I have kind of steered away lately from mainly just using Elektron boxes where I have kept all boxes in sync regarding pattern change and transport. Very simple but probably not efficient when not using certain machines for a song - I think I have a fair few blank patterns so the machine is not audible when not required.
Anyhow I was wondering what are peoples preferred strategies with managing multiple machines in a large setup or maybe playing live where for example: A machine is NOT required for a certain song or required late in the song.
eg - off top of my head
Simply keep it running and mute via mixer or mute the machine with transport still running?
Keep the machine active but Program Change to a dedicated blank or muted pattern for such a scenario where it is not required?
Simply sequence / program it from the master sequencer (in the case of Elektrons and some other hardware this would sacrifice P-Locks I guess and not so good for machines with unique sequencers)
Use a complex sequencer which can bring the machines in and out but in sync (I think the Cirklon does something like this as well as the E-RM multi clock if restarting a channel)
Anyhow - just some thoughts on a boring Wednesday when I should be doing some work.
I would definitely have the âquietâ machine just play blank patterns until itâs time for it to make noise. I wouldnât mess with my levels in the mixer once they are dialed in, and I wouldnât have track mutes, because I wouldnât want to forget to unmute when itâs time.
Just keep everything synched up and playing in time with clock/transport/PC over midi. That way leads to the fewest possible headaches.
Keeping all the Elektrons in sync Pattern wise is fine as so many patterns available and also can make new Projects when run out etc.
I guess where this becomes problematic is with non-elektrons with limited patterns and no multiple projects. Not sure if this is feasible but I was thinking of the following to try when I have some time:
Elektrons all syncâd - Digitakt II becomes main brain / Master.
Non - Elektron devices (I have 3 I believe). On the Digitakt II dedicate MIDI machines eg last 3 or 4 tracks for each non - Elektron device and send the appropriate Program Change per pattern (on each non Elektron use one default blank pattern when not in use / or sequencing direct from Digi, instead of wasting multiple patterns for blanks)
Since incorporating an Analog Keys with my Digitakt, Iâve been doing the whole pattern matching thing between them regardless of which is playing what, and using both of their sequencers independently, rather than just using the DT sequencer as I initially planned. The sequencer is too tied into what each machine can do, and with too many small differences in capability, to make doing it all on one box desirable.
The only other devices I use with them that you would want to sequence atm are sound modules without their own sequencer. I find that using the DT with a program change message to change the âcomboâ of four patches on my PreenFM2 works well after doing an initial bit of fiddling to get the first program change message to send.
For some reason, the first pattern you play from fresh will not change the program in my experience reliably. Everything from then on seems to work perfectly for me, and I have no idea why. If I play and then double press stop, it seems to be good from then on for all future program change messages.
When using my full setup, all my Elektrons use their own sequencer and my other Synths are sequenced, synced and program changed from the DT MIDI Machines/Tracks. My Synths are always on the same Channel. If a Synth is not used in a Track, it just doesnât play as thereâs no sequence for it. The use of a MIDI Thru device, for me, is essential.