Changes

= Menus and Parameters =

= Menus and Parameters =

First we need to understand some user interface elements. ZynSeq includes a context menu that is shown by short press LAYER or touching the top left of the screen. The LAYER or SELECT encoder may be used to highlight entries within this menu and short press LAYER or SELECT will select that entry. Alternatively the touchscreen may be used to select an entry by touching the selection. If the menu extends beyond the bottom of the screen it may be scrolled by highlighting lower entries with the SELECT or LAYER encoder or press and drag with the touchscreen. (Note: When touch and dragging on touchscreen the menu option will be selected when touch is released.) The first entries in context menu are common to all ZynSeq views. Entries below the first divider are context sensitive, i.e. specific to the current view or action being performed.

First we need to understand some user interface elements. ZynSeq includes a menu that is shown by short press LAYER or touching the top left of the screen. The LAYER or SELECT encoder may be used to highlight entries within this menu and short press LAYER or SELECT will select that entry. Alternatively the touchscreen may be used to select an entry by touching the selection. If the menu extends beyond the bottom of the screen it may be scrolled by highlighting lower entries with the SELECT or LAYER encoder or press and drag with the touchscreen. (Note: When touch and dragging on touchscreen the menu option will be selected when touch is released.) The first entries in menu are common to all ZynSeq views. Entries below the first divider are sensitive, i.e. specific to the current view or action being performed.

If a parameter is selected from the context menu its title and value is displayed in the title bar at the top of the screen. This is called the ''parameter editor''. The value may be adjusted with the LAYER or SELECT encoder and asserted by a short press of LAYER or SELECT. Short press BACK to cancel out of the parameter editor. If touchscreen widgets is enabled then buttons appear in the title bar allowing adjustment of the parameter.

If a parameter is selected from the menu its title and value is displayed in the title bar at the top of the screen. This is called the ''parameter editor''. The value may be adjusted with the LAYER or SELECT encoder and asserted by a short press of LAYER or SELECT. Short press BACK to cancel out of the parameter editor. If touchscreen widgets is enabled then buttons appear in the title bar allowing adjustment of the parameter.

= Pattern Editor =

= Pattern Editor =

One of the cells in the step grid has a coloured outline. This is the ''cursor'' and identifies which cell is currently highlighted. Rotate the BACK encoder to move the cursor up and down (between notes) and the SELECT encoder to move the cursor left and right (between steps). To add a note, move the cursor to the desired step and note then short press the SELECT encoder. A note may be removed in the same way. Alternatively press the touchscreen on the cell you want to add or remove a note. Press and drag to allow more accurate positioning. As a note is added it is also sounded (MIDI sent to engine). All steps in a pattern are always shown, i.e. there is no horizontal scrolling or zoom. Notes above or below the visible area may be accessed by moving the cursor beyond the view with the BACK encoder. The view scrolls as the cursor reaches the edge. Alternatively use the touchscreen to press on the keyboard and drag up and down to vertically scroll the view. Note that as you touch a key on the keyboard it plays that note briefly. This is a useful tool for auditioning notes or phrases before adding them to the step grid.

One of the cells in the step grid has a coloured outline. This is the ''cursor'' and identifies which cell is currently highlighted. Rotate the BACK encoder to move the cursor up and down (between notes) and the SELECT encoder to move the cursor left and right (between steps). To add a note, move the cursor to the desired step and note then short press the SELECT encoder. A note may be removed in the same way. Alternatively press the touchscreen on the cell you want to add or remove a note. Press and drag to allow more accurate positioning. As a note is added it is also sounded (MIDI sent to engine). All steps in a pattern are always shown, i.e. there is no horizontal scrolling or zoom. Notes above or below the visible area may be accessed by moving the cursor beyond the view with the BACK encoder. The view scrolls as the cursor reaches the edge. Alternatively use the touchscreen to press on the keyboard and drag up and down to vertically scroll the view. Note that as you touch a key on the keyboard it plays that note briefly. This is a useful tool for auditioning notes or phrases before adding them to the step grid.

To preview a pattern, short press the SNAPSHOT button to start the transport. A coloured bar at the bottom of the view will move left to right to indicate the position of the playhead and any notes entered in the pattern will be sent to the Zynthian's engines. To pause playback, short press SNAPSHOT. To stop and recue to the start of the pattern, bold press SNAPSHOT. If touchscreen widgets are enabled, pressing the touchscreen at the top right corner will display the transport controls. Pressing the right pointing arrow play button will start playback. The play button changes colour to indicate it is playing. Pressing again will pause playback. Pressing the square stop button will stop playback and recue to start of pattern. Pressing top right of screen will hide the transport. Playback speed (Tempo) can be adjusted with the SNAPSHOT encoder or by selecting "Tempo" from the context menu.

