How do you approach working with templates?

Elektron Gear Octatrack
1

I’m finally starting to get comfortable enough with the OT that I know what settings I always want to change and I went ahead and created a template project set up the way I want it. I’m basically using banks as different songs and working on multiple songs within each project.

I’m MIDI sequencing an external synth, have track recorders set up with flex track to record different loops on the fly, and then when I like them I save the files and assign to statics.

The problem is that when I switch to a new bank to start something new, it defaults to the last settings of the previous bank (with static tracks assigned instead of flex, etc), rather than the setup I had originally saved with the template (flex on each track assigned to buffer).

Is there a better way I should be approaching this?

2

I might put on a funny costume and sneak up on it. The template won’t even see it coming.

3

This is the way. Approve.

OT will autosave the most recent PART and auto assign it to new bank.

To avoid this, copy desired PART to desired Bank and PATTERN. Assign part to desired pattern and SAVE PART.

Now the pattern is linked to the part you want.

Understanding use of PARTS is critical to octatrack operation.

1 Like
4

Thanks, I haven’t really started using parts yet. So to make a template that works how I want would I have to save my default part on every bank in the template project? Or when I go to save the loops and assign them to static tracks should I do that on part 2 so that part 1 stays as my “flex tracks assigned to record buffers” setup?

5

Either way would work.

Remember. Everything above the transport controls is PART data. Everything below the transport controls is PATTERN data.

Octatrack treats them separately. Octatrack is older and does not use the ‘save everything per pattern’ paradigm of digiboxes and electribes etc.

You have been using PARTS, you just haven’t realised it. You get four PARTS per bank.

Some people find it helpful to replace the workd PART with KIT.

6

Right, I have played with them a bit and understand how to change them, etc. I just haven’t found a way to take advantage of them in my workflow yet.

One thing I’m a little unclear on is where the MIDI settings are saved because they don’t seem to be linked to a part. When I switch to a new bank I have to reassign the MIDI channel in the sequencer.

7

The trick is to link patterns to specific parts.
That way when ever you load a pattern, the correct part will be active.

Midi tracks are no different in that anything above the transport controls is saved as part data. Everything below the transport controls is saved as pattern data.

I haven’t read it in years but Im sure theres a section on this in Merlins Guide. If you haven’t read merlins guide, its well worth it.

Remember, each bank has its own set of 4 banks. Parts are not global.