Changes

[[File:zynseq_patterneditor.png|right|300px]]

[[File:zynseq_patterneditor.png|right|300px]]

By default each pad triggers a sequence containing a single pattern. Bold press ENTER encoder or press and hold the touchscreen to show the Pattern Editor for the highlighted pad. There is a grid on the right called the ''Step Grid''. On the left is a representation of a piano keyboard. Each row represents a note and each column in the step grid represents a step in the sequence.

By default each pad triggers a sequence containing a single pattern. Bold press SELECT encoder or press and hold the touchscreen to show the Pattern Editor for the highlighted pad. There is a grid on the right called the ''Step Grid''. On the left is a representation of a piano keyboard. Each row represents a note and each column in the step grid represents a step in the sequence.

Step sequences are a quantised collection of events, i.e. each event occurs at a discrete time and the available discrete times are equally and evenly distributed across the pattern. This means the difference in time between step 1 and step 2 occuring is the same as the difference in time between step 2 and step 3 occuring.

Step sequences are a quantised collection of events, i.e. each event occurs at a discrete time and the available discrete times are equally and evenly distributed across the pattern. This means the difference in time between step 1 and step 2 occuring is the same as the difference in time between step 2 and step 3 occuring.

One of the cells in the step grid has a coloured outline. This is the ''cursor'' and identifies which cell is currently highlighted. Use the BACK encoder to move the cursor up and down (between notes) and the ENTER encoder to move the cursor left and right (between steps). To add a note, move the cusor 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. 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. Use 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 cusor 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. 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 you press the touchscreen at the top right corner the transport controls display. 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 you press the touchscreen at the top right corner the transport controls display. 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.

= Playing a sequence =

= Playing a sequence =

The pad is purple which indicates that the sequence is not playing. Similar to how we navigate the cursor in the Pattern Editor we can move the cursor in ZynPad with the BACK and ENTER encoders. Move the cursor to the top left to highlight pad A1 (it is probably already there) then short press SELECT encoder to start playback of sequence A1. This can also be achieved with a touchscreen by simply pressing pad A1. Playback of the pattern you created should start to loop.

The pad is purple which indicates that the sequence is not playing. Similar to how we navigate the cursor in the Pattern Editor we can move the cursor in ZynPad with the BACK and SELECT encoders. Move the cursor to the top left to highlight pad A1 (it is probably already there) then short press SELECT encoder to start playback of sequence A1. This can also be achieved with a touchscreen by simply pressing pad A1. Playback of the pattern you created should start to loop.

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 context menu (if touchscreen widgets enabled).

[[File:zynpad_pad_mode.png|right|300px]]

[[File:zynpad_pad_mode.png|right|300px]]

So far we have used the default mode for sequences which will loop the sequence until requested to stop at which point it will continue to play until the next sync point. There are many modes available which each offer features for different workflows / requirements. To change mode, select "Mode" from the ZynPad's context menu. This will allow change of mode of the highlighted sequence. The mode is indicated by an icon.

So far we have used the default mode for sequences which will loop the sequence until requested to stop at which point it will continue to play until the next sync point. There are many modes available which each offer features for different workflows / requirements. To change mode, select "Pad mode" from the ZynPad's context menu. This will allow change of mode of the highlighted sequence. The mode is indicated by an icon.

Available modes are:

Available modes are:

Tempo is the rate at which the sequencer plays back notes measured in beats per minutes (BPM). By default zynseq plays sequences at 120 BPM. Adjust Tempo with the SNAPSHOT encoder. The tempo is breifly displayed in the title bar. There is also a context menu option to adjust tempo which may be used on touchscreens. The current tempo is saved and loaded with each song.

Tempo is the rate at which the sequencer plays back notes measured in beats per minutes (BPM). By default zynseq plays sequences at 120 BPM. Adjust Tempo with the SNAPSHOT encoder. The tempo is breifly displayed in the title bar. There is also a context menu option to adjust tempo which may be used on touchscreens. The current tempo is saved and loaded with each song.

= MIDI channels =

= MIDI channels =

Each sequence may be assigned to a single MIDI channel. Several sequences may be assigned to the same MIDI channel. By default each sequence is assigned MIDI channel 1. Use the "MIDI channel" context menu option in Pad editor to set the MIDI channel of the currently highlighted sequence. The topbar now shows the current MIDI channel for the selected sequence. Use the ENTER encoder to change the value then short press ENTER. If Touch Widgets is enabled then there will also be buttons in the topbar to allow adjustment with the touchscreen. This data entry mode is called the Parameter Editor. The MIDI channel assigned to each sequence is shown in brackets after the sequence name on the left of the Pad Editor, e.g. A1 (2) indicates sequence 1 sends to MIDI channel 2.

