Step Recording

[606man]

Hey guys been on hols for a while but I'm back!!!

I got a PM about step recording so here's what I've learned - I hope it helps

Step Recording

Note Method

The bar is divided in an unusual (to me, anyway) way. They seem to have used the actual ppqn numbers to determine where the notes go in a given bar. So, for example, the number 2-01-24, is referring to the second bar (2), the first beat (01) and the second sixteenth (24). Confused yet? Thought so. So am I.

The best way to understand this is to compare it to something like an MC sequencer, Redrum/Rebirth or even Fruityloops. These sequencers have the good old fashioned ’16 steps’ (per bar) we all know so well.

Old School // SP-606

1// 1-01-00
2// 1-01-24
3// 1-01-48
4// 1-01-72
5// 1-02-00
6// 1-02-24
7// 1-02-48
8// 1-02-72
9// 1-03-00
10// 1-03-24
11// 1-03-48
12// 1-03-72
13// 1-04-00
14// 1-04-24
15// 1-04-48
16// 1-04-72

Once you understand what Roland are on about, it becomes easier to use the step recorder. In fact, after a few minutes I was transferring on-screen patterns to the 606 with ease. The trick is to set the resolution to what you require, and use the ‘rest’ [F2] function to avoid spots where you don’t want note data. For example, to create a simple 4/4 house beat, just set the resolution to ¼ note and hit the pad 4 times. Done. The highest resolution is 1/32, or 32 steps per bar. I dunno why it doesn’t go the next step (1/64) – I can only assume it’s to make sure the swing function has somewhere to swing to!

What’s really cool is the ‘combo’ pattern. Make a basic kick/snare pattern with the step sequencer, swing it a bit if desired, and then use realtime recording to create some more human-sounding rhythms over the top. Best of both worlds.. Even with 8-voice polyphony you can get some really imaginative stuff happening.

[Euclid Ov Oåklånd]

Welcome back 606man.