Tell me about the arranger and midi

Burn_Cycle · 2014-08-24T20:11:49.000Z

Dear Octatrack users,

I don’t have an Octatrack, but have used an Machinedrum UW and Analog Four (in repairs).
I hear a lot about the Octatrack’s arranger and midi out (hate/love) but how does the arranger and midi out work? Is it like the song mode and midi out machine on the Machinedrum? Or more like song mode on the A4 or … ?

Multiman · 2014-08-25T09:19:50.000Z

Hello Burn cycle,

I cannot talk about other Elektron devices, only about my experience with the Octatracks arranger.

The arranger adds a huge amount of new possibilities to the Octatrack capabilities of “organizing” a complex set, transitions, BPM changes, Scneces and part assignements… Not using it is a “no way” for me.

I recently decided to investigate more the MIDI side of things, and I have to say that I was very hapy with the results. Recording MIDI from ableton live with CC automations and so, was effortless, allowing for very complex MIDI arrangements, chords, etc.

The thing is that you cannot think in “Pattern mode” or “Arranger mode” separately… but a combination of both. You will start creating patterns knowing what the Arranger can do for you, so at a later state you can organize all your stuff in the arranger not limiting but drastically expanding the complexity of all those “pieces”.

Hope it helps!!