Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 97 Flex Machine Main Parameters & Set Up Main Menu [SRC] (A) (D) (B) (E) (C) (F) (A) PTCH Data Entry (B) STRT Data Entry (C) LEN Data Entry Pitch of sample Start position of sample Length of sample Changes the sample pitch in semitones (integer values) to a maximum of +1 and -1 Octave. Controls the linear start point of the sample. How it behaves with slices is controlled in the flex set up page. The sample or slice length is controlled by LEN. Also the flex setup page LEN parameter controls the behaviour. -12 to +12, Default 0 0 to 127, Default 0 1 to 128, Default 1 (D) RATE Data Entry (E) RTRG Data Entry (F) RTIM Data Entry Rate - Speed of playback Retrig number Retrigger Time Speed of playback where 0 represents no playback and negative values set playback in reverse. Number of re-triggers that will occur when a trigger is activated Time between each trigger and the units are relative to the steps in the sequencer. -64 to +63, Default +63 1 to 127, Inf, Default 1 0.005 to 8, Default ½
98 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES + Flex Machine Set Up Menu [FUNC] + [SRC] [LEFT] [RIGHT] Machine selection and access to it’s sample list. (A) (D) (B) (E) (C) (F) (A) LOOP Data Entry (B) SLIC Data Entry (C) LEN Data Entry Master Loop Slice - availability Length - options Track master loop setting. AUTO will enable the sliced edited sample loop settings to apply. OFF no looping, ON playback loops around loop points. PIPO Ping pong looping forward then reverse. Sets whether the sample slices are available to the start parameter - STRT is found on the flex main menu. Works in conjunction with SLIC and main page LEN. When off, LEN on the flex main page is inactive. See the LEN setup combination table options for more information. OFF, AUTO (Default), ON, PIPO OFF (Default), ON OFF (Default), ON (D) RATE Data Entry (E) TSTR Data Entry (F) TSNS Data Entry Rate - options Master Time Stretch Transient Detection Selects whether time stretch or pitch control is applied from the rate parameter - RATE is found on the flex main page. Sets the track time stretch option. Set to AUTO will enable the individual slice time stretch settings from the audio editor to be used allowing each sample to have its own settings. Sets the transient detection algorithm to be selected when the TSTR mode is set to BEAT. Higher settings will apply a more transient sensitive algorithm. PTCH (Default) or TSTR OFF, AUTO (Default), NORM, BEAT 0 to 127, default 64
Track Machines5 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 99 LEN Combination Table Set Up Page Main Page LEN SLIC (2) LEN (1) LEN sets how many slides will play. The first slice set by STRT. SLIC ON LEN sets the length for a specific slice. TIME LEN Inactive OFF OFF LEN controls linear length of sample starting at STRT TIME PTCH Pitch Semitones STRT Start RATE Playback Speed RATE Time Stretch or Pitch LOOP SLIC STRT selects Slices TSTR Master time stretch from audio edited sample settings. TSNS Transient detection sensitivity. AUTO OFF BEAT NORM Rhythmic Material Normal Material No Time Stretching Allows individual sample time stretching in a track STANDARD FONT Main Page Parameter ITALIC GREY FONT Set Up Page Option RTRG Number of Retrigs RTIM Steps between Retrigs 0 = No Playback OFF PIPO AUTO ON Per Sample Fwd / Rev X = Play in Forward -X = Play in Reverse LEN Length LEN Options Static Machine Notes: • The parameters for static and flex machines are the same but the results in use may differ. • STRT Cannot be modulated by LFO’s when using a static machine. • STRT can be modulated by the crossfader in a static machine, but speed may be an issue. • Parameter locking STRT is recommended for static machines. (1) (1) (2) Sample Audio Editor Sliced Sample +1 Octave -1 Octave 5.4 Static and Flex Machine Parameter Relationships
100 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines 5.5 Thru Machines in Depth A thru machine is used for routing external audio from the physical audio inputs into Octatrack. The audio routing is dependant on the track sequence and a trig would need to be set to activate the audio input. General Principles of a Thru Machine T T3 Audio is fed into the track from the external audio inputs. A trig should be set to ‘activate’ the audio and therefore to be heard in the track. Typically Trig [1] would be set to play the incoming audio at the start of a pattern 1 A NOTES
Track Machines5 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 101 NOTES Thru Machines: Advantages & Use Cases The key role of a thru machine is to route the selected input into a track. The advantage that this brings is to allow an Octatrack track to be set up as an effects processor using the onboard effects such as delay, reverb etc to be applied. Also mixing applications for external synths or DJ sound sources. The machine configuration is very simple but the options with sequencing the external audio and using the sequence, cross fader, wide ranging modulation and effects brings in another creative dimension. Using Thru Machines ▌SETTING UP A THRU MACHINE FOR EXTERNAL AUDIO. 1. Connect the external device audio out to the Octatrack audio input using one of the 4 available 1/4inc / 6.3mm connectors. 2. The thru machine would need to be assigned to the defined track i.e. Track [T3] and the track selected. 3. Press [SRC] to access the parameters. This will open the track parameter main page. 4. Four configurable parameters are available for the thru machine. These are accessible with the A,B,C and D data entry rotary controls. 5. Depending on the physical audio connection used the parameters should be set to access the incoming audio. Example input A. • Turn (A) to select the audio input for connections A and/or B. In this example a single mono audio input connected to A would mean the parameter is set to ‘A’. Dual mono inputs could use AB and summed on A+B. • Turn (B) to adjust the audio volume level for the input. The maximum level (rotating clockwise) gives +12db while the input is muted at 0 level (fully counter clockwise) 6. Press [REC] for grid recording mode. Press [1] to set a trig on step 1 of the sequencer. Press [PLAY] to play the track. While the track parameter routing is set in steps 1-5, audio is not passed through the track until the track has a trigger event. The pattern section explains more on sequencing patterns. 7. The incoming sound should now be audible on the main outputs. Further volume adjustment and parameter modulation is now possible.
102 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES Thru Machine Main Parameters & Set Up + Main Menu [SRC] (A) (D) (B) (E) (C) (F) (A) INAB Data Entry (B) VOL Data Entry (C) Data Entry Inputs AB Volume Level AB Not Assigned Sets configuration of the audible inputs from the physical inputs AB. Sets the input volume level from 0 to +12db for the inputs configured in the INAB setting. A, B, AB, A+B - None (default). 0 to +12db (D) INCD Data Entry (E) VOL Data Entry (F) Data Entry Inputs CD Volume Level CD Not Assigned Sets configuration of the audible inputs from the physical inputs CD. Sets the input volume level from 0 to +12db for the inputs configured in the INCD setting. C, D, CD, C+D - None (default). 0 to +12db The thru machine setup page can be selected but currently has no adjustable parameters. As with other set up pages, the machine can be changed in this menu. Thru Machine Set Up Menu [FUNC] + [SRC]
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 103 The audio is triggered by the sequence pattern for the thru machine track. Audio can be routed through the effects and modulated for example with LFO’s in the track. Delay compensation is also available in the PROJECT > CONTROL menu under the AUDIO option. This will synchronise any audio latency especially between the DIR input and a THRU machine. When using a thru machine in a track pressing [STOP] will stop the pattern play back. The effects may continue to play any audio tails I.e reverb or delay. Pressing [STOP] then [STOP] will immediately stop the audio. Individual Mono channels. Dual Mono channels to channel stereo audio inputs. Summed inputs. Thru Machine Input Options A A A A B B B + B + C C C C D D D D
104 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines 5.6 Neighbor Machines in Depth NOTES A neighbor machine is used for routing internal audio from one track to another. The track hosting a neighbor machine will receive the audio from the prior track. For example track 2 with a neighbor machine will receive track 1 audio. Neighbor machines cannot be placed on tracks 1 or 5. General Principles of a Neighbor Machine T1 T5 T2 T3 T6 T7 T8 T4 F F N N N N N N Audio is played within the track. Audio routed in from prior track Audio output after effects applied Audio output after further effects applied Multiple tracks can be chained to add more effect and modulation options. Where multiple tracks are chained with neighbor machines, only the last neighbor machine track in the chain will control muting of the chain audio. * * * * * Neighbor machines can be added to any track except to tracks 1 or 5.
