2,718
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
mLine 5:
Line 5: − + − + − + − + − + − + + + + + + + + + + + + − Below is a Pad, the top part shows the current loop setting (loop all - [[#Sequence_Modes | more details here]]), the midi channel of the track it will play on and the sequence name (E13). Currently the track uses midi channel 5 which is assigned the TR808 (from LinuxSampler instrument) shown in the lower part of the pad.+ − [[File:Zynthian - ZynPad.jpg|left|150px]]+ − <br> − <br> − <br> − <br> − − − So a pad can trigger a sequence which is a collection of tracks. A track is a collection of patterns. A pattern is a collection of MIDI events. Now we need to add some sequences to play. Let's create... − − <br> − <br> − <br> − <br> − <br> − <br> − <br> Line 42:
Line 38: − + Line 117:
Line 113: − + Line 134:
Line 130: − + − + − Line 159:
Line 154: − + − Line 171:
Line 165: − + − + Line 189:
Line 183: − + Line 278:
Line 272: − + Line 312:
Line 306: + − + + + + + + Line 324:
Line 324: − '''Navigating Arranger View'''+ − + − + Line 336:
Line 336: − '''Adding Tracks and Adjusting Sequences'''+ Line 342:
Line 342: − + Line 348:
Line 348: − + − '''Mute and Play Mode Options'''+ Line 415:
Line 415: + + + +
Jofemodo moved page ZynSeq Users Guide to ZynSeq User Guide
= Accessing ZynSeq =
= Accessing ZynSeq =
[[File:main_menu1.png|right|400px]]
[[File:main_menu1.png|right|400px]]
[[File:sequencer_pad_view.png|right|400px]]
[[File:Sequencer pad view 2 inst.png|400px|right]]
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 rectangle represents a pad which may be used to play a sequence. This operation is similar to clip launchers in many DAWs (e.g. Ableton) and on hardware devices (Akai APC and Novation Launchpad devices). Use of ZynPad is described later but first there are some terms that will help understand the structure of ZynSeq.
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 rectangle represents a pad which may be used to play a sequence. This operation is similar to clip launchers in many DAWs (e.g. Ableton) and on hardware devices (Akai APC and Novation Launchpad devices). Use of ZynPad is described later but first there are some terms that will help understand the structure of ZynSeq.
'''Sequence'''<br>
'''Pattern'''<br>
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.
A pattern is a collection of MIDI events, e.g. notes. Each pattern has a duration in steps and may include as many simultaneous (polyphonic) notes as desired on each step. We will see how patterns are manipulated in the [[#Pattern Editor | Pattern Editor section]]
'''Track'''<br>
'''Track'''<br>
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.
A track contains a pattern or 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 [[#Arranger | Arranger section]].
'''Pattern'''<br>
'''Sequence'''<br>
A pattern is a collection of MIDI events, e.g. notes. Each pattern has a duration in steps and may include as many simultaneous (polyphonic) notes as desired on each step. We will see how patterns are manipulated in the section Pattern Editor.
A sequence contains a track or collection of tracks which play in unison. By default each sequence has a single track.
'''Group''' <br>
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.
<br clear=all>
====Pad Layout====
Each pad displays information split into an upper and lower part. The top part shows the current loop setting (loop all - [[#Sequence_Modes | see Sequence Modes]]), the midi channel of the track it will play on and the sequence identifier (A1). Currently the track uses midi channel 1 which is assigned the 'Poly Dreams' preset from the OB-xD instrument. The preset is used as the default name (it can be renamed) and shown in the lower part of the pad. This pad is currently empty, when the pad has content, a stop button icon will appear in the top right corner. When the pad has no sequence at all, it displays dark grey.