To preview a pattern, short press the SNAPSHOT button to start the transport. A coloured bar at the bottom of the view will move left to right to indicate the position of the playhead and any notes entered in the pattern will be sent to the Zynthian's engines. To pause playback, short press SNAPSHOT. To stop and recue to the start of the pattern, bold press SNAPSHOT. If touchscreen widgets are enabled, pressing the touchscreen at the top right corner will display the transport controls. Pressing the right pointing arrow play button will start playback. The play button changes colour to indicate it is playing. Pressing again will pause playback. Pressing the square stop button will stop playback and recue to start of pattern. Pressing top right of screen will hide the transport. Playback speed (Tempo) can be adjusted with the SNAPSHOT encoder or by selecting "Tempo" from the menu.

The MIDI channel used by the Pattern Editor will be chosen from the sequence / track from which it is launched, e.g. if you selected the first pad (without changing default settings) it should play on MIDI channel 1.

The MIDI channel used by the Pattern Editor will be chosen from the sequence / track from which it is launched, e.g. if you selected the first pad (without changing default settings) it should play on MIDI channel 1.

There are vertical white lines indicating the beats. The quantity of beats in the pattern may be adjusted from the context menu as well as the quantity of steps in each beat. This allows the duration and quantisation level of the pattern to be adjusted. Changing the beats in pattern will change the pattern duration. Changing the steps per beat will change the pattern resolution.

There are vertical white lines indicating the beats. The quantity of beats in the pattern may be adjusted from the menu as well as the quantity of steps in each beat. This allows the duration and quantisation level of the pattern to be adjusted. Changing the beats in pattern will change the pattern duration. Changing the steps per beat will change the pattern resolution.

Add some notes to form a melody and preview with the play function. Short press BACK will return to ZynPad.

Add some notes to form a melody and preview with the play function. Short press BACK will return to ZynPad.

= Adding Notes With External MIDI Controller =

= Adding Notes With External MIDI Controller =

It is possible to use a MIDI controller to add notes to a pattern, e.g. MIDI keyboard connected to Zynthian. Select "Input channel" from Pattern Editor context menu to adjust the MIDI channel that ZynSeq listens for input. When the Pattern Editor is shown, any note sent on this channel will add a note to the pattern at the current playhead cursor position with the current note duration and if the pattern is not being played, move the playhead to the next step. To add longer notes (in multiples of the current note duration) press the hold pedal whilst adding notes. It is possible to assign a note that acts as a rest, i.e. will not add a note to the sequence and skip to the next step. Select "Rest note" from pattern editor context menu to select which note will act as a rest. None may be selected by rotating SELECT encoder to the end of the range, i.e. below C-1 or above G9.

It is possible to use a MIDI controller to add notes to a pattern, e.g. MIDI keyboard connected to Zynthian. Select "Input channel" from Pattern Editor menu to adjust the MIDI channel that ZynSeq listens for input. When the Pattern Editor is shown, any note sent on this channel will add a note to the pattern at the current playhead cursor position with the a duration of one step and if the pattern is not being played, move the playhead to the next step. To add longer notes press the sustain pedal whilst adding notes. Each press of a note whilst the sustain pedal is pressed will extend the note by one step. The playhead does not advance until the sustain pedal is released so chords may also be added whilst the sustain pedal is pressed. The playhead may be advanced without adding any note by pressing and releasing the sustain pedal. It is also possible to assign a note that acts as a rest, i.e. will not add a note to the sequence and skip to the next step. Select "Rest note" from pattern editor menu to select which note will act as a rest. ''None'' may be selected by rotating SELECT encoder to the end of the range, i.e. below C-1 or above G9.

It is also possible to play live whist the pattern is playing in loop mode. Short press SNAPSHOT encoder to start loop playback then use MIDI controller to overdub the pattern. The same logic applies so playing a note that already exists will remove it.

It is also possible to play live whist the pattern is playing in loop mode. Short press SNAPSHOT encoder to start loop playback then use MIDI controller to overdub the pattern. The same logic applies so playing a note that already exists will remove it.

