Everytime I go to set-up Midi sequencer tracks on the Octatrack I find the setup really over complicated, especially compared to MD, MnM - so I am left wondering why is it like this?
Also whilst I’m moaning, why does pattern set-up and track set-up have to share a button combination - the only difference being if rec is active? Surely it would be much better if they were available in the menu? (function+project)
I have no idea…
usually i see some weird angle on the how or what. or atleast have an opinion.
I do know, that last time i tried to use it… i couldnt get the CCcontrols te work… they kept being blank, and i just couldnt figure out why.
Yes it is because you have to define them in set up, then exit and press down on the encoder whilst holding function, I cannot for the life of me see why it needs to be like that… I mean once you have defined it in setup isn’t it kind of given that you would then want it to work without having to turn it on as described? Weird.
I thought i actually did that… then again not sure…
Though for some parameters, like a program-change… it might have its uses
as in, will it send out a program-change per click… or will it only send a program-change when you “activate” it with a button-press…
if so… well i can see unwanted parameter changes on synths if are just “looking for the right parameter” hence a button-press to activate it…
but thats about it… on the why on activation, and i am not 100% sure on this info… so more testing/information seeking will be necesarry
+1 I get how to set it up after using it so many times, but it’s totally unintuitive and still confusing sometimes
Funny thing is program change is only available in the setup screen isn’t it!
On the MD and MnM you could p-lock program change…
Also whilst I’m moaning, why does pattern set-up and track set-up have to share a button combination - the only difference being if rec is active? Surely it would be much better if they were available in the menu? (function+project)
If I dive into the project menu, I expect to find settings which are applicable project wide. Patterns, however, can be setup differently on a per pattern basis. So I think this is a matter of consistency from Elektrons side.
As far as the expicit activation of parameters, the only thing I can think of is some kind of safety during a performance: If you don’ t use a parameter, accidentally turning a knob doesn’ t mess up other devices. Although I can understand that idea, I agree with Daren that if I set up a midi CC, that already implies that I want to use the knob that controls it.
My route would be this: By default all parameters are inactive: In the setup screen they all show a dash or something. But once you setup a midi cc, the knob immediately becomes active.
By the way:
In the midi setup screens, you can set the settings the way you want and hit “yes” once to “burn them in”.
I don’t own MD and MnM. However I am pretty sure that if p-lockable program change is possible then this should have been available for OT by default since its a midi sequencer by half nature. For the other 2 machines this would have been a nice addition(actuallly is).
Unfortunately from OT it’s missing which is merely unacceptable. And this takes me back to the part debate. Since it’s only available from switching parts then we should have had at least available a part per pattern.
Anyway I also think lots of things are time consuming in OT, like setting up midi tracks or lfos or…etc. This is where presets come in place to remedy this fault. Presets are loudly missing from everywhere inside OT. Track(midi/audio) presets, part presets, fx presets, page presets, pattern trig presets. At least loading through sysex would have been so time relieving.
I’ve said it before, but MIDI machines (presets) would be great. I hardly ever use parts for both MIDI and audio at the same time as it hurts my brain.
I think the sequence-able PC being missing might be because it’s supposed to keep the rest of the boxes in sync and the PC messages happen when you change patterns, right?
I pisses me off that program change isn’t p-lockable.
Hence why the Monomachine is still a valuable addition in my studio arsenal, well that and FM machines + DigiPro machines + the fact that the more you use it the more EPIC the end results become.
It is still my favourite Elektron Box - if it have the seperate meter and track length features of the OT it would be my perfect Elektron box.
Considering the midi features were added quite a while after the OT was released, it seems that hq tried to fit a beveled square into a round hole somewhat. The unp-lockable program change issue was one of the first things I noticed. Would be nice to have a ‘project setting’ to convert one of the 10 cc slots to program change, which along with using cc#0 and where needed cc#32 for bank change would be a suitable workaround for this issue. The only other option would be using midi-ox or a midipal type device to re route a specified cc into program change data. Clumsy but at least currently possible.
Totally in agreement regarding the locked cc controllers that must be pressed to activate. having a visual cue like an x or something to highlight current locked controllers would be useful.