The EM Poll

Master Class: All the More Reason

Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Kurt Kurasaki

           

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Redrum and Matrix Grooves

ReGroove templates don't alter pattern devices such as Redrum, Matrix, and RPG-8, and to apply ReGroove quantization, you need to convert their patterns to MIDI sequences. For Redrum and Matrix, the Copy Pattern To Track and the Convert Pattern To Track Notes functions export patterns to the sequencer. Once a pattern has been converted to a sequence, apply the ReGroove template by assigning a channel to the sequencer track.

Applying a subtle amount of randomization to rigid pattern sequences also leads to interesting results. Open the Groove Editor, find a free channel on the ReGroove Mixer, and click on the Edit button. Select a converted pattern clip, and choose Get Groove From Clip from the contextual menu. In the Groove Editor's Tool menu, adjust the random timing slider in the range of 2 to 10 ticks. To add even further inconsistency, use the Note Velocity tool to randomize the Velocity messages by 5 percent.

Arpeggio Variations

RPG-8 is a pattern-sequencing arpeggiator that creates a spray of individual notes based on incoming chords. Before RPG-8 transforms its arpeggiator patterns into sequencer events, you must first sequence a chord progression on the RPG-8 track. Then click on a target track in the device list, set the loop locators, and select Arpeggio Notes To Track from the contextual menu to render a pattern, which is calculated from the chord progression and the RPG-8 settings.

FIG. 4: The Note Lengths tool is useful for maintaining precise durations for RPG-8 chord-progression sequences.

Sequencing RPG-8 patterns may be confusing because its arpeggios don't always add up to exactly 16 steps. After a chord ends and RPG8 receives a new chord, the pattern resets to the first step. One technique for creating consistent patterns is to perform or sequence chords at every measure. After recording a chord progression, quantize the notes at the bar setting, and then use the Note Lengths tool to set the events to a fixed 1measure duration (see Fig. 4).

RPG-8 can generate several variations of a sequence from a single chord progression. For example, start with SubTractor and play a sequenced chord progression using an Up default pattern on RPG-8. While holding down the Shift key, right-click on SubTractor and select Duplicate Devices And Tracks from the contextual menu. This will copy SubTractor, connect the audio to a free mixer channel, and duplicate its corresponding track. On the mixer, pan the two channels hard left and right. Select the SubTractor Copy track, and apply Arpeggio Notes To Track to render the current RPG8 pattern to the sequence. Now change the RPG-8 mode to Down to alter the original pattern, and play the sequence to hear the two variations simultaneously. Repeat this process with other instruments, and change each track's settings for Octave, Insert, Mode (direction), Steps, and Rate (note resolution).

More Hands-on Training

Although Reason 4 has dozens of keyboard commands not mentioned in this article, learning them will make producing music a more fluid process. Time spent learning these shortcuts will certainly be time saved down the road, especially during those fleeting moments of inspiration. Full documentation on these commands is available in the Downloads section of Propellerhead Software's Web site (www.propellerheads.se). And for additional tips, see the online bonus material at www.emusician.com.

Kurt Kurasaki worked on the Reason 4 sound-design team. He is the author of the book series Power Tools for Reason (Backbeat Books) and is the developer of the video Music Production with Reason 4.0 (Groovebox Music). Visit www.peff.com for more information.