Elektron Musical Instruments

Basically, here is what I did:

1) In the MD, I programmed 8 patterns (lets say A1 thru A8) with 2
steps each.  But when all 8 patterns are chained, it sounds like a 16
step pattern.

2) Then in the global menu I mapped different program change numbers
to each of the 8 patterns.

3) In the Rev, I programmed the step sequencer to send a program
change number (corresponding to what was mapped in the MD) every 2
steps to the MD.  But I made sure each program change switches the MD
pattern in the order that I want it (i.e. A1, A2, A3,...).  So in the
end the MD sounds like it is playing a regular 16 step patterns (but
in reality it is playing across 8 different patterns, A1 thru A8 in
that order).

4) But then the fun comes when you engage the Rev into Remix mode. It
has the ability to playback each step in its 16 step sequencer in 127
different combinations controlled from two rotary knobs.  So for
example it could instantly re-order the playback of the patterns in
the MD (i.e. A4, A2, A2, A7, A1, A5, A5, A3).  Notice that it can
trigger certain steps more than once in the same pattern, thus givng
your patterns a stutter feel, or it can change the order of only one
step.  There seems to be a range in how random you want to mix things
up.  So, sometimes it can sound almost too random and you need to tame
things back.  Most of the time I use this technique for on-the-fly
pattern fills because you can instantly go back to the original
pattern.  Another thing to note here is be strategic how you program
the fragmented pattern in the MD knowing that it will be mixed up. 
Otherwise it could sound too random with no groove.

Internally, the Rev is used for remixing the acid patterns or making
acid fills, but obviously it can be used to control external gear in
the same way. So you could use this same technique for changing up
melodies in the MnM (or anthing thing else for that matter), without
the need for program change messages. 

The down-side of this when using it this way with the MD is it is a
pattern hog.  2 steps for one pattern is kind of a waste.  But if this
is the type of control you require, its necessary.  Obviouly you can
make your patterns any length you want.  That is why I mentioned this
would make a great CTRL-Machine for the MD.  Having the ability to
remix the steps for one pattern, so that all the 2-step parts don't
have to be spread across multiple patterns.  Plus, being able to do
this soley from the MD makes it more conveient plus you could utilze
the param locks to do this for you.

BTW, for those who don't have a Revolution and are OSX based, I think
Numerology can sequence in this way and controlable via external midi
controllers along with a host of other amazing midi features.  See
http://www.five12.com/numerology.html - it is worth researching.  But
I'm PC-based and wondered if any one knew of something similar?  I
suppose this type of remix step sequencer could be written in MAX/MSP
too of course.

-nate
http://obliq.net

--- In elektron-users@yahoogroups.com, "endlessnessisticman"
<moving808@e...> wrote:
> 
> Can you elaborate more on how you do this with the MD?  Are you able
> to change the way the MD pattern plays?  Do you trigger the MD
tracks
> or patterns?  What's going on?  Can other sequencers do this?
> 
> --- In elektron-users@yahoogroups.com, "Nathan Jantz" <nate@o...>
wrote:
> > I've had the Revolution for a few months now and have to say it is
> the best
> > sounding 303 clone I've ever heard.  The ease of on-the-fly
> programming is
> > its strong point.  You can program acid for days on this thing. 
The
> > sequencer is simple yet so very effective.
> > 
> > To keep this on topic, here is a neat trick I did with the Rev and
> MD.  As
> > an experiment, I triggered patterns on the MD from the Rev using
the
> "Remix"
> > feature.  The Rev can send program change messages on any given
> step.  So I
> > mapped those program change numbers to pattern fragments on the
MD.
>  Using
> > the Remix feature allowed me to remix my MD patterns on-the-fly
with
> good
> > results.  Remember that the Rev allows for 127 variations from one
> pattern
> > at your finger tips at any point!  So MD pattern mania ensued.
> > 
> > BTW, I think this would make a great feature in the MD if it was
> built in as
> > a CTRL-machine (or REMIX-Machine), along with being able to trig
> patterns
> > with variation to length and offset of a pattern as I have
mentioned a
> > couple of times before on this list.  Imagine being able to remix
> your MD
> > pattern with a twist of a knob or via param locks.
> > 
> > -nate
> > http://obliq.net
> > 
> > 
> > > Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2005 14:09:43 -0500
> > > From: Andy Tarpinian <evildead@n...>
> > > Subject: Re: Revolution vs 777 info....
> > > 
> > > P.S. I'm about to order one, I'll let you know how it turns out.
> > > 
> > > On 3/29/05 4:24 PM, "Andy Tarpinian" wrote:
> > > 
> > > >
> > > > Some other tidbits from the Keyboard mag review. You cant
input
> notes
> > > into
> > > > the sequencer via midi keyboard :(
> > > >
> > > > And no patch memory, only sequences yay! :)
> > > >
> > > > On 3/29/05 4:01 PM, "finite_sf" wrote:
> > > >
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> I just got off the phone with Jered Flickinger one of the
> founders of
> > > >> Future Retro the makers of the 777 and the Revolution. I
talked
> to him
> > > >> for about an hour, and found out some awesome info. I
thought I
> would
> > > >> pass it on as I know that there are a bunch of ppl here that
> enjoy the
> > > >> MnM sequencer, and thus would enjoy the ability to sequence a
> CV/Gate
> > > >> or din or even a MIDI synth from a MnM -> Revolution...
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> 777 two analog osc wider thus able of a wider range of sounds
(saw
> > > >> true square)
> > > >> Revolution single analog osc (saw, true 303 liquid square)
> > > >>
> > > >> Revolution has upgraded temp compensation of osc thus no
tuning
> > > >> problems
> > > >> improved the dac accuracy of note playing
> > > >> sequencer pattern shuffle
> > > >> pattern forward backward
> > > >> *remix a pattern
> > > >> effects 24 stereo 16 effects
> > > >> true analog distort
> > > >> audio input
> > > >> cv/gate
> > > >> din sync out 303 808 606 etc...
> > > >> patch select via midi
> > > >> 300 back orders... august
> > > >> 100 out