OXI Instruments OXI One MKII: Modulation Lanes Unleashed

The OXI One MKII is introduced as a sequencer that goes far beyond simply triggering notes—its modulation lanes are designed to breathe life into otherwise static patterns. The video opens by emphasizing how modulation is essential for creating engaging, evolving music, and how OXI’s architecture provides multiple ways to inject movement, from dedicated LFOs to external CV and MIDI CC sources. However, this episode zeroes in on the modulation lanes, which are presented as the primary tool for automating parameters and shaping sonic motion.

Each sequencer on the OXI One MKII offers eight fully independent modulation lanes, each with its own length and time division. This modular approach means users can automate a wide range of parameters—pitch, filter, volume, or even internal sequencer settings—across hardware synths, DAWs, or modular rigs. The video uses the OXI Coral as a sound source, highlighting how deep MIDI implementation and instrument definitions streamline the process of mapping modulation destinations. The workflow is clearly designed for fast, hands-on creativity, with the modulation lanes serving as the backbone for expressive sequencing.

The walkthrough demonstrates the tactile process of selecting, drawing, and editing modulation lanes. Accessing the modulation section is straightforward: a dedicated button reveals all eight lanes and their MIDI destinations, while the encoder is used for lane selection, muting, and global modulation offset. The interface allows users to quickly visualize and manipulate modulation curves, making it easy to experiment and iterate on the fly.

A key feature is the ability to set minimum and maximum values for each lane, which prevents parameters like filter cutoff from dropping out of the audible range or exceeding desired limits. Randomization is also highlighted as a creative tool for injecting controlled unpredictability into sequences. By adding a touch of randomness, users can avoid repetitive patterns and keep their sequences fresh. The video makes it clear that these tools are designed to encourage experimentation without getting bogged down in menu-diving, staying true to OXI’s hands-on ethos.

One of the standout architectural features of the OXI One MKII’s modulation system is the independence of each lane. Users can set unique lengths, time divisions, and offsets per lane, effectively turning each modulation lane into its own sequencer. This decoupling allows for the construction of complex, evolving rhythms and textures that don’t simply repeat with the main sequence, but instead phase and interact in musically interesting ways.

The video walks through practical examples: drawing a modulation curve, shortening its length, and doubling its speed to create polyrhythmic movement. The ability to offset modulation values—both globally and per lane—adds further nuance, with the distinction between destructive (global) and non-destructive (lane) offsets clearly explained. Smoothing between steps is another thoughtful addition, allowing transitions to be either stepped or fluid, depending on the desired effect. This level of control encourages users to sculpt modulation that feels organic and alive.

The video doesn’t just focus on step-by-step editing; it also highlights creative workflows that leverage the modulation lanes for real-time performance and integration. Live recording of modulation is demonstrated, allowing users to capture expressive parameter changes as they play, overwriting previous automation with each new pass. This immediacy makes the OXI One MKII a compelling tool for both studio and live contexts.

Beyond internal modulation, the lanes can be routed to control external hardware via CV (as shown with the Mimeophon module) or software parameters in a DAW like Ableton Live. The process of mapping modulation lanes to DAW controls is shown in detail, reinforcing the OXI’s role as a central hub in hybrid setups. The video also touches on the modulation matrix, hinting at even deeper routing possibilities for those who want to build intricate, interconnected systems. These workflows underscore the flexibility and integration that digital sequencers can offer when thoughtfully designed.