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= ZynSeq - The Zynthian Sequencer =

= ZynSeq - The Zynthian Sequencer =

This guide explains how to access and use the Zynthian's step sequencer called, ZynSeq. Before following the guide, add 2 synth engines to layers using MIDI channels 1 & 2 respectively. We will use these to demonstrate ZynSeq. If you use a touchscreen instead of rotary encoders then enable touch widgets using webconf INTERFACE->UI Options. See [[#User Interface Settings for Touchscreen/Headless Setups | User Interface Settings for Touchscreen/Headless Setups]] for more info.

This guide explains how to access and use the Zynthian's step sequencer called, ZynSeq. Before following the guide, add 2 synth engines to layers using MIDI channels 1 & 2 respectively. We will use these to demonstrate ZynSeq.

= Accessing ZynSeq =

= Accessing ZynSeq =

[[File:Sequencer pad view 2 inst.png|400px|right]]

[[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.

Access the sequencer as described in [[Zynthian UI User's Guide - Oram|Zynthian UI User's Guide]]. 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.

 

An event represents a MIDI command, e.g. Note-on. It may have parameters such as velocity, duration, etc.

'''Pattern'''<br>

'''Pattern'''<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 [[#Pattern Editor | Pattern Editor section]]

A pattern contains zero or more events. 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 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]].

A track contains zero or more 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]].

'''Sequence'''<br>

'''Sequence'''<br>

A sequence contains a track or collection of tracks which play in unison. By default each sequence has a single track.  

A sequence contains one or more tracks which play in unison. By default each sequence has a single track.  

'''Group''' <br>

'''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.

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 cannot play concurrently.

 

 

 

 

 

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====Pad Layout====

====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.

Each pad displays information split into an upper and lower part. The upper part shows the current loop setting (loop all - [[#Sequence_Modes | see Sequence Modes]]), the midi channel of the first track 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 or is disabled, it displays dark grey.

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<gallery mode = packed>

<gallery mode = packed>

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...

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...

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

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

By default each pad triggers a sequence containing a single pattern. Bold press SELECT to show the Pattern Editor for the highlighted pad or press and hold the pad on the touchscreen.

By default each pad triggers a sequence containing a single pattern. Bold SELECT a pad to show its Pattern Editor.

   

   

==== Step sequences and the Step Grid ====

==== Step sequences and the Step Grid ====

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.

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 occurring is the same as the difference in time between step 2 and step 3 occurring.

By default, 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. It is possible to record or move events off this quantised grid which will be described later.

==== Navigating the Pattern Editor and Entering Notes ====

==== Navigating the Pattern Editor and Entering Notes ====

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 encoder 3 to move the cursor up and down (between notes) and encoder 4 to move the cursor left and right (between steps). To add a note, short SELECT a cell in the grid. A note may be removed in the same way. On a touchscreen, press and drag to allow more accurate positioning. As a note is added it is also sounded (MIDI sent to engine). The grid may be zoomed (simultaneous horizontal and vertial) with encoder 2 or pinch on a touchscreen. The grid will scroll when the cursor reaches an edge or with two finger drag on a touchscreen. Touching a key on the keyboard plays that note briefly. This is a useful tool for auditioning notes or phrases before adding them to the step grid.

==== Preview, Pattern Duration and Resolution ====

==== Preview, Pattern Duration and Resolution ====

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. Playback speed (Tempo) can be adjusted with the SNAPSHOT encoder or by selecting "Tempo" from the menu.

To preview a pattern, start or pause the transport by pressing the play button, learn/shot encoder or tapping the status area. 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 stop and recue to the start of the pattern, bold press. Playback speed (Tempo) can be adjusted with the encoder 1 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 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. Navigate BACK to return to ZynPad.

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= Note Duration =

= Note Parameters =

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

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

So far we have only added notes 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.

Each note may be adjusted to have different duration, velocity, etc. To adjust a note's parameters, bold SELECT to show the parameter editor. Use encoder 4 (or onscreen buttons if enabled) to select the parameter to adjust. The options are:

= Note Velocity =

* Offset: Note position from start of step 0..100%. Position of each note is shown in the grid.

Use encoder 3 to coarse adjust the selected parameter and encoder 2 to fine adjust. Bold SELECT to adjust all notes in the pattern. Navigate BACK to close the parameter editor.

 

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.

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{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|+ Sequence play modes

|+ Sequence play modes

! Mode

! Mode

! Description

! Description

|-

|-

! Disabled

! Disabled

| Sequence is disabled and cannot be played || [[File:disabled.png|left]]

| [[File:disabled.png|center]]

|-

|-

! Oneshot

! One-shot

| Sequence will play once, i.e. not loop. When stopped sequence will stop immediately (this is the only mode that will stop immediately)

| Sequence will play once, i.e. not loop. When stopped sequence will stop immediately (this is the only mode that will stop immediately)

|-

|-

! Loop

! Loop

| Sequence will loop immediately at end of sequence. When stopped sequence will play until end of loop

| Sequence will loop immediately at end of sequence. When stopped sequence will play until end of loop

|-

|-

! Oneshot all

! One-shot all

| Sequence will play once, i.e. not loop. When stopped sequence will continue to play until end of sequence

| Sequence will play once, i.e. not loop. When stopped sequence will continue to play until end of sequence

|-

|-

! Loop all

! Loop all

| Sequence will loop at end of sequence. If sequence ends before sync point it will pause and restart at next sync point (end of bar). When stopped sequence will continue to play until end of sequence

| [[File:loop_all_new.png|left]]

| Sequence will loop at end of sequence. If sequence ends before sync point it will pause and restart at next sync point (end of bar). When stopped sequence will continue to play until end of sequence. '''This is the default mode.'''

|-

|-

! Oneshot sync

! One-shot sync

| Sequence will play once, i.e. not loop. When stopped sequence will continue to play until next sync point (end of bar)

| Sequence will play once, i.e. not loop. When stopped sequence will continue to play until next sync point (end of bar)

|-

|-

! Loop sync

! Loop sync

| Sequence will loop at sync point. If sequence is shorter than a bar it will pause until next sync point before restarting. When stopped sequence will continue to play until next sync point (end of bar)

| Sequence will loop at sync point. If sequence is shorter than a bar it will pause until next sync point before restarting. When stopped sequence will continue to play until next sync point (end of bar)

|}

|}

All of 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 (and also start JACK transport). If any sequences are playing or JACK transport is rolling (e.g. because MIDI player is running) then sequences will start at the next sync point.

All of 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 (and also start JACK transport). If any sequences are playing or JACK transport is rolling (e.g. because MIDI player is running) then sequences will start at the next sync point.

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 scene.) 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.

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.