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 105 Neighbor Machines: Advantages & Use Cases The key role of a neighbor machine is to route the previous track audio into its own track. This allows chaining of tracks and building deep and complex effect racks. This is especially useful when multiple effects are needed as individual tracks are limited to the two effects per track. The machine is almost self configured with no adjustable parameters or settings but opens up powerful chaining and multiple modulation options. Using Neighbor Machines ▌SETTING UP A NEIGHBOR MACHINE FOR INTERNAL AUDIO. 1. The neighbor machine would need to be assigned to the defined track after the track where audio should be routed i.e. Track [T3] with a neighbor machine will connect in the output audio from Track 2. 2. Build additional chains of effects and modulation into the neighbor machine track. This will then provide effect processing and sound manipulation in addition to the original audio source track. This essentially doubles the processing options. Notes on Neighbor Machines • Neighbor tracks cannot be assigned to track 1 or 5. A ‘NOT AVAILABLE HERE’ error message will be displayed if it is attempted to add a neighbor machine on track 1 or 5. • Pressing [SRC] or [FUNC] + [SRC] will access the track parameter and setup pages. Currently there are no configurable parameters available for the neighbor machines so these pages are blank. • Muting the preceding tracks to a neighbor machine (ones in the chain) will have no effect to the audio although the track button will indicate the mute state. The last neighbor machine track controls the mute audio status when tracks are chained. Mute the last neighbor machine track to mute the audio of the chain. • The last track in a neighbour track chain will control the volume (LEVEL) for the chained track audio.
106 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines 5.7 Pickup Machines in Depth NOTES A pickup machine provides an alternate and enhanced set of features for sampling and recording audio. This includes the ability to overdub and loop audio. Pickup machines can build complex layers and loops and are very much dependant on the track recording applications and buffers. Therefore the recording setup functions are essential and are integrated with pickup machines providing the unique control operation. Knowledge of Octatrack’s recording functions and processes is required to also understand fully the operation of pickup machines. General Principles of a Pickup Machine First pickup track is the primary lead. Other pick up tracks act as secondary followers of the lead. Pickup machines are automatically linked to the track recorder. Records first loop. Control of the sampling with pickup machines operates with [REC1], [REC2]. The functions vary depending on trig mode. The main SRC page displays symbols and information that is relevant to sampling status. Primary lead Secondary Follower Multiple sample source options are available. The existing recording functions operate using pickup machine control with audio captured in the recorder buffers. The pickup machine track automatically uses the associated recording buffer. If saved, can be used in static or flex machines. Samples created are played back directly in the pickup machine. P T3 P T4 + P + P + P R2 Recording Buffer R6 Recording Buffer R1 Recording Buffer R7 Recording Buffer R4 Recording Buffer R8 Recording Buffer R3 Recording Buffer R5 Recording Buffer Record Play Overdub Replace + Track Recorder REC1 REC2 Control functions are based on the trig mode set and use [REC1] and [REC2].
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 107 Stop. The pickup machine track is in a stopped state. Replace. The pickup machine track is currently recording by replacing existing audio. Play. The pickup machine track is currently playing. Primary Lead*. The pickup machine track is the primary lead and first recorder. Record. The pickup machine track is currently recording audio. Secondary Follower*. The pickup machine track is a secondary follower of the lead track. Overdub. The pickup machine track is currently overdub recording audio. * The terminology used here for primary lead and secondary follower differs from that used in the official manual. P P P + P P P + P + The SRC Main page will display will show different information on the pickup machine page. Normally this displays the sample name in a flex or static machine. Pickup Machines: Advantages & Use Cases The main application of a pickup machine is to provide the functions that enable capturing of audio to create multi layered audio samples. This includes the functions to create and perform with loops. Recording overdubs and loops plus manipulation of the audio, for example BPM or audio parameters on the fly can create complex and evolving sound layers. This is ideal for live improvisation and creating organic evolving soundscapes. The pickup machine provides unique control functionality for overdub recording and looping. External MIDI can be applied to looping control to make the process easier. Pickup machine tracks cannot be sound locked or sequenced due to their functional nature. When working with pickup machines the first loop recorded in a pickup track will be the primary lead and set the length reference for subsequent pickup tracks and loops. The subsequent pickup tracks will follow this lead and are called secondary followers. This terminology differs from that used in the official Elektron manual Pickup Machines Symbols Loop length in sequencer steps TRIG Setting (Found in page REC 1 Setup 1) One One2 Hold Sets how the recording trigger event is initiated and behaves from the [REC1] and [REC2] controls. Playback position in sequencer steps
108 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES Pickup Machine Main Parameters & Set Up Main Menu [SRC] (A) (D) (B) (E) (C) (F) (A) PTCH Data Entry (B) DIR Data Entry (C) LEN Data Entry Pitch of Sample Direction of Playback Length of secondary loop Sets the sample pitch up one octave (fully clockwise) or down one octave (fully counterclockwise). Integers are semitones. Set to 0 to overdub or replacing. Sets the audio playback forwards, backwards or ping-pong forward then reverse. Sets the length of the secondary follower loop with respect to the original primary lead loop. This parameter is not used for primary lead loops. -12, +12, 0 (default). FWD (default), REV, PIPO Off, x1 (default), x2, x4, x8 (D) Data Entry (E) GAIN Data Entry (F) OP Data Entry Not Assigned Gain level of recording Recording behaviour Increases or attenuates recording / overdub gain in dB. This will then over time, gradually fade out older dubs / recordings. Operates in conjunction with OP setting. DUB will allow overdub recording using gain setting to fade out the level of recordings. GAIN setting will not record overdubs and the gain parameter will be applied only to existing recordings. -Inf, 0 (default), +11.90dB Dub (default), Gain
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 109 + Pickup Machine Set Up Menu [FUNC] + [SRC] (A) (D) (B) (E) (C) (F) (A) Data Entry (B) Data Entry (C) Data Entry Not Assigned Not Assigned Not Assigned (D) Data Entry (E) TSTR Data Entry (F) TSNS Data Entry Not Assigned Master Time Stretch Transient Detection Sets the track time stretch option. Set to AUTO will enable the individual slice time stretch settings from the audio editor to be used allowing each sample to have its own settings. Off cannot be applied for pickup machines. Sets the transient detection algorithm to be selected when the TSTR mode is set to BEAT. Higher settings will apply a more transient sensitive algorithm. OFF, AUTO (Default), NORM, BEAT 0 to 127, default 64
110 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES Pickup Machine Control The pickup machine uses the underlying track recorder but adds new functionality and control that is unique for pickup applications such as overdubbing and looping. The REC1 and REC2 buttons are used with pickup machines for recording and playback control instead of being used for input selection as per track recording. The specific functionality is dependant on the trig setting selected in recording setup page 1. Trig setting is selected using rotary data entry (D). Three options are available to select for assigning how the pickup control is handled. These are One, One2 and Hold. REC1 ONE ONE2 HOLD Loop Length from RLEN REC1 & REC2 can set loop length Loop length from hold duration Loop length is governed by RLEN. When RLEN is reached the recording will automatically switch to overdub recording of the loop. When the track is stopped, recording will begin. If the track is recording then the recording will erase and restart. During overdubbing REC1 toggles between replacing the recorded audio and overdubbing. Also overdubbing is triggered while loop is playing by pressing REC1. If REC2 is pressed during recording it will switch to playing the loop and will not overdub. Pressing REC2 when overdubbing or replacing will stop recording but playback will continue. To revert back to overdub while playing press REC1. REC2 will toggle between stop and play of the loop. Loop length is governed by pressing REC1 (start overdubbing) while recording or REC2 (start playback) while recording. RLEN is used if reached before a button is pressed. When the track is stopped, recording will begin. If the track is recording then the recording will erase and restart. During overdubbing REC1 toggles between replacing the recorded audio and overdubbing. Also overdubbing is triggered while loop is playing by pressing REC1. If REC2 is pressed during recording it will switch to playing the loop and will not overdub. Pressing REC2 when overdubbing or replacing will stop recording but playback will continue. To revert back to overdub while playing press REC1. REC2 will toggle between stop and play of the loop. Loop length is governed by the duration of holding REC1 button. When button is released the loop will start to play. Press and hold REC1 again while the loop is playing to start overdubbing. Replacing recording function is not possible in hold mode. There are work arounds with the SRC Main page GAIN = -INF, OP = DUB. +
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 111 P + OVERDUBBING REC1 Record REPLACING P + P + REPLACING REC1 Record OVERDUBBING P + P + REPLACING REC2 Play PLAYING P STOPPED REC1 Erase Record RECORDING P + P STOPPED P REC2 Play PLAYING P RECORDING P REC2 RLEN Reached Play PLAYING P + OVERDUBBING P REC2 Play PLAYING P + PLAYING P REC1 Record OVERDUBBING P + PLAYING P REC2 Stop STOPPED P RECORDING REC1 Erase Record RECORDING P + P + RECORDING P RLEN Reached Record OVERDUBBING + P + Status (start) Symbol Trigger Event Actions Performed Status (end) Symbol ONE - Trig Setting (Individual Function View) REC1 & REC2 Button control operations for recording, overdubbing, replacing and playing.
