The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 47 NOTES Sets & Projects3 ▌ TRANSFERRING SAMPLES INTO THE AUDIO POOL (USB). 1. Connect a Mac or PC with the USB cable to Octatrack. 2. Press [PROJ] to open the project menu. 3. Highlight the SYSTEM option by pressing [UP] or [DOWN] to scroll. 4. Press [RIGHT] or [YES] to select and move the cursor to highlight the options in the right menu section. 5. Scroll using [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight the USB DISK MODE option. 6. Press [YES] to select USB DISK MODE. 7. The PC / Mac should recognise the octatrack and compact flash card as a removable disk. A message will indicate USB disk mode is active. 8. On the PC / Mac, locate the destination set folder and especially the ‘Audio’ folder within the set on the compact flash card. This is where the audio pool is located. One audio pool for each set. 9. Use the PC / Mac file management functions to copy folders and/or files from your own sample library into the audio folder on the compact flash drive. The folder structures and sub folders will be recognised and retained within the Octatrack hierarchy within the audio folder. 10. On the PC or Mac, eject the Octatrack compact flash drive. Notification will be given to allow removal of the connected Octatrack and card. Completion of the file transfer will be required first so ensure enough time for the transfers to complete. 11. Disconnect the Octatrack USB from the PC / Mac. 12. The samples will now be available within the sets audio pool and can be accessed by the static and flex machines for application and editing within projects. While technically samples can be stored in any location on the compact flash card, the Octatrack convention is to locate all samples in the audio pool within the AUDIO folder. There is no technical restrictions on file locations being set elsewhere but this guide will adhere to this Octatrack convention to ensure consistency and clarity.
48 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide NOTES 3 Sets & Projects ▌ TRANSFERRING SAMPLES TO THE AUDIO POOL (DIRECT). 1. Power off the Octatrack and remove the compact flash card by pressing the card button to release and again to extract the card. 2. Insert the compact flash card into the Mac or PC card reader. Some PC / Mac devices have integral card readers built in while others may require an external card reader plugged in. 3. The PC / Mac should recognise the compact flash card as a removable disk. 4. Locate the destination set folder and especially the ‘Audio’ folder within the set on the compact flash card. This is where the audio pool is located. One audio pool for each set. 5. Use the PC / Mac file management functions to copy folder and/or files from your own sample library into the audio folder on the compact flash drive. The folder structures and sub folders will be recognised and retained within the Octatrack hierarchy within the audio folder. 6. On the PC or Mac, eject the compact flash drive. Notification will be given to allow removal of the card. Completion of the file transfer will be required first so ensure enough time for the transfers to complete. 7. Remove the compact flash card and insert back into the Octatrack. It is recommended to have the Octatrack powered off when installing and removing the compact flash. 8. The samples will now be available within the sets audio pool and can be accessed by the static and flex machines for application and editing within projects. While technically samples can be stored in any location on the compact flash card, the Octatrack convention is to locate all samples in the audio pool within the AUDIO folder. There is no technical restrictions on file locations being set elsewhere but this guide will adhere to this Octatrack convention to ensure consistency and clarity.
The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 49 NOTES Sets & Projects3 3.8 Introduction to Templates Templates save a lot of time in the workflow. We mean A LOT of time. Getting to know templates and in fact starting to build templates early in your Octatrack journey will help speed up your workflow and allow each creative session to be exactly that - to make music and develop sounds. What is a template? A template is a pre-configured project that once built, allows you to skip a lot of the initial configuration and iterative set ups. It gives a starting point at the stage when you want to start programming patterns, recording audio and developing sounds. Its simply slow and inconvenient to have to create projects and assign machines, then set parameters, load samples etc etc every single time. Why should I create templates? Developing a library of templates is good practice and saves time and effort and allows you to concentrate your mind on creativity rather than process. For example, if you have a set genre and style then this can be pre-set into sample selection and track configurations. Maybe have an alternative template when working purely on sampling or looping and another for drums and percussion. How do I create templates? The best way to create templates is to capture them as you develop your workflow. Going through the set up process at least once is good practice and then saving the project as a template will allow you to re-use it as a starting point later. This can be done by ‘Save To New’ and naming as a template. Alternatively sessions to only create templates is possible but can be less focussed as the real needs of a project can be easily overlooked. Projects Templates Build a library of templates for starting points to tracks, sampling etc Projects can be developed and saved as normal. Also ‘Save As’ a template. New Project. Start from scratch New Project. Start from template 0% 100% 0% 100% MyNewSong MyAmbientTP A T +
50 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide NOTES
Octatrack has 8 Audio Tracks and 8 Midi Tracks. The track controls are the same for both, but MIDI Mode must be selected to control the MIDI tracks. This section is the starting point for understanding the basics of tracks and the environments in which they operate. Essentially the 8 tracks are generally controlled by patterns built from within the sequencer. Before getting deep with the pattern and sequencer functions the basics of using tracks, terminology and general principles are covered first. This will ensure a solid understanding of the foundations that tracks are built on and how they operate within the Octatrack environment. Understanding these principles is not only useful for the basic structural clarity, it is also a foundation for unlocking powerful live and improvisation practices. For example the mute and solo features and trig modes. As a point of clarification tracks contain machines which in turn will play back audio samples. The controls applied for tracks may differ from the behaviour when the sample is playing vs track playing. A sample plays within a track machine while a track contains the machine plus a host of track parameters contained within the main and setup pages. The general principles of tracks are covered here so most of the processes provided refers to Audio and MIDI tracks in general although there will be feature differences between the two. Track Basics 4 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 51
52 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics 4.1 Introduction to Audio Tracks Octatrack has 8 audio tracks which are controlled by the selected pattern. The sound allocated and the track behaviour is dependant on the machine assigned and hence parameters available will match this too. A sample would need to be loaded / setup in the machine and triggered in the pattern in order to play an audible sound. Alternatively external audio can be routed through and into Octatrack. NOTES T1 Audio Machine AMP FX1 FX2 LFO LFO LFO T5 Audio Machine AMP FX1 FX2 LFO LFO LFO T2 Audio Machine AMP FX1 FX2 LFO LFO LFO T6 Audio Machine AMP FX1 FX2 LFO LFO LFO T3 Audio Machine AMP FX1 FX2 LFO LFO LFO T7 Audio Machine AMP FX1 FX2 LFO LFO LFO T4 Audio Machine AMP FX1 FX2 LFO LFO LFO T8 Audio Machine AMP FX1 FX2 LFO LFO LFO DES Track Parameters Each track has a set of main track parameters and set up parameters. The selected machine defines the [SRC] parameters Pattern A sequenced pattern will control the 8 tracks and triggered steps A01
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 53 Each track has 5 main and 5 setup pages. The parameter settings may change for the core machine assigned and accessed in the [SRC] page. The parameters and settings affect the behaviour of the track. ▌SELECTING A TRACK 1. Press a track button [T1] - [T8] to select it. The currently selected track will be lit red (unmuted) or yellow (muted). 2. Selecting another track will switch from the existing selection to the new track. Only one track can be selected at one time. 3. Active tracks that are not selected but which are audible are lit green. 4. Muted tracks will be unlit, but can still be selected for editing in which case will be lit yellow. Multiple tracks can be muted. 5. The selected track allows editing of the parameters and settings. T1 T2 T7 T8 T5 Track Selection Buttons One track can be selected meaning only one button i.e. the selected track will show lit red or yellow. Others will typically indicate green or muted unlit. Cued tracks are shown flashing and these tracks route audio to the cue outputs. Selected Track 5 main track parameter functions. Press [PARAM] e.g. [SRC] Plus 5 set up pages. Press [FUNC] + [PARAM] or quick double press button + Green: Active track, currently not selected. Unlit: Muted track, currently not selected. Flash: Cued track, routed to cue output. Yellow: Muted track, currently selected. Red: Active track, currently selected.
