MIDIbox SEQ V4User Manual --- Menu Pages
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| Mode | Steps | Parameter Layers | Trigger Layers | Instruments |
| Note | 64 | 16 | 8 | 1 |
| Note | 128 | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| Note | 256 | 4 | 8 | 1 |
| Chord | 64 | 16 | 8 | 1 |
| Chord | 128 | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| Chord | 256 | 4 | 8 | 1 |
| CC | 64 | 16 | 8 | 1 |
| CC | 128 | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| CC | 256 | 4 | 8 | 1 |
| Drum | 64 | 1 | 2 | 16 |
| Drum | 128 | 2 (32 steps only) | 1 | 16 |
| Drum | 128 | 1 | 2 | 8 |
| Drum | 256 | 2 (64 steps only) | 1 | 8 |
| Drum | 64 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| Drum | 64 | 1 | 1 | 16 |
| Drum | 128 | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| Drum | 256 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
- None: the parameter layer has no function.
- Note: controls the key and octave of a step. Notes can be assigned to multiple layers for polyphonic playing.
- Chord: a chord is generated instead of a single note. 32 chords are predefined and can be transposed by +/- 2 octaves. All notes are aligned to C scale, the track transpose function has to be used to play different scales.
- A-C: Major I, Major II, Major III (transposed variants)
- D-F: Root note, 3rd note, 5th note (single notes)
- G,H: Root+3rd, Root+5th
- I-N: Maj6, Maj7, Maj8, Maj9, Maj10, Maj12 (4-note chords)
- O,P: Sus4 and Maj+
- a-c: Minor I, Minor II, Minor III (transposed variants)
- d-f: Root note, 3rdMin note, 5th note (single notes)
- g,h: Root+3ndMin, Root+5th
- i-n: Min6, Min7, Min8, Min9, Min10, Min12 (4-note chords)
- o-p: Co7 and Min+
- Chord2: enhanced chords
- Chord3: our secrent weapon with >100 chords provided by EsotericLabs! 20170623.mp3
- Velolcity: controls the velocity value for all notes/chords of the instrument.
- Length: controls the gatelength of all notes of the instrument
- CC: plays a selectable CC number.
CC#128 (displayed as "off") is initialized by default for each layers. With this CC assignment, no events will be sent, which means in other words, that a valid CC number has to be selected with one of the GP encoders 11..13 to send something. Note also, that after the CC has been selected, one of the GP buttons 11..13 has to be pressed to confirm the CC number change. This handling ensures, that no unintended CCs will be sent while the CC number is changed. - PrgCh: sends a program change event.
- Pitch: sends a PitchWheel event
- Prob: sets the probability that the step will be played (1..100%)
- Delay: delays the step for 1..96 microticks
- Roll: also known as "ratcheting", plays the step 2..5 times with ascenting/descenting velocity (intensity: 0..15). 127 variations are available - great for drum patterns!
The distance between the repeats is predefined to: 48 ticks on 2 repeats, 32 ticks on 3 repeats, 36 ticks on 4 repeats, 32 ticks on 5 repeats. - Roll2: plays the step 2..5 times. Instead of velocity the distance between the steps can be directly controlled.
The first number means, how often the event will be played (2, 3, 4 or 5 times), the second number specifies the number of clock ticks between the events (accuracy depends on number of repeats). Examples:
One step consists of 96 clock ticks. With the 2x48 setting the note will be played at the beginning and in the middle of the step.
With 3x63, the note will be played three times with a distance of 63 clock steps - at 0, 63 and 126. A delay of 126 crosses the step range of 96, so that the last note slips into the range of the second step. This sometimes results into nice, unexpected grooves! :-)In following example, various roll2 parameters are used for the snare drum. Here a screenshot of the 32 step sequence (which is played 2 times): mbseqv3_gl_multi.mp3
- Nth1 and Nth2: this powerful feature has been suggested by Pawaga in the MIDIbox forum, it allows to create long variant patterns which change based on mathematical rules.
A special action will be triggered on each nth bar (Nth1) starting at the 1st bar, or after nth bars (Nth2).
For example for a 4 step sequence "CGDF" with Nth1 values "Pl1, Pl3, Mu3, Pl4" would result into:- Bar 1: CG-F
- Bar 2: C-D-
- Bar 3: C-D-
- Bar 4: CG--
- Bar 5: C-DF
- Bar 6: C-D-
- Bar 7: CG--
- Bar 8: C-D-
- Bar 1: C-D-
- Bar 2: C-D-
- Bar 3: CG--
- Bar 4: C-DF
- Bar 5: C-D-
- Bar 6: CG--
- Bar 7: C-D-
- Bar 8: C-DF
- Pl: Play each nth bar
- Mu: Mute each nth bar
- Ac: Accent each nth bar
- Ro: Roll each nth bar
- Fx: enable Fx each nth bar
- Nx: don't enable Fx each nth bar
- Root: if Root is assigned to any parameter layer of a track, the layer can either select the global root selection ("Glb") or set the root note for each step explicitely.
The global root selection is configured in the FX->Scale page, it's either "Keyb" (for MIDI keyboard entry) or C, C#, ... B The local root selection is C, C#, ... B
Notes and Chords will be transposed accordingly if the track is in Normal mode (and not in Transpose or Arpeggiator mode) - Scale: overrides the globally configured scale of the FX->Scale page for each step.
- Default: the default port as selected in the MIDI configuration page (usually USB1)
- USB1..USB4: 4 independent USB ports are available which are visible for your operating system
- OUT1..OUT4: STM32: 3 physical MIDI OUT ports are provided by the MBHP_CORE_STM32 module. The remaining one is reserved for the emulated MBSEQ.
LPC17: all 4 physical MIDI OUT ports are accessible via OUT1..OUT4 - IIC1..IIC4: to select the optional MBHP_IIC_MIDI ports
- OSC1..OSC4: allows to send/receive events via Ethernet
- Bus1..Bus4: virtual ports. They are used to control the transposer/arpeggiator (see loopback description below), and can optionally be used for the MIDI router function (see description of MIDI configuration page)
- CV1..CV4: the CV output port. See description below
Different sections can be selected before the preset is imported:
Exporting a track: just enter the name - done:
Advantages of using preset files:
- You can store your favourite track configurations, melody lines, drum loops, etc. in separate files to recall them later
- You can prepare drum maps for different instruments
- You can prepare CC setups for different instruments
- You can share the files (which are stored in the preset/ directory) with other users
- You can view and edit the files with a common text editor.
- press MENU+COPY to export all selected tracks into the /PRESETS folder on SD Card. The resulting files are named COPY[track].V4T (the [track] numbers are independent from the actual track position)
- press MENU+PASTE to import "COPY[track].V4T" files from the /PRESETS folder into all selected tracks, starting from COPY1.V4T to (up to) COPY16.V4T
- use these new functions to quickly copy&paste tracks between patterns
and sessions, to create temporary backups, to duplicate tracks, or whatever.
Note that you can also import these COPY[track].V4T files from the MENU->Event->PRESETS menu, e.g. to exclude certain parts of the preset
IIC Ports
The MBHP_IIC_MIDI module allows you to add 4 additional, independent (!) MIDI outputs. Main advantage of multiple MIDI ports is reduced latency (as MIDI events can be sent in parallel), and relaxed MIDI channel handling (for 4 synths you don't need to take care about the MIDI channel at all)
Bus1..4: the Loopback Ports
A loopback port forwards Note and CC events to the MIDI handler of the sequencer itself. This opens a wide range of possibilities, especially for experimental, non-static, self-changing sequences. Classical usecase is a setup of self-modifiying and loopbacked tracks which play completely autarkic for several minutes without an interaction from your side.
When a track sends MIDI notes, it can control the transposer and arpeggiator w/o an external keyboard. For the transposer a single note should be sent, for the arpeggiator either four notes (from different parameter layers) or Chords (from a single parameter layer).
Loopbacks can be send to four busses. Each track provides the possibility to select the Bus to that the Transposer/Arpeggiator should listen. This allows to transpose tracks individually. The MIDI channel to which a note is sent doesn't matter.
A CC loopback allows to control sequencer parameters which are listed in the CC implementation chart. In difference to Note events, the MIDI channel gets an important purpose here, as it selects the target track of which the parameters should be modified. The CC# corresponds with the NRPN LSB number.
Example: Loopback Channel #3, CC#49 controls the Octave Transpose of Track 3
CC#1 has a special purpose, as it allows to control the Morphing parameter, which works track independent. Accordingly, Morphing can be controlled from any selected MIDI channel
Hot tip (1): put the loopback tracks into a separate pattern. This allows you to play different chord lines from a "master pattern" without changing the "slave patterns".
Hot tip (2): clock a loopback track with unqueal divider values, this can lead to surprising results!
In following MP3 sample a loopback track transposes a second track which plays a bass line: mbseqv3_loopback.mp3
From 0:00-0:07 the bassline is played w/ the base note C-3, from 0:00-0:23 the bassline is sometimes transposed by one octave (C-4) (Track Mode->Transpose activated). The loopback track is clocked at 384ppqn/4*16 (4th notes)
From 0:24 I selected an alternative pattern which sends various notes to the loopback port at a clock rate of 384ppqn/4*13 - the result sounds like a live jam on the keyboard, but it was more or less a random effect initiated by the asynchronously clocked loopback track. :)
CV Port (also known as "AOUT Port")
The CV1..4 Port allows you to control the analog outputs of up to 4 chained MBHP_AOUT, MBHP_AOUT_LC or MBHP_AOUT_NG modules. 8 gate triggers are available at port J5A/J5B of the core module (enabled by default in the MBSEQ_HW.V4 file) or (preferred) at DOUT shift registers which is configured in the MBSEQ_HW.V4 file (search for CV_GATE_SR1) - this way you get access to all 32 gates if 4 DOUT SRs are used.