112 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES Press Press REC1 Press REC1 Press Press REC2 Press STOPPED RECORDING PLAYING OVERDUBBING REPLACING Erase Stop Play Play Play Record RLEN Reached RLEN Reached Record ONE - Trig Setting (Interrelationship View) REC1 & REC2 Button control operations for recording, overdubbing, replacing and playing. REC1 REC1 REC2 Record Record
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 113 P + OVERDUBBING P REC1 Record REPLACING + P + REPLACING REC1 Record OVERDUBBING P + P + REPLACING REC2 Play PLAYING P STOPPED REC1 Erase Record RECORDING P + P STOPPED P REC2 Play PLAYING P RECORDING P REC2 Play PLAYING P + OVERDUBBING P REC2 Play PLAYING P + PLAYING P REC1 Record OVERDUBBING P + PLAYING P REC2 Stop STOPPED P RECORDING P REC1 OR RLEN Reached Record OVERDUBBING + P + Status (start) Symbol Trigger Event Actions Performed Status (end) Symbol ONE2 - Trig Setting (Individual Function View) REC1 & REC2 Button control operations for recording, overdubbing, replacing and playing.
114 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES Press Press REC1 Press REC1 Press Press REC2 REC1 Press STOPPED RECORDING PLAYING OVERDUBBING REPLACING Erase Stop Play Play Play Record RLEN Reached RLEN Reached Record ONE2 - Trig Setting (Interrelationship View) REC1 & REC2 Button control operations for recording, overdubbing, replacing and playing. REC2 REC1 Record Record
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 115 OR RLEN Reached Hold Hold Release Release STOPPED STOPPED OVERDUBBING PLAYING PLAYING RECORDING RECORDING PLAYING PLAYING OVERDUBBING STOPPED PLAYING Erase Play Record Play Record Stop Record Status (start) Symbol Trigger Event Actions Performed Status (end) Symbol REC1 REC2 REC1 REC1 REC2 REC1 P P P + P + P P P P P + P P + P + HOLD - Trig Setting (Individual Function View) REC1 & REC2 Button control operations for recording, overdubbing and playing.
116 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES RLEN Reached Press Hold Release REC1 Hold STOPPED RECORDING PLAYING OVERDUBBING Erase Stop Play Play Play Record HOLD - Trig Setting (Interrelationship View) REC1 & REC2 Button control operations for recording, overdubbing and playing. REC1 REC1 REC2 Record REC1 Release
Track Machines5 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 117 PTCH Pitch Semitones DIR Playback Direction OP DUB setting will allow overdubs to fade at the GAIN rate. Set to GAIN will not overdub and fade on existing audio recordings only. GAIN Attenuation level of overdub recordings to fade out. TSTR & TSNS Time stretch and transient detection parameters also exist for pickup tracks. Time stretch cannot be turned off for pickup machines. First track recorded is primary lead. The secondary followers will match the length if LEN is X1 and can be adjusted longer. INAB None, AB, A, B, A+B FIN Fade In to avoid loop clicks. 0-64 0.063 0.063 FOUT Fade Out to avoid loop clicks. 0-64 TRIG Trigger Setting. ONE ONE2 HOLD INCD None, CD, C, D, C+D LOOP Playback Looping On or Off AB Monitoring level of sampled inputs. Used only in pickup machines. Monitoring level of sampled inputs. Used only in pickup machines. CD RLEN Recording length set relative to sequence BPM. 1-64, Max LEN Length only used for Secondary track. Sets length of track as a multiplier to the primary lead track. QREC Recording quantize based on trig sequence pattern QPL Playback quantize based on the trig sequence pattern Recording length max by default is ~16sec Can be adjusted in memory settings SRC3 T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T8, Main, Cue, None STANDARD FONT Main Page Parameter ITALIC GREY FONT Set Up Page 1 or 2 Option Sampling Sampling +1 Octave -1 Octave + + Set Up Parameters and Pickup Machines Record Overdub Replace Play Overdub Replace Play Record Multiple external and internal source options are available for selection individually or used all together for sample recording. External Internal External P P Primary Lead Track First loop recorded Secondary Follower Track
118 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES Quick Start Workflow Using Pickup Machines Pickup machines and track recording are the two main ways to perform sampling in the Octatrack. Pickup machines offer the additional functions and control that support live improvisation, overdubbing and looping. ▌SETTING UP PICKUP MACHINES. 1. Connect the external device to record into an audio input on the Octatrack one of the 4 available 1/4inc / 6.3mm connectors. For this example - input A. 2. Select a track [Tx] and assign a pickup machine. 3. Open the first recording setup page. Press [FUNC] + [REC1] which will open ‘Setup 1’ page. 4. Select the audio source to sample. Multiple inputs are possible. I. Turn rotary (A) for INAB, to select the external input A or B combinations. In this example set to ‘A’ to sample from the connected device. II. Turn rotary (B) for INCD, to select the external input C or D combinations. In this example set to ‘-’ to ensure no input is selected for audio sampling. III. Turn rotary (E) for SRC3, to select the internal track 1 - 8 or the output audio - Main / Cue. In this example set to ‘-’ to ensure no internal audio is selected for sampling. 5. Set the sample length, RLEN. Turn rotary (C) to select the length to 32 i.e. 2 Bars for this example. This length is based on sequence steps relative to BPM. Max would be the maximum file size, by default this records approx 16 seconds but can be changed in the project menu: [PROJ] > CONTROL > MEMORY > Parameter RESERVE LENGTH. 6. Select the playback loop option on or off by turning rotary (F), LOOP. For this example, set to ON. Audio will loop playback immediately after recording, if triggered to play when ON, as opposed to playing on a single cycle when triggered if OFF.