54 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics Quick Start - Preparation for Track Tutorials The intimate details of setting up tracks, trigs, patterns and machines will be explained in the upcoming sections. However to help follow the tutorial and walkthroughs from here on, its good to have a starting point. As such a basic track set up is suggested. This can be changed and expanded as more learning takes place. ▌QUICK SETUP OF TRACKS 1. The Set, audio pool must have some samples available. Using the factory ‘PRESET’ Set at this stage is a goos starting point. 2. Press a track button [T1] - [T8] to select it. The currently selected track will be lit red (unmuted) or yellow (muted). Each track as default should have a static machine. This is OK as a starting point. 3. Double tap, [T1] for Track 1. The Machine or Sample window should open. Do not change the machine at this stage. Use [LEFT] [RIGHT] if needed to navigate to the static sample slot list. 4. If required load a set of samples into the Static Sample slots list from the Audio Pool. Navigate using [UP] [DOWN] to an empty slot them press [RIGHT]. The File Browser should open in the Compact Flash at the Set Audio Pool. 5. Navigate through the folders to find a sample to load to a machine slot. Use [UP] [DOWN] to scroll the samples and folders and [LEFT] [RIGHT] to navigate down and up through folders. 6. When the sample to load is highlighted press, [YES]. At this point the sample has been loaded into the static sample list. 128 samples can be held here, available to all tracks. 7. Repeat steps 4-6 to build a small collection of samples in the static sample list. It may be that the factory set / project will be ok for this. 8. Once the sample list is developed it is required to load the samples into track machines. This allows playback and sequencing. Press [NO] from the audio pool to return to the track machine browser. NOTES
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 55 9. In the track machine sample browser list, scroll to the sample to load to the track’s machine. For Track 1 as an example load a kick or percussion sample. 10. The same process should be followed for Track 2. This is essentially repeating steps 3-9. This can be also performed for Tracks 3, 4 etc. 11. For demonstration purposes samples in the first four tracks, static machines is a good starting point. Of course this can cover all tracks if needed. 12. The default track parameter settings will be ok for the time being. Example Static Machine (Default) Static Machine (Default) Static Machine (Default) Static Machine (Default) Static Machine Sample List Audio Pool 1. Sample XYZ 1. Sample XYZ 4. Sample Snare 4. Sample Snare 2. Sample 001 2. Sample 001 5. ………………. 5. ………………. 3. Sample Kick 3. Sample Kick 6. ………………. 6. ………………. 7. ………………. 7. ……………….
56 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics ▌QUICK MUTING TRACKS 1. Press [FUNC] + [T1] - [T8] to mute it. The track will be silenced and show unlit or if selected lit yellow. 2. Press [FUNC] + [T1] - [T8] on a muted track to unmute it. The track will be audible and show lit red or green. ▌CUE TRACK TO ROUTE TO CUE OUTPUT 1. Press [CUE] + [T1] - [T8] track button to select cue. The track button will flash to indicate the track is routed to cue out. 2. Hold [CUE] + Turn (LEVEL) to adjust the cue level. The LEV indicator will change to the cue level while [CUE] is held. 3. Press [CUE] + [T1] - [T8] track button on a cued track to deselect cue. The track button will revert to a static colour. ▌SELECTING TRACK PARAMETER PAGES 1. Press a track button [T1] - [T8] to select it. The currently selected track will be lit red (unmuted) or yellow (muted). 2. Press [SRC], [AMP], [LFO], FX1] or [FX2]. The 5 track parameter buttons can now access the main parameter pages that are specifically based on the selected track. The respective track parameter page button is lit red when selected. 3. To access the track parameter setup page for each function, press [FUNC] + [SRC], [AMP], [LFO], FX1] or [FX2] or quickly double press. The 5 track parameter buttons can now access the setup parameter pages that are specifically based on the selected track. 4. The 6 data entry rotary controls (A) - (F) will enable parameter changes. Each rotary is assigned to the parameter relevant to the position on the Octatrack display. NOTES
Track Basics4 NOTES ▌QUICK ADJUSTMENT OF TRACK LEVELS 1. Press [T1] - [T8] to select the track to edit. 2. The display will show the LEV parameter when a track parameter main page is on display. By default this will be the selected track output level. • Turn (LEVEL) to adjust LEV, the track level, post effects on the main audio outputs. Note, the AMP page VOL is pre effects. • Press [FUNC] + Turn (LEVEL) to adjust the main global output level. The display will show main output when [FUNC] is held. This is the same as shown in the MIXER. • Press [CUE] + Turn (LEVEL) to adjust the track cue output level. Level is post effects. The display will show track cue output when [CUE] is held. AUDIO VOL LEV MAIN Main Output Cue Output CUE Track Effects AMP Page Other Tracks Other Tracks Mixer & Various Pages Various Pages Track Machine The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 57 (LEVEL) [CUE] + (LEVEL) [FUNC] + (LEVEL) Note: Some volume level parameters have dedicated version which are used when operating with Scenes. This includes XLV which is the track level used for scenes. CUE MAIN
58 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics 4.2 Copy, Clear and Paste for Tracks The ability to copy and paste between tracks is possible which is a great feature that saves time. Developing a track sound or configuring recording setups and then copying to another track saves time and effort. Tracks can also be cleared and create a blank canvas to build from. These functions are available within GRID RECORDING mode. ▌COPYING AND PASTING TRACKS AND SETTINGS 1. Press [REC] to select GRID RECORDING mode. REC button should be lit red. 2. Press [Tx] to select the source track to copy from. Example, Press [T1]. 3. Press [FUNC] + [REC] to copy the current track. This will select the machine and sample configuration, trigs, parameter locks and FX assignments. 4. The display will show ‘COPY TRACK’ as an indication that the command has been performed. 5. Press [Tx] to select the destination track to paste into. Example, Press [T2]. The copied track when pasted, will overwrite any existing track settings of the destination track. 6. Press [FUNC] + [STOP] to paste into the current track destination. This will overwrite the machine and sample configuration, trigs, parameter locks and FX assignments with the copied track data. 7. The display will show ‘PASTE TRACK’ as an indication that the command has been performed. 8. There is no prompt before overwriting so the paste command is immediate. However pressing [FUNC] + [STOP] again, straight after step 7 will ‘UNDO’ the past request. NOTES Machine Machine Sample Sample TRACK 1 Trigs Trigs [FUNC] + [REC] Copy Paste [FUNC] + [STOP] TRACK 2 FX Configuration FX Configuration Parameter Locks Parameter Locks
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 59 ▌COPYING AND PASTING TRACK TRIGS ONLY 1. Press [REC] to select GRID RECORDING mode. REC button should be lit red. 2. Press [Tx] to select the source track to copy from. Example, Press [T1]. 3. Press [FUNC] + [BANK] to open the TRACK TRIG EDIT menu. Menu must be open to only copy trigs, otherwise the entire track is copied. 4. Scroll to highlight the track trigs using [UP] [DOWN]. 5. Press [FUNC] + [REC] to copy the current track trigs. 6. The display will show ‘COPY TRACK TRIGS’ as an indication of the command has been performed. 7. Press [Tx] to select the destination track to paste into. Example, Press [T2]. The copied track when pasted, will overwrite any existing track trigs of the destination track. 8. Press [FUNC] + [STOP] to paste into the current track destination. This will the existing trigs data. 9. The display will show ‘PASTE TRACK TRIGS’ as an indication that the command has been performed. 10. There is no prompt before overwriting so the past command is immediate. However pressing [FUNC] + [STOP] again, straight after step 9 will ‘UNDO’ the past request. 11. Press [NO] to exit the TRACK TRIG EDIT. ▌CLEARING A TRACKS TRIGS 1. Press [REC] to select GRID RECORDING mode. REC button should be lit red. 2. Press [Tx] to select the track to clear. Example, Press [T1]. 3. Press [FUNC] + [PLAY] to clear the current track trigs. 4. The display will show ‘CLEAR TRACK TRIGS’ as an indication of the command has been performed. 5. To undo, press [FUNC] + [PLAY] again and ‘UNDO TRACK TRIGS’ will be displayed.
