Monday, July 29, 2013

New recording application with creative effects

My new application for iPad continuing series of applications for professional sound processing has been submitted for review in App Store.



Master Record it is easy to use recording application with convenient controls and very creative effects like analog tape recorders will gives your music warmth and natural sounding professional grade quality.



This application is my second project together with a professional sound engineer Andrew Startsev who has been developing and producing audio devices and software for audio recording and mastering for many years.

Details about this application will be here:

http://audio-mastering-ipad.com



Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Two great video review

Two great video review how to work with MIDI Pattern Sequencer from iOS MARS.

Getting Started with mSequencer (MIDI Pattern Sequencer)

Here is a tutorial on how to get started with mSequencer (MIDI Pattern Sequencer). In this video I use mSequencer to control all 8 channels of Korg’s iPolySix via virtual midi. This video doesn’t even begin to touch what a great app this is. If there is interest in it, I will definitely be making more videos on some of the more advanced procedures you can use as well as a lot of other options I couldn’t get to in this video. 




Introduction to Automation in mSequencer (MIDI Pattern Sequencer)

In this tutorial I show how to use the automation part of mSequencer (MIDI Pattern Sequencer). I control both Animoog and Korg iMS-20 with mSequencer and automate some knob turns in each app.






Friday, May 10, 2013

Audio Mastering available on the App Store

Audio Mastering, the first fully functional audio mastering application for iPad available on the Apple App Store.






Audio Mastering on iPad demo:




More details: audio-mastering-studio.blogspot.com



Monday, May 6, 2013

Audio Mastering Studio submitted to App Store

Audio Mastering Studio submitted to App Store. Once this application will be tested, it will be available for download. About a week if all will be ok.

New application site and first demo of the real sound processing:

audio-mastering-studio.blogspot.com



Friday, April 26, 2013

Audio Mastering Studio for iPad

If the MIDI Pattern Sequencer it's near to beginning of music creation, my new project - Audio Mastering Studio it's the final touch of recorded track. The tool that gives the final polish the recorded composition.

So, very soon will be available in App Store the first fully functional audio mastering application for iPad. For everyone who wants to make own music tracks professional quality. Based on the same algorithms which used in professional plug-ins this application turns your iPad into a real mastering studio.

This project is done in cooperation with a professional sound engineer Andrew Startsev who has been developing and producing audio devices and software for audio recording and mastering for many years.


Click on image to enlarge

This all-in-one tool lets you process sound, converts audio formats, change sample rate, convert bit depth, cut part of track for demo or preview and make fade-in and fade-out.

With very easy and clear interface you can tweak all controls in real time and hear final result right away. All settings will be stored for each track and you don't lose accidentally the best sounding of your composition. Also this feature allows you to upbuild common style for all tracks of your album and finalize all of them at once.

Built-in presets for popular styles allow you to quickly find the general mood of composition and slightly tweak to get a better result. If you have own preset that you want to use for future you can save it in one of presets hotkey.

The four components of audio mastering:

  • Linear-phase 10-bands graphic Equalizer based on phase shifts that has unique soft sound very close in sound to the quality analog devices.
  • Harmonic Saturator with three sets of harmonics will give more fatness and warm in your sound something like a tape recorder.
  • Stereo Imaging takes control of sound space of your composition and lets make sounding wider or narrower in each of three bands.
  • Loudness Maximizer can increase RMS of your track to give a powerful sounding without audible distortion.

Carefully using all features of this application you will be able to reach a new level of quality of your music.



Monday, March 18, 2013

New version 1.3 has been released

Whats new in this version:

  • Last step option allows set length of measures to define Time signature other than 4/4.
  • For song possible to set In/Out markers and use loop playback mode.
  • Some minor bugs were fixed.

MIDI Pattern Sequencer manual was updated.




Know more about features for experiments with rhythmic patterns.








Monday, March 11, 2013

Colors of sequencer

More details about sequencer see in manual.




New upcoming version 1.3 almost ready. Can set Last step from 5 to 16 in each measure of pattern. It's allows set the time signature other than 4/4. Also added song In/Out markers and loop playback mode.