Playback of the pattern you created should start to loop. During playback a green right-pointing arrow shows on the pad.

Playback of the pattern you created should start to loop. During playback a green right-pointing arrow shows on the pad.

Tempo may be adjusted using the SNAPSHOT encoder or by selecting "Tempo" from the context menu (if touchscreen widgets enabled).

Tempo may be adjusted using the SNAPSHOT encoder or by selecting "Tempo" from the menu (if touchscreen widgets enabled).

Short press SELECT or tap the pad with the touchscreen to stop the sequence playing.

Short press SELECT or tap the pad with the touchscreen to stop the sequence playing.

[[File:Zynpad 8x8.png|right|400px]]

[[File:Zynpad 8x8.png|right|400px]]

By default ZynPad shows a 4 x 4 grid of 16 pads. The grid is always square, i.e. has the same quantity of columns as rows. The quantity of pads may be adjusted by selecting "Grid size" from the ZynPad context menu. The maximum quantity of pads is 64 (8 x 8).

By default ZynPad shows a 4 x 4 grid of 16 pads. The grid is always square, i.e. has the same quantity of columns as rows. The quantity of pads may be adjusted by selecting "Grid size" from the ZynPad menu. The maximum quantity of pads is 64 (8 x 8).

Sequences are added or removed when the grid size is selected. Any patterns are not lost but may need to be reselected with Arranger (see later) when the grid size is increased.

Sequences are added or removed when the grid size is selected. Any patterns are not lost but may need to be reselected with Arranger (see later) when the grid size is increased.

[[File:Arranger.png|right|400px]]

[[File:Arranger.png|right|400px]]

Each pad triggers a sequence which may contain one or more tracks which may contain one or more patterns. By default each sequence contains a single track with a single pattern but it is possible to create more complex arrangements by adding more patterns to tracks and more tracks to sequences. The Arranger is a view that allows the manipulation of sequences used by pads. The Arranger is accessed from the context menu. Bold press SELECT in ZynPad will also open arranger if the sequence is already configured with more than one track or pattern or the first pattern is not at start of sequence.

Each pad triggers a sequence which may contain one or more tracks. Each track may contain one or more patterns. By default each sequence contains a single track with a single pattern but it is possible to create more complex arrangements by adding more patterns to tracks and more tracks to sequences. The Arranger is a view that allows the manipulation of sequences used by pads. The Arranger is accessed from the menu. Bold press SELECT in ZynPad will also open arranger if the sequence is already configured with more than one track or pattern or the first pattern is not at start of sequence.

Arranger shows each track as a row with its patterns shown as black boxes (with their pattern number in white) on a time line. Tracks are grouped within their sequence. This should be familiar to users of Digital Audio Workstations (DAW). The left hand column shows the sequence and track titles. This includes the sequence name, e.g. A1, track number, e.g. 1 and the name of the instrument currently assigned to the MIDI channel, e.g. Piano. The background colour of the title matches the group.

Arranger shows each track as a row with its patterns shown as black boxes (with their pattern number in white) on a time line. Tracks are grouped within their sequence. This should be familiar to users of Digital Audio Workstations (DAW). The left hand column shows the sequence and track titles. This includes:

 

* Sequence name, e.g. A1

* Track number, e.g. 1

* Name of the instrument currently assigned to the MIDI channel, e.g. Piano

 

The background colour of the title matches the group.

The selection cursor may be moved around the grid of patterns by rotating the BACK and SELECT encoders. Information about the currently selected track is shown in the topbar, e.g. ''Bank 1 A2-1 (3)'' shows that track 1 in sequence 2 of bank 1 is in group A and sends to MIDI channel 3. Each horizontal division represents a beat. Moving the cursor beyond the edge of the screen will scroll to show more of the bank.

The selection cursor may be moved around the grid of patterns by rotating the BACK and SELECT encoders. Information about the currently selected track is shown in the topbar, e.g. ''Bank 1 A2-1 (3)'' shows that track 1 in sequence 2 of bank 1 is in group A and sends to MIDI channel 3. Each horizontal division represents a beat. Moving the cursor beyond the edge of the screen will scroll to show more of the bank.

The pattern to be added is indicated by a number in the bottom left of the display. This may be changed by rotating the LAYER encoder. (Note: This differs from ZynPad where LAYER encoder changes the bank.) Tapping the bottom left number on a touchscreen will allow selection of the pattern if touchscreen widgets are enabled.