60 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics 4.3 Copy, Clear and Paste for Track Parameters The ability to copy and paste the parameter pages between tracks is possible. Both the main and setup pages are copied / pasted at the same time during this process. ▌COPYING AND PASTING TRACK PARAMETER PAGE 1. Press [Tx] to select the source track to copy from. Example, Press [T1]. 2. Press the track parameter page, [PARAM] + [REC] to copy. Example, [AMP] + [REC] to copy the AMP page. This will select the main and setup page. 3. The display will show ‘COPY PAGE’ as an indication that the command has been performed. 4. Press [Tx] to select the destination track to paste into. Example, Press [T2]. 5. Press the track parameter page, [PARAM] + [STOP] to paste to. Example, [AMP] + [STOP] to paste the previously copied AMP page. This will paste and overwrite the main and setup page. 6. The display will show ‘PASTE PAGE’ as an indication that the command has been performed. ▌CLEARING A TRACK PARAMETERS - RESET DEFAULTS 1. Press [PARAM] + [PLAY] to clear and initialise the selected parameter page. Example, press [AMP] + [PLAY]. 2. The display will show ‘CLEAR PAGE’ as an indication of the command has been performed. The parameters will be reset to their default state. 3. To undo, press [PARAM] + [PLAY] again and ‘UNDO PASTE’ will be displayed. NOTES
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 61 4.4 Track 8 as the Master Output Track While tracks normally have a machine assigned, track 8 can, if desired, be configured as the master track. This means that tracks 1 - 7 audio is routed through and managed by the master track 8. Master track 8 is not affected by mute and cannot be routed to the cue output and has a limited range of available track parameters. ▌SETTING UP TRACK 8 AS THE MASTER OR AS A NORMAL TRACK 1. Press [PROJ] to open the project menu. 2. Scroll to highlight CONTROL option in the left side main menu. Navigate the menu using the [UP] [DOWN] buttons. 3. Press [YES] or [RIGHT] to select the highlighted CONTROL sub menu. 4. Scroll to highlight AUDIO option in the right side sub menu. Navigate the menu using the [UP] [DOWN] buttons. 5. Press [YES] to select the highlighted AUDIO option. 6. Navigate in the ‘TRACK 8’ in the pop-up menu to highlight the MASTER option. Navigate the menu using the [UP] [DOWN] [RIGHT] [LEFT] buttons. 7. Press [YES] to toggle the MASTER on - shown as checked, meaning track 8 is assigned as master. The NORMAL check box will revert to empty as the option toggles track 8 between normal (same as all other tracks) and master states. 8. Exit the menu and backup by pressing [NO]. M T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 Master Track Muting or routing to CUE of Track 8 is not possible when set to Master. The track parameter page availability is limited on the master track. Only the Amp Setup, LFO Main & Setup, FX1/FX2 Main & Setup are the parameters sets available to the master track. Track 8 will show an ‘M’ symbol when setup as a master track. Other tracks will show the symbol for the assigned machine to the track. All effects and settings on the master track will be applied to all track audio before outputting the combined audio.
62 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics 4.5 Routing Tracks to Outputs Octatrack has 2 main and 2 cue audio outputs and each track can be selected to play out audio to each or both of these outputs. The default is to route all tracks (and inputs) to the main outputs. Cue outputs are useful as an alternate mix out for example for audio recording into a DAW. Main Out Cue Out T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 Main Out Cue Out Headphones L L R R NOTES Main output audio is default for all tracks. Tracks are selected to route to the cue output. Audio inputs can be routed to the cue output. Cued track buttons will flash All by Default [CUE] + [TRACK] [CUE] + [REC1/2/3]
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 63 4.6 Trig Modes and Trig Functions Trig modes provide different operating environments, when not in a recording mode, for the Trig button controls and respective display. These make it more suited to specific workflows and simplify the user interface for defined activities. The 16 Trig buttons are the centre piece of sequencing patterns but may also provide other functionality depending on the context. The default trig mode is ‘Tracks’. Note that trig modes also determines MIDI control behaviour. Trig Modes ▌SELECTING A TRIG MODE 1. Press [FUNC] + [UP] or [DOWN]. 2. The Trig Mode pop up menu will appear. The default is Tracks. 3. Scroll to highlight and select option by using the [UP] [DOWN] buttons. 4. Release the buttons to confirm selection. To use this feature ensure mode is not in GRID RECORDING mode. 5. The display page will show the symbol for the current mode on the main page, located bottom right of the display, to the left of scenes. Symbol indicates Trig Mode selected. Display may also have other features unique for each mode. Trig Mode Page Symbol Playback Focus Description Tracks * Track playback Trig 1-8 plays disconnected tracks 1-8. Trig 9-16 play the machines on tracks 1-8. Chromatic * Chromatic Keyboard Playback of samples chromatically. Trig keys operate as a keyboard Slots * Sample list Trig keys play samples that exist in the static and flex sample lists. Slices * Sliced Audio Plays the individual slices of the sample (if they exist). Up to 64 slices are available. Quick Mute Muting Audio / MIDI Trig 1-8 Mutes / Unmutes audio tracks 1-8. Trig 1-8 Mutes / Unmutes MIDI tracks 1-8. Delay Control Echo freeze delay Trig 9-16 selects the track with an echo freeze effect. Trig 1-8 selects the delay time. * Can record in real time in LIVE RECORDING Mode. X
64 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics NOTES Trig Mode: Tracks (Default). Recording Operation. In LIVE RECORDING Mode: [REC] Button flashing. Disconnected Tracks Note Trigs Audio Tracks MIDI Tracks Sample & Trigless Trigs Disconnected Trigs Audio Tracks MIDI Tracks Trig [1] - [8] controls any ‘disconnected’ tracks 1-8. Ideal for manual playback. Disconnected means these tracks are not controlled by the sequencer and play free. Option to play free is found in the Pattern Settings menu. Trig [1] - [8] represents the MIDI assigned to tracks 1-8. If the sequencer is running these will indicate activity for the relevant track. Trig [9] - [16] represents the samples that are triggered within the machines assigned to tracks 1-8. Also Track [Tx] + [PLAY] and [Tx] + [STOP] plays and stops track machines. If the sequencer is running these will indicate activity for the relevant track. Trigless Trigs can also be played, [FUNC] + Trig [9] - [16] Trig [9] - [16] represents the ‘disconnected’ MIDI tracks 1-8, ideal for manual playback. Disconnected means these MIDI tracks are not controlled by the sequencer and play free. Option to play free is found in the Pattern Settings menu. Normal Audio Operation. Not in GRID RECORDING Mode: [REC] Button unlit. Trigs [1] - [8] initiate C1 to G1 MIDI Notes Out * Any of the manual trig operations including sample / note trigs and trigless trigs can be real time recorded in LIVE RECORDING Mode. This offers the opportunity to improvise and play live to capture performances. * Assumes Octatrack configuration is set for MIDI Out Trigs [9] - [16] initiate C2 to G2 MIDI Notes Out * Audio: Trigger Track 1- 8 Machines MIDI Mode: Trigger Disconnected Tracks 1- 8 Audio: Trigger Disconnected Tracks 1- 8 MIDI Mode: Trigger Notes for Tracks 1- 8
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 65 About disconnected tracks. Disconnected tracks are not connected to the sequencer meaning they are only manually playable. To play disconnected tracks, MIDI tracks use Trigs 9-16 and Audio use Trigs 1-8. This gives the ability to manually trigger and play without control from the sequencer. Disconnected tracks do not play from the [PLAY] control and are only triggered manually alongside playback of other ‘connected’ sequenced tracks. To be ‘disconnected’ a track has to be set to ‘PLAYS FREE’ in the PATTERN SETTINGS menu, under each track T1-T8. Having both sequenced tracks and live playable tracks, on the same device is ideal for improvisation. This option is set on a track by track basis. ▌DISCONNECTING A TRACK FROM THE SEQUENCER 1. Press [FUNC] + [PTN] to open the PROJECT SETTINGS menu. 2. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight the track required, i.e. T1-T8. 3. Press [YES] or turn (LEVEL) to select. 4. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight the ‘PLAYS FREE’ option. 5. Press [YES] to toggle the PLAYS FREE option On or Off. Set to On for each track that should be disconnected from the sequencer. 6. Repeat step 2 - 5 for all tracks to disconnect. 7. Press [NO] to exit the menu.
