User Manual

9. TRACK RECORDERS AND PICKUP MACHINES
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9.3.2 CONTROLLING THE PICKUP MACHINES
To suit a more looper oriented workflow, the function of the [REC1/2] keys is altered for tracks contain-
ing Pickup machines. They no longer correspond to the external inputs, but rather function as record
and play keys. In general [REC1] controls the record function of the Pickup machine, while [REC2]
controls the play function. However, how they work in more detail depends on the TRIG setting found
in RECORDING SETUP 1 menu. A detailed diagram of Pickup machine states is found in the end of this
chapter.
If ONE is selected, recording of a new loop will begin when pressing [REC1], given that the track is cur-
rently stopped. The loop length is decided by the RLEN parameter of the RECORDING SETUP 1 menu.
If [REC1] is pressed again, while still recording, the recording will restart, just like it does when sampling
using a track recorder whose TRIG option is set to ONE. When the loop has been recorded the Pickup
machine will automatically enter overdubbing mode, unless [REC2] was pressed during sampling, in
which case it will start playing the loop without overdubbing. Toggle between overdubbing and replacing
using the [REC1] key. To stop overdubbing, or replacing, press [REC2]. This will not stop the playback of
the loop, only the sampling process. Toggle between stop and play using [REC2]. To overdub again, just
press [REC1] while the loop is playing.
ONE2 works very similar to the ONE mode. The dierence is that the loop length may be actively defined
by pressing [REC1] or [REC2] after sampling has started. If [REC1] is pressed overdubbing begins, if
[REC2] is pressed playback begins. If none of the keys are pressed, the loop length will be defined by
the RLEN setting and the Pickup machine will automatically start overdubbing when the set length has
been recorded.
When HOLD is selected, sampling is made by pressing and holding [REC1]. When the key is released, the
Pickup machine will start playing the loop. To make overdubs, just press and hold [REC1] again while the
loop is playing. Replacing is not possible in this mode, but you can achieve the same results by setting
the GAIN parameter of the PICKUP MAIN menu to -INF, given OP, found in the same menu, is set to DUB.
The Pickup machine track icons change depending on their current status.
The various Pickup machine states are illustrated above. From left: stopped, playing, recording, overdub-
bing, replacing.
For a step by step tutorial on how to sample with the Pickup machines, please see “17.1.4
PICKUP MACHINE SAMPLING” on page 105.
Use a MIDI foot controller for hands-free operation of the Pickup machines. The MIDI
notes the Pickup machines respond to are outlined in “APPENDIX C: MIDI CONTROL
REFERENCE” on page 137. A MIDI foot controller tutorial is found in section “17.1.5 CON-
TROLLING THE PICK UP MACHINES WITH A MIDI FOOT CONTROLLER” on page 106.
9.3.2 SEQUENCER TO PICKUP SYNC
The Octatrack MKII sequencer can be tempo synchronized to a Pickup machine recording. This is useful
if you want to mix pre-progammed tracks with Pickup machine loops and don’t want the sync of the
sequencer to drift.
Press [TRACK] + [TEMPO] to sync the sequencer to a Pickup machine loop. The BPM value normally
shown in the top left corner of the screen will at the same time be replaced with information about which
Pickup machine that is controlling the sequencer BPM. To see the tempo of the loop the sequencer is
locked to, open the TEMPO window.