MIDI Channel encoding - each CV port controls one AOUT/AOUT_NG module:
| Event | Chn. | Behaviour |
| CC | 1..8 | (channel itself has no effect) CC Number #16: CV Ouput #1, Gate #1 always set CC Number #17: CV Ouput #2, Gate #2 always set CC Number #18: CV Ouput #3, Gate #3 always set CC Number #19: CV Ouput #4, Gate #4 always set CC Number #20: CV Ouput #5, Gate #5 always set CC Number #21: CV Ouput #6, Gate #6 always set CC Number #22: CV Ouput #7, Gate #7 always set CC Number #23: CV Ouput #8, Gate #8 always set |
| CC | 9 | CV Ouput #1, Gate #1 always set, CC Number ignored |
| CC | 10 | CV Ouput #2, Gate #2 always set, CC Number ignored |
| CC | 11 | CV Ouput #3, Gate #3 always set, CC Number ignored |
| CC | 12 | CV Ouput #4, Gate #4 always set, CC Number ignored |
| CC | 13 | CV Ouput #5, Gate #5 always set, CC Number ignored |
| CC | 14 | CV Ouput #6, Gate #6 always set, CC Number ignored |
| CC | 15 | CV Ouput #7, Gate #7 always set, CC Number ignored |
| CC | 16 | CV Ouput #8, Gate #8 always set, CC Number ignored |
| Note | 1 | Key Value -> CV Out #1, Gate #1 triggered |
| Note | 2 | Key Value -> CV Out #2, Gate #2 triggered |
| Note | 3 | Key Value -> CV Out #3, Gate #3 triggered |
| Note | 4 | Key Value -> CV Out #4, Gate #4 triggered |
| Note | 5 | Key Value -> CV Out #5, Gate #5 triggered |
| Note | 6 | Key Value -> CV Out #6, Gate #6 triggered |
| Note | 7 | Key Value -> CV Out #7, Gate #7 triggered |
| Note | 8 | Key Value -> CV Out #8, Gate #8 triggered |
| Note | 9 | Key Value -> CV Out #1, Velocity -> CV Out #2, Gate #1 and #2 triggered |
| Note | 10 | Key Value -> CV Out #3, Velocity -> CV Out #4, Gate #3 and #4 triggered |
| Note | 11 | Key Value -> CV Out #5, Velocity -> CV Out #6, Gate #5 and #6 triggered |
| Note | 12 | Key Value -> CV Out #7, Velocity -> CV Out #8, Gate #7 and #8 triggered |
| Note | 13 | Velocity -> CV Out #1, Key Value -> CV Out #2, Gate #1 and #2 triggered |
| Note | 14 | Velocity -> CV Out #3, Key Value -> CV Out #4, Gate #3 and #4 triggered |
| Note | 15 | Velocity -> CV Out #5, Key Value -> CV Out #6, Gate #5 and #6 triggered |
| Note | 16 | DOUT drum gates/triggers Notes to CV Channel #16 (C-1, C#1, D-1, ... upwards) will be redirected to up to 64 digital outputs of the DOUT chain. Each key number triggers an individual gate for 1 mS, accordingly this mode is predestinated for drum triggers. The used shift registers have to be defined in the MBSEQ_HW.V4 file (DOUT_GATE_SR1..8) |
Track Instrument Page
This page is usually entered from the Track Event page by pressing GP button #8 (under "Trk.Inst."). Inside the page, you can switch back to the event page by pressing the same GP button.
This page allows to configure following parameters:
- Port: the MIDI port to which the instrument will send (same parameter like in the Event page)
- Channel: the channel to which the instrument will send (same parameter like in the Event page)
- PC: the program change event which will be sent while a track switches to this track.
Note: together with the bank change events the PC event will only be sent if it is different compared to the previous track, since it could cause an additional delay on your synth before the newly selected patch is ready! Note also that the first note could be delayed for this reason, therefore it's recommended to use this feature only if the receiving MIDI device can handle patch changes quickly! - BankH and BankL: the high- and low byte of a bank change CC. They will be sent before the program change if enabled.
- Track Event: switches back to the Track Event page.
- Edit Name:
Track and Drum instrument names can be edited so fast and easy like typing a SMS on a mobile phone. Use the first 10 GP buttons or encoders to cycle the characters (like on a telephone keypad), and the remaining buttons/encoders to select a character directly, move the cursor, delete/insert characters, selecting a preset (with the encoder) and to exit the editor.
Track Mode Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #3)
Allows you to select following options:
- Track Mode:
- Normal: no transpose and no arpeggiator function
- Transpose: Notes and CCs can be transposed with an external keyboard or from a Loopback track
- Arpeggiator: Notes are controlled in a special way: instead of specifying the actual note, you make a note selection and an octave transposition selection. The note is selected from the currently received chord and the octave transposition is relative to that note. Both selections are done for each individual step and are displayed in a special format concisting of note and octave transposition.
The following example shows the notation:
Let's assume the Chord C-3, E-3, G-3, B-3 is played on the external MIDI keyboard and that the pattern
1+0 --- 1-1 --- 1+1 --- 2+0 --- 3+0 --- 4+0 --- 2+0 3+1 2-1 4+2
is entered into the sequencer.
- at the first step the note C-3 (first note, no transpose) will be output.
- at step 3, C-2 (first note, -1 octave transpose).
- at step 5, C-4 (first note, +1 octave transpose).
- at step 7, E-3 (second note, no octave transpose).
- at step 9, G-3 (third note, no octave transpose).
- at step 11, B-3 (forth note, no octave transpose).
- at step 13, E-3 (second note, no octave transpose).
- at step 14, G-4 (third note, +1 octave transpose).
- at step 15, E-2 (second note, -1 octave transpose).
- at step 16, B-5 (forth note, +2 octave transpose).
You cannot imagine how easy it is to setup complex arpeggiator textures when you never tried this by yourself :) - the Session #4 video gives a nice example of some arpeggios which where created within a few number of minutes
When you turn the rotary encoder within the Edit Page to select the "Arp Event" for a step, you may notice events with the format "x*y".
These are Multi-Arp events. They play the appr. step so many times as notes are held on the external keyboard. Each key will be transposed by the specified octave value (-3..+3). Once all keys have been played, the sequencer continues with the next step of the track.
This feature has been explained in Tutorial #4 for MBSEQ V2, and it is still available in MBSEQ V4
Audio Example for Multi-Arp Events: mbseq_tutorial4_3.mp3
- Bus: selects Bus1..Bus4 over which the Transposer/Arpeggiator should be controlled. Each bus provides a separate MIDI port/channel/keyboard zone that can be configured in the MIDI page. Alternatively busses can transfer the output of loopback tracks as described earlier.
Since each track has an own bus assignment, it's possible to transpose tracks individually. - Note: Allows to specify, if the transposer should take the last or first played note
- Hold: the last or first key or chord is held until a new key/chord is played on the keyboard (only relevant for Tranpose/Arpeggiator mode)
- Sort: only relevant for arpeggiator mode: the note stack will be sorted when this function is active (default); arpeggios will be played with notes "as played" when this functions is deactivated.
- ReSt. (Restart): the track is restarted when a new key/chord is played
- STrg. (Step Trigger): if activated, the step progression will be controlled from the transposer
bus, hence it can either be triggered from a loopback track or from an external MIDI device (MIDI keyboard, sequencer, etc.)
Note that each track can be assigned to a dedicated transpose bus (4 busses are available), this allows to control 4 independent step progressions for all 16 tracks. - FTS (Force to Scale): played notes are mapped to the global scale, which can be selected in the Fx-Scale menu page, accordingly only notes are played which match with the selected harmony. This is especially useful when the track consists of randomly generated notes! 127 predefined scales are available!
Nuke created some nice graphics for all scales - thank you!!! - Sustain: omits the "Note Off" event - notes are played endless, independent from the gatelength. Especially useful for strings and pads!
Track Direction Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #4)
Allows you to select following options:
- Forward, Backward, Pendulum, PingPong, Random Direction, Random Step, Random Direction + Step: should be selfexplaining
- Fwd/Back/Replay Progression Parameters: they allow to play the steps in an incontinous order.
For example: "Steps Fwd: 5, Jump Back: 2" will play the steps in following order: 1-2-3-4-5-4-5-6-7-8-7-8-9-10-11-10-..
The "Replay" parameter allows to repeat a portion of steps the given number of times.
For Example: "Steps Fwd: 3, Repeat: x2" will play the steps in following order: 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5-6-4-5-6-7-8-9-7-8-9-10..
Hot tip: My favourite setting is: "Steps Fwd: 5, Jump Back: 3, Replay: 1x"
In following MP3 sample a static sequence has been varied with different Step Fwd/Jump Back/Replay values while it was playing:
And this is how it sounds: mbseqv3_progression.mp3 - Repeat/Skip/Interval Progression Parameters: have been introduced in MIDIbox SEQ V4 to simplify the creation of "Berlin School"
patterns (as known from artists like Klaus Schulze, Tangerine Dream, ...) - the Iteration parameter defines a range at
which a step will be repeated several times, or several steps will be skipped.
For example: "Itv.:4, Repeat:2, Skip:0" will play the steps in following order: 1-2-3-4-4-4-5-6-7-8-8-8-9-10-11-12-12-12-..
Another example: "Itv.:4, Repeat:0, Skip:1" will play the steps in following order: 1-2-3-4-6-7-8-9-10-12-13-14-15-2-3-4-5-7-8-9-10-..
Very interesting results can be achieved in conjunction with the groove function when it controls the velocity at a different interval. Also a second track which controls CC parameters with different track progression can lead to nice variations!
Examples: A simple 4-step sequence is played, and the tone colour is varied from a separate 16-step CC track:
mbseqv4_demo_progitv_len4n.mp3
It sounds repetitive and boring.
