Changes

[[File:Zynpad 4x4.png|right|300px]]

[[File:Zynpad 4x4.png|right|300px]]

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 4x4 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 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.

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 prefix A-Z and pad colour). Several sequences may be played simultaneously but those in the same group do not play concurrently.

= 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 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.

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 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.

By default each pad triggers a sequence containing a single pattern. Bold press SELECT encoder to show the Pattern Editor for the highlighted pad or press and hold the pad on the touchscreen. There is a grid on the right called the ''Step Grid''. On the left is a representation of a piano keyboard, scale or drum map. 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 to show the Pattern Editor for the highlighted pad or press and hold the pad on the touchscreen. There is a grid on the right called the ''Step Grid''. On the left is a representation of a piano keyboard, scale or drum map. 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 occurring is the same as the difference in time between step 2 and step 3 occurring.

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 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, 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 context 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.

Thare 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. Chaning 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 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.

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

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

So far we have only added note with a duration of one step. Within Pattern Editor bold press SELECT to enable adjustment of ''note parameters''. The duration of a note may now be changed with the SELECT encoder. This adjusts the quantity of steps that new notes will span. It also adjusts the duration of the currently selected note in the pattern. Alternatively with a touchscreen press on an existing note and drag horizontally to adjust the duration. The cursor indicates the note duration. Short press BACK to reeturn to normal note input mode.

So far we have only added note with a duration of one step. Within Pattern Editor bold press SELECT to enable adjustment of ''note parameters''. The duration of a note may now be changed with the SELECT encoder. This adjusts the quantity of steps that new notes will span. It also adjusts the duration of the currently selected note in the pattern. Alternatively with a touchscreen press on an existing note and drag horizontally to adjust the duration. The cursor indicates the note duration. Short press BACK to return to normal note input mode.

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

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

By default notes are added with a velocity (loudness) value of 100. (The range is 1 - 127.)  Within pPattern Editor bold press SELECT to enable adjustment of note parameters. The velocity of a note may now be changed with the BACK encoder. This adjusts the velocity that new notes will have. It also adjusts the velocity of the currently selected note in the pattern. Alternatively with a touchscreen, press on an existing note and drag vertically to adjust the velocity.  

By default notes are added with a velocity (loudness) value of 100. (The range is 1 - 127.)  Within Pattern Editor bold press SELECT to enable adjustment of note parameters. The velocity of a note may now be changed with the BACK encoder. This adjusts the velocity that new notes will have. It also adjusts the velocity of the currently selected note in the pattern. Alternatively with a touchscreen, press on an existing note and drag vertically to adjust the velocity.  

The velocity is indicated by a yellow bar in the bottom left of the screen. The velocity of individual notes is indicated by the opacity of the note in the note grid. The brighter the grid cell, the higher the velocity. Short press BACK to return to normal note input mode.

The velocity is indicated by a yellow bar in the bottom left of the screen. The velocity of individual notes is indicated by the opacity of the note in the note grid. The brighter the grid cell, the higher the velocity. Short press BACK to return to normal note input mode.

Pattern Editor shows a piano keyboard at its left hand edge to assist with note entry. This is commonly called a piano roll referring to the punched paper rolls that were used to play automatic pianos. Selecting ''Scale'' from the menu allows this to be changed to show just the notes of particular scales. Scales include:

Pattern Editor shows a piano keyboard at its left hand edge to assist with note entry. This is commonly called a piano roll referring to the punched paper rolls that were used to play automatic pianos. Selecting ''Scale'' from the menu allows this to be changed to show just the notes of particular scales. Scales include:

* Chromatic (piano keybaord)

* Chromatic (piano keyboard)

* Major

* Major

* Minor

* Minor

* Blues

* Blues

* Blues pentonic

* Blues pentatonic

Changing the scale from Chromatic will hide notes in the note grid and all keys on the keyboard change to white, i.e. no black keys are shown. Notes are hidden but not removed from the pattern which may result in notes not being visible. If a percussion preset or engine is selected for the current MIDI channel then an appropriate drum map is also available in the list of scales and selected by default. The name of the percussion instrument is shown on each key, e.g. Snare Drum.

Changing the scale from Chromatic will hide notes in the note grid and all keys on the keyboard change to white, i.e. no black keys are shown. Notes are hidden but not removed from the pattern which may result in notes not being visible. If a percussion preset or engine is selected for the current MIDI channel then an appropriate drum map is also available in the list of scales and selected by default. The name of the percussion instrument is shown on each key, e.g. Snare Drum.

[[File:Zynpad 4x4 playing.png|right|300px]]

[[File:Zynpad 4x4 playing.png|right|300px]]

Playback of the pattern you created should start to loop. During playback a green right-ointing 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 context menu (if touchscreen widgets enabled).

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.

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.

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

Start pad A1: 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. Red indicates sequence is playing but will soon stop. A2 pad icon change to green and start playing as A1 stops. The behaviour occurs because these pads are in the same group, "A" (see below).

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. Red indicates sequence is playing but will soon stop. A2 pad icon change to green and start playing as A1 stops. The behaviour occurs because these pads are in the same group, "A" (see below).

