Arpeggio's
What is an arpeggio?
Arpeggio is the musical term for the playing of a chord as a rapid succession of notes, rather than simultaneously.
The word is derived from the Germanic arpa, meaning harp. So literally, arpeggio means as played on a harp.
What is an arpeggiator?
An arpeggiator is an electronic device, either stand alone or built into a synthesiser. When a chord is played the notes are broken up and sent as single notes.
What can it do?
An arpeggiator can take the notes you have played and add extra notes an 1-3 octaves above or below. It can change speed, direction as well as the note orders.
What can I use it for?
It can be used to create interesting basslines, backing patterns, melodies, creating music from just a single key press.
Can I use it in my modular?
An arpeggiator is just made for a monophonic or modular synthesiser, as these can only reproduce a single note at a time.
With an arpeggio all keys pressed can be heard rather than last note or highest, it's the nearest thing to polyphony.
Examples of other arpeggiators
Integrated
Juno-6, AN1X, Kawai K5000, Korg Karma
Standalone
MAM MAP1, Oberheim cyclone