Parts store which machines are assigned to the tracks, which samples are assigmed to the machine and all the track and fx parameters.
The 16 scenes are also stored in parts.
For midi tracks parts store the midi setup (midi channel, program changes), note page, arp page, midi cc assignments and lfos for each of the tracks.
The trigs you enter in a pattern basically play what the parts tell them to play.
A pattern is always linked to a part.
Parts are basically like kits on the other Elektron boxes.
When you changed to a different part the pattern was played back with default settings (Samples 1-8, default parameter settings), that’s why it sounded “unrelated”.
So changing parts give you the opportunity to work within a complete new environment; new samples with new settings and fx, new scenes.
Midi program changes are send when you change to a pattern with a new part.
Since there’s a lot you can do without changing parts, like p-locks, sample locks etc. you don’t have to use a different part when you want to change some stuff.
Program changes are one thing that needs a new part, though.
When you are in the part select menu, [Function] + [Bank] opens the context menu where you can rename, reload, save and sve all parts.
[Function] + [Cue] reloads the part.
Octa MK1.
Always remember to save your parts.
Parts with an asterisk contain unsaved edits.
Save the parts and save the project.
You might lose your work.
Best to carefully read through the manual and read Merlins guide, there’s so much stuff going on in the Octatrack…