Thursday, March 7, 2013

Monday, March 4, 2013

New version 1.2 has been released

New version 1.2 already available in App Store! Many new, advanced features. One more step to perfection :) Here is a list:

  • MIDI presets can set initial parameters for tracks such as Bank/Program and CC/RPN/NRPN controllers (learn mode available).
  • Presets can be sent at start of playback/recording or at selecting pattern/song or sent at any time using hotkey.
  • Hotkeys panel is available in any mode with buttons Start/Stop playback, Send presets, Clear track, Clear automation.
  • Hotkey to lock external input to prevent unintended changing pattern notes and automation.
  • Export complete song or individual patterns to MIDI files (include automation).
  • Possibility upload and download complete project files to copy on another iPad or backup.
  • Access through any Web browser to MIDI and project files in local WiFi network.
  • Copying entire measure or defined area to clipboard and paste in specified position.
  • Changing number of patterns in project and song pages (increase). 
  • Fixed some minor bugs.


Also manual on this site was updated.

If you like this sequencer and you are waiting for its further development, please support this project. You can leave review and rate this app in App Store, write some words about this project to Facebook or Twitter or recommend it on any forum that you read.

Your feedback is very important for me, if you found a bug or have any suggestions how to make this app better please write me using the feedback form.







Monday, February 18, 2013

A small preview of the new version 1.2

Now it's being tested and will be submitted to App Store very soon.

Has several great new additions -

  • MIDI presets include Bank/Program change and list of CC/RPN/NRPN controllers that can be sent at start of playback patterns and song, when select song/pattern or can be sent manually.
  • Export patterns and songs into MIDI files (include automation) and sharing MIDI or entire project files through iTunes or Web access. Using web access you can copy files through any web browser to computer and exchange (or backup) project files between iPads.
  • Added new Hotkeys panel with operations that can be used in any mode (play, stop, send presets, clear track, clear automation).
  • Also some others additions (copy/paste measures, increase number of patterns and song pages in the project) and small bug fixes.




Monday, February 4, 2013

MIDI Pattern Sequencer and Korg iELECTRIBE on iPad

Make a pattern with MIDI Pattern Sequencer and Korg iELECTRIBE on iPad. Simple example how to make a drum tracks and use automation. Sequencer uses virtual MIDI to control iELECTRIBE.



Saturday, February 2, 2013

New version 1.1 available in App Store

Many new and useful additions. See manual for more information (manual also updated a quite frequently).


I didn't stop on this. Already have plans for version 1.2. Please use feedback form for question, suggestions or bug report.

If you like my Sequencer, please leave a good review (or rate this app) in App Store. If not, just wait for the next version :) It is very important for me and for continue of this project!







Friday, February 1, 2013

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Experiments

If you are looking for new ways of your creativity try some advanced features of sequencer for experiments with rhythmic patterns.

First, the sequencer can playback correctly several patterns together even if they have different length and time signature (last step). Create several of such patterns and you can get a long and not repeating sequence.

You can specify the pattern length and last step in "Pattern settings". Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [Pattern settings]

Second, you can use "Shift clock" function to change start clock of events and clocks in gate time. Path:

[Pattern] - [Edit cell] - Track title or Cell - [Shift clock]

With this function you can adding a "Swing" (or "Shuffle") to the track or go even further and shift first clock randomly for each event or with specified step.

 

Also use the track automation to change parameters of sound during pattern playback. Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [Automation]

Maybe at first try it will sounds very unusual or even horrible but if you ready to experiments, try to use these functions to create new rhythms and perhaps even melodies.


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Pattern settings

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Shift clock

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Automation settings


[ Table of contents ]



MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Song playback

You can start playback of current project song in "Transport" mode. Path:

[Song] - [Transport]

 

Control panel buttons:

[Set BPM] - Set current BPM for song. In status line after BPM value displayed synchronization status:

  • Int - Internal sync mode (MIDI sync can send to external devices/applications).
  • Ext - Sync with external MIDI clock source. Number shows external BPM.
  • Non - External sync is lost or missing.
  • Err - External sync out of range (30 - 240 BPM) or not stable. Sometimes it may appear at the beginning of sync.