Each pad will play a sequence to a single MIDI channel. Several sequences may be assigned to the same MIDI channel. By default each sequence is assigned MIDI channel 1. Use the ZynPad's "MIDI channel" context menu option to set the MIDI channel of the currently highlighted pad.

= Songs =

= Songs =

All the configuration described above relates to a song. Zynthian supports 999 songs, each may have different quantity of sequences, etc. Songs are identified by an index 1-999. This can be selected from any ZynSeq context menu or directly by using LAYER encoder in ZynPad or Pad Editor views. The current song is shown in the topbar within brackets, e.g. ZynPad (5). Songs 1-128 may also be selected with MIDI Song Select message.

All the configuration described above relates to a song. Zynthian supports 999 songs, each may have different quantity of sequences, etc. Songs are identified by an index 1-999. This can be selected from any ZynSeq context menu or directly by using LAYER encoder in ZynPad or Arranger views. The current song is shown in the topbar. Songs 1-128 may also be selected with MIDI Song Select message.

All songs share the same pool of patterns allowing reuse of patterns in different songs. With 999 patterns available there should be sufficient to create all the sequences in all the songs you need. If not, see section on Save and Load.

All songs share the same pool of patterns allowing reuse of patterns in different songs but by default each pad in each song has a different sequence with different pattern. With 2000 patterns available there should be sufficient to create all the sequences in all the songs you need. If not, see section on Save and Load.

Songs may be copied by selecting "Copy song" from Pad Editor context menu. Use parameter editor to select the index of the new song to which to copy the current song. Select new song ID with ENTER encoder. Short press ENTER to copy the song. Short press CANCEL to cancel the operation.

Songs may be copied by selecting "Copy song" from Arranger context menu.

A song may be cleared, removing all sequences by selecting "Clear song" from context menu then asserting by short press ENTER.

A song may be cleared, removing all sequences by selecting "Clear song" from context menu then asserting by short press SELECT.

If any sequences are playing when changing song, they continue to play until a sequence in the new song is started. The tempo remains unchanged, i.e. the new song's tempo is ignored (only if playing when the song is selected).

If any sequences are playing when changing song, they continue to play until a sequence in the new song is started. The tempo remains unchanged, i.e. the new song's tempo is ignored (only if playing when the song is selected). This allows seemless transition between songs.

= Save / Load =

= Save / Load =

If you run out of patterns or songs or want to have different configurations for different scenarios you have the option save the whole ZynSeq sequence set. From any context menu select "Save" to show an on-screen keyboard allowing naming of the sequence set. By default the name of the currenly loaded sequence set is shown. Use the ENTER encoder to highlight a character. This moves the cursor left and right, wrapping to next row at end of row and back to start when reaching the end. The BACK encoder may be used to move cursor between rows (but does not wrap). Short press ENTER to add the character to the name. There is a DELETE button to remove the last character and a SHIFT button to show alternative characters. You may also use the keyboard with direct press of the touchscreen. On-screen CANCEL button or short press BACK will cancel the operation. Selecting on-screen ENTER button will save the sequence set with the name displayed at top of screen.

If you run out of patterns or songs or want to have different configurations for different scenarios you have the option save the whole ZynSeq sequence set. From any context menu select "Save" to show an on-screen keyboard allowing naming of the sequence set. By default the name of the currenly loaded sequence set is shown. Use the SELECT encoder to highlight a character. This moves the cursor left and right, wrapping to next row at end of row and back to start when reaching the end. The BACK encoder may be used to move cursor between rows (but does not wrap). Short press SELECT to add the character to the name. There is a DELETE button to remove the last character and a SHIFT button to show alternative characters. You may also use the keyboard with direct press of the touchscreen. On-screen CANCEL button or short press BACK will cancel the operation. Selecting on-screen SELECT button will save the sequence set with the name displayed at top of screen.

A previously saved sequence set may be loaded by selecting "Load" from any context menu. A list of sequence sets is displayed. Highlight the required name using the ENTER encoder then short press ENTER to load the highligted sequence set. Alternatively press the touchscreen to select the set to load. A sequence set may be deleted by bold press ENTER. A confirmation message is displayed.

A previously saved sequence set may be loaded by selecting "Load" from any context menu. A list of sequence sets is displayed. Highlight the required name using the SELECT encoder then short press SELECT to load the highligted sequence set. Alternatively press the touchscreen to select the set to load. A sequence set may be deleted by bold press SELECT. A confirmation message is displayed.

