So wanted to talk about using the sequencer for building beats, mostly progressive variation on looped based stuff like ohbliv, knowledge, samiyam, etc are known for; loops with random subtle changes that make it feel interesting even though the core is being looped.
On average how many patterns do you use, and how long is each pattern. Iv been playing around with 8-1 bar patterns, or 4 - 2 bar ones, etc. Then on the rest of A or B bank making variation patterns of those original 8-4-2etc patterns with subtle fills. Or do you just playing everything out in 4-8 bar patterns and then do fills manually? Iv been playing around with all these variations and coming up with interesting scenarios for each one. Wanted to get some feedback from people who use SP in pattern mode only. It's new ground for me since im used to resampling. I'm trying to find ways to do everything in the box. Thanks!

An example I have done https://soundcloud.com/roygbivz/pushin & https://soundcloud.com/roygbivz/chtm

yo im using the sequencer, first i pitch it with the sampletrak. my new workflow curve on the 606 is straight up. keeping track of like 20 or so beats at once can be hectic as shit, now it's peanuts. only problem is when i mess with levels, but they gotta be different on a different pattern. but now im
gonna put drums in the default memory, and keep my banks packed tight, and just keeep making shit, the sample trak is limited to like 3 beats at a time. and 404 is just a mess if you start sequencing more than 5 songs or so.
anyway, wish I had a 606 years ago and kept making banks and backup banks, i would have mad crazy shit, almost got 150 patterns on the sequencer already. sample track is gnarley for making drums snappy by tuning them up.

after playing with the sequencer some I imagine doing something like this.

=Set up some main pads that you'll use for:

Intro pt.1 (4)
Intro pt.2 (4)
Verse pt.1 (4)
Verse pt.2 (4)
Verse pt.3 (4)
Verse pt.4 (4)

Transition
(Loop back to verse, go to chorus, transition, etc.)

and just keep going on with 4 bar bits. Just seems to make the most sense, a sort of balance in between covering ground and being able to manipulate things without it getting too tedious. just program your fills and other variations by subtracting stuff and placing stuff in.

If it's a 4 bar that's supposed to loop, just copy the 1st pattern to 3 others (assuming you got the sx) and make those subtle changes. (Using Rec, to edit pattern and del to take things out so you can place new things in)

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Other then that Using the Resample method to try to get by the sample limit (12 mono) by building up drum patterns or layered samples and what have you.

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Then I suppose you could just export it to your computer, record it or play it live?

Good idea ROYGBIVS, been curious how others use the sequencer for a while.

What I've been doing for a while is use:
- 1 pattern at a time (normally 4 bars, 1 or 2 bars for lead ins etc)
- track 1: drums (main)
- track 2: drums (additional)
- track 3: samples layer 1
- track 4: samples layer 2

^I'll never play a single bar over & over. Maybe bars 1 & 3 will be the same in a 4 bar loop. Bar 4 will usually have a fill or rhythmic variation. Most patterns will be designed to play along with the next/previous pattern. Just copy a pattern to the next slot & alter as necessary.

Haven't really used the sequencer tracks for turning a 4 bar pattern into a 16 bar pattern for ages. I use the sequencer for better recording & mixing (record each sequencer track separately & then mix those takes).

Starting to get more into the idea of making resample beats coupled with the sequencer at the moment (resample a bunch of drums etc, chop them & then sequence it back for variation). Should be able to make some fire that way.

I've always been a resample guy but been leaning in the direction of the pattern sequencer on my 404sx. Resample/sequencer combo.

Yeah. When I first got my sp I would make a resampled loop and then use the sequencer for drums. So a pattern of intro on pad 1 then say a verse pad 2 etc and add variations by pressing pattern to go to sample mode and adding extra drum hits/one shots. Now I mostly use resample but using a mixture of both seemed to have worked better, think Im gonna revert

made this video to show you a track i did on the sequencer, im pretty proud of it but i wont be doing something that complex again lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10u5aEmC ... e=youtu.be

the first pattern is 16 bars i think and i had to concentrate so much to finish of the last couple of bars in the pattern

its not the best beat but its relevant

I don't do sequencing on 404 cause it's so obtuse to use. But normally, if I do sequencing on ESX, I create variation by dropping tracks in and out and adding extra one shot button presses during the sequence, i.e. extra snare here and there or something, or I 'override' a bassline with a quick riff on the pads.

Little things like that. Combined together, it keeps the tune interesting and doesn't require multiple patterns. You just loop live and record whatever you're doing.

hell ya i'm all about that sampletrak+sp combo.