66 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics NOTES Disconnected tracks have three interesting track (not sample) playback features that are available. These are only available if ‘PLAYS FREE’ is selected for the track. Quantize sets the start and end playback quantization based on the sequencer (must be playing). Oneshot will play only a single cycle for the track once triggered, otherwise will loop. Trig mode sets the track playback behaviour. ▌QUANTIZE, TRIG MODE, ONE SHOTS FOR DISCONNECTED TRACKS 1. Press [FUNC] + [PTN] to open the PATTERN SETTINGS menu. 2. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight the track required, i.e. T1-T8. 3. Press [YES] or turn (LEVEL) to select. 4. Ensure ‘PLAYS FREE’ option is selected for the track. 5. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight ‘ONESHOT TRK’. 6. Press [YES] or turn (LEVEL) to set On or Off. When on the track will only play through once then stop when activated. 7. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight ‘TRIG MODE’. 8. Press [YES] or turn (LEVEL) to set the mode. • ONE - Plays back when triggered and restart when pressed again. Press [STOP] to stop playback. • ONE2 - Plays back when triggered and will stop when pressed again. Press [STOP] to also stop playback which also stops the seq. • HOLD - Plays for as along as the trig is held and stops on release. 9. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight ‘TRIG QUANT’. 10. Press [YES] or turn (LEVEL) to set to:- • DIRECT: Initiate playback as soon as a Trig key is pressed. • TR LEN: Quantize start and stop based on length of track. • 1/16 (Step Length): Value to quantize start / stop based on the step length relative to whichever NORMAL or PER TRACK scale applies. Flashing digits indicate length exceeds master or pattern length. 10. Press [NO] to exit the menu.
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 67 Trig Mode: Chromatic. Sample & Trigless Trigs Note Trigs Audio Tracks MIDI Tracks Trig [1] - [16] represents keyboard notes which, when played trigger the track sample. Trigless Trigs can also be played by pressing [FUNC] + Trig [1] - [16]. The trig colours represent black (unlit) or white (red) keys and yellow indicates a ‘C’ Note. The keyboard octave range can be changed with [FUNC] + [LEFT] or [RIGHT] as indicated on the display. Trig [1] - [16] represents keyboard notes which, when played outputs the respective MIDI note on the active MIDI track channel*. The trig colours represent black (unlit) or white (red) keys and yellow indicates the ‘C’ Note. The keyboard octave range can be changed with [FUNC] + [LEFT] or [RIGHT] as indicated on the display. Normal Audio Operation. Not in GRID RECORDING Mode: [REC] Button unlit. Yellow ‘C’ Change Octave range. [FUNC] + [LEFT] [RIGHT] PTCH in semitones over 2 Octave range, tracked to keys. Trig keys act as a chromatic keyboard. Red D Unlit D# Red E Red F Unlit F# Red G Unlit G# Red A Unlit A# Red B Red D Red Trigs = White Keys Unlit Trigs = Black Keys Yellow Trigs = ‘C’ Keys Unlit D# Yellow ‘C’ Unlit ‘C#’ Any of the manual trig operations including sample / note trigs and trigless trigs can be real time recorded in LIVE RECORDING Mode. This offers the opportunity to improvise and play live to capture performances. Recording Operation. In LIVE RECORDING Mode: [REC] Button flashing. * Assumes Octatrack configuration is set for MIDI Out Root
68 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics NOTES ▌USING CHROMATIC MODE 1. Press [FUNC] + [UP] or [DOWN] to access Trig Mode pop up menu. 2. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight and select CHROMATIC mode. 3. Press Trig [1] - [16] to play the track sample chromatically over a 2 Octave range. The display animates the notes played and a dot signifies the keyboard ‘C’ note. MIDI tracks have a different range. 4. Press [FUNC] + [LEFT] or [RIGHT] to transpose the octave range of the trig keyboard 1 Octave. Display indicates current status. 5. Use LIVE RECORDING to record in sample trigs [1] - [16] and also trigless trigs using [FUNC] + [1] - [16]. More about chromatic operation. • An external keyboard can be used to control the sample pitch chromatically. Best practice is to align the MIDI channel with the AUTO CHANNEL of Octatrack found in the PROJECT > MIDI > CHANNELS settings. • MIDI Mapping should be set correctly for the function required when working in Chromatic mode. MIDI mapping is a MIDI mode feature selected by [MIDI] + [UP] or [DOWN] to assign maps per track. • Trigless Trigs are particularly useful in chromatic mode as they can control the pitch changes without re-triggering the sample. Use [FUNC] + Trig [1] - [16] to record in LIVE RECORDING Mode. • Audio tracks have a 2 octave range. MIDI tracks have the full 128 note range available. • The trig keyboard is not velocity sensitive, but of course this is perfectly OK given that this is triggering machine samples and not traditional synthesiser envelopes.
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 69 Trig Mode: Slots. Applies to static or flex sample list depending on track machine. Sample Trigs Note Trigs Audio Tracks MIDI Tracks Trigs represent the playback of samples from the static machine or flex machine sample lists. The available samples will be based on the machine loaded into the track. Samples are shown in a 4 x 16 matrix. Each row represent up to 16 samples, played with Trig [1] - [16] for sample 1 to 16, 17 to 32 etc. Black squares indicate available samples and empty slots are shown ‘shaded’. Rows are navigated by pressing [PAGE], which also scrolls to extend beyond the 64 visible slots if more samples are available. No MIDI data is output when a Trig is pressed in this mode. Normal Audio Operation. Not in GRID RECORDING Mode: [REC] Button unlit. Recording Operation. In LIVE RECORDING Mode: [REC] Button flashing. Filled boxes: sample is present in a machine slot Greyed / Unfilled boxes: Empty sample slot Selected row of 16 sample slots. Sample playback position. Green Trigs where samples exist Unlit Trigs where samples slots are empty 1 2 3 4 13 14 15 16 Unlit Trigs = Empty Sample Slots Green Trigs = Samples Press [PAGE] to scroll the slot rows Sample Order Trigs can be real time recorded in LIVE RECORDING Mode. This offers the opportunity to capture live performances. Trigs are recorded as sample locks as each may trigger a different sample.
70 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics NOTES ▌USING SLOTS MODE 1. Select a track with a static or flex machine. 2. Press [FUNC] + [UP] or [DOWN] to access Trig Mode pop up menu. 3. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight and select SLOTS mode. 4. Press Trig [1] - [16] to play the samples located in the sample list. Green trig buttons indicate the location of samples as opposed to unlit where no sample exists. 5. The display will show the sample playback duration and position on the ‘playhead’ bar located at the bottom of the page, between the sample slots and scenes. 6. Press [PAGE] to cycle through the sample list rows. Four rows i.e. 64 sample slots are shown on the display and each slot is represented by Trigs 1-16, Left to right of each row. 7. If more than 64 samples exist, Press [PAGE] to scroll to additional rows. 8. Use LIVE RECORDING to record sample locks by playing Trig [1] - [16].
