User Manual

WORKING WITH BLOCKS IN THE SEQUENCER
268
About this chapter
This chapter describes how to work with Blocks and Block Automation Clips in the main sequencer. Basic sequencer
functions, recording, editing clips and events and arranging in the sequencer are described in detail in the chapters
“Sequencer Functions”, “Recording in the Sequencer”, “Audio Editing in the Sequencer”, “Note and Automation Edit-
ing” and “Arranging in the Sequencer”.
Introduction
The arrangement in the sequencer has two basic views: the Song View, which is exactly the same as the “Arrange
Mode” in previous versions of the program, and the Blocks view. The Block View is designed for creating shorter
multi-track “sections” that can be repeated anywhere in the song arrangement. In most situations a Block would
probably consist of 4-8 bars.
An analogy to a Block would be a traditional drum machine pattern where you would record several (drum) instru-
ment tracks and save as a complete “pattern”. Then, you would build up your song arrangement by arranging your
patterns, one after another, with repetitions etc.
The Song and Block Views share the same Track List but use separate clips and recordings. Any track and clip types
can be used when working with Blocks, e.g. instrument tracks with note clips, audio tracks with audio clips, automa-
tion tracks with parameter automation clips and pattern tracks with pattern automation clips.
32 different Blocks are available in the program and each Block can be reused and repeated in the song arrange-
ment as many times as you like. By working with Blocks you can create complete verse and chorus blocks and ar-
range and reuse them as desired in the song. When you arrange your Blocks in the song - using Block Automation
Clips - you can also choose to temporarily mute desired lanes for the duration of each Block Automation Clip to cre-
ate variations.
The idea behind Blocks
Working with the sequencer in a “pattern based” fashion appeals to many users. It is the way traditional hardware se-
quencers worked when they were first introduced on the market. The linear working method of most software se-
quencers also have many advantages. So, why not combine these two basic working methods to get the best of both
worlds!
A very neat way of working with Blocks is by combining Block data with regular linear song data. In the picture below,
Block data is being used as base for the song. Then, a number of shorter linear clips are used to override parts of the
Block data to introduce nice variations in the song:
Linear clips override Block data to create nice variations in the final arrangement.
Linear clips override
Block data to introduce
nice variations
Blocks Data (shaded)