My Music
I try for it to be danceable
My Gear
Keeping it simple, OT, AR, H9, iPad.
Ive only got two hands, after all. H9 is connected to an expression pedal.
My Octatrack Setup
-
Static Filter, Delay
This one is a dj deck, containing grooves and songs that i will put in the set.
The filter is a sculpting one, used for transitions. The delay is also used for transitions -
Neighbour Filter, Delay
Filter here acts as a side chain for this “deck”, using triggers to activate the envelope. The delay is in echo freeze mode for some variety in groove. -
Flex Filter, Reverb
Acts as a recorder for track 2, so i can switch to it and add some diferent variations and patterns of the same material, doing beat juggling and fast crossfader movements. -
Flex Filter, Reverb
Same as 3, but recording track 6. -
Static Filter, Delay
“Deck 2” -
Neigbour Filter, Delay
“Deck 2” -
Through Filter, Delay
AR goes here, there is some drive on the filter, delay is in echo freeze mode. -
Neighbour Compressor, Reverb
Yo dawg, i heard you like compression so i put a compressor on your compressor. And some reverb.
####BANKS
Banks are different setups, actually… The settings described above are from bank “B”, which gets the most use. Different banks may bring another two through tracks for the iPad, or for kick and bass tom from the AR, depends really.
####PARTS
I use them to store different setups, but that is not used in a live situation. I have some ideas about using them, just haven’t realised them. The thing that bothers me is that they need to be too general not to disrupt the flow, so i mainly stick to one part per show.
####PATTERNS
Changing the sidechain triggers, or setups as explained above.
If it’s a 4/4 set, i can go the whole night with just the one pattern.
####SCENES
Scenes are my transitions, using the filters and delays on decks to create as smooth a flow as I can manage. I interpolate between the various settings on the decks, to give me different vibes, like, only one deck is heard, both decks in low pass, band or high pass, one deck is dominant, or a mix of deck 1 bass and deck 2 tops…
####LFOs
LFOs are used in transitions, also both decks have a slow running designed LFO with small linear peaks connected to the track pitch, so that it is constantly changing over time, to simulate imperfections of a turntable, and make a short loop listenable over longer period of time.
How I prepare the set
Every track that i put in the decks has to be prepared for the Octa, since they have to loop perfectly. Some have slices, some are chains, others just sound fine when they loop again.
How I Play
OT is the main brain, AR goes into it, and a cue out goes into the H9. I have the “cue mutes track” enabled. Track i cue to the H9 gets the foot! Using the expression pedal to control various effect settings on the H9. I superimpose my beat over the selected grooves, with the side chain taking care of frequency clashes.
My Transitions
Using mutes, performance and scene modes on the AR, with the selected cue going to H9, and the crossfader scenes of the OT i try to make it sound as best as I can. With the exp pedal i have an another layer of control, like a third hand. So when i am done with a groove/track i load the next one, and go at it again.
Here is an example, in a minimal industrial techno set. This is the only recording of this setup at the moment. I see the setup and rig as a living thing, and we’re evolving together.
https://youtu.be/W4Yqs0IpFT0