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 71 Trig Mode: Slices. Trigs Note Trigs Audio Tracks MIDI Tracks Trigs represent the playback of slices, if they exist of a sample from the static machine or flex machine. The SLIC parameter must be set to ON within the SRC Setup page in order to allow individual slices to be triggered. If SLIC is OFF the STRT position will affected by the trigs from different start positions. The STRT position value will start at Trig 1 = 0 and then increment by 2 for subsequent trigs. Black squares indicate available slices and empty slots are shown ‘shaded’. Rows are navigated by pressing [PAGE]. No MIDI data is output when a Trig is pressed in this mode. Normal Audio Operation. Not in GRID RECORDING Mode: [REC] Button unlit. Recording Operation. In LIVE RECORDING Mode: [REC] Button flashing. Filled Box represents each available slice. If SLIC is OFF the start STRT will be affected by Trig SRC Setup Page. SLIC must be is ON to trigger individual slices Selected row of 16 slices. Press [PAGE] to scroll rows. Playback position of slice within sample. Slices: SLIC ON Slices: SLIC OFF 0 STRT 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 Unlit Trigs = Empty Slice Slots Green Trigs = Slices Trigs can be real time recorded in LIVE RECORDING Mode by parameter locking the STRT parameter. This offers the opportunity to capture live performances of reordered slices.
72 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics NOTES ▌PLAYING IN SLICES IN SLICE MODE 1. Select a track with a static or flex machine. Ensure that the sample has slices set i.e. use the audio editor to slice the sample. 2. Press [SRC] Page twice or Track [Tx] + [SRC] to select the SRC setup. 3. Turn (B) Data Entry to set SLIC to ON. This will enable individual slices to be triggered. 4. Press [FUNC] + [UP] or [DOWN] to access Trig Mode pop up menu. 5. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight and select SLICES mode. 6. Press Trig [1] - [16] to play the slices which are represented by the trigs in the selected slice row. Trigs with a slice are green and shown with a filled box on the display. 7. The display will show the slice playback duration and position on the ‘playhead’ bar graph located at the bottom of the page, between the slice slots and scenes. 8. Press [PAGE] to cycle through the slice rows. Four rows i.e. 64 slices are shown on the display and each slice is represented by Trigs 1-16, Left to right of each row. 9. Use LIVE RECORDING to record parameter locks of the STRT by playing Trigs [1] - [16].
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 73 ▌PLAYING A SAMPLE FROM VARIABLE START IN SLICE MODE 1. Select a track with a static or flex machine. Ensure that the sample has slices set i.e. use the audio editor to slice the sample. 2. Press [SRC] Page twice or Track [Tx] + [SRC] to select the SRC setup. 3. Turn (B) Data Entry to set SLIC to OFF. This will enable sample playback from a defined start point per trig. 4. Press [FUNC] + [UP] or [DOWN] to access Trig Mode pop up menu. 5. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight and select SLICES mode. 6. Press Trig [1] - [16] to play the sample where Trig 1 represents the start position STRT = 0 and subsequent Trigs will represent the STRT start position in increments of 2. Example, playing slice trig 5 would be like setting STRT to 8 and pressing play. 7. The display will show the sample playback duration and position on the ‘playhead’ bar graph located at the bottom of the page, between the slice slots and scenes. 8. Use LIVE RECORDING to record parameter locks of the STRT by playing Trigs [1] - [16].
74 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics NOTES Trig Mode: Delay Control. No delay available for track. Delay effect available on track. Scale Selected. Delay Trigs MIDI Trig Mutes Audio Tracks MIDI Tracks The Trigs manually control a tracks Echo Freeze Delay loaded as an effect. The right side Trigs [9] - [16] represent the tracks 1-8 and will be lit green if an Echo Freeze effect is loaded to that track. Any tracks without a delay loaded will be unlit and show the fader icon greyed out on the display. To control a delay in this mode, an Echo Freeze Delay must be loaded to at least one track. The left Trigs [1] - [8] control the effect TIME parameter. To manually adjust the time Hold Trig [9] - [16] for the desired track + Press Trig [1] - [8] to set the timing. Values will return to default when released. The value will be dependant on whether its in 1:2 or 1:3 scale. Press [PAGE] to toggle between scales which will be displayed on the page when in Delay Control Trig Mode. No MIDI data is output when a Trig is pressed in this mode. Normal Audio Operation. Not in GRID RECORDING Mode: [REC] Button unlit. Green Trig indicates tracks 1-8 that contains an Echo Freeze Delay effect. Yellow Trig indicates available delay times based on the scale selected by pressing [PAGE]. 1 2 4 8 16 32 64 128 1 3 6 12 24 48 96 128 1:2 Scale - Time [PAGE] 1:3 Scale - Time Track Select Hold to track select [9] - [16] , then press [1] - [8] to select the time associated with the effect. The time options are only visible on the trigs when the track trigs [9] - [16] keys are being held. Echo Freeze Delay Delay Time for Selected Track TIME Divide Ratio TIME Divide Ratio 128 1 12 1/16. 96 1/2. 8 1/16 64 1/2 6 1/32. 48 1/4. 4 1/32 32 1/4 3 1/64. 24 1/8. 2 1/64 16 1/8 1 1/128
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 75 ▌ADJUSTING ECHO FREEZE TIME IN DELAY CONTROL MODE 1. Press [FUNC] + [UP] or [DOWN] to access Trig Mode pop up menu. 2. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight and select DELAY CTRL mode. 3. Trigs [9] - [16] will illuminate green if an Echo Freeze Delay is available on the track. 4. Press [PAGE] to toggle between the two available scale timing modes 1:2 or 1:3. The selected scale is shown in the Trig Mode display. 5. Hold Trig [9] - [16] + Trig [1] - [8]. This will select a track with a delay effect and then set the TIME parameter for the tracks Echo Freeze Delay while being held. This is based on the scale and Trig selected. More about delay control operation. • This trig mode is a great feature when playing live and improvisation sessions. Delays can be adjusted and manipulated on the fly. Try experimenting, happy accidents are often a good source of inspiration. • Multiple delays can be adjusted at the same time by selecting multiple trigs in the trig mode. • Delay controls will revert to default when the track and time trigs are released. • The Echo Freeze Delay Set Up has a LOCK parameter which also affects the trig mode behaviour. If LOCK is set 1 / ON / Enabled, it will set the main page SEND to 0. If LOCK is 0 / OFF / Disabled the VOL will be set to 127.
76 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics NOTES Trig Mode: Quick Mute. Audio Trig Mutes MIDI Trig Mutes Audio Tracks MIDI Tracks The left side red Trigs [1] - [8] represent the muting and unmuting of audio tracks. Indicated as the upper ‘A’ row on the display. Operates the same as the mixer page but parameters remain on display. The right side yellow set of Trigs [9] - [16] represent muting and unmuting MIDI tracks. Indicated by the lower ‘M’ row on the display. No MIDI data is output when a Trig is pressed in this mode. Normal Audio Operation. Not in GRID RECORDING Mode: [REC] Button unlit. A dash represents a muted track. Boxes show tracks that are unmuted / audible. Filled boxes represent Trig 1, 5, 9 & 13. Audio Tracks. MIDI Tracks.