Now we set Interval=4 and Skip=1:
mbseqv4_demo_progitv_len4s.mp3
Or we set Repeat=1, so that each 4th note will be played twice:
mbseqv4_demo_progitv_len4r.mp3
Let's try it with a 16 note track:
mbseqv4_demo_progitv_len16n.mp3
Again repetitive and boring!
Let's try Interval=4 and Skip=1:
mbseqv4_demo_progitv_len16s.mp3
Or Interval=4 and Repeat=1:
mbseqv4_demo_progitv_len16r.mp3
Or Interval=5 (uneven) and Repeat=3 (uneven as well):
mbseqv4_demo_progitv_len16x.mp3
Fun! - Synch to Measure: the clock divider, but also the song position and progression parameters will be reset after each measure. This can result into very rhythmically results, try it out with different divider and progression values. The length of a measure (1..256 steps) can be configured in the Options menu.
Track Clock Divider Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #5)
Allows you to select following options:
- Clock Divider: MBSEQ V4 works at a resolution of up to 384 ppqn, which is 16 times faster the MIDI clock standard of 24 ppqn. The divider allows you to clock the track with a fraction of the MIDI clock.
A divider value of 4 clocks the track with normal resolution, accordingly each step plays a 16th note, and the gatelength can be varied between 1..96 steps!
A divider value of 2 clocks the track two times faster, accordingly each step plays a 32th note, the gatelength can be varied between 1..48 steps.
With a divider value of 64, each step will play a whole note (extremely slow, especially useful for strings/pads) - Normal/Triplet: with the "normal" setting, the 384ppqn clock will be pre-divided by 24, whereas with "triple" it will be pre-divided by 16. This results into a triplet timebase, where (for example) 24 steps instead of 16 are played per measure during the same time period. The track length has to be adapted accordingly, or "Synch to measure" should be activated to ensure that the track is in synch with tracks which are played at a "normal" timebase.
Example for a track clocked at a triplet timebase 16T. A bassline with "normal" timebase 16 is added at 0:03, a drumline at 0:07:
mbseqv3_triple.mp3 - Synch to Measure: the clock divider, but also the song position and progression parameters will be reset after each measure. This can result into very rhythmically results, try it out with different divider and progression values. The length of a measure (1..256 steps) can be configured in the Options menu.
- Quick Selection: quick access to most useful timebases. Triplet timebases are marked with a 'T'
Hot tip: try multiple tracks with unqual divider values like 7 or 13 for experimental sequences!
Drum sequence w/ different clock dividers: mbseqv3_clkdivider.mp3
(give the drummer another beer...)
Track Length Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #6)
Allows you to select following options:
- Length: each individual track can play 1 to 32 steps
- Loop: allows you to set a loop point to which the track will jump back once it has reached the end
- Quick Selection: allows you to quickly select most commonly used track lengths by pushing the button below the menu item.
Alternatively a quick selection view for Loops can be activated, which is especially nice for stuttering variations during a live session:
Hot tip: try multiple tracks with unqual track lengths like 3, 5, 13, 15, 27 for experimental sequences!
3 tracks w/ different tracklengths: mbseqv3_tracklen.mp3
First a track with lenght=16 is played, then a second track with length=9, than a third track with length=13. At 0:25 all three tracks are played together.
Hot tip2: The length/loop presets are now stored in MBSEQ_C.V4 file (located in session directory) under the name "QuickSelLength", "QuickSelLoopLength" and "QuickSelLoopLoop". They could be edited with a text editor if you would like to have different values.
Track Transpose Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #7)
Allows you to select following options:
- Octave Transpose: transposes the notes of a track by -7..+7 octaves. If the transposed key value is lower than 0, or higher than 127, the resulting value will be transposed back octavewise until it is within the range of 0..127 again
- Semitone Transpose: push the SELECT button to toggle between Octave/Semitone transpose selection. The semitone transpose increases/decreases the key value by +/- 7 semitones.
Track Groove Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #8)
Allows you to select following options:
- Groove Style: selects a groove template - following styles are available:
- Shuffle: each second step will be delayed by 0..127 micro ticks - this can be controlled with the intensity value.
- Inv. Shuffle: like Shuffle, but steps with uneven numbers (1, 3, 5, ...) will be delayed
- Shuffle 2: each second step will be delayed by a fixed number of microticks (8), each fourth step will be delayed by the value given with the intensity parameter
- Inv. Shuffle 2: like Shuffle 2, but steps with uneven numbers (1, 3, 5, ...) will be delayed
- Shuffle 3: uses following delay sequence: 1:0, 2:8, 3:4, 4:intensity
- Shuffle 4: each second step will be delayed by 8 micro ticks. The intensity parameter controls the velocity
- Shuffle 5: each second step will be delayed by 8 micro ticks. The intensity parameter controls the gatelength
- Custom #1..16: configurable styles
- Intensity: available as VPOS/VNEG parameter to vary the style without creating a new groove template. Also nice for live tweaks to find "best matching" grooves!
- Global: By default, groove configuration changes are applied on all tracks. By turning Global "off" the selected groove will only be used for the edited track. This way it's possible to select individual grooves for certain tracks, but also to keep the groove selection for the remaining tracks global.
- Sync: allows to sync the groove to the global reference step (RefS) or to the local track step
Custom #1..#16 global groove styles can be freely edited. They are stored on SD Card (MBSEQ_G.V4 file) and available for all patterns of a session:
- Step: selects the groove step (1-16)
- Delay: selects a delay modifier from VNEG,-127..0..+126,VPOS
- Length: selects a gatelength modifier from VNEG,-127..0..+126,VPOS
- Velocity: selects a velocity modifier from VNEG,-127..0..+126,VPOS
- NumSteps: selects the groove template length (1-16). When starting editing it makes sense to start with value 2 or 4 to get immediate response while the sequence is playing.
Hot tip: Use a custom groove with a reduced number of steps (e.g. 2, 3 or 4) and different velocity/length values on a track which controls the steps with progression parameters like "Itv.4, Repeat: 1, Skip:0". It rocks! This is one of my most favourite features! It can lead to fantastic results, especially if velocity doesn't modulate the volume of a sound, but sound parameters like CutOff, VCF Decay, FM Timbre, etc.!
Trigger Assignments Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #9)
There are eight trigger layers A..H which control additional trigger functions. They can be set for each step individually with the 16 GP buttons within the Edit page. Following triggers can be assigned to the trigger layers:
- Gate: controls if a step should be played or not. If the Gate trigger is not assigned to any layer, all steps will be played, otherwise only the selected steps will be played.
- Acc.: Accent - the velocity will be set to maximum (127)
- Roll: step will be triggered 3 times with short delays - the same effect can be achieved with much more variations by setting the gatelength to 2xdelay, 3xdelay or 4xdelay (delay free definable) - the roll trigger is only an alternative, more comfortable solution
- Glide: overlaps two notes, so that a synth which provides a "fingered portamento" or "SusKey" function will activate the glide function
- Skip: the selected steps will be skipped, the sequencer jumps continues with the next step where the skip trigger is not set.
- R.G.: Random Gate - the step will be played randomly. This is especially useful for drum lines to increase the variation w/o creating multiple tracks
- R.V.: Random Value - the step values will be randomized
- NoFx: the step won't be forwarded to Fx functions like Echo, Humanizer and Limiter
- RollG: Roll and Roll2 parameter layers will be gated by this trigger
Manual Step Trigger Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #11)
Push a GP button to trigger a step manually. Only the steps of selected tracks will be played. If the sequencer is running, it will continue from the position you've triggered. Accordingly, this page can also be used for live adjustments of the sequencer position.
The selected tracks will be synched to measure when the SELECT button is pressed in this page. This can sometimes be useful for live situations - e.g., while you changed the track positions, they could be out-of-synch to the main beat. Pressing the SELECT button will properly synch them back.
Morph Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #12)
This feature allows you to smoothly morph between one and another part of the track. The morph value (0-127) can either be controlled from this menu page, or with an external MIDI controller (e.g. with a ModWheel):
- Mode: on or off
- Val. the morph position - can also be controlled with an external MIDI controller
- Destination Range the second part of the track to which the first part should be morphed (e.g. if the track has a length of 16 steps, the second part could be located at step 17-32
- Vertical bar at right page: graphical representation of the morph value
Slow morphing between two arp patterns: mbseqv3_morph.mp3
Fast morphing between two CC patterns: mbseqv3_morph2.mp3
(4 CC tracks are used to control several bandpass filters)
BPM Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #13)
MIDIbox SEQ can work as MIDI clock master or slave. The MIDI clock (24ppqn) is multiplied by 16 to 384ppqn, which means, that the length of a 16th note is 96 microticks. Microticks are relevant for the gatelength and especially the groove function.
- BPM Clock Mode switches between master/slave clock and auto mode.
- In master mode, the tempo will be generated internally with a selectable BPM rate. The sequencer will transmit MIDI Clock/Start/Stop/Continue events to the MIDI Out ports for synchronising with external gear (this has to be enabled for each port separately in the MIDI config page)
- In slave mode, the sequencer will be controlled by incoming MIDI Clock/Start/Stop/Continue events for synchronisation with an external MIDI clock master. Note that the sequencer will halt as long as no MIDI clock is received in this mode!
- In auto mode, the sequencer will automatically switch between master and slave mode. This is the most comfortable setting, and therefore enabled by default.
Slave mode is selected once a MIDI Clock/Start/Stop/Continue event has been received.
Master mode is selected, when no MIDI clock command is received and the PLAY button is pressed.
- Preset: select 1 of 16 tempo presets
- Tempo: only relevant for master mode: the BPM rate (2.5-300.0) - accuracy is 0.1 BPM, use ENC3 to set the rough value in +/- 1 steps, and ENC4 to set the fine value in 0.1 steps
- Ramp: defines a timespan of 1..99s at which the tempo change should take place.
- Fire Preset: changes the tempo (slowly) at the given ramp time. E.g., if the current tempo is 120, the new tempo is 140, ramp time is 5s: press this button to change the tempo from 120..121..122...140 within 5 seconds.