Track Machines5 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 119 continued 7. Select the control behaviour of [REC1] and [REC2] with the TRIG setting. This sets how these buttons control recording. Select ONE2 for this example. • ONE: Buttons provide control, RLEN governs recording length. • ONE2: Buttons primarily control record, overdub and replace. • HOLD: Buttons need to be pressed and held to record and overdub. 8. Open the second recording setup page. Press [FUNC] + [REC2] which will open ‘Setup 2’ page. 9. Set a fade in and fade out on the recorded audio. This overcomes any audio clicks and glitches when playing across loop end and start. Adjust these two settings in harmony but start small to avoid impinging on rest of audio. Iteratively increase if needed to remove recording clicks on playback looping. I. Turn rotary (A) for FIN adjustment. For this example set to 0.063, the smallest iteration to start. II. Turn rotary (A) for FOUT adjustment. For this example set to 0.063, the smallest iteration to start. 10. Set the quantize setting. Quantize is the audio recording and playback setting aligned to the sequence steps. For manual recording they can be set to off. If recording from the sequencer then these can be set in step iterations i.e. 16 for 1 bar. I. Turn rotary (D) for QREC, to select audio quantized recording, in this example set to off. II. Turn rotary (E) for QPL, to select audio quantized playback, in this example set to off. 11. Set the direct monitoring to listen to the audio input that will be sampled. The mixer also has an option for direct monitoring but these functions are specific and unique for pickup machines and will apply when the pickup machine is active. For input A direct monitoring turn (C) to adjust, ideally set to 127. This will also apply to input B. For inputs CD use rotary (F). 12. The pickup machine is now set up and ready for recording and looping. NOTES
120 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES ▌MANUAL OPERATION OF A PICKUP MACHINE. 1. Select a track [Tx] and assign a pickup machine. 2. Ensure the Setup 1 and Setup 2 pages have been reviewed and set to match the session to undertake. Note that the TRIG settings in Setup 1 will determine how the recording and looping controls operate. 3. Select [SRC] to check recording session track parameters. I. Turn rotary (A) for PTCH, to adjust the pitch in semitones up to +1 or -1 octave. Keep at default 0 to start this example. II. Turn rotary (B) for DIR, to select the playback direction of the loop. Forward, Reverse or Ping Pong - Fwd - Rev. Keep at default FWD to start this example. III. Turn rotary (C) for LEN, to select the secondary follow track length with respect to the primary lead pickup track. In this example set to off as this example is a single pickup track, LEN does not apply. IV. Turn rotary (F) OP, to set the operating mode on how the overdub record will operate. For this example set to DUB which will allow overdub recordings with each older loop to fade out at the level set by (E) - GAIN. If OP is set to GAIN, it will not overdub but still fade existing recordings. V. Turn rotary (E) GAIN, to set the fade out attenuation or boost level of older track audio recordings during overdub. Set to 0 for this example and all overdubs will be retained at the same level. 4. The process for initiating manual recording will be dependent on the TRIG setting which sets the behaviour of [REC1] - generally record, and [REC2] generally play and stop buttons. For this example ONE2 Trig setting is described. I. Press [REC1] to erase and initiate audio recording. II. Press [REC1] again to set length and switch to overdub which will loop record. If no button is pressed then RLEN will initiate the transition to overdub. III. Press [REC2] to switch to loop playback. Overdub recording can be re-initiated while playing with [REC1]. If [REC1] is pressed during overdub the audio is replaced with the new recording. IV. While playing [REC2] will stop playback.
Track Machines5 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 121 When working with individual pickup machines the track will act as a primary lead and set its own time length of the loop. When multiple pickup machine tracks exist they form a relationship where they operate as secondary followers meaning they follow the length of the primary track. Whichever track is recording first or records a new loop when stopped will be the primary lead. ▌MANUAL OPERATION OF MULTIPLE PICKUP MACHINES. 1. Select 2 or more tracks [Tx] and assign pickup machines. 2. Ensure the Setup 1, Setup 2 and SRC pages have been reviewed and set to match the session to undertake. Assume for this example Track [T1] is primary lead and track [T2] secondary follower. 3. The track, e.g. [T2] which is aimed to be secondary followers should have the LEN parameter set in relation to the primary lead. In the SRC page, Turn rotary (C) for LEN, to select the secondary follow track length with respect to the primary lead pickup track. In this example set to X2 which means [T2] as the secondary follower will record twice as long as the primary lead [T1]. Setting to X1 would mean same lengths. 4. Use the [REC1] and [REC2] to record, overdub and playback loops. The track indicators will display symbols according to the activity of the track in use. Meaning the record state as well as the currently applied primary lead / secondary follower role. Pickup machines do not require tracks to be armed to record. P P NOTES Primary lead. First recording which sets length reference. Secondary follower aligned to the primary lead with respect to track LEN track parameter.
122 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide NOTES
Track recorders and pickup machines are the two recording functions available in Octatrack. Pickup machines are more specialised and focus on bringing additional control for looping, building on track recording functionality. Pickup machines are configured as needed per track. Track recorders are the more fundamental recording function and the primary method used when general sampling is needed. Track recorders are often described as being ‘always available’ meaning that by default the recording controls are preassigned and ready to record when needed for every track. Recording features are built into the base functionality of each of the 8 audio tracks. Accompanying the track recorders are 8 assignable recorder buffers which are located in the flex machine sample slots. Unlike pickup machines which have track recorder and buffers automatically assigned, track recording buffers would need to be manually assigned to a track and also manually saved. Track recorders use dedicated RAM to capture the audio which is, by default, around 16 seconds. The option to use Flex RAM also exists along with several memory configuration options in the memory setup. Recording is possible from external inputs A,B,C and D and also from the internal audio outputs to Main and Cue. In addition internal audio from each track can be sampled. Various combinations of these sample sources are also possible giving a powerful series of sampling options. Finally, remember that Octatrack samples in ‘stereo’. Track Recording 6 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 123
124 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 6 Track Recording 6.1 Track Recording Overview NOTES Two methods for track recording are possible. Manual recording by pressing record and trig recording which is a more automated method using the sequencer. If a recording is performed when a sample already exists in the record buffer, it will be overwritten. The recording buffer, just like any flex sample, must be assigned to a flex machine to enable playback. Recording is performed from the selected audio source. Recording is captured into a recording buffer which is located in the flex machine sample slots. + Flex Machine Flex Machine Rx: RECORDING BUFFER Manual Recording. Will require manual events to trigger and manage the recording process. Trig Recording. Uses sequence trigs events to trigger and automate the recording process. Octatrack convention is to assign recording buffers based on the respective track. For example recorder buffer 3 assigned to track 3 which will be loaded with a flex machine. Flex machines must be assigned to play back a recorded sample. Recorder buffers should be saved to the compact flash card as buffers are not retained in memory after power down. Tx T3 R2 Recording2 R6 Recording6 R1 Recording1 R7 Recording7 R4 Recording4 R8 Recording8 R3 Recording3 R5 Recording5 Track Record Record Play Recorder Buffers Record Buffer Track Record [T1] [T2] [T4] [T6] [T5] [T7] [T8] Note: When sampling in Octatrack, external inputs AB or CD always record a stereo input even when only selecting the individual A, B, C or D. When AB or CD pairs are selected this will record one signal, A / C is panned hard left and the other B / D panned hard right. This is more like a dual mono input.
