Octatrack - 64step sequencer work around?

j_spurdo · 2014-10-12T00:06:06.000Z

So I’ve had my Octa for a few months now and I’m slowly beginning to wrap my head around this black hole of a device.
I have a bunch of 16 bar loops, but I’m having issues turning them into full songs. I’ve used patterns to change it up (mute this and that, edit melodies for variation etc.) but I’m running into issues when it comes to longer motifs via MIDI.

Is there any way to work around the 64 step limitation? I’m having an issue trying to get some lush pads going on from an external synth, because if I want the OT to trigger a specific chord over the duration of the 64 steps, the only way to change the notes would be to make a new pattern, which is a pain and a waste in my opinion. Even if I sample the pad sound and all its changes and slice it as one sample, the 64 step limitation won’t really help me change the slice value it seems.

Am I just trying to do what this machine can’t do? I’m getting sort of frustrated, but I don’t want to give up quite yet.

Also, any tips for full song production (if it’s possible) from the OT would be greatly appreciated

bluewolfse7en · 2014-10-12T00:45:35.000Z

For 16 bar loops use Static machines & set Scale to 1/4 time.
Now a single trigger on step 1 of bar 1 will give you a 16 bar pattern.

djadonis206 · 2014-10-12T02:07:24.000Z

Play some of your tracks at half speed 64/64. Set your master scale to 128. This is gives you nice 8-bar loop