Analogue Solutions Oberkorn sequencer - Manual (Page 4)

Oberkorn User Manual
4 ABOUT THIS MANUAL AND ABOUT ANALOGUE GEAR | Analogue Solutions
WHAT IS AN ANALOGUE SEQUENCER?
My definition of an analogue sequencer (since others may slightly disagree) is a device that
will sequentially output a series of varying voltages (CVs) and gate conditions over time.
Sequencers (and when I use this word I will always be referring to analogue ones unless I
state otherwise) will typically be 8-16 steps.
The Oberkorn has 16 steps.
To be a true analogue sequencer the output voltage must be unquantised, otherwise it’s
digital! Digital means discrete steps. Oberkorn’s CV outputs can be swept smoothly from
zero to full output level.
At each step you can change the voltage at the output socket and set whether a trigger /
gate pulse is sent out.
Each step therefore has a potentiometer to change the voltage and a switch to change gate
status.
As the clock runs the sequencer sequentially through each step (usually from one to 16), the
state of the pot’s and switches is output at the sockets.
THAT’S ALL VERY WELL (AND TECHNICAL) BUT WHAT WOULD I USE IT FOR?
Traditionally (back in the 70’s when they where first developed) you would be writing all your
electronic music with them. Melodies, bass lines etc.
But these days you have MIDI sequencers and software that can deal with all that.
But sequencers still provide a different experience when creating music. Don’t think about
‘writing melodies’ with a sequencer. It’s more organic than that. I think the best way to use a
sequencer in your set-up is to hook it up to a synth that has CV/Gate sockets (like our
Telemark, which is perfect for the job). Ideally sync up some sort of drum machine too (we
can supply drum modules and other devices here). Start the sequencer.
Then your tune will evolve. Tweak the sequencer controls and switches, and those of your
synth. Change the drum pattern. After some time, you will just suddenly hit on a perfect