- Preset page: displays a preset page which allows you to select one of 16 tempo presets with GP buttons (very nice in conjunction with ramp times)
- MIDI Clock In: enable the MIDI clock in receiver for each individual MIDI IN port
- MIDI Clock Out: enable the MIDI clock out sender for each individual MIDI OUT port
- Delay: allows to apply a negative or positive delay from -128 to 127 mS for sent MIDI events (Clock, Notes, CCs, etc.) to the selected MClk port in order to compensate latencies in the audio path.
- Ext.Restart: sends a MIDI clock start event to all MIDI devices at the next measure - a very useful feature to re-synchronize external MIDI gear to the MIDIbox.
To evaluate this function, try following steps:- connect a MIDI sequencer (or synth. with sequencer function) to your MBSEQ and configure it for MIDI slave mode.
- ensure that MIDI clock is enabled for all OUT ports which should send the MIDI start event (+ a MIDI clock)
- press PLAY button of MBSEQ - the external sequencer should start to play as well.
- now stop the external sequencer
- (change a patch, sound, or whatever...)
- press Ext.Restart: the external sequencer should start once MBSEQ reaches the first step.
- Note that the same function can be accessed by pressing MENU+METRONOME. A dedicated button can be assigned to this function as well (requires a modification in MBSEQ_HW.V4
- Tap Tempo: Tap the button at least four times to define the BPM tempo manually. If the sequencer is currently stopped, it will start automatically with the 5th tap. The same function can be accessed by pressing MENU+PLAY
Following MP3 demonstrates slow tempo changes which are controlled from the BPM Preset page - note that a such a tempo change doesn't block the sequencer. E.g., during the ramp time you can switch to the PATTERN page to select a new pattern, you can mute tracks in the MUTE page, etc.:
mbseqv4_demo_tempo_sweeps.mp3
Save Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #14)
Allows you to save the pattern of the currently active pattern group:
Select the target bank with GP6, and the target pattern with GP7. While changing it, the name of the pattern which is already stored at this position will be displayed at the right LCD:
Finally press SAVE (GP8 button). You will be asked for a Category and Pattern name:
MIDI Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #15)
This page is divided into four subpages that have to be selected with the left sided GP buttons:
Transposer and Arp.:
- Bus: four individual busses (Bus1..Bus4) are available for this function. Each bus provides separate note stacks for Transposer and Arpeggiator.
- Port: the MIDI input port for the selected bus. If "ALL" is selected, MIDI data will be received from any port.
- Channel: selects the MIDI channel over which the arpeggiator/transpose can be controlled, and CCs will be received (e.g. for the morph function). With "---" no events will be received (bus disabled)
- Lower/Upper: defines the lower and upper note of a keyboard zone for transpose/arpeggiator function.
With Lower = "---" and Upper = "G-8" the complete keyboard will be taken.
Defining different (or overlapping) keyboard zones allows you to control the four Transposer/Arpeggiator busses from a single MIDI keyboard over the same MIDI channel. - Mode:
- T&A: MIDI events are routed to the Transposer/Arpeggiator notestacks
- Jam: MIDI events are used for recording and forwarding to the MIDI Port and Channel of the currently selected track.
- Reset Stacks: clears all note stacks. Useful if the MIDI keyboard (or external sequencer) has been disconnected from MIDIbox SEQ while some keys were still active.
Section Control:
It's possible to select sections of a track that should be played from a MIDI keyboard as demonstrated in following video:
sammichSID, MB-808, MIDIbox SEQ from Thorsten Klose on Vimeo.
Each group (G1/2/3/4) has a separate selection zone on the keyboard.
Key C..B select section 1..12, the first key of the octave (C) plays the first section as usual, it has the same effect as if this feature is disabled.
The width of a section depends on the track length.
E.g., if the track length is set to 32, and if it consists of 256 steps, 8 sections are available which can be selected with Key C/C#/D/D#/E/F#/F/F#/G
It is recommended to activate the "Follow" function under UTILITY->OPTIONS when using this feature, so that the edit display gets automatically updated whenever the section is changed.
- Port: selects the MIDI port that should be used to select the sections.
- Channel: selects the MIDI channel that should be used to select the sections.
- G1..G4: selects the octave that should be used to select the sections for each pattern group individually. It is possible to assign all groups to the same octave if desired.
- Fwd: optionally all octaves that are not selected by G1..G4 can be forwarded to the given port.
- Reset Stacks: clears all note stacks. Useful if the MIDI keyboard (or external sequencer) has been disconnected from MIDIbox SEQ while some keys were still active.
MIDI Router:
Provides a simple possibility to route incoming MIDI events to synthesizers which are connected to the MIDI Out ports (which means: also to the CV port - MBSEQ replaces a CV interface!)
- Node: 8 routing pathes are available
- IN: selects the MIDI IN port.
- Source Channel: either a dedicated source channel (1-16) or "all" channels can be selected
- OUT: selects the MIDI output port
- Target Channel: either a dedicated target channel (1-16) or "all" channels can be selected.
Alternatively, also "Track" can be selected as target channel. In this case, incoming MIDI events will be routed to the MIDI port and channel of a track depending on the incoming MIDI channel number.
Usecase: MIDI events, such as CC or Notes, should be sent from a master keyboard or MIDI controller to synths which are assigned to different port and MIDI channels in the track configuration.
Just select the track with the MIDI channel on your keyboard/controller, the router will take care that the events reach the right destination.
Another alternative option is "SelTrk" - MIDI events are sent from a master keyboard or MIDI controller to the MIDI port and channel of the currently selected track. - Default Port: selects the port to which MIDI events should be sent if the "Def." port has been selected in the EVENT page.
Ext. Ctrl:
This subpage allows to assign CCs to functions like Morph Value, Scale, Song, Phrase, Patterns, Banks, All Note Off, etc.
Some of these functions can also be assigned to a Program Change Event.
The MIDI channel is disabled by default, which means that the Ext Ctrl. feature has to be explicitly enabled in the MIDI->Ext Ctrl. page!!
Following functions can be assigned:
- Morph Value: controls the morph function for all tracks.
- Scale: allows to change the scale for the force-to-scale function.
- Song Number: selects a song
- Song Phrase: selects a phrase in the current song
- Mixer Map: selects and dump a mixer map
- Pattern G1..G4: selects a pattern for Group 1..4 (4 different CCs have to be specified)
- Bank G1..G4: selects a bank for Group 1..4 (4 different CCs have to be specified, however it's recommended to leave the banks untouched, which means: G1 should always use Bank 1, G2 should use Bank 2, G3 Bank 3, G4 Bank 4)
- All Notes Off: empties all note stack (transposer, arpeggiator, AOUT)
- NRPNs: sequencer parameters can be accessed via NRPNs, see also mbseqv4_cc_implementation.txt. This option allows to enable/disable this function.
- Program Change Mode: specifies what a Program Change event should change: off/Patterns/Song/Phrase
- Mutes (first CC): the 16 track mutes can be controlled via CCs as well. With this option you specify the first CC which should be taken. E.g. with CC16, the Mute of Track1 will be turned on/off with CC#16, Track2 with CC#17, Track3 with CC#18, ... Track16 with CC#31
Misc.:
- BLM_SCALAR port: see this manual chapter.
- MIDI Monitor: enters the MIDI Monitor page:
It shows most of the IN ports at the upper line (e.g. Bus4 isn't displayed), and most of the OUT ports at the lower line.
Whenever an event is received or sent, the appr. item will show the event for a short moment.
This gives you a great overview of the MIDI activity, especially to analyze the current track and MIDI router setup.
By pressing the SELECT button, filters for MIDI Clock (F8) and Active Sense (FE) events can be enabled/disabled.
Both filters are activated by default. Once the clock filter is deactivated, the OUT/IN items will (probably) show CLK permanently as long as a MIDI clock is received/sent over the appr. port. This allows you to analyze the MIDI Clock In/Out settings as configured in the BPM page. Once the Active Sense filter is deactivated, FE events will be displayed periodically on the appr. IN port if a connected MIDI keyboard sends such events.
Jam Page (Shortcut: EDIT->Record Config or UTILITY->Jam)
Connect an external MIDI keyboard to your MIDIbox SEQ V4 and start to Jam!
Following functions can be controlled from the "Jam cockpit":
- Step Recording allows to input notes and CCs stepwise, the cursor will jump to the next position after a new note/CC has been received and stored into the step.
- Realtime (Live) Recording supports monophonic note, polyphonic chords (chord 1/2 and note/note/note layer mode), and CC events, which are stored into the currently selected track while the sequencer is playing.
- Live Pattern Recording can be used to play and record customizable arpeggiator sequences.
- Live Forwarding forwards incoming MIDI events (e.g. from a MIDI keyboard) to the MIDI port/channel which is configured for the currently selected track. Octave Transpose, MIDI effects (such as Echo, Humanizer, Limits) such as Force-to-Scale can be optionally applied.
In distance to certain other sequencers, it is not required to stop an ongoing sequence to start recording!
Incoming events will be immediately inserted into the selected track. If the current step already holds a note/CC, it will be replaced by the new one. The gatelength of a note will be recorded as well, it can allocate multiple steps. If a new note is played over such a "stretched" step, the previous note will be automatically split.
Incoming CC events will be automatically assigned to free CC layers so that no pre-configuration is required. A CC layer is "free" (unassigned) as long as the CC number is turned "off". This is the default setting for all CC layers after initialisation, and can be changed in the MENU->EVENT page if desired.
Here an older video (created on MIDIbox SEQ V3) which demonstrates the live recording - many more features have been added in V4, but this video gives you good expression about the basic usage:
Midibox Sequencer V3 for Live Recording from Stuart Mitchell
Important: at least one bus has to be assigned to Jam mode in order to use it for recording and live forwarding! Please configure it in the MIDI configuration subpage by selecting a MIDI port, channel, keyboard zone and select the Jam (instead of T&A) function!