Hint: BPM value for song can differ from BPM of patterns that song contains. When you add first pattern to empty song BPM will set to the pattern BPM value. All next added patterns will not changing this value.

[Rewind] - Returns playback pointer to beginning of song. Also you can use it during playback.

When the "Loop mode" is enabled the "Rewind" button will returns playback pointer to "In" marker position if pointer located after it, or to beginnnig of song if before. Next clicks will toggle the pointer between beginning of song and "In" marker.

[Play] - Playback of current song. Indicator on "Play" button shows that current song is playing.

Hint: By default playback of song starts from beginning. You can change this mode to start playback from current pointer position. These options are located in pattern editor settings. Path:

[Settings] - [Pattern editor]

When the "Loop mode" is enabled the "Play" button will starts playback from "In" marker position if pointer located after it. If playback pointer located before "In" marker playback will starts from beginning of song (by default) or from current location of pointer. After reaching the "Out" marker playback will continue from "In" marker.

[Stop] - Stops playback.

[Loop mode] - This mode allows play song in loop between "In" and "Out" markers. Indicator on this button shows that current mode is active.

[Set In] - Set "In" marker in current location of pointer.

[Set Out] - Set "Out" marker in current location of pointer.

Hint: During playing you can use Mute ("M") and Solo ("S") buttons at the end of each track to switching off playback one or several song tracks - Mute mode, or play only one song track - Solo mode.

Song length and last step:

You can set song length and last step for all song patterns in "Song settings" section. Path:

[Song] - [Transport] - Track title - [Song settings]

"Measure last step" parameter defines last step (last cell) for each measure of song. If this checkbox is set the "Last step" value will be taken from the first pattern added to empty song. All next added patterns will not changing this value and will be used current value.

You can define "Last step" for entire song manually by switching off checkbox.

More details about "Last measure" see in section "Pattern settings". Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [Pattern settings]

"Last measure" option defines total measure for playback. Playback of song will be stopped after last measure.

By default this value will be calculated automatically in depending of last used measure cell in the song. You can set this value manually by switching off checkbox.

Please note: Song playback pointer and "In"/"Out" markers can't be placed after last measure.

Transport MIDI commands:

When starting and stopping playback the sequencer can send transport MIDI commands (Start/Stop/Continue) to external devices or applications. For that the sequencer should be in internal sync mode and option "Send transport" should be enable. Path:

[Settings] - [Pattern editor]


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Pattern settings


[ Table of contents ]



MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Pattern playback and record

You can start playback or record a pattern in "Transport" mode. Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport]

 

Control panel buttons:

[Set BPM] - Set current BPM which is common for all patterns. In status line after BPM value displayed synchronization status:

  • Int - Internal sync mode (MIDI sync can send to external devices/applications).
  • Ext - Sync with external MIDI clock source. Number shows external BPM.
  • Non - External sync is lost or missing.
  • Err - External sync out of range (30 - 240 BPM) or not stable. Sometimes it may appear at the beginning of sync.

[Real time record] - Sets recording mode for current pattern. For start recording select the track and click "Play pattern" or "Play all". All incoming events from external device/application or internal keyboard will be recorded in current track. Playback loop is defined by "Last step" and "Last measure" parameters. Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [Pattern settings]

To specify external source of MIDI events for recording select input MIDI channel and device. Path:

[Settings] - [MIDI input]

[Rewind] - Returns playback pointer to beginning of pattern. Also you can use it during playback.

[Play pattern] - Playback of current pattern. You can start and stop playing the current pattern during playback of other patterns. When other patterns play the current pattern starts from current position of pointer.

Indicator on "Play pattern" button shows that current pattern is playing.

[Stop pattern] - Stops playback of current pattern but not affected on other patterns.

[Play all] - Starts playback of all patterns together. Indicator on this button will flash when play not all patterns. And will ON when play all patterns.

Hint: Playback of single pattern or all patterns at once by default starts from beginning of pattern. You can set mode when playback start from current pointer position. These options are located in pattern editor settings. Path:

[Settings] - [Pattern editor]

[Stop all] - Stops playback of all patterns.

