Kurzweil K2600 - MUSICIANS GUIDE REV A PART NUMBER 910330 CHAP 12 User Manual

Song Mode and the Song Editor
Getting Started with the Sequencer
12-1
Chapter 12
Song Mode and the Song Editor
Getting Started with the Sequencer
The K2600Õs sequencer is a powerful and versatile tool for songwriters, composers, and anyone
else who wants to record and play back songs. As with any tool, however, itÕs best to start with
the basics. This section begins with a tutorial where you will record a song, then shows some of
the mixing capabilities of the sequencer. If you are familiar with other sequencers, you will have
no problem using Song mode in the K2600. Read through this section, however, to learn about
the features that make the K2600Õs sequencer unique.
What is a Sequencer?
A sequencer is similar in some ways to a multi-track tape recorder: you can record and play back
all sorts of music and sounds, layer sounds on top of other sounds, and change or manipulate
things that youÕve previously recorded. Unlike a tape recorder, however, you do not actually
record sounds with a sequencer. Rather, you are recording commands that cause sounds to be
played. Nonetheless, we will sometimes explain sequencer features by drawing analogies to
familiar tape recording techniques such as splicing and overdubbing.
There are several advantages to recording a song by sequencing. For one thing, sequencer
commands take up much less disk space than digitally recorded music would, so you can get a
lot of information (that is, music) on a single ßoppy disk. Furthermore, you can easily make
changes to your sequences. For example, you can change individual notes, transpose parts, or
change instrumentation. Lastly, you can share the sequences you create with other musicians.
A Word about the Local Keyboard Channel
Before you being sequencing, weÕd like to remind you about the Local Keyboard Channel
parameter on the MIDI-mode RECEIVE page (described on page 10-7). Local Keyboard Channel
is especially important for sequencing with the K2600R, since it enables you to record on
different tracks without constantly switching transmit channels on your controller. Regardless of
which K2600 model you own, you should do the following whenever the K2600 is going to
receive MIDI information from an external source:
¥ Set the Local Keyboard Channel on the MIDI-mode RECEIVE page to a speciÞc
channel (1Ð16).
¥ Set your MIDI controller (keyboard, percussion controller, etc.) to transmit on the same
channel.
Performing the above two steps means that youÕll be able to hear the individual channels (each
of which is assigned by default to a separate recording track) as you scroll through the different
recording tracks in the K2600Õs Song mode. Local Keyboard Channel performs a rechannelizing
function that makes this happen.

Kurzweil K2600 - MUSICIANS GUIDE REV A PART NUMBER 910330 CHAP 12 Specifications

General

Category	Recording Equipment
Model	Kurzweil K2600
Document Type	Musicians Guide
Revision	Rev A
Part Number	910330
Chapter	12

Summary

Song Mode and the Song Editor

Getting Started with the Sequencer

Introduction to the K2600's sequencer and basic setup.

What is a Sequencer?

Explains the basic function and advantages of a sequencer.

Local Keyboard Channel

Sets up MIDI communication for external controllers and internal sound modules.

Tutorial: Recording a Song

Guides through recording a song, assigning programs, and recording tracks.

Mix Your Song

Track Muting

Learn to use mode buttons to mute individual tracks during mixdown.

Tutorial: Arrangements

Creating an Arrangement

Assembles sections of music as separate songs into a sequence.

Arrangement Parameters

Explains settings like Mutes, Xpose, Times, and Mode for arranging songs.

Triggering Arrangement Steps from the Keyboard

Control arrangement playback and transposition via MIDI keyboard input.

RAM Tracks

Creating RAM Tracks

Integrates samples into songs, combining Song mode with the sampler.

Using Song Mode

Selecting a Song for Playback

How to choose and start playback of songs within Song mode.

Songs and Effects Control

Dedicated track for controlling studio effects during song playback.

Recording Multi-timbral Sequences via MIDI

Memory Limits

Discusses RAM limitations and strategies for creating longer songs.

Song Mode: The MAIN Page

Song Status and Parameters

Overview of the MAIN page, including status, current song, tempo, and track settings.

Soft Buttons on the MAIN Page

Explains the transport-like controls for recording and playback.

Song Mode: The MISC Page

RecMode and PlayMode Settings

Controls how songs are recorded and played back, including looping.

Quantization and Timing

Adjusting note timing using grid, swing, and input quantization.

Song Mode: The MIX Page

Track Volume and Pan Control

Adjusting volume and panning for each track in a song.

Soft Buttons on the MIX Page

Controls for track muting and updating initial settings.

The Song Editor

Song Editor: The COMMON Page

Global song settings like tempo, time signature, and arrangement parameters.

Song Editor: The EVENT Page

Detailed view and editing of all MIDI events within a song.

Song Editor: The TRACK Page

Access to track-based editing functions like Erase, Copy, and Quantize.

Song Editor: The STEP Page

Non-real-time note entry with duration and velocity control.

Song Editor: The ARRANGE Page

Assembling and controlling song sections (steps) within an arrangement.