OXI Instruments and the Art of Controlled Chaos: Stochastic Mode on OXI One

Stochastic mode on the OXI One is introduced as a playful yet deeply functional tool for generating sequences that are both random and musically useful. Rather than leaving everything to chance, OXI’s implementation lets users interact with unpredictability, freezing patterns when inspiration strikes and letting the machine suggest new directions. This approach positions the OXI One as not just a sequencer, but a creative collaborator, ideal for those who want to inject fresh ideas into their workflow without sacrificing control.

The heart of Stochastic mode lies in its probability grid, where each of the first twelve columns determines the likelihood of a specific note being triggered. Users can quickly select a scale, such as C major, and then sculpt the sequence by adjusting these probabilities, effectively shaping the melodic DNA of the pattern. The interface also features columns for octave spread, gate and division modifiers, and the degree of randomization applied to both pitch and rhythm.

A standout feature is the ability to lock rhythm and pitch independently. By setting the probability to zero, users can freeze either aspect of the sequence, capturing a moment of inspiration while still allowing other parameters to evolve. This separation of control enables a workflow where rhythmic stability can be paired with melodic evolution—or vice versa—making the OXI One particularly adept at generating dynamic, evolving compositions that never feel static.

The video moves from basics to more advanced territory by demonstrating how to create intricate melodies and rhythms. Adjusting pitch probabilities allows for nuanced melodic movement, while the rhythmic modifiers introduce everything from glitchy, rapid-fire divisions to languid, stretched gates. The third column from the right is highlighted for its ability to inject both short, fast divisions and longer, slower gates, offering a wide palette of rhythmic textures.

Octave spread and velocity randomization further expand the sonic possibilities. By tweaking these parameters, users can generate sequences that feel organic and ever-changing. The workflow remains fluid: patterns can be shifted, locked, or subtly altered on the fly, and the interface encourages experimentation without menu-diving. This section underscores how OXI’s design philosophy—hands-on, immediate, and musically aware—translates into real-world creative power.

Stochastic mode isn’t just about internal randomness; it’s designed for deep modulation and integration. The video showcases how parameters can be modulated via the OXI One’s two LFOs, four mod lanes, external MIDI mappings, and even CV input. This opens the door to advanced generative techniques, such as using a sample-and-hold LFO to periodically shift probabilities, ensuring sequences remain lively and unpredictable. The mode also harmonizes well with polyphonic and chord tracks, making it a versatile tool for both solo explorations and complex arrangements. OXI Instruments’ commitment to creative flexibility is on full display, positioning Stochastic mode as a central feature for anyone seeking to blur the line between composition and controlled chaos.