The pattern to be added is indicated by a number in the bottom left of the display. This may be changed by rotating the LAYER encoder. (Note: This differs from ZynPad where LAYER encoder changes the bank.) Tapping the bottom left number on a touchscreen will allow selection of the pattern if touchscreen widgets are enabled.

The view may be zoomed horizontally and vertically using options in the menu. The zoom level indicates the quantity of rows or columns displayed, i.e. setting vertical zoom to 8 will show 8 rows (tracks) whilst setting horizontal zoom to 64 will show 64 beats.

The view may be zoomed horizontally and vertically using options in the menu. The zoom level indicates the quantity of rows or columns displayed, i.e. setting vertical zoom to 8 will show 8 rows (tracks) whilst setting horizontal zoom to 64 will show 64 beats.

New tracks may be added to each sequence by highlighting a sequence track then using menu option ''Add track'' This adds an empty track directly below the selected track, inserting between tracks if necessary. Tracks may be removed by highlighting the track then using the menu option ''Remove track''. Tracks may be selected (without adding a pattern) by tapping the track title on a touchscreen or by rotating the BACK encoder.

New tracks may be added to each sequence by highlighting a sequence track then using menu option ''Add track''. This adds an empty track directly below the selected track, inserting between tracks if necessary. Tracks may be removed by highlighting the track then using the menu option ''Remove track''. Tracks may be selected (without adding a pattern) by tapping the track title on a touchscreen or by rotating the BACK encoder.

A track's MIDI channel may be set by highlighting the track then selecting ''MIDI channel'' from the menu. The instrument name is also shown during channel selection.

A track's MIDI channel may be set by highlighting the track then selecting ''MIDI channel'' from the menu. The instrument name is also shown during channel selection.

The quantity of sequences in the bank may be adjusted using the ''Grid size'' menu option. This allows selection of 1,4,9,16,25,36,49 or 64 sequences but does not change the MIDI channel of any tracks or group of any sequences. This may be undesirable if you use ZynPad as a column based performance tool in which case it may be more appropriate to change grid size from ZynPad menu.

The quantity of sequences in the bank may be adjusted using the ''Grid size'' menu option. This allows selection of 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49 or 64 sequences but does not change the MIDI channel of any tracks or group of any sequences. This may be undesirable if you use ZynPad as a column based performance tool in which case it may be more appropriate to change grid size from ZynPad menu.

The group, play mode and trigger note of each sequence can be adjusted from the menu.

The group, play mode and trigger note of each sequence can be adjusted from the menu.

Zynthian allows the beats per bar to be configured but not the beat type. All beats are assumed to be quarter notes and the default beats per bar is 4, hence a 4/4 time signature. The beats per bar may be adjusted from a menu option and can be set to any value between 1 and 64. The most significant behaviour that beats per bar influences is the sync point. The sync point is the point at which a sequence starts, loops or stops and is synonymous with start of bar hence the beats per bar defines the quantity of beats between sync points which in turn defines the rate at which sequences will loop.

Zynthian allows the beats per bar to be configured but not the beat type. All beats are assumed to be quarter notes and the default beats per bar is 4, hence a 4/4 time signature. The beats per bar may be adjusted from a menu option and can be set to any value between 1 and 64. The most significant behaviour that beats per bar influences is the sync point. The sync point is the point at which a sequence starts, loops or stops and is synonymous with start of bar hence the beats per bar defines the quantity of beats between sync points which in turn defines the rate at which sequences will loop.

The current value of beats per bar is saved and restored when a snapshot is loaded. The beats per bar may also be varied during sequence playback and will be added to a sequence within the arranger. This functionality is currently disabled.

The current value of beats per bar is saved with the snapshot and restored when a snapshot is loaded. The beats per bar may also be varied during sequence playback and will be added to a sequence within the arranger. This functionality is currently disabled.

= Metronome =

= Metronome =

Patterns are identified by their number. There may be a maximum of 999 patterns in each snapshot. Each pattern may be used as many times as required in as many tracks and sequences as required.

Patterns are identified by their number. There may be a maximum of 999 patterns in each snapshot. Each pattern may be used as many times as required in as many tracks and sequences as required.

A pattern may be cleared, copied or transposed by selecting the corresponding entry it the pattern manager context menu.

A pattern may be cleared, copied or transposed by selecting the corresponding entry it the pattern manager menu.

Clearing a pattern will remove all notes in the pattern after requesting confirmation.