Step Recording:
- Track: selection
- Rec(ording): enables/disables recording
- Fwd (Forwarding): enables/disables forwarding of incoming notes to the MIDI port/channel of the selected track
- Configuration Pages: allows to select the subpage for Step/Live/Pattern/MIDI/Misc configuration.
- Mode: switches between Mono and Poly recording. With Poly recording multiple note events can be recorded into a single step - ensure that a sufficient number of parameter layers has been configured as a Note Layer in the EVENT configuration page.
- AStart: synchronized auto start of track recording. To use this feature, the sequencer has to be stopped. With the first played note, the sequencer will start and store the note into the first step.
- Step: use the encoder below this item to move the step cursor. Once this item is selected, the datawheel can be used for this purpose as well (like in the EDIT page)
- Inc(rementer): specifies the number of step the cursor should jump after a note has been entered. Works only in Mono recording mode. E.g. with "0" the cursor won't be moved, so that different notes can be tried out, with "1" the cursor will be automatically moved to the next step, with "4" to the next quarter.
- Toggle Gate: toggles the gate of the currently select step. Useful to quickly enable/disable a step during step recording.
Live (Realtime) Recording:
- Mode: switches between Mono and Poly recording. With Poly recording multiple note events can be recorded into a single step - ensure that a sufficient number of parameter layers has been configured as a Note Layer in the EVENT configuration page.
- AStart: synchronized auto start of track recording. To use this feature, the sequencer has to be stopped. With the first played note, the sequencer will start and store the note into the first step.
- Quantize: than lower the percentage value, than lower the quantization (-> events not shifted to the next step)
Live Pattern Recording:
Live patterns are inspired from the note repeat function of Akai MPC to allow a quick and expressive pattern creation in real time (see this forum discussion). The 16 step gate/accent patterns are free customizable. Velocity values are taken from the original entered note, and can be changed via aftertouch while the note(s) is/are playing.
In order to edit a pattern, press&hold the SELECT button, and change the gate/accent with the GP buttons. The patterns are stored in the local (session specific) MBSEQ_C.V4 file with following ASCII format (. = no trigger, o = Gate, * = Gate+Accent):
LivePattern 1 o............... LivePattern 2 o.......o....... LivePattern 3 ....o.......o... LivePattern 4 o...o...o...o... LivePattern 5 *...o...*...o... LivePattern 6 ..o...o...o...o. LivePattern 7 ..*...o...*...o. LivePattern 8 o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o. LivePattern 9 *.o.o.o.*.o.o.o. LivePattern 10 .o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o LivePattern 11 .*.o.*.o.*.o.*.o LivePattern 12 oooooooooooooooo LivePattern 13 *ooooooooooooooo LivePattern 14 *ooooooo*ooooooo LivePattern 15 *ooo*ooo*ooo*ooo LivePattern 16 ooooo*ooooooo*ooand can be modified with the MIOS Studio based Filebrowser as well.
- Drum: allows to select the instrument layer if the track is configured as a drum track in the EVENT page. Has no function for other track modes (in this case, monophonic and polyphonic notes can be played and recorded).
- Ptn: enables/disables pattern play/recording
- Pattern: allows to change between Pattern 1..16 with the encoders. Press this button to enter a special "quick selection" page which allows you to do the same with GP buttons:
Note: in this page it's possible to edit the selected pattern by turning the GP rotary encoders. - Length: specifies the gatelength
- Cpy (Copy): copies the current selected pattern into edit buffer (the COPY button can be used for the same purpose)
- Paste: copies the edit buffer into the current selected pattern (the PASTE button can be used for the same purpose)
MIDI Configuration:
- Bus: four individual busses (Bus1..Bus4) are available which allow to define how incoming MIDI events should be processed. They can either be assigned to the Transposer and Arpeggiator functions (T&A), or to the Jam functions.
Important: at least one bus has to be assigned to Jam mode in order to use it for recording and live forwarding! - Port: the MIDI input port for the selected bus. If "ALL" is selected, MIDI data will be received from any port.
- Channel: selects the MIDI channel over which the arpeggiator/transpose can be controlled, and CCs will be received (e.g. for the morph function). With "---" no events will be received (bus disabled)
- Lower/Upper: defines the lower and upper note of a keyboard zone for transpose/arpeggiator function.
With Lower = "---" and Upper = "G-8" the complete keyboard will be taken.
Defining different (or overlapping) keyboard zones allows you to control the four Transposer/Arpeggiator busses from a single MIDI keyboard over the same MIDI channel. - Mode:
- T&A: MIDI events are routed to the Transposer/Arpeggiator notestacks (and not used for recording)
- Jam: MIDI events are used for recording and forwarding to the MIDI Port and Channel of the currently selected track.
Important: at least one bus has to be assigned to Jam to use it for recording and live forwarding!
- Reset Stacks: clears all note stacks. Useful if the MIDI keyboard (or external sequencer) has been disconnected from MIDIbox SEQ while some keys were still active.
Misc. Configuration:
- Oct.: Octavewise transpose
- FX: enables Humanizer, LFO, Limiter and Echo
Note: the Echo effect will only work when the sequencer is running! - FTS: enables Force-To-Scale
Utility Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #10 or F1)
This page provides some useful functions for track modifications:
- Copy: transfers the currently selected track into the copy buffer.
If you press and hold the button below the COPY item, you can select the range which should be copied into the buffer with the GP encoders.
The encoders left of or at the begin marker shift the begin position, the encoders right to the begin marker shift the end position.
If you are unsure about the current position, just always use the leftmost encoder to move the begin marker, and the rightmost encoder to move the end marker.
Releasing the copy button copies the selected range into the buffer. If the button is just pressed and depressed, the whole range will be copied. - Paste: transfers the copy buffer content into the track.
Either the parameter/trigger layers, or the whole track will be copied. The behaviour of this function can be configured in the UTIL->OPT page
As long as the button below PASTE is pushed, you can specify the target position with a GP rotary encoder.
Hot tip: This is the quickest solution to duplicate parts of a track! - Clr: clears the parameter/trigger layers, or the whole track. The behaviour of this function can be configured in the UTIL->OPT page
- Move: as long as the appr. button of this function is pushed, the edit page will be displayed, and steps can be moved with the encoder below the step.
It should be self explaining once you try it out! :) - Scroll: as long as the button of this function is pushed, the steps of the current track can be scrolled with the rotary encoders. The start position of the scrolling function depends on the used rotary encoder. E.g., if the first GP encoder is used, the whole track will be scrolled, if the 9th rotary encoder is used, the 9th and all steps behind will be scrolled, and step 1-8 will be left untouched.
- Random: shortcut to the Random Generator (see below)
- Undo: an undo function for the last Paste/Clear/Move/Scroll/Random operation.
- Save: directly branches into the save menu page (shortcut)
- Jam: directly branches into the Jam page (shortcut)
- CV directly branches into the CV configuration page (shortcut)
- Opt.: directly branches into the options page (shortcut)
- PMte: directly branches into the port muting page (shortcut)
- Disk: directly branches into the disk page (shortcut)
- Mute: mutes all tracks
- UnMte: un-mutes all tracks
Random Generator Page (Shortcut: UTILITY (F1)->Rand)
This menu page allows to randomize the layers based on individual "intensity" parameters. In difference to the "Humanize" function, random values are statically stored in the layers, so that they can be modified (within the EDIT page, or with Utility functions like Scroll, Move, ...) until a "best matching" line has been found.
- Generate: generates a new pattern based on the constraints given at the right LCD
- Clr: clears the parameter/trigger layers, or the whole track. The behaviour of this function can be configured in the UTIL->OPT page
- Util: shortcut to the Utility page - note that this menu has a shortcut to the Random page at the same position, so that you can quickly toggle between the two pages
- Undo: copies back the overwritten pattern
- Scrl: scrolls through the list of available layers (parameters/triggers/drum instruments)
- LayA/LayB/... (0..63): defines the "intensity" for a Parameter Layer. If 0 ("--"), the layer won't be overwritten, otherwise all 32 steps get random values of 64 +/- intensity
- TrgA/TrgB/... (0..15): defines the "intensity" for a Trigger Layer. If 0 ("--"), the layer won't be overwritten, if 15 ("All"), all steps will be activated. Otherwise the values 1..14 define the propability (6.25%..93.75%) that a step will be activated.
- Drum instrument names (0..15): defines the "intensity" for a Drum instrument. If 0 ("--"), the layer won't be overwritten, if 15 ("All"), all steps will be activated. Otherwise the values 1..14 define the propability (6.25%..93.75%) that a step will be activated.
Hot tip: use the randomizer in conjunction with the Force-to-Scale function for harmonic results!
Euclidean Rhythm Generator Page (Shortcut: SELECT->GP16 in EDIT page)
This menu page provides an Euclidean Rhythm Generator which was inspired from this Ruin&Wesen blog article.
In distance to common solutions which you can find around the web, the MBSEQ based generator writes static sequences into the track storage so that they can also be modified if desired! There are separate views for Drum and "Normal" tracks - for Drum tracks individual sequences can be generated for each instrument, while in a normal track the gates are only generated for a single instrument.
Another difference to common solutions is the random accent generator which adds some more variety to each step.
Normal Track View:
Drum Track View:
- TrkLength: selects the track length. The length should be adapted to the maximum loop length which is defined on the right display.
- Drum: if the track is configured for drum mode, the instrument can be selected here.
- Note: if the track is configured for drum mode, the note which is played by the instrument can be selected here (same as in MIDI event configuration page)
- Par(A-P): if the track is configured for normal mode, the parameter layer can be selected here.
- Val.: parameter values have to be overwritten for parameter layers B-P, the "Val." item allows to set the values which should be used.
- VelN and VelA: velocity used for normal and accented steps.
