ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the use of modular synthesizer rack-units Ornament and Crime CopierMaschine. These are implementations of an Analogue Shift Register as a performative and writing/composition tool. Having covered much of the basic mechanical detail and operation, the chapter presents some performance and writing approaches to use as the basis for improvising using CopierMaschine. It is best to keep in mind that whilst the modules under discussion here are in the domain of modular synthesis, Shift Registers are also available as plugins for Ableton Live, Native Instruments Reaktor Blocks and in the free VCV Rack. Beyond scale quantization, there are also a number of features that offer additional scope to organize and prepare melodic outputs for performance. There is no initial requirement to invest in an expensive modular system to explore this process, assuming one has access to any or all of these software environments.