Sequence sets are also saved with snapshots.

Sequence sets are also saved with snapshots.

= External Trigger =

= External Trigger =

It is possible to trigger a sequence from a MIDI controller, e.g. a MIDI keyboard connected to the Zynthian. Zynseq listens for triggers on a single MIDI channel, i.e. only one MIDI channel may be used to trigger ZynSeq sequences. Select "Trigger channel" from Pad Editor context menu to change the MIDI channel ZynSeq listens for triggers. This may be None or channel 1-16.

It is possible to trigger a sequence from a MIDI controller, e.g. a MIDI keyboard connected to the Zynthian. Zynseq listens for triggers on a the ''Master MIDI channel''.

Each sequence may be triggered by a MIDI note. Select "Trigger" from Pad Editor context menu to adjust the MIDI note that will trigger the highlighted sequence. By default sequences are assigned trigger notes sequentially from C4 (MIDI note 60). To disable a sequence from being triggered set its trigger value to None which is above G9, i.e. increase to maximum value. The trigger note is shown in brackets after the sequence name on the left of the Pad Editor, e.g. A1 (2, C4) indicates sequence 1 is triggered by note C4.

Each sequence may be triggered by a MIDI note. Select "Trigger note" from ZynPad's context menu to adjust the MIDI note that will trigger the highlighted pad. By default triggers are disabled. To disable a sequence from being triggered set its trigger value to None which is above G9, i.e. increase to maximum value. The trigger note is shown in brackets after the sequence name on the left of the Arranger, e.g. A1 (2, C4) indicates sequence 1 is triggered by note C4.

= Tallies =

= Tallies =

ZynSeq has the ability to send MIDI note on / off messages to represent the current play status of each sequence. This may be used by an external pad controller like Novation's Launchpad to indicate the status of a sequence. The note number sent is the same as the external trigger configured for a sequence. The MIDI channel that all tallies are sent to may be configured by selecting "Tally channel" from Pad Editor context menu. This may be None or channel 1-16.

ZynSeq has the ability to send MIDI note on / off messages to represent the current play status of each sequence. This may be used by an external pad controller like Novation's Launchpad to indicate the status of a sequence. The note number sent is the same as the external trigger configured for a sequence. Tallies are sent on the ''Master MIDI channel''.

= Pad Editor =

= Arranger =

[[File:Zynseq menu padeditor.png|right|300px]]

[[File:Zynseq menu padeditor.png|right|300px]]

Each pad triggers a sequence which may contain one or more patterns. By default each sequence contains a single pattern but it is possible to create more complex arrangements by adding more patterns to the sequence. The Pad Editor is a view that allows the manipulation of sequences used by pads. To access the Pad Editor, from within ZynSeq short press LAYER encoder or tap the top left of the screen. This shows a context menu. The ENTER encoder may be used to highlight entries within this menu and short press ENTER 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 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. Select entry, "Pad Editor".

Each pad triggers a sequence which may contain one or more patterns. By default each sequence contains a single pattern but it is possible to create more complex arrangements by adding more patterns to the sequence. The Arranger is a view that allows the manipulation of sequences used by pads. To access the Arranger, from within ZynSeq short press LAYER encoder or tap the top left of the screen. This shows a context menu. The SELECT encoder may be used to highlight entries within this menu and short press 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 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. Select entry, "Arranger".

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The view should change to show a different type of grid. Each horizontal row represents a sequence assigned to a pad. On the left the pad's name and some other info is shown on a coloured cell. To the right is where patterns are added and removed. This is called the Patterns Grid. Each sequence may have as many or few patterns as desired. It may be common to use just one pattern for each sequence but more complex combinations are possible.

The view should change to show a different type of grid. Each horizontal row represents a sequence assigned to a pad. On the left the pad's name and some other info is shown on a coloured cell. To the right is where patterns are added and removed. This is called the Patterns Grid. Each sequence may have as many or few patterns as desired. It may be common to use just one pattern for each sequence but more complex combinations are possible.

Navigation around the patterns grid is performed by rotating the BACK encoder to move up and down (select different pads) and the ENTER encoder to move left and right (select time). The currently highlighted cell is shown by a coloured outline called the cursor. By default there are 4 empty sequences configured. (Empty means no patterns have been added.) Let's add a pattern.

Navigation around the patterns grid is performed by rotating the BACK encoder to move up and down (select different pads) and the SELECT encoder to move left and right (select time). The currently highlighted cell is shown by a coloured outline called the cursor. By default there are 4 empty sequences configured. (Empty means no patterns have been added.) Let's add a pattern.

