Gen by ELPHNT

Gen is an M4L device created by Ableton certified trainer ELPHNT. Its a tool that allows you to create infinite amounts of sound with a click of a button. The device is a convolution of various different synths and effects, that all their parameters can be immediately randomised by a single button. When the user finds a sound that they like after clicking the randomiser button, they can do some further fine tuning with some parameters given. This device is not free and it can be bought in ELPHNT’s website here.

This device is relevant to my research and project, because it utilises the same concept of using a single button for all parameter manipulation. As its explained in the video, Gen’s purpose is to inspire the user with fresh ideas, helping you to create sounds you didn’t think to create. My objective with my device is very similar to the one of Gen, so it was very useful to find this device and to compare my ideas with it. But to be honest I found this device to be sonically boring, it just utilises very simple subtractive synthesis techniques. From all the examples shown in the video I didn’t think any of the sounds created were interesting. Gen is a good source of inspiration for my project, but I want mine to actually produce some interesting sounds. I’ll achieve this by taking more risks and utilising less conventional synthesis and modulation.

The most inspiring idea I did get from this device is the fact it also implements effects to the mix, randomising their parameters as well. I would like to implement effects into my idea, so there is more resources to create interesting sounds from each random process. Making my device less predictable.