Hint: During playing you can use Mute ("M") and Solo ("S") buttons at the end of each track to switching off playback one or several tracks - Mute mode, or play only one track - Solo mode.

Transport MIDI commands:

When starting and stopping playback the sequencer can send transport MIDI commands (Start/Stop/Continue) to external devices or applications. For that the sequencer should be in internal sync mode and option "Send transport" should be enable. Path:

[Settings] - [Pattern editor]


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Pattern settings

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Hotkeys


[ Table of contents ]



MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Project settings

Project settings contain parameters common for all patterns and song of the current project. Path:

[Project] - [Project settings]

   

Pattern settings:

At pattern settings you can set the number of patterns in the current project. Click "Set value" to define how much patterns will contain project. It can be from 4 to 16 patterns. By default new project contain 8 patterns. Don't set the number of patterns more than you need, it's not comfortable for work.

Hint: Song of the project can contain not only patterns of current project but also can include patterns from other projects.

Please note: If you reduce number of patterns all data of hidden patterns will be deleted.

Song settings:

At song settings you can set the number of pages in current song. Click "Set value" to define number of song pages. It can be from 16 to 62. By default project contains 16 pages.

One song page contain 16 measures. On 62 pages of your song can contains up to 992 measures. At 120 BPM song will be about 33 minutes long (by default on 16 pages it will be about 8.30 minutes long).

Send MIDI presets:

These checkboxes define at what time MIDI presets will be sent to external output. By default MIDI presets are sent at the start of playback or recording pattern or song. But you can choose where the presets will be sent each time you select a pattern or song. For that set "At select song/pattern" checkbox.

Please note: When you choose "At select song/pattern" checkbox, "At start play/record" checkbox always will set.

If you don't want to automatically send presets, turn off these checkboxes. In this case, you can always send the presets by clicking on hotkey "Send presets" in pattern or song mode.


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - MIDI presets

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Hotkeys


[ Table of contents ]



MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Export project

Operation "Export project" allow copy the project data from one device to another, or make backup on computer. Also, this operation allows you to convert an entire song or individual patterns of the project into a universal MIDI file for use in other desktop or mobile application. Path:

[Project] - [Export project]

 

The application files can be copied to a computer via iTunes file share or you can use internal Web access service to download or upload files.

More about iTunes file sharing see here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4094

Application files:

Complete project files stored in folder "projects" and have extension ".plist". Each file it's one project and contain all data of the project. Name of these files it's unique ID of project.

Please note: You should not change name of this file or its contents.

Project files can be copied to computer through iTunes file share or upload from internal Web access and upload to another device through internal Web access.

Created MIDI files have extension ".mid" and stored in folder "midi" and can be copied to computer through iTunes file share or internal Web access.

Web access:

Set this checkbox to enable internal Web access service. If web service will runs completely you will see the address (URL) that you need to specify in web browser to access this service.

Please note: On your device should be enabled and connected WiFi service.

Internal Web service is accessible only into your local network and can't accessible through Internet or through public WiFi access point.

When you leave "Export project" section or application switches to background mode the internal Web service will be stopped.

Export to MIDI file:

Two checkboxes are selected that will be stored in the MIDI file. It can be complete song or individual patterns. When switching to the patterns, by default will be selected patterns that contain events (not empty).

MIDI file options:

When checkbox "Skip empty track" in on, tracks that not contain events not exported. When this checkbox is off all tracks of all selected patterns will be exported by order starting from track 1 pattern 1 and ending track 8 of last pattern even the track haven't any events.

When checkbox "Merge pattern tracks" in on, all tracks of pattern will be merged in one MIDI file track. If you select few patterns MIDI files will contain separate track for each pattern.

Set checkbox "Export automation" if you need to export automation events to MIDI file. Automation events will be exported with controller number and type (CC/RPN/NRPN) that specified for track.

Output MIDI file name:

Name of the output MIDI file is generated automatically based on your selection (song or patterns). If file with generated name already exists to end of the name will be appended the unique number.

Click button "Save file" to create new MIDI file with current settings.

