Currently doing work (well… taking a break to make this post) with a semi-randomized patch via DT > Minilogue xd, all 8 MIDI LFOs assigned to different parameters, buncha probability notes on each track. In a second it goes from J-Pop portamento slides, to doom pads, to disco horns. The chaos keeps the mind occupied.
Anyone else do this?
Yes, the A4 is my favorite tool for this 
Sure I’ll make a nice Krell patch when doing my workout or stretching, but I always find myself fiddling with things!
I thoroughly enjoy the process of creating random evolving patches.
OT, AR, DN, OPZ and of course modular are my preferred engines.
Thanks for the reminder. It took some work to find a Bluetooth transmitter that can actually pair with headphones.
As you may be able to guess from the mess on my desk, I’ve got a small and densely packed studio space. Although I have a few sets of wired headphones with long cables, moving around with headphones on is likely to result in strangulation or worse - damage to expensive synths as they fall from their precarious perches.
What is less obvious is that I live in a condo built in the late '70s. Not exactly a high point in construction quality, and the thinness of the walls is evident by the sounds I hear from my neighbors. So big speakers are out - even those little Eris 3.5s push out far too much sound most of the time.
The solution I’ve landed on is good wired headphones when working directly with gear, and then a bluetooth transmitter which connects to a set of bone conduction headphones otherwise.
This is literally the reason Eurorack exists.
Bitwig
True! Mine is a meditation machine.
I often set up something to drone away while I’m working. I’ve used a palette case with various modules, 0-coast, Octatrack, Drone Commander for this so far, usually with Eventide Space. I finding it calming and it’s nice to be able to tweak it every so often and get some variations.
Nice flat RAT @obscurerobot!
Very interested in this. Gonna try this with my NDLR (8 midi lfo’s + arp) and Minilogue XD.
But also looking for good tuts on using software (ipad or mac with Live) with hardware (XD and AR MKII) to create generative stuff.
Most of the time I’m just experimenting a bit, but are there any golden tips for generative sequencing in general?
The easiest way to generate sequences in Live is to create a series of clips and then use probabilistic follow actions.
There are MANY more things you can do with automation and LFOs, but it’s been a few years since I’ve done much with Live.
You can use Bitwig or Numerology, but there is more than enough tooling in Live for mind blowing generative sequences and modulation.
If you don’t mind downloading another software besides Live, you can get VCV Rack. That’s all I use for generative stuff. It’s free eurorack on your computer, with many emulations of IRL modules.
Dunno if that would be your jam but it’s worth checkin out imo. If you don’t feel like making your own patches, you can find plenty of generative patches on Patchstorage.
Edit: if you want ultimate power, you can get the paid version of VCV which lets you run it as a plugin in Live.
Ie. Mutable instruments marbles in VCV sequencing a synth plugin in Live. If I was a DAW user I would grab that in a heart beat.
Great idea using VCV. I could start out small and expand from there. Have thought about a small hardware eurorack for sequencing/generative, but this is a smarter and cheaper option.
Is it difficult to get midi out of VCV to external hardware? Do you need anything else than a usb to midi dongle?
i prefer slightly different approach — using a sequencer with step probability feature (either hardware or software), and programming a quite simple pattern with many low-probability steps.
this gives plenty of variation.
THIS.
(stacking LFOs is my favorite trick hardly possible elsewhere).
I never considered using Midi LFOs this way…
Somewhat along these lines, 20-25 years ago in the height of my circuit bending phase I was always hunting for devices that could be made to be aleatoric. It’s not quite the same as “generative” but there’s a strong similarity.
Once I found some promising bends I’d leave it running until the batteries died or until I could notice any repetition. Very few devices will truly achieve this so it was always exciting when one did.
Fond memories of chilling in my room listening to endless streams of kids toys glitching like a fatal stroke.
That VCV-tip was golden @PineappleDave!
This is exactly what I was looking for, although at the moment I haven’t got a single clue what I am doing most of the time.
Short clip, driving the Cycles with a couple of Instruo-modules and some lfo’s.
@PineappleDave and @Hooger I also bought the VCV Rack 2 Pro version. This is really fun and there is so much variation and creating possibilities. Yes, it has a learning curve but with the help of some YT videos/tutorials (Omri Cohen!) and the good manual I’m climbing the curve really fast. I already looking forward to my next session. Thanks for the tip!
I work more in sampler world so I like using bad timestretch algorithms to stretch simple chord stabs or field recordings into constant drones or whines. With proper loop points and long sustains these can end up lasting into the minutes. Add in a few LFOs and you’re in business!
