OXI Instruments OXI ONE: Modular Modulation Mastery Unleashed

The video opens with a clear mission: to demystify the CV and gate capabilities of the OXI ONE, OXI Instruments’ flagship sequencer. From the outset, the focus is on creativity and hands-on modulation, positioning the OXI ONE not just as a traditional sequencer, but as a dynamic tool for shaping synths and effects in real time. The interface is introduced as a playground for performance, with the ability to configure outputs and modulation sources on the fly.

OXI Instruments’ approach is unmistakably geared toward the modern modular musician, offering a workflow that encourages experimentation. The OXI ONE’s structure is designed to let users interact with their setup in a tactile, immediate way, setting the stage for a deep dive into its routing and modulation tricks.

The tutorial moves step by step through setting up pitch and gate outputs, using the OXI Pipe breakout module to mirror the OXI ONE’s connectivity. Assigning pitch to a CV output and gate to its corresponding gate output is straightforward, with the system defaulting to logical assignments for quick patching. The OXI ONE accommodates different CV standards—volts per octave, hertz per volt, and even 1.2V/oct for Buchla-style gear—making it a flexible companion for diverse modular rigs.

Velocity control is where things get interesting. By routing velocity data to a dedicated CV output, users can inject expressive dynamics into their patches, such as modulating a filter’s cutoff in sync with note velocity. The video demonstrates how to draw velocity levels directly on the sequencer, instantly animating the synth’s response and adding a human touch to otherwise robotic patterns.

Further refinement is possible by toggling gated behaviour for velocity and introducing randomisation for added movement. The real-time grid feedback provides visual confirmation of CV and gate activity, making it easy to monitor and tweak modulation on the fly.

With the basics in place, the OXI ONE’s trig envelope feature takes centre stage. These envelopes act much like classic ADSRs, but with a twist: velocity defines the amplitude, while gate length determines the release time. This allows for nuanced control over both the punch and decay of a sound, ideal for shaping percussive hits or evolving pads in a modular context.

The video shows how to assign trig envelopes to multiple CV outputs, driving separate VCAs for layered dynamics. Adjusting gate length and velocity on the sequencer directly sculpts the envelope’s behaviour, making it easy to dial in everything from staccato blips to drawn-out swells. Attack time can be set manually or modulated via LFOs or modulation lanes, offering yet another layer of control.

Sustain is handled as a percentage of the maximum amplitude, with velocity setting the ceiling. This approach gives performers a way to fine-tune envelope response for both short and long notes, ensuring that every step in a sequence can have its own character and contour.