To those that use the Octatrack to sequence and chop up breakbeat samples -
What do you find to be the best way to prepare these in the OT, timing-wise? Creating a straight slice grid and mathematically dividing the entirety of the sample or going in and putting slices manually where it sounds like they should go? Do you use the zero-crossings option?
I’d like to use a Machinedrum alongside the samples, so if the breaks fall too far off of the grid, things will start to sound weird. Of course, humanization is what using breakbeats is all about so some of that is to be expected and celebrated, but it’s generally (subjectively) clear when things start to sound right.
you can also use the micro-timing with parameter locks to tighten up your loop, but normally i chop each slices startpoint manually, to be able to set my own swing.
zero-crossing i never used though…
This is the main reason that i use the octatrack. For me i usually prepare a 16/32/64 loop in ableton and get the sound and feeling that i want,
then put the sample in the octatrack and auto slice in 16/32/64 align to the zero markers and start mangling the slices with p-locks. I usually start the sample regularly on the 1 with a normal p-lock, then on the 9 or 11 start messing with the slices until i get a new groove… then once i have three or four of these mangled patterns i start making scenes.
I designate the same tracks in each group ie. track 3 is always the main break, track four is always the kick drum, track five is always the higher frequency top drums etc.
i spent quite a while making all of my slices in the octatrack when i first got it but quickly realized that chucking that loop into ableton and assigning warp markers with a mouse is 1000 times faster than staring at the octatrack screen.