Clearing a pattern will remove all notes in the pattern after requesting confirmation.

Copying a pattern will copy all the notes and parameters of a pattern, overwriting the destination pattern after requesting confirmation. Remember that the pattern being overwriten may be used in various sequences.

Copying a pattern will copy all the notes and parameters of a pattern, overwriting the destination pattern after requesting confirmation. Remember that the pattern being overwriten may be used in various sequences.

Transposing a pattern moves all notes up or down a semitone at a time. Transpose is constrained to the MIDI range C-1 to G9. If any note in the pattern would be beyond this range then further transposing is prohibited. Transposing is only available when chromatic scale is used, i.e. drum maps cannot be transposed. An attempt to transpose when a non-chromatic scale is being used will change the view to chromatic scale.

Transposing a pattern moves all notes up or down a semitone at a time. Transpose is constrained to the MIDI range C-1 to G9. If any note in the pattern would be beyond this range then further transposing is prohibited. Transposing is only available when chromatic scale is used, i.e. drum maps cannot be transposed.

New patterns are created on demand, e.g. if a new sequence is added in ZynPad it will be assigned a single track with a single pattern. The pattern will be the first unused, empty pattern available. This means that even if a pattern is removed from tracks, e.g. because a track or sequence is removed the pattern will remain available to select and reuse.

New patterns are created on demand, e.g. if a new sequence is added in ZynPad it will be assigned a single track with a single pattern. The pattern will be the first unused, empty pattern available. This means that even if a pattern is removed from tracks, e.g. because a track or sequence is removed the pattern will remain available to select and reuse.

= Import / Export MIDI Files =

= Import / Export MIDI Files =

== Export ==

== Export ==

A pattern may be exported as a standard MIDI file format. The tempo and all the notes within the pattern on its current channel will be exported to a file in Zynthian's capture location which may be accessed via webconf.

A pattern may be exported as a standard MIDI file. The tempo and all the notes within the pattern on its current channel will be exported to a file in Zynthian's capture location which may be accessed via webconf. The filename will consist of the pattern number and a date / time stamp of when the export occured, e.g. ''pattern2_2021-02-18 15:15:19.335558.mid''.

== Import - not yet implemented ==

== Import - not yet implemented ==

Note that if a module alters the transport, e.g. stops it then ZynSeq may have unexpected behaviour. Check what engines are doing if you experience timing or playback issues.

Note that if a module alters the transport, e.g. stops it then ZynSeq may have unexpected behaviour. Check what engines are doing if you experience timing or playback issues.

Each sequence has a timebase track which may have tempo and time signature (beats per bar) events. These will influence the all playback. The ability to manipulate sequence timebase events is not yet implemented.

Each sequence has a timebase track which may have tempo and time signature (beats per bar) events. These will influence all playback. The ability to manipulate sequence timebase events is not yet implemented.

= Example Workflows =

= Example Workflows =

By default ZynPad is configured to provide columns of grouped sequences. This allows patterns to be looped with each column acting like one instrument, stopping previously playing sequences when they start. The parallel lanes gives simultaneous control over several instruments.

By default ZynPad is configured to provide columns of grouped sequences. This allows patterns to be looped with each column acting like one instrument, stopping previously playing sequences when they start. The parallel lanes gives simultaneous control over several instruments.

== Oneshot phrases ==

== Oneshot phrases ==

Not all genres or scenarios require looped sequences. You can configure sequences to be oneshot and fire them off as required during performance. This may provide short phrases that are part of a song, e.g. complex arrangements or simply phrases that need to play in parallel. (You only have so many hands!) This may also be used to trigger sequences of sound effect for dramatic performances, e.g. a window smash followed by a scream and the sound of rain.

Not all genres or scenarios require looped sequences. You can configure sequences to be oneshot and fire them off as required during performance. This may provide short phrases that are part of a song, e.g. complex arrangements or simply phrases that need to play in parallel. (You only have so many hands!) This may also be used to trigger sequences of sound effect for dramatic performances, e.g. triggering a sample player to play a window smash followed by a scream and the sound of rain.

== Linear song ==

== Linear song ==

The previous workflows may be combined, e.g. by placing the song on a pad that is used to start the linear song then having loops and oneshots on other pads (in other groups) that may be played live alongside the linear song.

The previous workflows may be combined, e.g. by placing the song on a pad that is used to start the linear song then having loops and oneshots on other pads (in other groups) that may be played live alongside the linear song.