Track Recording 6 NOTES Track Recording Methods: Advantages & Use Cases Both manual and trig recording has a place in Octatrack workflow. The manual method is a quick and easy way to sample audio from the internal or external inputs. Its advantage is speed and availability to capture audio on the fly. The disadvantage is that tightly quantized recordings is more difficult using manual method and this is where trig recording offers a better approach. By using MIDI to connect devices or when sampling from internal tracks the sequencer can synchronise the recording of audio. This gives a much more quantized sample but the down side is that trig recording will need a little more preparation in setting this up. Sampling Workflow Considerations It may be worth either as a specific task or during the development and set up of projects, to create a series or single template for sample recording. There are a number of tasks and settings that are often repeated and having pre-defined template options helps to jump forward in the workflow and give a predictable starting point and save time doing repetitive setup. Track Recording Symbols with Track Recorders The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 125 Personalisation & Behaviour. Options and preferences for workflow and functional control. These are optional settings which are system wide but are set to match a specific personal Octatrack workflow. Will develop initially then remain at a fixed state and wont change regularly. Examples are [REC1] button behaviours or default rec mode. These are settings which are made based on the project specifics and objective of each session. However they may often be the same or repeated in other projects. Examples are recording input source or recording length. These are actions taken which are made based on the project specifics and objective of each session. However they may often be the same or repeated in other projects. Examples are pre assigning flex tracks or a master track or pre-set monitoring level. System Setup and Configuration. Options and setup for specific recording sessions and objectives. Project Process and Events. Actual workflow and tasks to achieve the set objectives. Template Project An Error ! Symbol may appear if there are issues such as empty files in the sample Stop. The track audio playback is in a stopped state. Play. The audio track is currently playing. Record. The track recorder is currently recording audio. Play / Record. Audio is playing while recording / overwriting into the track recorder. F F F + F +
126 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 6 Track Recording 6.2 Sampling Setup NOTES A number of track recording and pickup machine setup features are available when recording and sampling. Some are mode dependant and operate differently depending on what process is being carried out such as track or manual recording or pickup machine looping. The main two pages are the Recording Setup 1 and Setup 2 accessed by [FUNC] + [REC1] and [FUNC] + [REC2] respectively. Setup 1 page is useful when displayed during sampling as this shows the sample and playback progress, BPM, available sample time and status. Setup 1 [FUNC] + [REC1] + (A) (D) (B) (E) (C) (F) (A) INAB Data Entry (B) INCD Data Entry (C) RLEN Data Entry External Audio Input AB External Audio Input CD Recording Length Sets the audio source (always records in stereo) between, - off, A, B, A+B (summed) or AB (hard left / hard right). Sets the audio source (always records in stereo) between, - off, C, D, C+D (summed) or CD (hard left / hard right). Length from track recording start based on sequencer BPM (scale is ignored). Example, 16 will record 16 x 1/16th steps, max will be the maximum recording time available (default is 16 sec) - Off, A, B, AB, A+B - Off, C, D, CD, C+D 1 - 64, Max (D) TRIG Data Entry (E) SRC3 Data Entry (F) LOOP Data Entry Mode to Start Sampling Internal Audio Source Playback behaviour Controls how recording trigs and buttons operate in specific modes. One is dependant on RLEN and can be restarted. One2 is dependant on RLEN and can be stopped. Hold will sample only while pressed. Selects the internal sampling source options. Also sets the behaviour of how a recorder and a buffer playback trig operates on the same step. Defines how a captured sample will behave when played. Either playback will loop or not. One, One2, Hold - Off, Main, Cue, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8 On, Off
Track Recording 6 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 127 Setup 1 [FUNC] + [REC2] * The QPL quantized playback parameter is also mirrored by the QUANTIZED TRIG setting in the audio editor. This is found under the ATTRIBUTES section of the audio editor. If QPL is changed it will also change the QUANTIZED TRIG setting in the audio editor. + (A) (D) (B) (E) (C) (F) (A) FIN Data Entry (B) FOUT Data Entry (C) AB Data Entry Fade In Fade Out AB Audio Input Monitoring Introduces a fade in at the start of the recording to avoid looping clicks between start and end points. Set in relation to sequence steps. Aim for the smallest value then iterate upwards if needed. Introduces a fade out after the recording to avoid looping clicks between start and end points. Set in relation to sequence steps. Aim for the smallest value then iterate upwards if needed. Only relevant to pickup machines. Allows direct monitoring of the AB audio input and sets the monitoring level for the active track. 0-64 0-64 0-127 (D) QREC Data Entry (E) QPL Data Entry (F) CD Data Entry Record Quantize Playback Quantize CD Audio Input Monitoring Quantize (by time) manual recording and pickup machine recording. The intervals start after the manual [RECx] button press and are based on the playing sequence, i.e. PLEN allows the pattern to play full length before recording or the number will set the steps before recording e.g. 4 = next beat, 8 = ½ bar, 16 = 1 bar etc Quantize (by time) manual triggering (not sequence trigs) of recording buffers and pickup machines. Off - Play immediately on trigger. Other settings sync to the sequence. PLEN allows pattern to play full length before playing or the number will set the steps before playback e.g. 8 = ½ bar. Linked to QUANTIZED TRIG parameter in the attributes menu*. Only relevant to pickup machines. Allows direct monitoring of the CD audio input and sets the monitoring level for the active track. Off, PLEN, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, 128, 192, 256 Off, PLEN, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, 128, 192, 256 0-127 Setup 2 page is useful when displayed during sampling as this shows the sample and playback progress, BPM, available sample time and status.
128 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 6 Track Recording NOTES ▌TYPICAL SAMPLING PREPARATION & SETUP. While setting these parameters is not essential to initiate sampling, the options chosen will affect the outcome and an understanding of a starting point will help achieve the desired results. These are pre-requisite options before starting to sample. 1. Select a track [Tx] to sample into and assign a flex machine. Also assign the sampling track audio buffer to the track. Example [T5] will be the audio sampling track and recording buffer 5 assigned to allow playback after recording. I. Double tap the track button e.g. [T5] to open the flex sample list. II. Scroll using [UP] [DOWN] to select the RECORDER5. Press [YES] to ensure it is assigned to track 5. Note that buffers can be assigned to any track but best practice is to keep the 1 to 1 convention. 2. Define the audio source to sample. This could be based on the connected device and its input or potentially an internal audio source. Multiple audio source selections are possible. For this example - input A will have an audio input connected. 3. Open the first recording setup page. Press [FUNC] + [REC1] which will open ‘Setup 1’ page. 4. Select the audio source to sample. Multiple inputs are possible. I. Turn rotary (A) for INAB, to select the external input A or B combinations. In this example set to ‘A’ to sample from the connected device. II. Turn rotary (B) for INCD, to select the external input C or D combinations. In this example set to ‘-’ to ensure no input is selected for audio sampling. III. Turn rotary (E) for SRC3, to select the internal track 1 - 8 or the output audio - Main / Cue. In this example set to ‘-’ to ensure no internal audio is selected for sampling. 5. Set the sample length, RLEN. Turn rotary (C) to select the length required to sample, in this example 32 i.e. 2 Bars. This length is based on sequence steps relative to BPM. Max would be the maximum file size, by default this records approx 16 seconds but can be changed in the project menu: [PROJ] > CONTROL > MEMORY > Parameter RESERVE LENGTH.
