Probability Sequencing with Sample Chains and Sample Locks

Elektron Gear Octatrack
1

I had idea this morning and was wondering if any others were doing this. Any tips would be great.

Create sample chains with each chain containing samples of a similar element at different intensities plus silent slices sprinkled about. The density of sound vs silence will determine the probability for that chain. Sample lock different chains to each step with an LFO or scene controlling the slice. Thought it would be good for ghost snares and random percussion hits (low probability/lots of silent slices).

Extended to chains of loops using multiple tracks might result in some interesting groove mixing.

Custom LFO, hold at trig, fast cycled, sent to amp to silence different trigs would be another way. Or both could be used together.

2

One idea:

make sample chains contain 31 samples and one silent “slot”. then slice it to 32 slices.

that way, with a random LFO you can control the probability of something sounding:

LFO depth 31: 100% chance of hitting a sample
LFO depth 32: 1 in 32 steps will be silent.
LFO depth 64: ~50% chance of hitting a sample

etc…

I think it works.

3

There was a thread on this very thing about 6 months ago on the old forum.

Shame that searching on this forum doesn’t turn up results/threads on Elektron-Users.

4

Discussed 2 methods here. Both work quite well.

http://www.elektron-users.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=28&func=view&id=228419&catid=9&limit=10&limitstart=0

5

Sounds like a lot of fun to try! Thanks for starting the thread!