- RndA: defines the probability for generating accented steps. Whenever the value is changed, accents will be generated immediately. If the track provides a parameter layer for velocity, these values will be changed instead of setting accent triggers. This allows to fine-adjust the velocity values later in EDIT page.
- Len: defines the loop length of an euclidean pattern.
Changing this value will immediately re-generate pattern + accents - Pulses: defines the number of pulses which will be inserted into the loop.
Changing this value will immediately re-generate pattern + accents - Offset: allows to shift the generated pattern within the loop.
Changing this value will immediately re-generate pattern + accents - Dots and Stars: show the currently active gate/accent pattern (similar to the pattern shown on EDIT page) to give an overview about the generator results.
Demos:
- Changing the parameters while a single drum track is playing:
mbseqv4_euclid1.mp3
- Different chords have been entered into each step, and the gates are modified by the rhythm generator:
mbseqv4_euclid2.mp3
Options Page (Shortcut: UTIL (F1)->Opt.)
This page has an unusual layout and handling! It is intended for special customizations for which no other place have been found, or which need extended descriptions (whenever a short item name wouldn't describe the parameter sufficiently).
The various parameters have to be selected with one of encoders GP1..8 (left page), and the parameter value has to be selected with one of the encoders GP9..16 (right page).
Here a list of all available options:
- Track Synchronisation - Steps per Measure: the length of a measure is 16 16th note steps by default, it can be set from 1..256 steps.
This setting affects:- the synch-to-measure function for clock divider reset
- the metronome ("Meas.Note" played after x steps)
- the song position displayed at song page (shows reference step position)
- Pattern Change Synchronisation - Change considered each x steps: defines the number of steps per pattern. This setting affects:
- the synch-to-measure function for pattern changes (pattern change after X steps)
- the loop incrementer in song mode
- Pattern Change Synchronisation: if enabled, a pattern change made in the PATTERN or SONG page (Phrase mode) won't take place immediately, but will be synchronized to the pattern length of X steps as defined in the previous option page.
- Pattern Change re-sends Program Change: enable this option if a Program Change MIDI message should be re-sent whenever a pattern is changed (you might want to use it to re-initialize synth patches).
- Restart all Tracks on Pattern Change (RATOPC): added due to requests from multiple users: all tracks will be restarted whenever a new pattern is selected. If SyncChange enabled, this means that all tracks will synchronize correctly independent from their track length, if SyncChange disabled, this means that you can do nice breaks while changing patterns (try it! ;-)
- Dump a predefined Mixer Map on Pattern Changes: whenever a pattern is changed, a corresponding mixer map will be dumped. The Mixer map number is predefined: A1 uses Mixer Map #1, A2 uses Mixer Map #2, etc...
- Synchronize MUTE to Measure: if enabled, mutes set in the Mute page will be synched to the selected steps per measure. This feature is inspired from the "MIDI Clip Launcher" of Ableton Live.
- Synchronize UNMUTE to Measure: the same for Unmute (behaviour can be selected separately).
- Unmute Tracks on Pattern Change: some users requested this.
- Auto-Select unmuted Track: nobody requested this, but I find it useful :-)
- Paste and Clear Button will modify allows you to change the behaviour of the Paste and Clear function:
- Only Steps: only parameter and trigger layers will be cleared/pasted (default)
- Complete Track: the whole track configuration will be cleared/pasted. Only exception: MIDI channel and MIDI port will never be overwritten.
- Selection restored on Track Change: if enabled, each track will have its individual instrument, parameter/trigger layer and step view selections
- Allow to change Pattern Banks: by default, track groups 1/2/3/4 are assigned to bank 1/2/3/4. Actually it could confuse users if banks are changed, therefore it's possible to hide the bank selection, so that it can't be changed.
- ALL Function works on Step View only: the edit page has multiple views, the default one is called "step view". In other pages the ALL function (which changes all values based on the encoder entry of the currently edited step) might confuse users, therefore it can be disabled there.
- Print/Modify Steps w/o changing Gates: by default, a gate is activated whenever a note value is changed. If the user desires to change note values without playing them by default (gate stays inactive), this option should be enabled. In this case, the gate always has to be enabled manually to play a note!
- Print Notes with Transposed Values: if enabled, the Note values of a track will be print according to the current transpose.
- Metronome: configures the Metronome function:
- on/off: same function as the dedicated METRONOME button
- Port: the MIDI port to which the metronome will send
- Channel: the channel to which the metronome will send
- Measure Note: note which will be send on each measure
- Beat Note: note which will be send on each beat
- Shadow Out: this option allows you to send all outgoing MIDI messages to a second output port. This might be useful in conjunction with controllers allow to display played notes.
- Frontpanel MIDI Remote Control via a configurable key. If the key is pressed, frontpanel functions can be emulated with additional keys as documented here
- Sending selected Track as CC to a DAW: allows to send a CC message whenever a track is changed. Useful to synchronize a DAW with the frontpanel selection.
- Runtime Status Optimization: for MIDI OUT ports is enabled by default, which saves some bandwidth. If your MIDI device doesn't handle it correctly, disable this feature (can be done for each individual OUT port).
- Initial CC value for Clear and Init is: X: allows to specify the default value which will be used for CCs whenever the Clear button is pressed, or the Init function in the MENU->EVENT page is used. It's normally 64, but some people prefer 0 instead. Just define it here.
- If Live function, matching received MIDI events will ...: this experimental function works in conjunction with Live mode or the MIDI Router in "Track" or "Sel.Trk" mode.
Whenever Note, CC, PitchBender, Poly Pressure (Aftertouch), Program Change events are received on the selected IN Port, the corresponding track layer (or LFO CC) will be muted completely, or temporary for a given number of steps. This allows to temporary overrule events generated by the sequencer from an external MIDI keyboard or controller.
Supported settings:- do nothing: function disabled
- mute the appr. layer: once a matching events has been received, the corresponding track layers will be muted, and have to be unmuted in the MUTE page
- mute layer for X steps: allows to temporary mute the layer for a given number of steps
- Session specific Drum CC Assignments: only relevant for MBSEQ V4+: allows to setup individual CCs for each drum instrument in drum tracks
- Track Position Display (TPD) Mode: allows to select various modes for the TPD, which is for example available on the midiPhy frontpanel
- Swap LED Colours: if Duo-colour LEDs are used, this option allows to swap the colours. This can be done separately for GP and Selection LEDs. In addition it's possible to define, if the sequencer position should XOR the LED colour to improve the visibility.
- Invert Mute LEDs: by default, LED is turned on if a track is muted. With this option, it will be on of the track is unmuted.
- BLM16x16+X should always use Force-to-Scale in Grid Edit Mode: as the name says...
- BLM16x16+X Fader assignments: up to 8 faders connected to a BLM16x16+X can be assigned to various functions
- Mixer CCs should be changed after Pattern Change: as the name says...
- Menu Button page assignments: the MENU button allows you a quick selection to up to 16 pages via GP buttons. This page allows you to customize the button assignments.
- Screen Saver: especially recommended if OLED displays are used: allows to customize the time when the screen saver becomes active.
Mixer Page (Shortcut: MENU+GP Button #1)
MIDIbox SEQ V4 provides a MIDI mixer which can handle up to 127 different maps. They can be stored and restored from a dedicated BankStick. Each mixer map consists of:
- 16 free definable MIDI port assignments
- 16 free definable MIDI channel assignments
- 16 Program Change values
- 16 Volume CC values
- 16 Panorama CC values
- 64 free assignable CCs (4 for each port)
There are 9 pages, which can be selected with the datawheel, or alternatively with the Rew/Fwd buttons when no song is playing: MIDI Port, MIDI Channel, Prog.Change, Volume, Panorama, CC1-4
Values can be changed and sent with the GP encoders. The leftmost value ("----") deactivates the mixer item - no value will be sent.
The ALL and FAST button are working as well. The ALL button provides the two known functions (values set to same value while button pushed, relative changes as long as LED active). The FAST function will be deactivated/activated automatically depending on the value range.
If a GP button of a mixer channel is pressed, all events of this channel will be dumped.
Values are sent directly over the selected MIDI port - all ports are selectable, even Loopback and AOUT!
When the SELECT button is pressed, a utility page will be displayed:
This page allows:
- to change and load a mixer map (one of 127)
- to Copy/Paste the map
- to clear the map
- to reload the map from BankStick
- to save the map into BankStick
- to dump the complete map via the MIDI/AOUT/Loopback ports
- to change the assignments for CC1/CC2/CC3/CC4
- to activate the Live Send" mode. If enabled, value changes in the mixer map will be immediately sent, if disabled they will only be sent with the Dump function (either triggered in this page, or with a GP button for a single channel in the mixer main page)
Hot tip: since the ports and channels are freely assignable and working totally independent from the selected sequencer patterns, the mixer map function behaves like a MIDI controller - you can define up to 127 maps which can be stored, restore, dumped and controlled in realtime!
In song mode it is possible to dump one or more mixer maps before switching to a new pattern set.
Mute Page
Within the mute page you can quickly mute/unmute tracks with the 16 GP buttons:
Each track has an animated VU meter to display the MIDI activity.
In addition, it's possible to mute individual parameter layers or drum instruments of a track by pressing&holding the Mute button:
Hot tip: nice breaks can be realized by activating SOLO and selecting multiple tracks - one after another - while the sequencer is playing. This technique is demonstrated at 2:44 of the Session #3 Video.
By pressing the ALL button in this page, some special shortcuts are available:
It's possible to synchronize Mutes and Unmutes to a selectable measure of 1..256 steps. This feature is inspired from the "MIDI Clip Launcher" of Ableton Live and can be enabled in the Utility->Options page! Whenever a GP button is pressed, the Mute won't take place immediately, but synchronized to the measure. A countdown will be displayed under the track name to inform you about an ongoing mute/unmute.
With synchronisation enabled, it's sometimes preferable to bypass this option for an immediate mute/unmute. This can be achieved by activating the FAST button function.