<br clear=all>
<gallery mode = packed>
Zynpad empty sequence.png|Pad empty sequence
Zynpad with sequence.png|Pad with content in sequence (shows stop button icon)
Zynpad without sequence.png|Pad without sequence (Pad displays dark grey)
</gallery>
So a pad is in a group and triggers a sequence which is a collection of tracks. A track is a collection of patterns. A pattern is a collection of MIDI events. Now we need to add some sequences to play. Let's create...
<br clear=all>
<br>
= Menus and Parameters =
= Menus and Parameters =
First we need to understand some user interface elements. ZynSeq includes a menu that is shown by short press LAYER (KB shortcut 'i', MIDI 'C4'). 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 SELECT encoder or press and drag with the touchscreen. Short press BACK to touch the topbar to close the menu without selecting an option.
First we need to understand some user interface elements. ZynSeq includes a menu that is shown by short press LAYER (KB shortcut 'i', MIDI 'C4'). 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 SELECT encoder or press and drag with the touchscreen. Short press BACK to touch the topbar to close the menu without selecting an option.
====Parameter Editor====
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 coarsely adjusted with the SNAPSHOT encoder and finely adjusted with the SELECT encoder. The value is asserted by a short press of SELECT. Bold press SELECT may reset value to a default. Short press BACK to cancel out of the parameter editor. If [[#User Interface Settings for Touchscreen/Headless Setups | 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 coarsely adjusted with the SNAPSHOT encoder and finely adjusted with the SELECT encoder. The value is asserted by a short press of SELECT. Bold press SELECT may reset value to a default. Short press BACK to cancel out of the parameter editor. If [[#User Interface Settings for Touchscreen/Headless Setups | touchscreen widgets is enabled]] then buttons appear in the title bar allowing adjustment of the parameter.
<br clear=all>
<br clear=all>
! Description
! Description
|-
|-
| style="width: 20%" | Add a single note || Press the keyboard (midi controller) note once.
| style="width: 15%" | Add a single note || Press the keyboard (midi controller) note once.
|-
|-
| 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. E.g. at default settings, press 4 times to create a quarter note. Release sustain pedal to start a new note.
| 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. E.g. at default settings, press 4 times to create a quarter note. Release sustain pedal to start a new note.
= Playing a sequence =
= Playing a sequence =
[[File:Sequencer zynpad playing.png|right|400px]]
[[File:Sequencer pad view 2 inst1 playing.png|right|400px]]
[[File:Sequencer zynpad stopping.png|right|400px]]
[[File:Sequencer pad view 2 inst1 stopping.png|right|400px]]
ZynPad is the performance view. It shows each sequence as a ''pad''. The pad has a colour representing its group and (by default) a number identifying its sequence number. (This label can be changed by selecting the menu option: "Rename sequence".) Each pad triggers a different sequence. By default there are 16 sequences, 1-16.
ZynPad is the performance view. It shows each sequence as a ''pad''. The pad has a colour representing its group and (by default) a number identifying its sequence number. (This label can be changed by selecting the menu option: "Rename sequence".) Each pad triggers a different sequence. By default there are 16 sequences, 1-16.
= Multiple Sequences =
= Multiple Sequences =
[[File:Sequencer zynpad playing multiple.png|right|400px]]
[[File:Sequencer pad view 2 inst2.png|400px|right]]
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. Use 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. Use BACK and SELECT encoders to select pad
2 and bold press SELECT to show its Pattern Editor. Add a new melody to the pattern then short press BACK or touch 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 topbar to return to ZynPad.
= Groups =
= Groups =
[[File:Sequencer zynpad playing3.png|right|400px]]
[[File:Sequencer pad view 2 queueing.png|400px|right]]
[[File:Sequencer pad view 2 playing.png|400px|right]]
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.
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.
= Grid Size =
= Grid Size =
[[File:Sequencer zynpad 8x8.png|right|400px]]
[[File:Sequencer pad view grid 8x8.png|400px|right]]
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).
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).
