Step Mode¶
Step mode allows you to configure each of the 16 steps for the selected pattern of the selected track, giving you detailed control over each note’s parameters. In Step mode, pressing one of the 1 to 16 buttons will select the corresponding step and trigger it at the same time.
In step mode, you are always editing steps of the selected pattern (see Pattern mode) The numbers of the selected pattern and step is shown at the top right of the screen:
Entering Step Mode¶
Press Step to enter Step Mode. The Step LED will light up.
Selecting Steps¶
In Step Mode:
Press 1 to 16 to select a step and trigger it
The selected pattern and step numbers appear at the top right of the screen
To select a step without triggering it:
Hold Step and press 1 to 16
Step Settings Pages¶
Navigate between pages using ← and →:
Page 1: Trigger Condition¶
Determines when the step plays.
Condition |
Description |
|---|---|
Never |
Step never plays |
Percent (25%, 50%, 75%) |
Random chance to play |
Always |
Step always plays |
Fill |
Plays when Fill FX is active |
Not Fill |
Plays when Fill FX is not active |
X:Y (1:2, 2:2, 1:3, 2:3, etc.) |
Plays on the Xth occurrence within every Y pattern loops |
Some examples of Xth within Y pattern loops:
Condition |
Loop 1 |
Loop 2 |
Loop 3 |
Loop 4 |
Loop 5 |
Loop 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1:2 |
✓ |
· |
✓ |
· |
✓ |
· |
2:2 |
· |
✓ |
· |
✓ |
· |
✓ |
1:3 |
✓ |
· |
· |
✓ |
· |
· |
2:3 |
· |
✓ |
· |
· |
✓ |
· |
(✓ = step plays, · = step is skipped)
Page 2: Note Settings¶
Note¶
Set what note the step plays:
Option |
Description |
|---|---|
Fixed Note |
Play a specific MIDI note regardless of current chord |
Note in Chord (1-4) |
Play specific note from the currernt chord |
Arpeggiator |
Use the track’s arpeggiator setting |
Chord |
Play the full current chord |
Use A to cycle through note modes.
Default Track Behavior:
Bass Track: Steps play the chord root note by default
Lead Track: Steps use the arpeggiator by default
Chords Track: Steps play the full chord
Octave Offset
In note modes “Note in Chord”, “Arpeggiator”, and “Chord”, the notes can be
shifted up or down by one or multiple octaves. This is shown as, for
example, +1oct or -2oct.
Playing full chords
From the internal synth engines, only the Chord track can play multiple notes simultaneously (polyphony). Therefore it’s the only internal track where the “Chord” note mode makes sense. However, you can use “Chord” note mode with external polyphonic MIDI instruments.
Duration¶
Set how long the note plays.
Velocity¶
Set the note’s intensity/volume. Use the touch strip for precise control.
Page 3: Repeat¶
Create note repeats (retrigs) within the step:
Parameter |
Description |
|---|---|
Count |
Number of repeats |
Rate |
Speed of repeats |
Page 4: Parameter Locks¶
Parameter locks allow you to set different synth parameters for individual steps, enabling sound variations within a single pattern. Normally, all steps in a pattern use the track’s synth settings, parameter locks let you override specific parameters on a per-step basis.
This is especialy powerful for sample tracks where you can select different samples per step.
Press ↑/↓ or use the touch strip to set the value of the selected parameter lock. Use B to disable the selected parameter lock on the step.
Working with Steps¶
Enabling/Disabling Steps¶
Press Edit to enter edit mode
Press 1 to 16 to toggle steps on/off
Press Edit again to exit edit mode
Tips¶
Use velocity variations to create groove and dynamics Use parameter locks to
play different samples on each step of a sample track
Use Fill conditions to add controlled complexity during performance
Creates subtle, varying ghost notes:
Add hi-hat or snare steps
Set condition to 50% or 75%
Set velocity low