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 77 The below table shows Audio Tracks - Red Trigs. For MIDI Tracks the Trigs are shown Yellow when unmuted. ▌USING MUTE QUICK MODE 1. Press [FUNC] + [UP] or [DOWN] to access Trig Mode pop up menu. 2. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight and select QUICK MUTE mode. 3. Trigs [1] - [8] will represent the audio tracks, lit red when unmuted and [9] - [16] MIDI tracks lit yellow when unmuted. 4. Press a Trig to toggle the state. The same process and indicators as per the Mixer mute option are available. Press: • Trig to toggle Mute / Unmute. Muted tracks are unlit and display a dash / line. • [CUE] + Trig to Solo a track on/off. The Trig will be green and the display will show an ‘S’. Other trigs will be dimmed. • Master track cannot be muted and is audible when tracks are solo’ed if set as audio track 8. Trig State Page Symbol Mute State Command Red Audible / Unmuted Press Trig [1] - [16] to toggle mute / unmute. Box is filled on 1,5,9,13 Trigs. Unlit Silent / Muted Press Trig [1] - [16] to toggle mute / unmute. Unlit > Red Mute to Unmute Press [FUNC] + Trig [1] - [16] Mute will be held and then unmuted when FUNC is released. Red > Unlit Unmute to Mute Press [FUNC] + Trig [1] - [16] Unmute will be held and then muted when FUNC is released. Green Solo Press [CUE] + Trig [1] - [16] to toggle Solo Red Dimmed Solo Press [CUE] + Trig [1] - [16] to toggle Solo Indicates tracks that will be audible i.e. unmuted when solo is released. Unlit Solo Press [CUE] + Trig [1] - [16] to toggle Solo Indicates tracks that will be silent i.e. muted when solo is released. 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 S Mute Control. The Quick Mute page controls are the same as for the [MIXER] page.
78 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 4 Track Basics 4.7 Summary of Trig Functions. NOTES Trigs are multi functional and provide control based on the context in which they operate. Generally used for sequencing, they also perform function selections and quick mode settings. A summary of the main functions is provided here. Function Trigs Indicators Description Audio Tracks Play Free 1-8 Tracks 1-8, manually controlled, not attached to the sequencer. Default audio trig mode. Trig buttons represent the tracks triggered for manual operation and playback. Audio Track Play 9-16 Samples 1-8, represented by trig buttons flash red when triggered. Default audio trig mode. Trig buttons represent the track sample and indicates sequencer activity. MIDI Tracks Notes 1-8 Notes, represented by trig buttons flash red when triggered. Default MIDI trig mode. Trig buttons represent the note and indicates sequencer activity. MIDI Track Play Free 9-16 Tracks 9-16, manually controlled, not attached to the sequencer. Default MIDI trig mode. Trig buttons represent the note triggered for manual operation and playback. Chromatic 1-16 Red are white keys, unlit are black keys and yellow indicate ‘C’ Set as a trig mode. Trigs represent a chromatic keyboard. Slots 1-16 Green trigs are where samples from flex or static lists exist. Set as a trig mode. Trigs represent each sample from the tracks static or flex machine, Slices 1-16 Green trigs represent a sample slice if it exists and SLIC is on. Set as a trig mode. Trigs represent each slice for the sample of the track Mute Audio Tracks 1-8 Red is active audio tracks. Unlit are muted and green solo’ed. Set as a trig mode. Trigs toggle mute on or off. Also [CUE] + Trig for Solo. Mute MIDI Tracks 9-16 Yellow is active MIDI tracks. Unlit are muted and green solo’ed. Set as a trig mode. Trigs toggle mute on or off. Also [CUE] + Trig for Solo. Delay Track 9-16 Green shows tracks with an Echo Freeze Delay available Hold to select the track which contains the delay that will have the time parameter available to set Delay Time 1-8 Yellow will represent the available time option in the ‘scale’ selected. When the track [9] - [16] is held, press Trig [1] - [8] to set the TIME parameter for the delay. Banks 1-16 Available banks lit red when [BANK] is held Bank Selection. Press [BANK] + Trig [1] - [16] to select bank A-P Patterns 1-16 Available patterns lit red with [BANK] or [PTN] Pattern selection. Press [PTN] + Trig [1] - [16] to select a pattern. Pattern selection automatically after bank select. Also used for pattern chaining. Scenes 1-16 The scene assigned shows red when [A] or [B] is held and the other lit green. Scene slot selection. Selects the scene slot assigned to A or B. Press [A] or [B] + Trig [1] - [16] to assign the scene slot to A or B. Grid Recording 1-16 [REC] On/Lit red. Trigs are lit when a sample or MIDI trig is set on the step. Selects trigs that are assigned on or off to steps in the selected pattern page. Trig colour depends on type of trig(s) set on the step. Live Recording 9-16 [REC] Flashes red. Trigs are lit when a sample or MIDI trig is triggered. Play trigs representing track 1-6 i.e. trig 9-16 real time to record the performance as the sequencer plays. Tracks will be lit when triggered. .
Track Basics4 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 79 4.8 Brief Introduction to Trigs and Patterns Each of the 8 audio tracks will be driven from a pattern which contains up to 64 steps (16 steps across 4 pages) and activates events called Trigs. A trig is a step that initiates an activity such as triggering a sample or playing a MIDI note. There are various types of Trig in Octatrack which perform different functions. Tracks can optionally be disconnected from the sequencer and therefore only available to be played live manually. While Octatrack can record / sample audio using the track recorders or pickup machines, patterns are recorded by the sequencer to capture trigs and their step locations. The Record [REC], Play [PLAY] and Stop [STOP] transport buttons play the key role in controlling the sequencer. T1 Audio Machine AMP FX1 FX2 LFO LFO LFO Track Parameters Each track has a set of main track parameters and set up parameters. The selected machine defines the [SRC] parameters. Pattern A sequenced pattern will control the 8 tracks and triggered steps for each. Trigs set as steps in the pattern within grid recording or live recording mode. Steps illuminate when placed by pressing Trig [1] - [16]. Trig Types: Sample Trigs: Triggers a sample assigned into a track static or flex machine. Also a trig is needed to initiate the audio of a thru machine to be heard. Used on audio tracks. Note Trig: A trigger applied to a step that is assigned to drive a MIDI note out. Used on MIDI tracks. Lock Trig: A step that triggers an event but not a sample or MIDI note. These trigger a parameter setting to create variations and movement through the sequence of parameter changes. Trigless Trig: A step that triggers an event but not a sample or MIDI note. These trigger an LFO or FX envelope. One Shot Trig: This is a trig used only for track recording. These are sample recording events triggered by the sequence step as opposed to initiating manual sampling and which are applied only once in the pattern. A01
80 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide NOTES
So far the first few book sections have introduced the more structural and organisational aspects of Octatrack. While this is more about architecture than creativity it does lay the foundation for a solid understanding before moving on. Now that a set is mounted and a project loaded, this section steps nearer to the creative aspects of Octatrack and how to start making music. Tracks, machines, patterns and parts are the building blocks to creating a musical track and its potential variations. This section covers the core elements of track machines and how to use them. More advanced elements in patterns and detailed features will come later. Octatrack has 8 individual audio tracks which use machines. Also 8 MIDI tracks are available but audio is the focus in this section. The function of an audio track is determined by the machine assigned to it. A machine is a term defined by Elektron and used exclusively in the Octatrack native language. Think of a machine as a selectable application designed to manage the audio source for the assigned track. Octatrack has 5 machines and each performs a different audio function. Assignment of machines therefore will depend on what the required track function will be. It is good to introduce the concept of parts at this point, the details of which will come later. If tracks, machines and patterns are the bricks in an Octatrack production, then parts is the mortar that glue these together. For now be aware that parts contain Octatrack configurations. Switching between parts can therefore apply variations to settings in the same pattern. All will become clear later but for now this section sets out some basics in demystifying the machine functions and covers how they are used. Track Machines 5 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 81
82 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines 5.1 Selecting Machines Every Octatrack track has an assigned machine. A machine is an application that helps to configure and manage the audio source for the defined track. The parameters available to the track and its function are determined by the specific machine selected. NOTES Track Machines The standard track parameters on display will indicate the machine assigned to the selected track along with the status of the track Selected Track i.e. Track 1 T1 T5 T4 T8 Machine Assigned i.e. Static (default) Currently selected track parameter page and machine assigned S - Static Machine (default) - Used to stream compact flash samples. F - Flex Machine - Used to play samples from the on board memory. n - Neighbor Machine - Used to route the prior track audio into this track. T - Thru Machine - Used to route the external audio inputs into the track. P - Pickup Machine - Used for audio sampling and looping. M - Master track (Not a machine assignment) Track Status Static or Flex Machine sample is playing Static or Flex Machine sample is stopped Track recorder or pickup machine (more symbols exist) is recording. For MIDI tracks the channel for the track to send data is shown for each track. Machines are not assigned in MIDI tracks. If the channel is not set, an ‘x’ symbol will be shown. + Track Status i.e. Stop, Play etc Unselected Track i.e. Tracks 2-8
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 83 Static Machines The audio samples are hosted on the compact flash card and streamed in the track. Sample Playback External Routing Thru Machines The audio is routed from the external audio inputs to the track. Flex Machines The audio samples are hosted in the on board RAM memory and played in the track. Pickup Machines The audio is routed into the track based on the recording setup. Ideal for looping. S T F P N T1 Audio Machine AMP FX1 FX2 LFO LFO LFO DES T2 Audio Machine AMP FX1 FX2 LFO LFO LFO DES OCTACARD CP CARD FOR OCTATRACK 866x PROFESSIONAL 32GB RAM Machine Options The example illustrates track one with an assigned static machine and track 2 assigned with a neighbor machine meaning track 1 audio is routed to track 2.