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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 pad's MIDI channel may be set from the menu option ''MIDI channel''. This also sets the pad (sequence) 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 pad's MIDI channel may be set from the menu option ''MIDI channel''. This also sets the pad (sequence) group. There are 16 colours used to indicate groups so that each MIDI channel may have a different colour.

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

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

[[File:Zynpad 8x8.png|right|300px]]

[[File:Zynpad 8x8.png|right|300px]]

By default ZynPad shows a 4x4 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 (8x8).

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).

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. Beware that this may result in apparently ''new'' pads containing previously created patterns.

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. Beware that this may result in apparently ''new'' pads containing previously created patterns.

= 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. 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.

= MIDI channels =

= MIDI channels =

Each sequence may be triggered by a MIDI note. Select "Trigger note" from the 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 below C-1 or above G9, i.e. increase to maximum value.

Each sequence may be triggered by a MIDI note. Select "Trigger note" from the 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 below C-1 or above G9, i.e. increase to maximum value.

ZynSeq will send MIDI note on messages to represent the current play status of each sequence with play state represented by MIDI note velocity. 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 same MIDI channel as configured to recieve triggers. Currently only the following tallies are configured which will work with Akai APC:

ZynSeq will send MIDI note on messages to represent the current play status of each sequence with play state represented by MIDI note velocity. 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 same MIDI channel as configured to receive triggers. Currently only the following tallies are configured which will work with Akai APC:

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

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 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.

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 famiilar 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 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.

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 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 opton ''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 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 sinlge 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 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.

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, overwritting the destination pattern after requesting confirmation. Remember that the pattern being overwritten 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 attept 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. An attempt to transpose when a non-chromatic scale is being used will change the view to chromatic scale.

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 - not yet implemented ==

== Import - not yet implemented ==

There are some excellent percussion patterns available in MIDI File Format. Zynthian offers the ability to import such files into ZynSeq sequences. Upload a standard MIDI file using webconf Library->Capture. Within Arranger highlight the sequence into which you wish to import the SMF. Select menu option ''Import SMF'' which will show a file selector looking at Zynthian's capture location. Select the required file. Each MIDI channel within the SMF will create a track in the sequence. Each track will be populated with notes from the SMF. Program changes will be added to each track. Tempo changes will be added to the sequence's timebase track. New patterns will be created as required, starting at the next available pattern above the highest populated pattern, e.g. if you have already populated patterns 1,5 & 12 then import will start populating patterns from 13, using as many patterns as required by the import. Patterns will have an appropriate quantisation level (steps per beat) to accomodate the the rhythm.

There are some excellent percussion patterns available in MIDI File Format. Zynthian offers the ability to import such files into ZynSeq sequences. Upload a standard MIDI file using webconf Library->Capture. Within Arranger highlight the sequence into which you wish to import the SMF. Select menu option ''Import SMF'' which will show a file selector looking at Zynthian's capture location. Select the required file. Each MIDI channel within the SMF will create a track in the sequence. Each track will be populated with notes from the SMF. Program changes will be added to each track. Tempo changes will be added to the sequence's timebase track. New patterns will be created as required, starting at the next available pattern above the highest populated pattern, e.g. if you have already populated patterns 1,5 & 12 then import will start populating patterns from 13, using as many patterns as required by the import. Patterns will have an appropriate quantisation level (steps per beat) to accommodate the the rhythm.

= Timebase =

= Timebase =

ZynSeq uses JACK timebase for its timing. Transport control and adjustment of tempo may be made by external JACK clients. Those clients may also use the same timebase. This means that ZynSeq can synchronise with other modules within Zynthian, e.g. synth engine LFO, arpegiators, etc. It also means that other modules may control ZynSeq playback to some degree. ZynSeq acts as the ''timebase master'', i.e. the concept of bars, beats and ticks (fractions of beats) and consequently tempo (BPM) is provided by ZynSeq. There is currently no mechanism to lock to external MIDI clock but a Zynthian MIDI effects layer may be used to create MIDI clock output. There is a plan to improve this support in a future update.

ZynSeq uses JACK timebase for its timing. Transport control and adjustment of tempo may be made by external JACK clients. Those clients may also use the same timebase. This means that ZynSeq can synchronise with other modules within Zynthian, e.g. synth engine LFO, arpeggiators, etc. It also means that other modules may control ZynSeq playback to some degree. ZynSeq acts as the ''timebase master'', i.e. the concept of bars, beats and ticks (fractions of beats) and consequently tempo (BPM) is provided by ZynSeq. There is currently no mechanism to lock to external MIDI clock but a Zynthian MIDI effects layer may be used to create MIDI clock output. There is a plan to improve this support in a future update.

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.

= Example Workflows =

= Example Workflows =

ZynSeq is a flexible and powerful performance tool which can be uesd in various ways. This single module provides many workflows that have traditionally been provided by different devices. Here are some workflows that can be facilitated by ZynSeq.

ZynSeq is a flexible and powerful performance tool which can be used in various ways. This single module provides many workflows that have traditionally been provided by different devices. Here are some workflows that can be facilitated by ZynSeq.

== Live looping pads ==

== Live looping pads ==