= Save / Load / Snapshot =
= Save / Load / Snapshot =
Patterns, sequences and banks are saved within the snapshot and restored when a snapshot is loaded. There is also a method of exporting to and importing from standard MIDI file. [[#Import / Export MIDI Files | See section on Import / Export MIDI Files]]
Patterns, sequences and scenes are saved within the snapshot and restored when a snapshot is loaded. There is also a method of exporting to and importing from standard MIDI file. [[#Import / Export MIDI Files | See section on Import / Export MIDI Files]]
= External Trigger =
= External Trigger =
= Arranger =
= Arranger =
[[File:Arranger default1.png|400px|right|Arranger showing default]]
[[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 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.
The Arranger is a view that allows the manipulation of sequences used by pads. This is where ZynSeq expands beyond a straightforward clip launcher (e.g. Ableton session view). To remind again: Each pad triggers a sequence which may contain one or more tracks. Each track may contain one or more patterns. <blockquote>
''By default each sequence contains a single track with a single pattern (such as a bass line or drum rhythm) but it is possible to create more complex arrangements by adding more patterns to tracks (e.g. intro bass, verse bass) and more tracks to sequences (lead, drums, bass).''
</blockquote>
Said another way: each pad could for example contain a lead, bass and drum track. Now this pad is launching three tracks instead of one. Each track could contain an intro, verse and chorus patterns which will play in the ''arrangement'' you choose. This is just one way to configure a pad with Arranger, [[#Example Workflows | see Example Workflows]] for more.
====Accessing Arranger View and Understanding The Layout====
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 background colour of the title matches the group.
The background colour of the title matches the group.
====Navigating Arranger View====
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. ''Scene 1 A2-1 (3)'' shows that track 1 in sequence 2 of scene 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 scene.
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.)
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 scene.) Tapping the bottom left number on a touchscreen will allow selection of the pattern if touchscreen widgets are enabled.
Horizontal scrolling will move the cursor one beat unless it meets a pattern in which case it will jump to the next available space in the timeline. If the selected pattern is too long to fit the space then it will continue to skip forward until it finds available space.
Horizontal scrolling will move the cursor one beat unless it meets a pattern in which case it will jump to the next available space in the timeline. If the selected pattern is too long to fit the space then it will continue to skip forward until it finds available space.
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.
====Adding Tracks and Adjusting Sequences====
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 scene 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.
A sequence may be cleared, resetting to a single track with no patterns using the ''Clear sequence'' menu option.
A sequence may be cleared, resetting to a single track with no patterns using the ''Clear sequence'' 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.
The displayed scene may be changed from the menu and a scene can be cleared, resetting to 4 x 4 grid using the ''Clear scene'' menu option.
====Mute and Play Mode Options====
Each track may be muted by highligting the track then bold SNAPSHOT or using ''Mute track'' menu option. The patterns within the track turn grey and will not play when the sequence is playing.
Each track may be muted by highligting the track then bold SNAPSHOT or using ''Mute track'' menu option. The patterns within the track turn grey and will not play when the sequence is playing.
The images on the right show the onscreen buttons (along the bottom) and parameter adjustment (top left of the screen) after selecting a menu option. Use the numbers to change the parameter as required and tap OK to accept the change. These two examples show the buttons are available to adjust the MIDI channel of the first pad in ZynPad view and for setting the number of beats in the bar in the pattern editor.
The images on the right show the onscreen buttons (along the bottom) and parameter adjustment (top left of the screen) after selecting a menu option. Use the numbers to change the parameter as required and tap OK to accept the change. These two examples show the buttons are available to adjust the MIDI channel of the first pad in ZynPad view and for setting the number of beats in the bar in the pattern editor.
====Controlling the Interface With a Qwerty Keyboard or MIDI Device with CUIA: Callable UI Actions====
Zynthian can be controlled with either a USB keyboard or MIDI controller, a list of controls can be found [[Zynthian_UI_Users_Guide#CUIA: Callable UI Actions | here]].
<br clear=all>
<br clear=all>