All created files will show in the MIDI file list. You can delete any of these files or delete all files. To delete one file select this file in list and click button "Delete file". If you want delete all MIDI files click button "Delete all".


[ Table of contents ]



MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - MIDI presets

MIDI presets are designed for initial setup of external sound devices and applications. With these presets you can choose initial Bank/Program and set the value up to 16 CC/RPN/NRPN registers. Presets can be defined for each track of each pattern or tracks of song. Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [MIDI presets]


By default MIDI presets are sent at the start of playback or recording pattern or song. But you can choose where the presets will be sent each time you select a pattern or song. Also you can disable automatic sending of presets and send the presets manually by clicking special hotkey. These parameters you can change in "Project settings". Path:

[Project] - [Project settings]

First two parameters allows to send the initial Bank and Program values for MIDI channel that specified for current track (see "Track settings"). The value will be sent when the corresponding checkbox is on. For some old device required only MSB value for Bank change message. Set this checkbox if it need. To change parameter value click button "Set value" next to parameter.

For more information about Banks and Programs see manual or settings of external music applications or devices.

Hint: At changing values these parameters will be sent to output channel when you close "Set value" panel. This works only when enabled sending presets at start playback/recording.

Init controllers:

The following items are intended to add or modify the list of controllers that are also part of the presets. First field it's short memo for controller. It's not required but convenient to identify the controller.

Set the value and new controller will be added to list. If you select controller in the list you can change its values or delete it click button "Delete current".

Click "Add new" button to add new controller to the list. New controller will be selected in list. Or select the list item and change controller values or delete controller by click "Delete current".

To set controller type and values from external device click button "Learn" and use (turn, move or switch it) external device controller to send messages to sequencer. In the "Learn input controller" panel should display external controller parameters.

Click "Set" to apply controller values. "Close" button will close panel without changing.

Hint: In order to sequencer can receive MIDI messages from input controllers you need to define input MIDI device and channels. It is can be set in "Settings" (top panel buttons) - "MIDI input". Path:

[Settings] - [MIDI input]

MIDI presets for song track:

Besides MIDI presets for pattern tracks you can add presets to song tracks. In this case presets which defined for song tracks will used instead first pattern presets. Path:

[Song] - [Transport] - Track title - [MIDI presets]

Presets for song can be specified for each pattern track that included in song track. By default for song track will used presets that specified in first pattern placed in song track.


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Track settings

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Project settings

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Hotkeys


[ Table of contents ]



MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Hotkeys

Hotkeys panel available in all pattern and song work mode. Path:

[Hotkeys]

   

In this panel placed buttons which used very frequently at recording and editing patterns. Click "Hotkeys" button to open panel, next click closes it.

Buttons "Stop all" and "Play pattern" are the same as buttons in "Transport" mode.

Button "Send presets" will immediately sends MIDI presets (if defined) for all patterns.

Buttons "Clear track" and "Clear CC" clear all events in current track and all automation points (but not settings) in current track. These buttons are convenient to use at real time recording when need to rewrite entire track.

These buttons are available in all modes except "Transport" (where current track not specified). In other modes the current track is specified by the cell pointer or track pointer.

Hint: To prevent accidental clearing all events these buttons needs click twice. The first time you click the button indicator is lights up. If you accidentally clicked the button, click "Hotkeys" to close panel and reset this mode. A second click on the button will perform clearing track.

Lock external:

This button locks the changes pattern events and automations from the external MIDI input (from external devices or application). But keep sending MIDI messages from input to output if "Echo back" mode is on.

The button is very useful when using external MIDI keyboard or controller to prevent accidental changes events or automations in the pattern. Path:

[Lock external]


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - MIDI presets

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Project settings


[ Table of contents ]



MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Pattern settings

Settings for entire pattern can be specified through section that available in settings for any track of this pattern. Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [Pattern settings]

   

First field "Pattern title" intended as short memo or name of pattern. It's not required to specify. This title will be used in all others elements pointing to this pattern. To use this title set the checkbox next to title.

Measures in pattern:

The following two checkboxes specify the pattern length in measures.

When the first checkbox is set the length of pattern will be defined automatically by the last measure that contain notes (without taking the gate time). It's default setting.