Pattern Page
Within the pattern page you can quickly change the patterns of the four available track groups:
The GP buttons and the track buttons have a special function within this menu page to improve the handling:
- Track buttons: select between one of four track groups:
- Group #1: plays Track 1-4
- Group #2: plays Track 5-8
- Group #3: plays Track 9-12
- Group #4: plays Track 13-16
- GP buttons: the 64 patterns are enumerated from A1 to H8. The 8 buttons at the left side switch between A-H, the 8 buttons at the right side are used to select the pattern number (1-8).
Patterns can be changed with four of the rotary encoders as well. In addition, four rotary encoders allow to select the BankStick from which the pattern is loaded.
Each track has a small vertical bar which displays the MIDI activity while the sequencer is playing.
Song Page
This page has two purposes - one purpose is to store pattern sets, mutes, tempo, mixer maps, etc... for all four groups which can be quickly recalled by pressing a GP button. This is the so called "Phrase Mode" (see below)
The second (main) purpose is to chain and loop pattern sets without user interaction. You can toggle between Song and Phrase Mode with GP Encoder #8 or #9
- Song: currently 16 songs can be stored into a dedicated BankStick. Support for 32 songs is planned (will require a 64k BankStick!)
- Pos: the song position - 128 positions are available, they are enumerated from A1..P8
- Action: defines what should be done when this song position is reached:
- End: sequencer will loop this position endless.
- x1..x16: specified Pattern set will be played the given number of cycles (x1..x16). The pattern for each group (G1..G4) can be specified at the right side of the "action" item. If "-:--" is selected instead of the pattern number, the pattern won't be changed for this song step.
- Jump Pos: sequencer jumps to the specified position - allows to set loop points
- Jump Song: sequencer jumps to the specified song
- Mixer: the specified mixer map will be dumped. The sequencer will immediately continue with the next song position
- Tempo: tempo will change by given BPM rate and ramp time
- Mutes: allows to set/clear track mutes
For a fast usage the Track and Layer buttons have a special function in this page: the Track buttons select the pattern group G1..G4, Layer button A sets the cursor to the "Song" item, Layer button B selects the "Position" item, Layer button C selects the "Action" item.
Song mode is demonstrated in the Session #2 video
Back to Phrase Mode: select the "Position" item by pushing Parameter Layer button B. By pushing a GP button, the sequencer will execute the action defined at song position A1, B1, C1..P1 (16 possible actions). If a pattern set or mixer map is defined at this song position, the sequencer will change to it and continue as normal - since we are not in song mode, the next song positions won't be processed.
Phrases can also be combined with one or more mixer maps. In this case the first step (A1, B1, C1, ...) has to be assigned to a Mixer Map Action, whose content will be dumped out. The sequencer will go to the next song position, and check for a Mixer Map again. Once it has reached a position with a pattern set, it will change to the new set and give back control over pattern changes to the user.
On the same way it's possible to control Mutes and tempo.
When the SELECT button is pressed, a utility page will be displayed:
This page allows:
- to change song number and position (like in the main page)
- to Copy/Paste a song position
- to clear a song position
- to insert an empty item into the current song position
- to delete the current song position (following positions will be shifted to the current position)
- to change between Phrase and Song Mode
- to take copy the currently played pattern set into the song position
In song mode one additional item is available:
- the optional Guide Track defines the loop length of a song position.
Once the last loop has been played, all tracks will be synchronized to step 1.
This allows to program breaks with a step length which is independent from the measure.
Here a very helpful explanation of this feature from Jjonas.
Disk Page (Shortcut: UTILITY (F1)->Disk)
This page provides special functions for the SD Card:
- Session Import: allows to copy one or multiple patterns/songs/mixer maps/grooves/configs/bookmarks from another session:
- Session Export: allows to copy one or multiple patterns/songs/mixer maps/grooves/configs/bookmarks into another session:
- MIDI File Import: allows to import MIDI files, stored in the midi/ directory of your SD Card.
All tracks are imported at once (up to 16) in the same order they are stored in the .mid file. Accordingly, track assignments can be done within the .mid file before it is imported (e.g. edit the .mid file with your DAW)
Currently only MIDI Notes and drums are supported (no CCs, no Pitchbender).
To import drum tracks, change the import mode from "Note" to "Drum". This mode especially allows to control the velocity of each step separately.
Currently drum instruments are only mapped to a pre-selection of 4/8/16 notes - this map cannot be customized yet!
Since MIDIbox SEQ is a step sequencer, notes will be quantised with a selectable resolution (16th, 32th or 64th).
Also the number of layers/drum instruments is selectable (4, 8 or 16).
Than more layers are available, than more notes can be played at the same step. In "Note" mode, all notes share the same velocity and length value, in "Drum" mode each step and instrument has a dedicated velocity value.
If the imported track contains different velocity or length values for polyphonic played notes, and this characteristic is important, it is recommended to split the track into multiple pieces (e.g. for long and for short notes) and to import them into separate MBSEQ tracks.
Another hint: if notes of the imported track don't start exactly at the 16th/32th/64th note position (e.g. because they have a "swing" feel), it is recommended to quantize the notes in a DAW before the import.
The swing feel can be added again after the import (GROOVE page).
All tracks will be initialized depending on the selected resolution and layers before the import is started. Than higher the resolution, or than more layers are selected, than less bars can be imported (number of bars is displayed on page).
The MIDI port will always be set to DEFAULT during import. The MIDI channel will be set to the channel of the first played note (for each track separately).
MIDI Files can be imported while the sequencer is running. This allows you to search for a certain file, but also to try different parameters during runtime.
Here two MP3 examples of patterns that have been imported, and that are played by MBSEQ (and not by a MIDI player...).
Virus-like tunes: mbseqv4_import_tunes.mp3
Drum pattern at 64th resolution: mbseqv4_import_drum.mp3 - MIDI File Export: this function allows you to export Tracks, Patterns or Songs to a MIDI file, stored in the midi/ directory of your SD Card. This directory has to be created with a computer if it doesn't already exist.
By pressing the button a dialog page will be entered which allows to select the options:- Export: use the GP encoder below this item to select "All Groups", "Group" (with pattern selection), "Track" (with track selection) or "Song" (with song selection).
- Measures: specify, how many measures should be exported
- Steps Per Measure: specify the number of steps per measure.
- Continue: continues the dialog
- EXIT: cancels the dialog and returns to the DISK page.
Thereafter the .mid file will be generated and written into the midi/ directory. - MIDI File Import: allows you to play a MIDI file with following options:
- Left page: displays the MIDI files found in the midi/ directory. Use a GP encoder to scroll the page if more than 4 files have been found. Use a GP button to select (and play) the file.
- Start/Stop Play: plays/stops the MIDI file playback.
- Loop: enables the Loop function, so that the file will be automatically replayed once it reaches the end
- Playmode: with "exclusive" the MIDI file will be played instead of the sequencer tracks, with "parallel" it will be played together with the 16 sequencer tracks. Especially the parallel function is very powerful, as it allows you to play some static, prepared tracks (e.g. drum loops, melody lines, or a song that you previously exported) together with the 16 "normal" sequencer tracks which can be changed interactively!
- Port: the MIDI port to which the events of the .mid file will be sent.
- EXIT: exits to the DISK page.
Port Mute Page (Shortcut: UTILITY (F1)->PMute)
MIDI ports can be individually disabled - requested by several users:
Fx Menu (Shortcut: MENU->Fx
Menu to enter the local/global effects pages which are described below:
Fx Echo
This is one of the main new features of MIDIbox SEQ V4 - thanks to the mighty MIDI event scheduler the echo function works very accurate, even on quick parameter or pattern changes:
- Echo: allows to enable/disable the echo Fx without touching the repeat value (Repeat=0 has the same effect).
- Repeats: selects how many times a played MIDI event should be repeated (0..15).
- Delay: defines the delay between each repeat (64T, 64, 32T, 64d, 32, 16T, 32d, 16, 8T, 16d, 8, 4T, 8d, 4, 2T, 4d, 2, 1T, 2d, 1, Rnd1 and Rnd2)
- Velocity Level: defines the initial velocity level of the first repeating note
- Feedback Velocity: defines the gradual change of the velocity level for each repeat between 0..200%
- Feedback Note: defines the gradual change of note steps on each repeat between -24..+24, optionally random (RND).
Very powerful in conjunction with Force-to-Scale!!! - Gatelength: defines the gradual change of the gatelength on each repeat between 0..200%
- Ticks: defines the gradual change of the delay between each repeat between 0..200%
Demo: see "Fx Dupl"
Fx Humanizer
Allows you to select following options:
- Rnd. Intensity: this is some kind of "humanizer" which allows to vary the parameters of a MIDI event randomly. The higher the "intensity" value, the higher the random variation.
- Note: Enables/Disables the random variation of key values
- Vel/CC: Enables/Disables the random variation of velocity or CC values
- Length: Enables/Disables the random variation of the gatelength
TODO MP3
Allows you to limit the note range for each indiviual track:
Fx Limiter
If a note is outside the range, it will be wrapped around the octave for musical results.
TODO MP3
Fx LFO
The LFO effect allows to automate periodical changes of various parameters:
- Wave: selects the waveform: Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Pulse 5%..95%
- Amplitude: selects the amplitude from -128 to +127
- Phase: selects the waveform phase after the LFO has been reset
- Steps: selects the period of the LFO waveform synchronized to the steps of a track (1..256) - this parameter automatically synchronizes to the MIDI clock depending on the BPM rate
- Reset: defines after how many steps the LFO should be reset
- OneShort: if enabled, the LFO waveform will only be processed once until the next reset
- Note: applies the LFO waveform over all Note values of the track (use low amplitudes values!) - especially interesting in conjunction with Force-to-Scale and the Limiter Fx!
