Pattern
chaining /
Song
mode – Press the Patterns function button to enter the pattern view.
You can store up to 128 patterns in a single project. Place the patterns in a row and use the
Shift + Play keys combo to chain them together for sequential playback. Using this method
makes it possible to create an entire song. Leave at least one blank pattern pad between
pattern chains to create a set of pattern chains. Press grid pads with patterns or pattern
chains to jump between the parts of your composition. Quick Copy patterns by holding a grid
pad with an existing pattern while pressing a blank pad to paste it.
Config Menu
– Click down the Encoder to enter the Main menu section.
Enhanced Playability
Sample Packs
– Play comes with many sample packs created by top-notch sound designers.
You can load your own too, but the bundled packs are more than enough to create high-
quality music right out of the box. Play’s workflow relies on sample packs that have been
prepared in a specific way, with samples categorized in folders. Some of the instrument’s
algorithms are based on these packs. Most significantly, the Fill and Randomizing tool ideas
rely on them. Of course, you are not obligated to follow this formula, you can do things your
own way, but it helps to make the audio outcome very musical.
Quick Copy
– Press and hold a grid pad for about half a second. The pad will be highlighted
in purple and its parameter values will now be copied to the clipboard. While still holding the
source pad, indicate the target pad where it will be copied. This works for steps, step pages,
patterns, and variations. The Quick Copy of an existing step copies its values to a ‘work step’
state.
Work Step
– Select audio/MIDI parameters using the knobs before you place the steps on
the grid manually or with the use of the Fill tool.
Fill
tool – This can be used to automatically fill the selected area with the fill type of your
choice. You can select a Random placement of steps, euclidean spread, or even an entire
drum beat.
Variation
– This tool allows you to create alternative versions of your tracks. These variations
can be manually switched during playback. Press one or more of the Variation function pads
to make quick changes to the entire track. Each track has its own corresponding Variation
pad. The pads representing track variations are illuminated in pink.
