Pattern change timing with Logic Live Loops

Elektron Gear
1

Hi all!

Let’s assume you want to use Elektrons’ patterns with Logic Pro X Live Loops.

Is there any trick to make them change same time with Live Loops patterns? Of course I can send MIDI prg change message when changing scene, but this is too late for Elektrons.

BTW for me this has been very difficult prolem with Elektrons for a long time. With Numerology sequencer I finaly managed to do it but it was very tricky. Elektrons + Live Loops seems to be promising combo if this problem can somehow be solved.

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Disclaimer: I have never tried syncing Elektrons with a DAW.

From experiences and discussions about syncing Elektrons, it seems clear you would need to hit these points:

  • the matching patterns (the ones which play at the same time) on Logic and Elektrons will need to be the same length (tricky, because Logic will count ticks but show values in n:n:n:n format, and Elekrons count steps)
  • on the Elektrons, don’t use any LEN=inf, just use LEN=some_multiple_of_bar_length_in_steps
  • you need to have the Programme Change for the incoming pattern placed some time before that pattern comes in. So it’ll need to be in the previous pattern, or if possible use a negative time offset from the start of the incoming pattern (but I imagine this doesn’t exist). I’m guessing the time offset needs to be at least two Elektron-sized steps before the end of the outgoing pattern.

Programme Change messages tell the Elektrons to queue up the next pattern, not to immediately play it. As a consequence, you can’t have the programme change message for the incoming pattern at the start of the incoming pattern, you must arrange to have it sent before the pattern is expected to play.

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I know very well this problematics because I’ve solved it once with Numerology Sequencer (mac app) but as I said the fix was complicated. At the moment I am just curious if someone have managed to do it with Logic Live Loops. IMO problem is only how to send prg change message before Live Loops pattern changes. And of course those lengths must match too.

1 Like
4

I might have found a solution which is quite simple:
(With Logic Live Loops) make a simple “pattern” which have prog change message at the beginning and then just add -500ms delay to tracks midi output. Seems to work fine.

Let’s see how tight the overall timing is when you combine Logics MIDI (or audio) loops with Elektrons patterns. Some delay compensations are probably needed…