OXI Instruments OXI One MKII: Modulation Workflows Unleashed

The OXI One MKII is introduced as a powerful MIDI/CV sequencer, with a particular focus on its ability to breathe life into otherwise static sounds through modulation. The video opens by contrasting a basic, unmodulated sound with a more expressive, evolving one, illustrating how movement and nuance are introduced by modulating various parameters.

OXI Instruments positions the MKII as a central tool for shaping musical ideas, emphasising the importance of modulation in modern electronic music. The sequencer’s workflow is designed to encourage experimentation, making it easy to add expression and complexity to any sequence. This sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the modulation features that follow.

Diving into the specifics, the OXI One MKII now boasts eight independent modulation lanes per sequencer, each acting as its own dedicated sequencer for parameter control. These lanes are complemented by two LFOs, offering a wide palette for shaping sound over time. The workflow is designed to be both fast and visually intuitive, with each lane easily assigned to different parameters.

The video demonstrates how, with a simple setup, users can map modulation lanes to multiple MIDI CCs or internal destinations. The ability to quickly activate, deactivate, and edit lanes using the encoders streamlines the process, making it straightforward to sculpt complex, evolving modulation patterns without menu-diving. This modular approach to sequencing modulation is clearly aimed at those who want hands-on, granular control.

A standout feature highlighted is the ability to draw modulation patterns directly onto the sequencer’s grid. This visual approach allows for immediate feedback and encourages creative experimentation, as users can see and adjust their modulation curves in real time. The grid interface supports global value shifts, sequence length adjustments, and custom start/end points, all accessible via dedicated controls.

The workflow is further enhanced by the ease with which multiple modulation lanes can be layered, each targeting different parameters for rich, expressive results. The demonstration shows how quickly a simple sequence can be transformed into a dynamic, evolving piece by gradually introducing more modulation lanes. This hands-on, visual workflow is a clear nod to those who value immediacy and tactile interaction in their setups.

The video concludes by showcasing the OXI One MKII’s external modulation capabilities, highlighting its role as a bridge between MIDI and modular systems. By accepting up to two CV inputs, the sequencer can route external voltages to both internal and MIDI CC destinations, opening up a world of cross-platform modulation possibilities.

A practical example is given using the Intellijel Planar, with CV from the joystick routed to modulate filter cutoff on a connected synth via MIDI. The external modulation menu is accessed with a simple button combination, and routing is handled directly from the interface. This integration cements the OXI One MKII’s position as a flexible hub for hybrid setups, making it easy to inject modular movement into MIDI domains and vice versa.