Track Recording 6 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 129 6. Select the playback loop option on or off by turning rotary (F), LOOP. For this example, set to ON. When ON the recorded audio, immediately after recording and when triggered to play, will loop playback. If a single trigger initiates playback, the audio will continue to cycle, otherwise if loop is set OFF it will play once at the point of trigger. 7. Select the control behaviour of [REC1] and [REC2] with the TRIG setting. This sets how these buttons control recording. Select ONE for this example. • ONE: Buttons provide control, RLEN governs recording length. • ONE2: Buttons primarily control record, overdub and replace. • HOLD: Buttons need to be pressed and held to record and overdub. 8. Open the second recording setup page. Press [FUNC] + [REC2] which will open ‘Setup 2’ page. 9. Set a fade in and fade out on the recorded audio. This overcomes any audio clicks and glitches when playing across loop end and start. Adjust these two settings in harmony but start small to avoid impinging on rest of audio. Iteratively increase if needed to remove recording clicks on playback looping. I. Turn rotary (A) for FIN adjustment. For this example set to 0.063, the smallest iteration to start. II. Turn rotary (A) for FOUT adjustment. For this example set to 0.063, the smallest iteration to start. 10. Set the quantize setting for manual or pickup machine recording. Quantize is the audio recording and playback for manual recording with iterations aligned to the steps of a playing sequence pattern. I. Turn rotary (D) for QREC, to select audio quantized recording, in this example set to OFF for manual recording or PLEN so recording starts after the completed current pattern cycle. II. Turn rotary (E) for QPL, to select audio quantized playback, in this example set to off. This can assist when manual triggering playback ie [Tx] + [PLAY] and is not relevant to trigs set in the sequencer. 11. The direct monitoring AB and CD only applies to pickup machines so can be ignored. To monitor audio when in the track recorder, set DIR to a value > 0. DIR parameter is found in the MIXER page.
130 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 6 Track Recording TSTR & TSNS Time stretch and transient detection parameters. INAB None, AB, A, B, A+B FIN Fade In to avoid loop clicks. 0-64 0.063 0.063 FOUT Fade Out to avoid loop clicks. 0-64 TRIG Trigger Setting. ONE ONE2 HOLD INCD None, CD, C, D, C+D LOOP Playback Looping On or Off (immediately after recording) RLEN Recording length set relative to sequence BPM. 1-64, Max. Example = 16 QREC Recording quantize for manual recording, synchronised to the trig sequence pattern. Recorder trigs will initiate recording from the sequencer. One shot trigs also are possible. 1 2 3 4 PLEN QPL Playback quantize for manual (not sequenced) triggers, synchronised with the current sequence pattern Playback Trigger. Will activate the flex machine for the track. Recording length max by default is ~16sec Can be adjusted in memory settings SRC3 T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T8, Main, Cue, None STANDARD FONT Main Page Parameter ITALIC GREY FONT Set Up Page 1 or 2 Option Manual Recording Trig Recording Set Up Parameters and Track Recording Record Existing audio in the buffer will be overwritten when recording. Play Record Multiple external and internal source options are available for selection individually or used all together for sample recording. Track recording selects the input to record to the track. External Internal External Tx + Top cursor represents recording status Lower cursor represents playback status
Track Recording 6 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 131 TRIG Parameter: Manual & Trig Recording Controls The REC1 and REC2 buttons are used with manual recording and as such requires physical actions to control per track recording. Trig recording is initiated by programmed pattern steps. The specific behaviour of how these events control the recording actions is dependant on the TRIG parameter setting which is selected from within the recording setup page 1. This control behaviour differs when using pickup machines. Trig setting is selected using rotary data entry (D). Three options are available to select for assigning how recording control is handled. These are One, One2 and Hold. Recording Setup 1 Page REC1 ONE ONE2 HOLD Sample Length from RLEN Sample Length from RLEN Sample Length based on hold Recording length is governed by RLEN. When RLEN is reached the recording will automatically stop. Press Tx + REC1, REC2, REC3 to initiate recording from the audio inputs represented by REC1 (AB), REC2 (CD), REC3 (Internal audio). Press Tx + REC1, REC2, REC3 again to restart sample recording, which will overwrite the existing audio. One button recording is possible if set in the personalisation settings. Recording length is governed by RLEN. When RLEN is reached the recording will automatically stop. Press Tx + REC1, REC2, REC3 to initiate recording from the audio inputs represented by REC1 (AB), REC2 (CD), REC3 (Internal audio). Press Tx + REC1, REC2, REC3 again during sampling to stop recording. One button recording is possible if set in the personalisation settings. Recording length is governed by how long the button or trig is held up to the max RLEN. Press and hold Tx + REC1, REC2, REC3 to initiate recording from the audio inputs represented by REC1 (AB), REC2 (CD), REC3 (Internal audio). Recording will only take place while the buttons are held or until RLEN is reached. Release Tx + REC1, REC2, REC3 during sampling to stop recording. The recording will also be dependant on whether manual or trig sampling is performed. One button recording is possible if set in the personalisation settings. +
132 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 6 Track Recording 6.3 Sampling and Recording Manual Recording Manual recording uses the three REC buttons to control the sample recording process of the track recorder to capture audio into a track buffer. The button LED’s show audio input activity by their level of illumination. Recording will be performed based on the Setup 1 and Setup 2 page parameter settings including RLEN and also the buttons selected. Tx + REC buttons represent the audio source to sample:- [REC1] AB, [REC2] CD, [REC3] Internal LED illumination represents the audio activity at the input / output. Red indicates audio clipping. Manual Recording Controls Manual Quantize The option for single button recording can be setup in the personalize menu. Recordings are made into the selected track recorder buffer. If the sequencer is not playing the recording will start immediately and the audio sample is captured to the buffer over the defined duration. If the sequencer is playing, the recording will actually start after the REC buttons are pressed and based on QREC setting for quantize of manual recording. Quantization is performed to the next step after, nearest quantize ‘point’ once the manual recording start command is triggered. As a rule of thumb divide QREC by 16 to establish the quantization points. Example 4/16 = 1/4, 8/16 = 1/2, 16/16 = 1 etc. The pattern length also reflects quantization. QPL quantize also follows same principles but only for manually triggered playback. QREC Examples PLEN 4 8 16 Step 1 2 3 4 5 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/2 1 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Recordings overwrite previous buffer audio QREC = OFF will record immediately NOTES Press Press Press Press Press Press Press Press
Track Recording 6 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 133 16s 117 The Setup1 or 2 pages which are accessed by [FUNC] + [REC1] or [REC2] will display the dynamic recording and playback bar which shows progress as the recording takes place. It is often helpful to have a setup page open when manual recording. Top cursor represents recording status Lower cursor represents playback status ▌MANUAL SAMPLING. 1. It is good practice to assign a flex machine to the track to record into. While not essential for the sample recording processes itself, the allocation of a flex machine allows more immediate playback of the captured audio. 2. Ensure the sequencer [REC], GRID RECORDING Mode is Off / Unlit. 3. Press [Tx] + [RECz] to initiate manual sample recording. Where x is the track to record into i.e. Track 1 [T1]. Where z is the recording audio input option:- • [REC1] Records audio from the external inputs AB. • [REC2] Records audio from the external inputs CD. • [REC3] Records internal audio from Octatrack tracks, main or cue. Example: Press [T1] + [REC1] to record AB input to track 1 buffer. 4. If the sequencer is NOT running, the recording will start immediately on button press. If the sequencer is running the recording start will be quantized based on QREC. For example if QREC is PLEN, the sequenced pattern will complete its current cycle and then start recording at the next cycle start. This is an aid to manual recording. 5. The default recording length is approx 16 seconds but can be changed in the memory settings. Recording progress is displayed on the dynamic bar at the bottom of pages Setup 1 and Setup 2. 6. The audio is captured into the selected track buffer and the sampling algorithm will estimate the BPM and length in bars of the audio. 7. Subsequent recordings will overwrite any audio already contained in the recording buffer. 8. Remember that to play back the pattern length would need to match.
