Live FX

The PGB-1 features 16 live effects that can be activated during playback for dynamic performances.

Accessing Live FX

Hold Cpy/FX and press 1 to 16 to toggle effects.

Effect Categories

Effects are split into two categories:

  • Sequencing Effects (left side: 1-4, 9-12) - Affect pattern playback

  • Mixing Effects (right side: 5-8, 13-16) - Affect audio output

Sequencing Effects

Roll Effects

Create note repeats at different speeds:

Button

Effect

Description

1

Roll 16th

Fast rolls (16th notes)

2

Roll 8th

Medium rolls (8th notes)

3

Roll Quarter

Slow rolls (quarter notes)

4

Roll Beat

Slowest rolls (whole beat)

Press the button to start the effect, press again to stop. When a roll effect is enable, you can press another roll effect button to directly switch to another speed.

Fill Effects

Add or modify steps automatically:

Button

Effect

Description

9

Fill Steps

Triggers steps with “Fill” condition on any tracks

10

Auto-fill Low

Random fills on drum tracks, lower probability

11

Auto-fill High

Random fills on drum tracks, higher probability

12

Auto-fill Build-up

Increasing random fill intensity on drum tracks

Important

The auto-fill effects work with drum tracks (Kikc, Snare, Hihat) while the Fill Steps can be used on any track.

Mixing Effects

Filter Effects

Apply filters to the master output:

Button

Effect

Description

5

Low Pass Filter

Removes high frequencies

6

Band Pass Filter

Removes highs and lows

7

High Pass Filter

Removes low frequencies

Filter Sweeps

Animated filter effects:

Button

Effect

Description

13

LP Sweep

Low pass filter that sweeps

14

BP Sweep

Band pass filter that sweeps

15

HP Sweep

High pass filter that sweeps

Stutter Effects

Button

Effect

Description

8

Stutter 1

Short audio repeat effect

16

Stutter 2

Variation of stutter

One Effect Per Category

Only one effect of the same type can be active at a time:

  • Enabling a filter cancels other filters

  • Enabling a roll cancels other rolls

  • Enabling a fill cancels other fills

Combining Effect Categories

You can combine effects from different categories:

  • Roll + Filter

  • Fill + Stutter

  • Filter Sweep + Roll

  • Etc.

Chord Progression Indicator

While holding Cpy/FX, the chord progression indicator appears on screen. Use this to time your effects to land on specific chord changes.

Quick Parameter Control

While holding Cpy/FX, the touch strip controls a single parameter for a selected track. This lets you perform parameter changes during Live FX.

With this feature you can control one of:

  • Synth parameter 1

  • Synth parameter 2

  • Synth parameter 3

  • Synth parameter 4

  • LFO Rate

  • LFO Amplitude

  • Volume

  • Stereo Pan

  • Shuffle

To change the selected track, use the ← or → buttons while holding Cpy/FX.

To change the selected parameter, use the ↑ or ↓ buttons while holding Cpy/FX.

Performance Tips

Plan Your FX

  • Map out when to use effects in your arrangement

  • Practice transitions between song parts

  • Know which effects complement each other

Less Is More

  • Subtle filter movements can be very effective

  • Don’t overuse rolls - save them for impact moments

  • Brief stutters are often more effective than sustained ones

Build and Release

  • Use filters and fills to build tension

  • Release effects on strong beats

  • Combine with song part changes for maximum impact

See Also