A value of 0 still produces one octave to avoid silence.

SCALE

SCALE enables pitch quantization. When OFF, pitches are chromatic. Other positions constrain notes to musical scales, interval sets, and chord structures such as Major, Minor, Power, Sus, Major 7, Minor 7, and Dominant 7.

ROOT

ROOT sets the key center for quantization. When SCALE is OFF, ROOT has no effect. When SCALE is enabled, ROOT transposes the quantizer so the same scale structure can be used in different keys.

TRANSPOSE (Modulation Target)

TRANSPOSE is a dedicated modulation target that applies true 1V/octave pitch transposition after note generation and before quantization. A modulation of +1.0V transposes the pitch by exactly one octave. TRANSPOSE shifts pitch height without changing the scale structure, making it ideal for octave shifts, keyboard tracking, and harmonic movement. TRANSPOSE operates in both normal and TEST modes.

BPM

BPM sets the internal clock tempo and is ignored when an external clock is connected. BPM can be modulated.

DIV

DIV sets time scaling in powers of two. With an internal clock it multiplies the rate, and with an external clock it divides incoming triggers.

MOD Matrix

F_GENSEQ includes eight modulation slots. Each slot consists of a CV input and an assign button. Multiple modulation sources can target the same parameter and are summed.

Outputs

PITCH

The PITCH output provides a 1V/octave control voltage corresponding to the generated note. The pitch is latched until the next note event and held during PAUSE.

GATE

The GATE output emits a short trigger pulse whenever a note is generated.

TEST Mode (Scale Verification)

TEST mode disables all randomness and allows deterministic inspection of scales, interval sets, and chord structures. TEST = 1 steps through allowed scale tones in order. TEST = 2 plays a chromatic sequence and applies quantization. TEST mode does not alter the stored sequence and exits cleanly back to normal operation.

Design Philosophy

F_GENSEQ is not a traditional step sequencer. It is a probability-driven musical system built around persistent musical material and live interpretation. RESET finds new material, the controls explore it, and saving a patch commits the result.