VCNO - VC Noise Oscillator 2023
The VCNO’s Linear Feedback Shift Register generates sequences made of pseudorandom square waves. As long as the frequency of these progressions is above the audio spectrum, humans perceive them as white noise. Lower values lead to digital sounding results. Pseudorandom means that, eventually, the sequence will repeat. However, at a speed of 120 BPM, this would take several months to happen.
The sequences’ frequency can be adjusted via a potentiometer. Additionally, there is a pitch CV input plus bipolar attenuator, which works either in a linear or exponential fashion. A jumper on the module’s circuit board decides which mode is used. Alternatively to the internal clock, users can feed an external signal to the VCNO. Sound generated by the LFSR is emitted at the noise output.
Furthermore, the signals are fed into several processing stages. Results can be tapped off three additional connectors. Scrch (Screech) delivers aggressive, howling sound, which is adjustable in pitch via another jumper on the circuit board. Sizzle removes individual square waves from the audio material. A potentiometer is used to determine the degree of processing. The outcome ranges from white noise to the sound of steak roasting on a barbecue grill and vinyl crackles. The Tear output emits dark colored noise, which appears kind of defective.
Last but not least, the VCNO comes equipped with a connector, which spits out random gate signals. – Great for triggering drum voices like hi-hats or percussion modules.
