Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "zerocrossing2001" <zerocrossing2001@y...> wrote:
> So, am I just spoiled by modern computer sequencing... or am I approaching the drum 
> machine song construction in the wrong way?  

Hi Mark,

I responded to your private email, but here are some more specific tips for working with 
pattern-based sequencing (as opposed to linear sequencers like a DAW):

Think in sections. In a typical pop song the sections might be Intro, Verse, Chorus, Break, 
Bridge, Outro (not exactly in that order); some sections will repeat and some will change 
the second or third time around (Chorus2, Chorus3, for instance).

Make a separate pattern for each section. Often you can just duplicate a section and add 
or modify tracks to get the next section. For instance, the Chorus may have a different 
bassline than the verse and the hihat pattern may change, but the kicks might be the 
same.

You can make each pattern the full length of the section, or loop a shorter pattern the 
necessary number of times.

Use the trigger buttons and the pattern select mode to switch patterns/change sections as 
the song progresses; for transitions, you can unmute a snare fill, build the transition into 
the last measure of the pattern (if the pattern and the section are the same length), or 
insert a short transition pattern in between sections.

You can do this manually and try different arrangements - a longer last chorus, a break 
between the first chorus and the second verse, whatever - or build it as a song (basically 
just a chain of patterns). Songs can include mute events to automate things like bringing 
in a snare fill at the end of the verse. I generally leave stuff in pattern mode, and use song 
mode only when I'm getting ready to record.

You can also use XMIX to experiment with different transitions or try using the chorus 
bassline with the verse, etc.

Hope that helps.


Charles.