84 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES ▌QUICKLY ASSIGNING A MACHINE TO A TRACK 1. Quickly double press [T1] … [T8] of the track to assign a machine. 2. The quick assign menu appears and displays either the machine list or the list of samples and sample slots for the static or flex machine. 3. If the sample list is displayed, press [LEFT] to show the machine list. Press [RIGHT] to access the sample slots. 4. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to navigate to highlight the machine to assign into the track. The currently assigned machine will show inverse on the display. 5. With the machine to assign highlighted, press [YES] to assign it to the track or press [NO] to cancel. 6. The machine will be assigned to the selected track. • The track will show the machine letter i.e. S for Static Machine. • The SRC track parameter pages will now reflect the available machine parameters. • Each track will always have a machine assigned and an unassigned track isn't possible. The default assignment is Static Machine. • The actual configuration setting is stored in the background in the selected PART, the default of which is Part 1. More on this later. • A sample would need to be assigned to the machine to play out in a pattern. 8. Press [NO] to exit the quick assignment menu. Machine List [LEFT] [RIGHT] Sample Slot List
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 85 ▌ASSIGNING A MACHINE TO A TRACK (ALTERNATE METHOD) 1. Press [T1] - [T8] to select the track to assign a machine. Neighbor machines cannot be assigned to track 1 or 5. 2. Press [FUNC] + [SRC].. This will open the track parameter setup page. This may reflect the currently assigned machine. 3. The available machines will be listed on the left and available for selection. If the machine list is not in view but the sample list is shown, press [LEFT] to navigate to the machine selection page. 4. Navigate to highlight the desired machine using [UP] or [DOWN]. 5. With the machine to assign highlighted, press [YES] to assign it to the track or press [NO] to cancel. 6. The machine will be assigned to the selected track. • The track will show the machine letter i.e. S for Static Machine. • The SRC track parameter pages will now reflect the available machine parameters. • Each track will always have a machine assigned and an unassigned track isn't possible. The default assignment is Static Machine. • The actual configuration setting is stored in the background in the selected PART, the default of which is Part 1. More on this later. 7. The track parameters are now set up depending on the machine assigned. For example samples would need to be loaded to an empty static machine. [LEFT] [RIGHT]
86 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES BasSline1 Bassline1 PercA1 PercA2 BackingT3 BackingT4 Drone8 5.2 Static Machines in Depth A static machine is used for playback of audio samples, streamed from the compact flash card and triggered in the track controlled by the selected pattern. Audio samples are transferred from the sets audio pool into the static machine sample list (maximum 128 samples). All of the 128 samples in the list will be available to all static machine tracks. An audio samples will need to be loaded to hear playback from the sequencer. General Principles of a Static Machine S T1 OCTACARD CP CARD FOR OCTATRACK 866x PROFESSIONAL 32GB Samples from the compact flash are streamed through the assigned track by the static machine. Static sample list, maximum 128. Accessible to all static machines in the project Each set has an audio pool. The samples in the static machines are loaded from the audio pool into the static machine list. Mono or stereo, Aiff or Wav files, 16 or 24bit, 44.1kHz Format. Samples up to 2GB i.e. multiple minutes long are streamed from the compact flash card. Static machines work best for longer file lengths with low levels of modulation. It is generally accepted wav file size convention limits are 2GB. Seconds Minutes Hours As a general rough guide, a 2GB, 24bit, 44.1kHz uncompressed (i.e. wav) mono file will play for approximately 4 hours. Stereo estimated at about 2hrs. 16bit potentially 50% longer. Audio PackA Sample1 Sample2
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 87 Static Machines: Advantages & Use Cases The main advantage of a static machine is that it can stream large audio files (meaning longer playback) as these are stored on the compact flash card. This is ideal for backing tracks or long drones. For example a bassline can be streamed for the entire track duration. The downside is that card streaming is slower. Audio manipulation, slicing, mangling and modulation of the sample i.e. sample start will be slower and in some cases not practical due to reduced performance. Using Static Machine Samples ▌LOADING SAMPLES FROM THE AUDIO POOL TO A STATIC MACHINE. 1. Samples would need to be available in the audio pool for the selected set. The factory PRESETS set already contains a populated audio pool. 2. Press [T1] … [T8] to select the track with the assigned static machine. 3. Press [FUNC] + [SRC] or quickly double tap the [SRC] track button. This will open the track parameter setup page. This may display the machine list or show the sample list. 4. Press [RIGHT] to navigate and display the static machine sample list page if not already in view. Press [LEFT] to return to the machine list if required. 5. With the static sample list open and in view, navigate by pressing [UP] or [DOWN] to a sample slot in which to load the sample. 6. Load a sample. • On the highlighted, empty sample slot, press [YES] to open the audio pool file browser ready to load and assign to the machine. • On an existing sample in a slot, Press [RIGHT] to open the audio pool file browser ready to load and replace without directly assigning to the machine. 7. Highlight the sample to load from the audio pool. Navigate [RIGHT], [LEFT] through the folders, indicated by a (D) tag. Navigate [UP] and [DOWN] through files. 8. With the sample to load highlighted, press [YES] to add or replace the sample in the static machine sample list. 9. Repeat steps 5-8 to add more samples into the static machine list.