Use the ENTER and BACK encoders to move the cursor to the top left corner. This represents the starting time for the first sequence. Note that this sequence is called "A1" and has a purple background. This will be explained later but we will start to see its relevance soon. Short press ENTER encoder will add a pattern at the cursor position.

Use the SELECT and BACK encoders to move the cursor to the top left corner. This represents the starting time for the first sequence. Note that this sequence is called "A1" and has a purple background. This will be explained later but we will start to see its relevance soon. Short press SELECT encoder will add a pattern at the cursor position.

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= Complex Sequences =

 

 

== Complex Sequences ==

A sequence may have any quantity of patterns either sequentially or separated by time. Patterns may not overlap within a sequence, i.e. a pattern's start must be at or later than the preceeding pattern's end. To add patterns to a sequence, within Pad Editor:

A sequence may have any quantity of patterns either sequentially or separated by time. Patterns may not overlap within a sequence, i.e. a pattern's start must be at or later than the preceeding pattern's end. To add patterns to a sequence, within Arranger:

* Select the required pattern

* Select the required pattern

* Move the cursor to the sequence and time at which to add the pattern

* Move the cursor to the sequence and time at which to add the pattern

* Short press ENTER

* Short press SELECT

The cursor will show the duration of the pattern to be added. The cursor moves to the next time division unless the pattern will not fit within the gap in which case the cursor will jump to the start of the next pattern (even if the new pattern is longer than the next highligted pattern, to allow removal of patterns).

The cursor will show the duration of the pattern to be added. The cursor moves to the next time division unless the pattern will not fit within the gap in which case the cursor will jump to the start of the next pattern (even if the new pattern is longer than the next highligted pattern, to allow removal of patterns).

Encoders have been assigned to optimise this workflow:

Encoders have been assigned to optimise this workflow:

Move cursor to sequence with BACK encoder

Move cursor to sequence with BACK encoder

Move cursor to time with ENTER encoder

Move cursor to time with SELECT encoder

Add / remove patterns with short press ENTER

Add / remove patterns with short press SELECT

Select pattern with LAYER encoder

Select pattern with LAYER encoder

= Adding Notes With MIDI Controller =

= Adding Notes With 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 ENTER 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 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.

= Time Signature =

= Time Signature =

A pattern has three parameters that affect playback speed: Beats in pattern, Steps per beat & Beat type. These can each be changed from the Pattern Editor context menu.

A pattern has three parameters that affect playback speed: Beats in pattern, Steps per beat & Beat type. These can each be changed from the Pattern Editor context menu.

Beat type defines the duration of each beat and corresponds to the denominator of a time signature. A value of 1 means the beat is a semibreve / whole note. 2 means minim / half note. 4 is a crotchet / quarter note, etc. This is not graphically obvious in the Pattern Editor because it does not change the steps in the pattern and all steps are shown. Beat type changes the duration and hence larger values result in smaller steps and faster playback of the pattern. This is obvious in the Pad Editor where the size of the pattern will change, growing for lower values of beat type.

Beat type defines the duration of each beat and corresponds to the denominator of a time signature. A value of 1 means the beat is a semibreve / whole note. 2 means minim / half note. 4 is a crotchet / quarter note, etc. This is not graphically obvious in the Pattern Editor because it does not change the steps in the pattern and all steps are shown. Beat type changes the duration and hence larger values result in smaller steps and faster playback of the pattern. This is obvious in the Arranger where the size of the pattern will change, growing for lower values of beat type.

Beats in pattern defines the quantity of beats the pattern spans. Each beat is represented by a vertical white line on the note grid. As the beats in pattern change these lines move accordingly. The higher the value of beats in pattern, the longer the pattern.

Beats in pattern defines the quantity of beats the pattern spans. Each beat is represented by a vertical white line on the note grid. As the beats in pattern change these lines move accordingly. The higher the value of beats in pattern, the longer the pattern.

* Select "Import" from the Pattern Editor context menu

* Select "Import" from the Pattern Editor context menu

* A list of MIDI files on USB drive is shown

* A list of MIDI files on USB drive is shown

* Use ENTER encoder to highlight the desired file then short press ENTER to import or use touchscreen to select the desired file

* Use SELECT encoder to highlight the desired file then short press SELECT to import or use touchscreen to select the desired file

* MIDI note events are imported into the current and subsequent patterns, overwritting any existing patterns

* MIDI note events are imported into the current and subsequent patterns, overwritting any existing patterns

* Events will be quantised to match the pattern configuration

* Events will be quantised to match the pattern configuration