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

That is actually exactly what I was looking for.  I think my problem is I've gotten used to 
linear sequencers and it's a bit of a mind flip to think in a pattern based mode.  I'm going 
to hunker down and work on this more tonight.  Thanks so much!

Mark

--- In xl7@yahoogroups.com, "robotchas" <robotchas@y...> wrote:
> --- 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.