Random

What Is Random Voltage?

Random sources generate unpredictable control voltages. They’re great for modulation that feels organic, generative, or just straight-up chaotic. Some random is stepped (changes suddenly), some is smooth (drifting), and some is clocked (S&H-style).

Types of Random

  • Stepped Random: Sudden voltage changes – often clocked or sampled.
  • Smooth Random: Like a drunk LFO. Gradually drifting signal.
  • Quantized Random: Random CV snapped to a musical scale or volt-per-octave step.
  • Boolean / Gates: Random triggers or gates – like coin flips, bursts, or probabilistic clocks.

Uses in a Patch

  • Random pitch (quantized or not)
  • Wiggly modulation for filters or wavefolders
  • Creating generative melodies or textures
  • Trigger random drum patterns or ratchets

Random isn’t just for weirdness – it’s for variety. Add a little unpredictability and your patch starts breathing.

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