134 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 6 Track Recording NOTES ▌QUICK MANUAL SAMPLING MODE. To enable the use of the [REC1], [REC2] and [REC3] sampling without the pre-requisite [Tx] track button, the option for one button recording is possible. This is found in the Project > System > Personalize options. This is useful when one handed recording is required or when performing an intensive recording session. To set this option:- 1. Press [PROJ] to open the project menu. Scroll using [UP] [DOWN] to highlight SYSTEM and press [RIGHT] to open the sub menu. 2. Press [UP] [DOWN] to scroll to PERSONALIZE in the sub menu. Press [YES] to select and open the options list. 3. Scroll using [UP] [DOWN] to highlight the RECORD QUICK MODE option in the list. 4. Press [YES] to toggle RECORD QUICK MODE to On / Checked or Off / Unchecked. To allow single press recording set to On / Checked. 5. Manual track recording can now be performed for the selected track by simply pressing [REC1], [REC2] or [REC3]. Default Manual Sampling. Dual button action requiring the track [Tx] + respective [RECx]. Quick Manual Sampling Option. Single button action requiring only the respective [RECx] press. Tx + ☞ ☞☞
Track Recording 6 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 135 Trig Recording Recording Trigs are set when one of the recording setup menus or the track trig edit menu is open. Trig recording uses the sequence to control the recording process. This will use the track recorder to sample into a track buffer. Recordings will be performed based on the Setup Page 1 and Setup Page 2 parameter settings. 16s 117 Record TRIG’s can be placed in a pattern to activate the recording start in GRID RECORDING mode. Record trigs are different to normal trigs and are only set when operating in the track TRIG EDIT menu [FUNC] + [BANK] or a RECORDING SETUP menu, example [FUNC] + [REC1]. These menus would need to be on display. The audio source can also be set for each trig. Recording is to the track buffer. Will overwrite existing audio each cycle. Trigs lit red. Press [1] - [16] Press [FUNC] + [1] - [16] Setup 1 & 2 pages will display a recording and playback real time progress bar. Recording is made when the trig is triggered. Recording into the track buffer. Armed trigs Yellow, Unarmed / triggered trigs will flash. By default will trigger record on every loop cycle of the pattern. Optionally One Shot Trigs can be set Use [FUNC] + [YES] to rearm all one-shots Use [Tx] + [YES] to rearm the track one-shots Use [Tx] + [NO] or [FUNC] + [NO] to Disarm. 1 1 Top cursor represents recording status Lower cursor represents playback status Recording Trigs One Shot Recording Trig
136 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 6 Track Recording NOTES ▌TRIG SAMPLING WITHIN THE SETUP OR TRIG EDIT MENU. 1. Select a track. Press [Tx] for example [T5] for track 5. 2. It is good practice to assign a flex machine to the track to record into. While not essential for the sample recording processes the allocation of a flex machine allows more immediate playback of the captured audio. 3. Select GRID RECORDING mode ON, Press [REC]. The record button will illuminate red to indicate the mode is selected. 4. Press [FUNC] + [REC1] to open the setup menu 1. Recorder trigs can be added while in Setup 1 or 2 option menus. or 3. Press [FUNC] + [BANK] to open the track trig edit menu. Grid recording must be on to select this option. Recorder trigs can be added while in track trig edit menu. 4. Press TRIG [1] - [16] to place a recorder trig in the sequence. Typically a trig at step 1, page 1 is used to initiate recording at the pattern start. 5. If a one-shot trig is required, press [FUNC] + Trig [1] - [16] to toggle a trig to a one shot. The trig button will be lit yellow when armed and recording will be initiated once when the trig is activated instead of recording each time the pattern cycles. One shots will flash when triggered and disarmed and can be rearmed to record again using [FUNC] + [YES] or [Tx] + [YES] to arm track. Also [FUNC] + [NO] or [Tx] + [NO] to disarm track. 6. With the setup 1 menu still open, hold the placed Trig. The setup display will show INAB (A), INCD (B), SRC3 (E) as inverted if source is selected for sampling. Also buttons [REC1], [REC2], [REC3] will be lit to show the audio source(s) selected when the trig is held. 7. Press the selected Trig [1] - [16] + [REC1], [REC2] or [REC3] while holding the Trig, to toggle the audio source for sampling on or off. 8. Press [PLAY] while in GRID RECORDING mode. The sequencer will run and recording will start when the recording trig is initiated. If the sequencer cycles recording will be overwritten each cycle unless a one shot is assigned in which case one cycle is recorded. 9. The audio is captured into the selected track buffer and the sampling algorithm will use the current Octatrack BPM and pattern length in bars of the audio. Subsequent recordings will overwrite the buffer.
Track Recording 6 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 137 6.4 Playing Back Recordings and Samples While the automatic alignment of track recorders is made to tracks, recording buffers need to be assigned to a flex machine to be triggered and played in track recorders (pickup machines are hard assigned). Recording buffers are located in the flex machine sample slot lists although they are not automatically saved and will be lost if Octatrack is powered down or the buffer is overwritten without saving. Track recording is separate to playback but can use the same track. It is good practice to assign a flex track to the recording tracks prior to sampling to make the workflow transition from recording to playback simple and quick, almost seamless. QPL Quantization can also be applied to manually triggered playback of samples. ▌ASSIGNING A RECORDER BUFFER TO A FLEX MACHINE. 1. Select the track to assign a flex machine. Example track 5, press [T5]. 2. Double tap, the track button [Tx] to open the sample slot list. As this is a flex machine the recorder buffers will also appear in the sample slot list. 3. Press [UP] [DOWN] to highlight the recorder buffer to assign. For example R5►RECORDING5. 4. Press [YES] to assign RECORDING5 to Track 5 flex machine. ▌MANUALLY TRIGGING SAMPLE RECORDING BUFFERS 1. Ensure GRID RECORDING mode is OFF. The [REC] button unlit. Trig Mode should also be set to ‘Tracks’, Press [FUNC] + [UP] [DOWN]. 2. Trig [9] - [16] in this mode represents the tracks 1-8 and their assigned machines and samples including the recording buffers. For Example: Press Trig [9] to trigger Track 1 sample, Trig [10] for Track 2, and so on. The buttons also flash when playing to show trig activity on the track. Trigs 9-16 represent the Sample Trigs for Tracks 1-8 in normal mode (not in GRID RECORDING mode) T1 Track 1 T2 Track 2 T3 Track 3 T4 Track 4 T6 Track 6 T5 Track 5 T7 Track 7 T8 Track 8
138 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 6 Track Recording NOTES ▌MANUAL TRIGGING A SAMPLE RECORDING BUFFER FROM TRACK. 1. Press and hold [Tx] + [PLAY], where Tx is the track where the flex machine and assigned recorder buffer resides. Example, to play the recorder buffer in track 5, Press [T5] + [PLAY]. 2. Press [Tx] + [STOP] to stop the track sample playback. Example press [T5] + [STOP] to stop track 5 playing. ▌PREVIEWING A RECORDING BUFFER IN THE AUDIO EDITOR. 1. Press [Tx] to select the track with the flex machine and assigned recorder buffer. 2. Press [AED] to open the Audio Editor utility. 3. Press and hold [FUNC] + [YES] to preview / play the buffer assigned to the selected track. ▌PREVIEWING A RECORDING BUFFER IN FLEX SAMPLE LIST. 1. Double Press [Tx] to select the track with a flex machine and open the sample slot list. 2. Press [UP] [DOWN] in the flex sample list to scroll and highlight the RECORDINGx to audition and play. 3. Press and hold [FUNC] + [YES] on the highlighted RECORDINGx to preview / play the buffer audio. Press [CUE] + [YES] to preview to the cue outputs. Note: Manually triggering samples can be applied and will adhere to appropriate settings including QPL Quantization so the actual playback may be delayed to match the running sequence. Previewing samples is not a synchronized process and therefore does not ‘trigger’ a sample but simply plays the sample or recording immediately to allow for audible checks.
