Changes

[[File:Zynpad 4x4.png|right|400px]]

[[File:Zynpad 4x4.png|right|400px]]

To access the sequencer, select "Sequencer" from the main menu or use the shortcut: long press LAYER encoder. The first time you access the sequencer you will see a 4 x 4 grid of rectangles organised as 4 columns of colours. This view is called ZynPad and provides a live performance interface to ZynSeq. Each of rectangle represents a pad which may be used to play a sequence. Use of ZynPad is described later but first we need to add some sequences to play.

To access the sequencer, select '''Sequencer''' from the main menu or long press LAYER encoder. The first time you access the sequencer you will see a 4 x 4 grid of rectangles organised as 4 columns of colours. This view is called ZynPad and provides a live performance interface to ZynSeq. Each of rectangle represents a pad which may be used to play a sequence. Use of ZynPad is described later but first we need to add some sequences to play.

What is a sequence? A sequence is a collection of tracks which play in unison. By default each sequence has a single track. A sequence is a member of a group (indicated by its prefix A-Z and pad colour). Several sequences may be played simultaneously but those in the same group do not play concurrently.

What is a sequence? A sequence is a collection of tracks which play in unison. By default each sequence has a single track. A sequence is a member of a group (indicated by its pad colour). Several sequences may be played simultaneously but those in the same group do not play concurrently.

What is a track? A track is a collection of patterns which may be played and looped. Each track plays out to its own MIDI channel. We will see how sequences and tracks are manipulated in the section Arranger.

What is a track? A track is a collection of patterns which may be played and looped. Each track plays out to its own MIDI channel. We will see how sequences and tracks are manipulated in the section Arranger.

= 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.

[[File:Zynpad menu.png|right|400px]]

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 or fine adjusted (if appropriate) with the SNAPSHOT encoder. The value is asserted by a short press of LAYER or SELECT. Bold press SELECT may reset value to a default. 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.

Each pad has an icon indicating its play mode. The default mode is ''Loop All''. This means the pad will play the whole sequence then wait unit the next sync point / bar before starting again.

Each pad has an icon indicating its play mode. The default mode is ''Loop All''. This means the pad will play the whole sequence then wait unit the next sync point / bar before starting again.

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 tapping pad A1.

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 1 (it is probably already there) then short press SELECT encoder to start playback of sequence 1. This can also be achieved with a touchscreen by simply tapping pad 1.

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.

So far we have edited a single pattern in one pad's sequence. Let's add patterns to other pads. By default ZynSeq has 16 pads (sequences) each with a single track with its own pattern. User BACK and SELECT encoders to select pad  

So far we have edited a single pattern in one pad's sequence. Let's add patterns to other pads. By default ZynSeq has 16 pads (sequences) each with a single track with its own pattern. User BACK and SELECT encoders to select pad  

A2 and bold press SELECT to show its Pattern Editor. Add a new melody to the pattern then short press BACK or touch top left and select the back icon from the topbar to return to ZynPad.

2 and bold press SELECT to show its Pattern Editor. Add a new melody to the pattern then short press BACK or touch top left and select the back icon from the topbar to return to ZynPad.

Start pad A1: see its play icon show green and hear its sequence loop.

Start pad 1: see its play icon show green and hear its sequence loop.

Start pad A2. Pad A2 shows an orange ''starting'' icon but does not start to play yet. A1 pad's icon changes to red and continues to play. The red icon indicates sequence is playing but will soon stop. A2 pad icon changes to green and starts playing as A1 stops. The behaviour occurs because these pads are in the same group, "A" (see below).

Start pad 2. Pad 2 shows an orange ''starting'' icon but does not start to play yet. Pad 1's icon changes to red and continues to play. The red icon indicates sequence is playing but will soon stop. Pad 2 icon changes to green and starts playing as pad 1 stops. The behaviour occurs because these pads are in the same group (see below).

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[[File:Zynpad 4x4 playing playing.png|right|400px]]

[[File:Zynpad 4x4 playing playing.png|right|400px]]

Each sequence belongs to a mutually exclusive group. This means that only one sequence within the same group may play concurrently. Sequences from other groups may play simultaneously. The group is indicated by the single letter prefix of the sequence name. There are up to 26 groups, A-Z.

Each sequence belongs to a mutually exclusive group. This means that only one sequence within the same group may play concurrently. Sequences from other groups may play simultaneously. The group is indicated by the colour of the pad. There are up to 26 groups, A-Z.