- Velocity: applies the LFO waveform over the Velocity value of the track (use high amplitudes values!)
- Length: applies the LFO waveform over the Gatelength (why not...)
- Extra CC#: allows to define an CC number which will directly send the LFO value with GP13, allows to enable/disable the Extra CC with GP14
- Offset: allows to increase/decrease the LFO offset within the range of 0.127
- PPQN: defines the update rate of the CC parameter (3..384 ppqn). Than higher the value, than more MIDI traffic will be produced! A value >= 96 ppqn is only recommended for virtual synths controlled via MIDI USB!
In following demo video (which you probably already know) the live usage of a LFO is demonstrated with different waveforms, frequencies, CC modulation, Echo Fx, transposer and force-to-scale (LFO part starts at 2:05).
MIDIbox SEQ V4 Teaser #2 from Thorsten Klose on Vimeo.
Fx Dupl(icate)
The duplication effect sends MIDI notes to multiple MIDI channels of a given MIDI port (which can be different from the MIDI port assigned in the Track Event page). Use this effect to play (equal) monophonic synths like a polyphonic synth, or to trigger notes with different timbres.
This feature also works together with the CV port to support polyphonic play of analog synths!
- Number of additional channels: as the name says. The effect will be disabled with value 0, and enabled with a value > 0.
- First Channel: specifies the first channel to which additional note events should be forwarded.
E.g. with 3 channels starting at Channel 2, Notes will be forwarded to the original MIDI channel configured in the Track Event page + Channel 2, 3 and 4. - Port: selects the MIDI port to which the additional notes should be forwarded. With "Same" the events will be sent to the MIDI port configured in the Track Event page, with the remaining port settings the MIDI notes will be sent to the selected MIDI port.
- Non-Notes: specifies what should happen with Non-Note events (such as CCs, PitchBender, Aftertouch, Program Change): they can be filtered, or forwarded to all additional MIDI channels.
- Mode: selects the behaviour of this Fx:
- Forward to all Channels: notes will be directly forwarded to all MIDI channels
- Alternate Channels: only one MIDI event will be generated, and with each note the next MIDI channel will be selected.
E.g. with Original MIDI Channel (in Track Event Page) 1, Number of additional Channels 3, First MIDI Channel 2, the effect will cycle between MIDI Channel 1, 2, 3 and 4 - Alternate with Echo Synch: alternates only notes which are played by the Echo Fx
- Random: each Note will be sent to a randomly selected MIDI channel. Either the original MIDI channel (configured in the Track Event page), or the additional channel(s) of this Fx
Here a demo of the Fx: mbseqv4_demo_dupl_fx.mp3
A single track plays a simple sequence which isn't changed during the whole demo.
Only some Fx parameters are changed.
- 0:00 - single channel plays the sequence
- 0:14 - alternating between two channels. The second channel plays the same instrument with a different timbre
- 0:21 - alternating between four channels, each instrument has a different timbre
- 0:28 - switching between channels in random order
- 0:36 - enabled Echo Fx with 3 repeats an 8d Delay
- 0:50 - enabled LFO Fx with Saw Waveform, Amp 14, 16 Steps, Reset after 16th step - note that Force-to-Scale is enabled
- 1:02 - changing some LFO parameters
- 1:15 - changing Note steps for each Echo tap between 0, +2 and +3
Fx Loop
Is this an "effect" or a "tool" which is useful while editing long sequences... decide by yourself:
- Global Loop Mode: following modes are supported:
- All Tracks/Step View: loops all tracks around the visible step view
- All Tracks/Static View: loops all tracks around the selected Offset/Step range
- Selected Track/Step View: loops the selected track around the visible step view
- Selected Track/Static View: loops the selected track around the selected Offset/Step range
- Loop: enables/disables the Loop function. Can alternatively be switched via MENU+SCRUB buttons.
Fx Scale
This page allows to configure the scale which should be used by the Force-to-Scale function:
- Control: the scale and root note can either be controlled globally or pattern based. In distance to the global scale/root (which is stored in the global configuration of a session), the pattern based scale/root is located within the G1/G2/G3 or G4 pattern and will be automatically changed when a new pattern is selected.
Only one group can control the scale and root note - it can be selected with this menu item. - Root: selects the root note (C, C#, D, D#, ..., B) of the scale. Optionally the root note can be directly controlled from a MIDI keyboard. In this case it is the base note which is also forwarded to the transposer. KEYB is the default setting.
- Selected Scale: allows you to select one of 166 (!!!) scales, which are used by all tracks with enabled "force scale" option.
Scales are counted from zero so that the numbers are matching with the CC#3 value.
Thanks to Stryd One for providing all the scale definitions! :-)
Sidenote reg. the global scale: when "Global" control mode is selected, the scale can also be changed from an external MIDI device via CC#3, and especially via internal loopback. This means, that a track can change the scale dynamically if it outputs CC#3s to the Loopback port.
CV Configuration Page
This page allows to select the AOUT/AOUT_LC/AOUT_NG interface, to configure CV channel and gate parameters, and to configure the DIN Sync Clock output.
- CV: selects the CV channel (1..8, resp on MBSEQV4+ 1..32)
- Curve: selects the output curve: V/Oct, Hz/V, Inverted
- SlewR(ate): allows to configure a slew rate (slack) in the range of 0..255 mS
- SusK: activates the "SusKey" function (also known as "fingered portamento"): the slew rate will only be activated if at least two notes are played. This allows to use the glide function to enable slew only on demand.
- PRng: sets the pitch range for pitch bender events (normally 2, use 12 or 24 to sweep over one, resp. two octaves)
- Gate: sets the gate polarity (positive or negative)
- Calibr.: allows to force different output voltages for calibration (Min/Middle/Max/1V, 2V, 4V, 8V)
With MBSEQV4+ additional calibration points are available which can be adjusted via SW - this allows you to compensate non-linearities of the DACs
Note also: by pressing the GP7 button, the display will switch between unipolar (0..10V) and bilolar (-5V..5V) values - use the display mode which is matching with your HW setup. - Clk: selects 1 of 8 clock outputs (available at a dedicated DOUT shift registered which has been configured with the CLK_SR parameter in the MBSEQ_HW.V4 file). Each clock has an individual clock divider, or can optionally be used to output a Start/Stop signal
- Rate: defines the output rate of the selected clock output (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 96, 192, 384 ppqn and Start/Stop)
- Width: sets the pulsewidth of the clock output signal (1..255 mS)
- Module: selects the AOUT module which is connected to J19 of the core module (AOUT, AOUT_LC or AOUT_NG)
Ethernet (OSC) Page
This page allows to configure the IP settings of the MBHP_ETH interface, and the remote settings of the OSC server.
Background informations about the OSC integration into MIDIbox applications can be found at this page.
All changes won't take effect immediately, but have to be confirmed by pressing one of the "Enter" soft-buttons (GP8 and GP16)! They will be stored in the global configuration file /MBSEQ_GC.V4 on SD Card.
- DHCP: if enabled, the remote IP, network mask and gateway will be requested from a DHCP server in the network. If disabled, these settings can be entered manually
- Ethernet Configuration Parameters:
- Local IP: (only if DHCP not enabled): sets the IP of MIDIbox SEQ and should be unique in the network
- Netmask: (only if DHCP not enabled): sets the netmask of your LAN
- Gateway: (only if DHCP not enabled): sets the gateway IP (default router)
- OSC Configuration Parameters:
- OSC Port: 4 ports are available (OSC1..OSC4), each one can be configured with a different IP and port settings.
- Remote IP: sets the IP of the host to which OSC packets should be sent/received
- Remote Port: sets the port number to which OSC packets will be sent
- Local Port: sets the port number over which OSC packets will be received
- Tx Mode: selects the transfer mode (see this page for supported formats)
Bookmark Page
Ok, now you've probably walked through so many pages, how to remember the most favourite ones?
Use Bookmarks!
The bookmark pages is entered by pressing MENU+SELECT, or a dedicated button which is assigned in your MBSEQ_HW.V4 file (e.g. the hwcfg/wilba/MBSEQ_HW.V4 file presets this functions to the F1 button)
Inside this menu, press a GP button (shortly) to recall a bookmark, press&hold a GP button for 3 seconds to store a bookmark
The bookmark function stores following UI settings:
- Bookmark name
- Current page
- Group
- Tracks
- Mutes
- Parameter Layer
- Trigger Layer
- Instrument
- Step View
- Step
- Edit View
- Solo/All/Fast/Metronome/Loop/Follow button mode
The first 8 "global" Bookmarks are stored into the MBSEQ_BM.V4 file of the root directory, the remaining bookmarks are stored into the MBSEQ_BM.V4 file of the session directory. Both files can be edited with a common text editor.
This is the only way to change a bookmark name (5 characters)
It's possible to prevent, that a certain UI parameter will be overwritten by a bookmark. This can (only) be done by editing the MBSEQ_BM.V4 file:
Just replace the '+' sign at the beginning of the parameter name by a '-' sign.
Typical configuration slot:
#################### Slot 1 Name Def. #################### +Page EDIT +Group 1 +Tracks 1000000000000000 +Mutes 0000000000000000 +ParLayer A +TrgLayer A +Instrument 1 +StepView 1 +Step 1 +EditView 0 +Solo 0 +All 0 +Fast 0 +Metronome 0 +LoopMode 0 +FollowMode 0
You could turn this into an "all tracks selected" bookmark by writing:
#################### Slot 1 Name AllT #################### -Page EDIT -Group 1 +Tracks 1111111111111111 -Mutes 0000000000000000 -ParLayer A -TrgLayer A -Instrument 1 -StepView 1 -Step 1 -EditView 0 -Solo 0 -All 0 -Fast 0 -Metronome 0 -LoopMode 0 -FollowMode 0
This will only change the tracks, all other parameters won't be touched!
Last update: 2024-05-08
Copyright © 1998-2023, Thorsten Klose. All rights reserved.