The Buchla 266e Source of Uncertainty generates multiple flavors of controlled randomness — fluctuating CVs, quantized random voltages, and stored random voltages

The 266e provides six types of random/stochastic outputs. Fluctuating random voltages (sections A and B) generate continuously changing values with voltage-controlled rate of change. Quantized random voltages (C and D) output stepped values with selectable distribution shapes (flat, medium-bell, bell) and time correlation levels. Stored random voltages (E and F) accept an external CV at the skew input to bias the probability distribution in a desired direction; degree sets randomness depth; chaos sets distribution shape. The module’s name reflects Don Buchla’s philosophy that controllable randomness is a compositional resource, not noise to be eliminated.

Examples

Apply a slow pitch CV to the skew input of section E to create melodic lines that wander around a center pitch; use sections A/B to modulate filter frequency for organic timbral movement.

Assessment

Describe the difference in behavior between a fluctuating random voltage and a stored random voltage. Explain the role of the skew input and what happens when it receives a deterministic pitch CV.