Second checkbox defined fixed length in measures. Number of playable measures in pattern can select by buttons from 1 to 16. Measures outside specified length will not play even when contain notes.

Please note: Notes and automation events can be present behind last measure however it will not be playing. Also automation events will be hidden in unused measures but not cleared.

Measure last step:

These buttons allows you specify last step in each measure in current pattern. Ie each measure will play only specified number of steps (cells). So you can define other time signature for pattern. Not only 4/4. As example for 3/4 you need specify 12 as last step. Or 10 for 5/4, but complete measure will consist of two.

Please note: So as several patterns can have different last step and all they can play together BPM always calculated the same way for all. That is, regardless of last step duration (in time) of clocks is the same for all.

When you decrease last step number unused cells in measures will inaccessible and all data in these cells will be cleared.


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Experiments


[ Table of contents ]



MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Track events

Section "Track events" defines parameters of events in current track. Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [Track events]

   

Drum events:

When checkbox "Use velocity for drum events" is on, for drum events velocity defines also as for usual note event in percent from 0% to 100%.

By default this checkbox is off and all drum events in the track have two fixed velocity value for normal event and for accented event.

Next two parameters define fixed velocity for normal (unaccented) and accented events. Click "Set value" button to change this value. New value will be apply to all existing and new events in the current track.


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Editing drum tracks


[ Table of contents ]



MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Track settings

Section "Track settings" defines parameters for each track of each pattern. For correct playback of sequences on external device or application at first you need to set these parameters. At least "Output MIDI channels" and "Current MIDI device" and also "Trigger note" if you use external device or application in drum control mode. Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [Track settings]

   

First two checkboxes in the "Track settings" define where settings are taken. When these checkboxes are off used current settings for track. When first checkbox is on the settings for current track will be taken from previous track. Of course for first track this checkbox unavailable.

Second checkbox allow taken settings from previous (by number) pattern. This checkbox unavailable for first pattern. Previous track, in turn, may also take the settings from another track. This way you can make common settings for all the tracks in the pattern, or even for tracks in all patterns.

Hint: From previous track can be taken all settings except automation settings. Automation always set for current track.

Track titles:

First and second track titles are used as information (memo) about track. If checkbox "Set track title" is on, this title will be set in pattern grid as track title and also will be used as name of track button in other modes (as example for drum pads).

These titles are optional, but additional memo can make work more comfortable.

Track events type:

The next few parameters define type of track. Each track can contain individual notes (each grid cell can contain individual note with pitch, velocity and gate time) or track can contain drum events.

Drum events have a fixed trigger note that will be sent when event plays. Drum event haven't gate time, but can set start clock offset. Velocity for drum events can be defined as accent mark or as usual velocity value (see "Track events").

Hint: When you click "Test play" current trigger note will be sent in current selected output MIDI channel (one or few) on current MIDI device.

Output MIDI channels and device:

For each track should be assigned one or some output MIDI channels. If channel not defined or set incorrectly MIDI messages will not get to destination. But don't assign all channels at once it's also wrong way. For more information on which channel you need to assign, see manual and settings of external music applications or devices.

Field "Current MIDI device" shows device that will receive MIDI messages. This device can be defined automatically or selected from "MIDI devices" list.

By default output device defined automatically. The order of automatically select the device from list of available devices depends on its type:

- External MIDI (or USB MIDI) device (adapters, dock station, etc.)
- Network connection (OSX/iOS network MIDI, rtpMIDI)
- Virtual MIDI device (background MIDI enabled application)
- Own virtual MIDI port created this sequencer

Hint: Click "Auto select" button to set automatically selecting device.

To set one of available output MIDI device from list select this device in list and click "Select device" button. In this case selected device will be assigned for this track constantly. If this device will not connected or application not running before the name of device would be "Offline" and track events will not play.

Hint: Own virtual MIDI device named "MIDI Pattern Sequencer" created for application that can receiving external MIDI messages but haven't virtual MIDI port. In most cases these application can receive messages from this device (as Garage Band for example).


