Protoseq for VCV Rack

Modular implementation of the Gina's ARP algorithm.

VCV Rack plugin centered around Gina's ARP. It combines register-based arpeggiation, CV control, clocking and cadence sequencing.

Gina's ARP

Gina's ARP module
Click for explanatory image

Gina's ARP receives a pivot note and generates melodic output from key, mode, range, oddities, seed behavior, and arpeggio length. The engine favors stable notes in low registers and opens the melodic vocabulary as the register rises.

  • V/OCT In: pivot note input.
  • Clock In: advances the arpeggio.
  • Gate In: enables phrase output while high.
  • Range: controls registral opening.
  • ODTS: controls oddity amount.
  • Seed: 0 produces mutable behavior; fixed values produce repeatable behavior.
  • ARP LEN: controls return length and phrase cycle.

ARC

ARC module
Click for explanatory image

ARC provides timing and gate behavior for arpeggiated sequencing. It controls clock timing, gate length, ratchet behavior, and emits a BAR pulse once per bar/cycle.

STP-8

STP-8 module
Click for explanatory image

STP-8 generates pivot movement for Gina's ARP. It uses eight steps, key/mode selection, degree and octave controls, sequence length, seed behavior, playback direction, and random generation based on tonality.

Quick start

Protoseq for VCV Rack can be patched from a sequencer module or from a keyboard/MIDI-CV module. ARC provides the clock and gate behavior. Gina's ARP receives the pivot note and generates the melodic output.

Basic patch with STP-8

Basic patch using ARC, STP-8 and Gina's ARP
  • ARC BAR OutSTP-8 BAR In
  • ARC GATE OutGina's ARP GATE In
  • ARC CLOCK OutGina's ARP CLOCK In
  • STP-8 V/OCT OutGina's ARP V/OCT In
  • Gina's ARP V/OCT Out and GATE Out → synth voice

In this patch, STP-8 generates the pivot movement and Gina's ARP turns each pivot into an arpeggiated phrase. ARC keeps the phrase moving and sends the bar/cycle pulse back to STP-8.

Keyboard / MIDI-CV patch

Keyboard patch  using MIDI-CV, ARC and Gina's ARP
  • MIDI-CV V/OCT OutGina's ARP V/OCT In
  • MIDI-CV GATE OutARC Play Gate 🎹 Input
  • ARC GATE OutGina's ARP GATE In
  • ARC CLOCK OutGina's ARP CLOCK In
  • Gina's ARP V/OCT Out and GATE Out → synth voice

The MIDI gate controls ARC's Play Gate 🎹 input. ARC runs its clock and sends clock/gate output only while this gate is high, so the phrase starts when a key is pressed and stops and resets when the key is released.

Changes of a single decimal in the seed generate completely different phrases and melodies.