88 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES ▌QUICKLY ASSIGN A SAMPLE TO THE STATIC MACHINE. 1. Quickly double press [T1] … [T8] of the track to assign a sample. 2. The quick assign menu appears and displays the list of samples and sample slots for the static machine. 3. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to navigate to highlight and select the sample which will be assigned into the machine. 4. Press [YES] to assign the sample. Loaded Sample Empty Slot Sample size in MB Selected Sample Sample BPM Machine type assigned A blinking star indicates an edited but unsaved file. More often seen in flex tracks 1 > KICKHard O.12
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 89 ▌OTHER FEATURES AVAILABLE IN THE QUICK ASSIGNMENT MENU • Samples can also be added to the static slots from the audio pool. Press [YES] on an empty slot to add a sample or press [RIGHT] on an existing sample to replace it. The quick access audio pool browser will open and enable file selection. • To preview a samples audio, Press [FUNC] + [YES], or [CUE] + [YES] to preview to the cue outputs. • Copy - [FUNC] + [REC] will copy the sample and all of its set attributes in the quick assign menu. • Paste - [FUNC] + [STOP] will paste a copied sample. To undo, press [FUNC] + [STOP] a second time. • Clear - [FUNC] + [PLAY] will delete the slot. A prompt will appear, press [YES] to confirm deletion or [NO] to cancel. • To assign the previous or next sample to the machine, press [FUNC] + [RIGHT] or [FUNC] + [LEFT] respectively. Samples are loaded relative to the original sample location in the audio pool. • To edit in the audio editor, press [FUNC] + [BANK]. Unsaved samples edited using EDIT in the audio editor will be indicated by a flashing star. This is mainly seen with flex machines. • Select or change the machine. Press [LEFT] to access the machine list. Scroll, highlight and select with [YES] to change the track to the selected machine. Quick edit in audio pool shows currently highlighted file format details
90 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES ▌ASSIGN A SAMPLE TO THE MACHINE (ALTERNATE METHOD) 1. Press [T1] … [T8] to select the track with the assigned static machine. 2. Press [FUNC] + [SRC] or quickly double tap the [SRC] track button. This will open the track parameter setup page. This may display the machine list or show the sample list. 3. Press [RIGHT] to navigate and display the static machine sample list page if not already in view. Press [LEFT] to return to the machine list if required. 4. With the static sample list open and in view, navigate by pressing [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight the desired sample in the list. 5. Press [YES] to select the sample and assign it to the machine. ▌PREVIEWING A SAMPLE IN THE BROWSER. 1. When in the static machine sample list or in the audio pool with the file browser, samples can be auditioned. 2. With the selected sample highlighted, press [FUNC] + [YES] to hear the sample playback from the main outputs. 3. With the selected sample highlighted, press [CUE] + [YES] to hear the sample playback from the cue outputs. 4. The sample will playback once each time the key combination is pressed.
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 91 Static 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 static set up page. The sample or slice length is controlled by LEN. Also the static 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
92 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES + Static 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 static main menu. Works in conjunction with SLIC and main page LEN. When off, LEN on the static 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 static 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 93 NOTES 5.3 Flex Machines in Depth A flex machine is used for playback of audio samples, streamed from the on board RAM (Random Access Memory) and triggered in the track controlled by the selected pattern. Audio samples are transferred from the audio pool (set level) into the flex machine sample list (maximum 128 samples). All of the 128 samples in the list will be available to all flex machine tracks. An audio sample will need to be loaded to hear playback. General Principles of a Flex Machine F T2 Octatrack On Board RAM 85.5MB Samples from the onboard memory are streamed through the assigned track by the flex machine. Flex sample list, maximum 128. Accessible to all flex machines in the project. Track recorders share the flex track memory Each set has an audio pool. The samples in the flex machines are loaded from the audio pool into the flex machine list. Mono or stereo, Aiff or Wav files, 16 or 24bit, 44.1kHz Format. Samples are typically short i.e. seconds / minutes long and are streamed from the Octatrack on board RAM memory. RAM is limited to 85.5MB and is shared with the track recorders therefore file size is important. Streaming from RAM is faster than the compact flash. Seconds Minutes As a general rough guide 85.5MB is approx 8 minutes of 16bit, 44.1kHz uncompressed (i.e. wav) stereo audio. 24bit around 5 mins. Note the memory is also used for the track recorders. Audio PackA Sample1 Sample2 R2 Recording Buffer R6 Recording Buffer R3 Recording Buffer R7 Recording Buffer R4 Recording Buffer R8 Recording Buffer R1 Recording Buffer R5 Recording Buffer
94 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES Flex Machines: Advantages & Use Cases The main advantage of a flex machine is that it can stream audio files faster. Streaming from RAM is faster than the compact flash card. This is ideal for shorter files that will be mangled, manipulated and modulated as the speed will be a significant factor. Flex machines also have more audio editing options. The downside is that the available RAM is limited and especially as its shared with track recorders. So audio manipulation, slicing, mangling and modulation of the sample works well in a flex machine, the available space for samples is the limitation. Using Flex Machine Samples ▌LOADING SAMPLES FROM THE AUDIO POOL TO A FLEX MACHINE. 1. Samples would need to be available in the audio pool for the selected set. The factory PRESETS set already contains a populated audio pool. 2. Press [T1] … [T8] to select the track with the assigned flex machine. 3. Press [FUNC] + [SRC] or quickly double tap the [SRC] track button. This will open the track parameter setup page. This may display the machine list or show the sample list. 4. Press [RIGHT] to navigate and display the flex machine sample list page if not already in view. Press [LEFT] to return to the machine list. 5. With the flex sample list open and in view, navigate by pressing [UP] or [DOWN] to a sample slot in which to load the sample. 6. Load a sample. • If the flex machine slot is empty, press [YES] to open the audio pool file browser ready to load. • If the flex machine slot is already occupied, press [RIGHT] to open the audio pool file browser ready to load and replace. 7. Highlight the sample to load from the audio pool. Navigate [RIGHT], [LEFT] through the folders, indicated by a (D) tag. Navigate [UP] and [DOWN] through files. 8. With the sample to load highlighted, press [YES] to add or replace the sample in the flex machine sample list. 9. Repeat steps 5-8 to add more samples into the flex machine list.
Track Machines5 NOTES The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 95 ▌QUICKLY ASSIGN A SAMPLE TO THE FLEX MACHINE. 1. Quickly double press [T1] … [T8] of the track to assign a sample. 2. The quick assign menu appears and displays the list of samples and sample slots for the flex machine. 3. Press [UP] or [DOWN] to navigate to highlight the sample to assign into the machine. 4. Press [YES] to assign the sample. 5. The page also indicates the available RAM memory based on the track recorder audio and samples assigned in the list. ▌ASSIGN A SAMPLE TO THE MACHINE (ALTERNATE METHOD) 1. Press [T1] … [T8] to select the track with the assigned flex machine. 2. Press [FUNC] + [SRC] or quickly double tap the [SRC] track button. This will open the track parameter setup page. This may display the machine list or show the sample list. 3. Press [RIGHT] to navigate and display the flex machine sample list page if not already in view. Press [LEFT] to return to the machine list if required. 4. With the flex sample list open and in view, navigate by pressing [UP] or [DOWN] to highlight the desired sample in the list. 5. Press [YES] to select the sample and assign it to the machine. Track Recorders Sample Sample size in MB Beats Per Minute of Sample Machine type assigned Amount of free RAM A blinking star indicates the sample in the audio editor > EDIT tool is modified but unsaved.
96 The Octatrack Notebook : Reference & Guide 5 Track Machines NOTES ▌OTHER FEATURES AVAILABLE IN THE QUICK ASSIGNMENT MENU • Samples can also be added to the flex slots from the audio pool. Press [YES] on an empty slot to add a sample or press [RIGHT] on an existing sample to replace it. The quick access audio pool browser will open and enable file selection. • To preview a samples audio, Press [FUNC] + [YES], or [CUE] + [YES] to preview to the cue outputs. • Copy - [FUNC] + [REC] will copy the sample and all of its set attributes in the quick assign menu. • Paste - [FUNC] + [STOP] will paste a copied sample. To undo, press [FUNC] + [STOP] a second time. • Clear - [FUNC] + [PLAY] will delete the slot. A prompt will appear, press [YES] to confirm deletion or [NO] to cancel. • To assign the previous or next sample to the machine, press [FUNC] + [RIGHT] or [FUNC] + [LEFT] respectively. Samples are loaded relative to the original sample location in the audio pool. • To edit in the audio editor, press [FUNC] + [BANK]. Unsaved samples edited using EDIT in the audio editor will be indicated by a flashing star. • Select or change the machine. Press [LEFT] to access the machine list. Scroll, highlight and select with [YES] to change the track to the selected machine. Quick edit in audio pool shows currently highlighted file format details and available RAM