Track Recording 6 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 139 ▌SEQUENCED BUFFER SAMPLE PLAYBACK TRIGS IN A PATTERN. 1. Press [Tx] to select the track with a flex machine and assigned recorder buffer to play. Note that the flex machine could also have a previously saved sample assigned instead of a recorder buffer. 2. Ensure none of the recording setup or trig edit menus are open. Only recorder trigs can be set when operating within these menus. 3. Press [REC] to enter GRID RECORDING mode. This allows recording of steps into the sequencer to create a pattern. [REC] should be lit red. 4. Press a Trig [1] - [16] to place a trig. This will initiate playback on the trig for the track assigned sample buffer when the sequencer is playing. Typically Step 1 on Page 1 of the pattern would start playback at the start of the pattern. 5. Press [PLAY] to start the sequencer and play the pattern. The Trig set will activate playback of the assigned recorder buffer sample. These will play even when recording. 6. Subsequent steps placed in the pattern after the first trig and before the sample audio duration end will restart the playback of the sample. For newly created samples with LOOP is set On in the setup 1 menu, the sample will loop playback after the initial trig is activated.
140 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 6 Track Recording 6.5 Recording Edit Menu and Managing Buffer Samples NOTES In depth editing and multiple uses of recordings is possible which will be covered later. Some essential recording buffer management actions can be performed in the RECORDING EDIT menu. These are typically undertaken immediately after sampling. Bear in mind recordings are not, by default, automatically saved so care should be taken in the workflow to avoid losing valuable audio and wasting time. ▌CLEARING THE RECORDING TRACK. 1. Ensure not in GRID RECORDING mode, ie [REC] unlit. 2. Press [Tx] to select the track containing the buffer to clear. For example, [T5] for track 5. 3. Press [FUNC] + [REC1] or [REC2] to open the recording setup menu 1 or 2. Keep the setup page open. 4. Press [FUNC] + [PLAY] to clear the track’s recording buffer. 5. A confirmation prompt will pop up. Press [YES] to confirm clearing the buffer or [NO] to exit without deleting the buffer audio. ▌SAVE THE RECORDING BUFFER TO THE COMPACT FLASH. 1. Press [Tx] to select the track containing the buffer to save. For example, [T5] for track 5. 2. Press [FUNC] + [REC3] to open the RECORDING EDIT menu. 3. Press [UP] [DOWN] to scroll and highlight the ‘SAVE THIS RECORDING’ option. 4. Press [YES] to confirm saving or [NO] to cancel. 5. The naming popup menu will appear and allow the sample to be renamed. Once complete, or to accept the default, press [YES]. A prompt may appear if a duplicate filename exists. 6. The sample is typically saved to the audio pool. The location can be set between audio pool and project folder in the PERSONALIZE options. 7. The samples will be saved and can now be assigned instead of the buffer to a flex or static machine. Options to assign to ‘self’, ‘free flex’ or ‘free static’ are presented. Select an option or [NO] to cancel.
Track Recording 6 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 141 ▌SAVE ALL RECORDING BUFFERS TO THE COMPACT FLASH. 1. Press [FUNC] + [REC3] to open the RECORDING EDIT menu. 2. Press [UP] [DOWN] to scroll and highlight the ‘SAVE ALL RECORDINGS’ option. 3. Press [YES] to confirm saving or [NO] to cancel. 4. The naming popup menu will appear sequentially per sample and allow each sample to be renamed. Once complete, or to accept the default, press [YES]. A prompt may appear if duplicate filenames exist. 5. The samples are typically saved to the audio pool. The location can be set between audio pool and project folder in the PERSONALIZE options. 6. The samples will be saved and may be assigned to tracks. ▌EDIT RECORDING IN THE AUDIO EDITOR. 1. Press [Tx] to select the track containing the buffer to save. For example, [T5] for track 5. 2. Press [FUNC] + [REC3] to open the RECORDING EDIT menu. 3. Press [UP] [DOWN] to scroll and highlight the ‘EDIT THIS RECORDING’ option. 4. Press [YES] to confirm opening the audio editor or [NO] to cancel. 5. The audio editor utility will open ready for editing the selected sample. This is the same function that is accessible by pressing [AED].
142 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 6 Track Recording NOTES ▌CHANGING AVAILABLE TRACK RECORDER SAMPLE TIME. 1. Press [FUNC] + [REC3] to open the RECORDING EDIT menu. 2. Press [UP] [DOWN] to scroll and highlight the ‘GO TO MEMORY CONFIG’ option. 3. Press [YES] to confirm opening memory config function or press [NO] to cancel. 4. The MEMORY CONFIG utility will open. 5. Press [UP] [DOWN] to scroll and highlight the ‘RESERVE RECORDINGS’ option. This selects which track(s) to assign memory to. This works in conjunction with ‘RESERVE LENGTH’. Tracks start at R1 and the range can flex up to R2 - R8. 6. Press [RIGHT] [LEFT] to change the setting. 7. Press [UP] [DOWN] to scroll and highlight the ‘RESERVE LENGTH’ option. This selects the amount of recording time assigned to track recorders. This is by default approx 16 secs per track. This works in conjunction with ‘RESERVE RECORDINGS’ 8. Press [RIGHT] [LEFT] to change the setting. Project Total 85.5MB RAM Available Flex RAM Flex Machine Slots Total 64MB (Used Shown Checked) Track Recorder Sampling Memory 2.7MB per Track 85.5MB Default ~64MBDefault ~21MB Memory is allocated and reserved in the MEMORY options. Example: 16 Seconds or 32 Seconds RESERVE RECORDINGS = NONE, allocate all to Flex RAM RESERVE RECORDINGS = R1..R1-R8 RESERVE LENGTH = Recording time allocated to selected buffers
Track Recording 6 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 143 Summary of RECORDING EDIT Menu Press [FUNC] + [REC3] to open the RECORDING EDIT menu. + REC3 Menu Option What does it do? RECORDING EDIT EDIT THIS RECORDING Opens the currently selected track recording buffer in the audio editor function. The Audio Editor is also available by [AED]. RECORDING EDIT SAVE THIS RECORDING Save the currently selected track recording buffer to the audio pool (or another location) on the installed compact flash memory card. RECORDING EDIT SAVE ALL RECORDINGS Save all track recorder buffers to the audio pool (or another location) on the installed compact flash memory card. RECORDING EDIT GO TO MEMORY CONFIG Opens the MEMORY function to allow memory allocation and management settings. This is also available from the [PROJ] function and located under the SYSTEM submenu.
144 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 6 Track Recording 6.6 Time Stretching and Sampling NOTES Samples that are recorded can be immediately time stretched or time compressed to match the Octatrack BPM (beats per minute) tempo. The behaviour of time stretching is defined for static and flex machines with the TSTR parameter found in the SRC Setup menu and also in the Audio Editor, in particular the ATTRIBUTES menu. Track Sampling is made into Track Recorder and associated recorder buffer TSTR Track Master Time Stretch. [SRC] Setup Page TSNS Transient Detection Sensitivity [SRC] Setup Page RATE Time stretch or pitch change [SRC] Setup Page RATE Time stretch or pitch adjust [SRC] Page [AED] Editor settings used for individual samples. OFF - NORMAL - BEAT Audio Editor Settings General Algorithm Rhythmic Algorithm AUTO Time Stretch Off default AUTO NORMAL TEMPO Down BPM Compress Stretch Time Up Pitch BEAT OFF Tx
Track Recording 6 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 145 ▌SETTING THE BASIS OF TIME STRETCHING BEHAVIOUR. 1. Press [AED] to open the Audio Editor utility. 2. Press [FX1] to open the ATTR - Attributes options within the audio editor. 3. Press [UP] [DOWN] to scroll through the attribute options available. Highlight to select TIMESTRETCH. 4. Press [RIGHT] [LEFT] to cycle the three available options for TIMESTRETCH. This will change between ‘Off’, ‘NORMAL’ and ‘BEAT’. The option displayed will determine the behaviour of time stretching and whether it is applied or not.
146 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide NOTES