By default sequences are arranged in columns of groups with the first column being in group A, second column in group B, etc. and the last column being in group J. (This is because the default configuration also allocates MIDI channels 1, 2, etc. and 10 for last column which is traditionally used for percussion.) ZynPad tries to keep things simple with each sequence containing a single track and a single pattern. We will see later how this can be changed with Arranger. Following this simple workflow, a sequence's MIDI channel may be set from the menu option ''MIDI channel''. This also sets the sequence's group. There are 16 colours used to indicate groups so that each MIDI channel may have a different colour.

By default sequences are arranged in columns of groups with the first column being in group A, second column in group B, etc. and the last column being in group J. (This is because the default configuration also allocates MIDI channels 1, 2, etc. and 10 for last column which is traditionally used for percussion.) ZynPad tries to keep things simple with each sequence containing a single track and a single pattern. We will see later how this can be changed with Arranger. Following this simple workflow, a sequence's MIDI channel may be set from the menu option ''MIDI channel''. This also sets the sequence's group. There are 16 colours used to indicate groups so that each MIDI channel may have a different colour.

If you start sequence A1 then start sequence B5 you will see that B5 shows orange ''starting'' icon then green ''playing'' icon when the next sync point is reached whilst A1 continues to play.

If you start sequence 1 then start sequence 5 you will see that pad 5 shows orange ''starting'' icon then green ''playing'' icon when the next sync point is reached whilst pad 1 continues to play.

This is a powerful performance feature of ZynPad. You can assign any quantity of sequences to any group, providing groups of mutually exclusive (only one can play at a time) sequences. Sequences from different groups can play simultaneously but sequences from the same group will play sequentially.

This is a powerful performance feature of ZynPad. You can assign any quantity of sequences to any group, providing groups of mutually exclusive (only one can play at a time) sequences. Sequences from different groups can play simultaneously but sequences from the same group will play sequentially.

A ''Sync point'' is a location within playback at which sequences will loop and / or group sequential play will change to another sequence. Sync points are synonymous with bars in traditional music notation. See section on time signature.

A ''Sync point'' is a location within playback at which sequences will loop and / or group sequential play will change to another sequence. Sync points are synonymous with bars in traditional music notation. See section on time signature.

Remember, sequences are indexed by number, 1, 2, 3, etc. and Groups by letter, A, B, C, etc. Pad labels consist of the group letter and sequence number, e.g. A1.

Remember, sequences are indexed by number, 1, 2, 3, etc. and Groups by letter, A, B, C, etc. By default pad labels show the sequence number but can be renamed (see below).

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[[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.

When the grid size is changed in ZynPad the sequences are reassigned groups and MIDI channels to create columns of mutually exclusive sequences. If this behaviour is undesired then use Arranger to adjust the grid size.

When the grid size is changed in ZynPad existing sequences remain in the same position. This may result in duplicate (default) names (see picture).

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All these modes affect how sequences stop. There are currently no modes that affect how a sequence starts. If JACK transport is not running then the first sequence to be started will start immediately. If any sequences are playing (JACK transport is rolling) then sequences will start at the next sync point.

All these modes affect how sequences stop. There are currently no modes that affect how a sequence starts. If JACK transport is not running then the first sequence to be started will start immediately. If any sequences are playing (JACK transport is rolling) then sequences will start at the next sync point.

= Tempo =

= Tempo =

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 briefly displayed in the title bar. There is also a menu option to adjust tempo which may be used on touchscreens. The current tempo is saved and loaded with each snapshot.

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 briefly displayed in the title bar.  

ZynSeq allows tempo to be adjusted from 1BPM to 480BPM. Tempo may also be altered by external modules, e.g. SMF player.

 

 

ZynSeq allows tempo to be adjusted from 1.0 BPM to 500.0 BPM. Tempo may also be altered by external modules, e.g. SMF player.

= MIDI channels =

= MIDI channels =

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

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

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 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:

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 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.

Patterns may be added to or removed from the grid by short pressing the SELECT encoder or by tapping the touchscreen. Press and drag allows more accurate positioning of a pattern.

Patterns may be added to or removed from the grid by short pressing the SELECT encoder or by tapping the touchscreen. Press and drag allows more accurate positioning of a pattern. Patterns may also be moved (only with touchscreen) by click and drag action. (A pattern may not be moved to overlap an existing pattern.)

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 displayed bank may be changed from the menu and a bank can be cleared, resetting to 4 x 4 grid using the ''Clear bank'' menu option.

The displayed bank may be changed from the menu and a bank can be cleared, resetting to 4 x 4 grid using the ''Clear bank'' menu option.

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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.

= 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.