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Editing drum tracks


[ Table of contents ]



MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Shift clock

This operation provides a convenient way to change start clock of events and clocks in gate time. Path:

[Pattern] - [Edit cell] - Track title or Cell - [Shift clock]

Each event in pattern divides on 6 clocks (values 0 to 5). Start clock defines shifting time of event from beginning of current beat (bar). By default it is 0 (no shift).

Gate time defines duration of events and measured in cells (from 0 to 256 cells) and clocks (from 0 to 5 clocks). Drum events don't have a gate time. For these events could be change only start clock.

 

When selected the single cell you can change start clock and gate time only for this cell (or only start clock for drum event cell). When track is selected will be changing start clock and gate time for events, number of which is equal to the step change.

Shift of the event is applied to note and automation controller together. When automation and note events placed in the same cell MIDI messages are sent to the automation controller first and then for note.

Step change starts from cell with number which defined by buttons "Start cell 1" - "Start cell 4" and next cell defined by buttons "Next step +1" - "Next step +4".

For example when select buttons "Start cell 2" and "Next step +2" will change all even-numbered cells.

Hint: Simple way to adding a "Swing" (or "Shuffle") to the track it is change start clock for even-numbered cells. When select default step buttons "Start cell 2" and "Next step +2" you need to select swing range by buttons "Shift clock 0.0" (straight rhythm) - "Shfit clock 0.5" (maximum swing).

Random shift:

More creative component adds by buttons "Random gate" and "Random shift". For random change start clock or gate time clocks select one of these buttons and select range of change by buttons "Gate time 0.2" - "Gate time 1.0" or "Shift clock 0.1" - "Shift clock 0.5". Buttons "Gate time 0.1" and "Shift clock 0.0" don't make random changes.

Adjusting gate time:

Buttons "Gate +1.0" and "Gate -1.0" increase and decrease cells in gate time of current cell or cells in track (in accordance with step changes). Buttons "Gate +0.1" and "Gate -0.1" increase and decrease clocks in gate time.

Button "Reset clock" sets the start clock to 0 for current cell or cells in track (in accordance with step changes) and adds clocks in gate time to complete cell. 

Hint: All of these changes can be made at pattern playback mode and immediately listen to the new rhythm.


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Track settings

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Experiments


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MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Editing drum tracks

For pattern tracks defined for drum events possible the quick edit mode. Click on "Quick edit" button to set this mode. In this mode click on drum cell will be set or reset event. Path:

[Pattern] - [Keyboard] - Track title or cell (drum type) - [Quick edit]

 

In normal mode drum events in current beat (bar) will be set or reset by click on one of pad buttons which assigned for each track.

Play mode:

Clicking on drum pads when select entire track will be sending MIDI messages to output but not changing events in drum track.

Accent drum events:

To accent event click "Accent" button then drum pad or cell in quick edit mode. If the cell was empty accented event will be set or current event will be accented if it is not accented before. Accent mode will be reset after setting the event.

To accent or clear accent for all drum track events click on track title to select entire track and switch to "Edit cell" mode. In this mode button "Set accent" will be set or clear accent for all track events.

Accent or velocity:

Accented or normal event differ by velocity value. In most case it is sufficient to use normal drum events and accented some. But if necessary possible to extend velocity variations. For that set the checkbox "Use velocity for drum events" in "Track events" settings. In this mode can change velocity for individual events or change velocity for all events of the track. Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [Track events]

"Track events" settings also define fixed velocity values for normal and accented events. These settings are individual for each track and pattern.


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Track settings

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Track events


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MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Editing automation

Before creating automation you need enable automation events for track and make setting of automation parameters. To setting automation parameters click on track title in "Transport" mode then click on "Automation" button. Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [Automation]

To set automation event you need switch to "Edit cell" mode, select the pattern cell for which automation event will be assigned and click button "CC on/off" to set automation event in current value or click button "CC set value" to assign and edit event. Path:

[Pattern] - [Edit cell] - Cell - [CC on/off] or [CC set value]


Automation value also will be changing (or will be added) by changing external controller that assigned for current track automation (see automation settings).

To clear automation event click button "CC on/off" for cell which event placed.

