Moog Music: Entwined Sequencers – Labyrinth Meets Subharmonicon

Moog Music opens this demo by pairing the Labyrinth and Subharmonicon, two sequencer-rich synths, to explore the unique results of their combined sequencing powers. The focus is immediately on how their respective sequencers, when interconnected, can generate intricate transpositional behaviours that go well beyond what either instrument achieves alone. By syncing Labyrinth’s clock output to Subharmonicon’s clock input, the two machines are locked in step, setting the stage for a patch that’s all about interaction and mutual influence. The aim is clear: to harness these sequencers for a tangled, evolving melodic landscape that rewards creative routing.

Rather than simply running each synth through a standard mixer or interface, the video demonstrates how Labyrinth’s built-in utility mixer can be used to blend both instruments into a single, cohesive sound source. Labyrinth’s VCA output is patched to channel 1 of the utility mixer, while Subharmonicon’s VCA output feeds channel 2, allowing for precise control over the balance and interaction of both voices.

The summed output from the utility mixer is then sent directly to a digital recorder, effectively turning the two synths into a unified instrument. This approach not only simplifies the signal chain but also encourages a more integrated performance workflow, where the nuances of each synth can be shaped in tandem. The video also covers basic tuning and level-setting, ensuring both voices are harmonically aligned before the sequencing games begin.

A key feature highlighted is the quantization available on Subharmonicon’s sequencers. With quantization set to 12-tone equal temperament, the step knobs can be restricted to output voltages corresponding to octave intervals, making it easy to dial in precise transpositions. The range of each step knob can be set to ±5, ±2, or ±1 octave, and the video demonstrates how setting the knobs to noon, fully clockwise, or fully counterclockwise yields 0V, +1V, or -1V respectively—translating directly to octave jumps.

This quantized approach allows for both sequencers on Subharmonicon to output simple octave transpositions, which can then be routed creatively. The demo shows how these outputs can be patched to control either Subharmonicon’s own oscillators or, more interestingly, to transpose sequences on Labyrinth, opening up a world of polyrhythmic and harmonic possibilities.

The resulting soundscape is a testament to the depth achievable when Labyrinth’s generative sequencers interact with Subharmonicon’s quantized transpositions. The video demonstrates how, by moving beyond simple octave jumps and experimenting with different quantization scales and step settings, the system can yield rich harmonic movement and unexpected melodic twists. This patching approach transforms the two synths into a single, generative instrument capable of hours of contrapuntal exploration—an enticing prospect for anyone who enjoys getting lost in modular mazes.