Hint: When automation and note events placed in the same cell MIDI messages are sent for automation controller first and then for note.

When select entire track you can change (shift) all of automation events for current track. For that click button "CC change" in "Edit cell" mode. Path:

[Pattern] - [Edit cell] - Track title - [CC change]

All of automation values will increase or decrease at changing offset value. In order to leave automation without changing set the offset value to 0 before close edit panel.

Real time recording:

For recording external controller real time in "Transport" mode click button "Real time record" then select the track for recording automation and click button "Play pattern". All changing external controller will be recorded. But before you need to make setting track automation parameters, assign external controller (see "Learn" mode) and set MIDI input. Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [Automation] - [Learn]

[Settings] - [MIDI input]


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Automation settings

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Track settings


[ Table of contents ]



MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Automation settings

To setting automation parameters click on pattern track title in "Transport" mode then click on "Automation" button. Path:

[Pattern] - [Transport] - Track title - [Automation]

Track automation events will send MIDI messages to output device and channels that defined for current track (button "Track settings"). To enable automation events and sending automation MIDI messages click on checkbox "Enable track automation".


Hint: When this checkbox is set to off automation graph not displaying on the pattern grid and automation MIDI messages will not be sending to output. But automation events aren't removed from the pattern.

Automation title could be used as additional information about current controller (as memo). To use this title in other control elements set checkbox "Set title". Otherwise, for any other automation elements will display only controller number.

Automation controller:

Checkboxes "Automation controller" select the type of output MIDI messages - CC, RPN or NRPN.

To set the controller number click "Set value" button (in the same line).

In the "Set controller number" panel you can select various ways to entering value - Decimal (only MSB for CC controller or MSB and LSB for RPN/NRPN controllers), Hexadecimal or single decimal Number (for all type of controllers).

Controller number for simple CC messages it is one-byte number from 0 to 127. RPN and NRPN controllers have two-bytes number that can be represent as value from 0 to 16383 or two values MSB and LSB from 0 to 127 (or hex values from 00h to 7Fh).

Click to "Set as input" button to set automation controller type, number and maximum value the same as defined for "Assigned controller" (if this controller defined).

Minimum and maximum controller values will limit value that can be set for the automation event. It is useful when you need to change the controller value only in certain range.

Hint: Minimum controller value cannot be greater or equal the maximum value.

Maximum controller value also defines how many data bytes sending in MIDI messages. At values up to 127 will be sent one-byte data (MSB byte only). At values from 128 and up to 16383 data will be sent as two MSB and LSB bytes.

Hint: Usually most of controllers have a single data byte with value from 0 to 127 (only MSB byte).

Assigned controller:

To assign external input controller for track automation click "Learn" button in the same line and use (turn, move or switch it) external controller to send messages to sequencer. In the "Learn input controller" panel should display external controller parameters.

Click "Set" to assign input controller or "Reset" to clear. "Close" button will close panel without changing.

Hint: In order to sequencer can receive MIDI messages from input controllers you need to define input MIDI device and channels. It is can be set in "Settings" (top panel buttons) - "MIDI input". Path:

[Settings] - [MIDI input]

Hint: Assigned input controller can be differ from current automation controller. In this case value from input controller will be sent with current controller type and number.

To reset assigned controller click button "Reset".

Display mode:

Two display mode checkboxes define how automation graph will be displayed on pattern grid. First checkbox also defines how often automation values will be send.

When first checkbox is set, automation values will change smoothly from event to event and each change will be send as output MIDI value. Ie MIDI messages will be sending even between separated events (which are visible on the pattern grid) if they values are differed. When checkbox not set, values will be switched for each next event and MIDI message will be sent only in time of event.

Hint: Smooth changing (checkbox set) very useful when events are set by editing cell through control panel. Path:

[Pattern] - [Control panel] - [Edit cell] - Cell - [CC set value]

Switching mode (checkbox clear) more suitable when automation is recorded from external controller.

Second checkbox defines how automation graph will displays on pattern grid. When it set point of event will displays on entire height of grid or each track automation graph will displays only on own track height.


See also:

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Editing automation

MIDI Pattern Sequencer - Manual - Track settings


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