7.2 Playing and Programming Beats
This chapter explains the process and features that can be used to create a beat based pattern
using MASCHINE JAM. For information on creating melodic content see ↑7.3, Creating Melo-
dies and Harmonies.
Your controller offers two modes that are ideal for creating beat based patterns:
▪ Pad mode – In Pad mode you can assign one Sound from a Group to each of the click-pads
labelled 1-16. The click-pads can be used to record in real-time as you finger drum or sim-
ply trigger each Sound individually. Use the illuminated lower left quadrant of the 8x8
click-pad to select a velocity for each Sound (lowest value in the lower left corner, highest
value in the upper right corner). The selected velocity is brightly lit.
You can have many Groups, each containing up to sixteen Sounds each. Switch between
your Groups and record several Patterns in order to create a set of Scenes, and ultimately a
Song.
▪ Step mode – In Step mode, your controller can be used as a traditional step sequencer,
where each of the sixty-four click-pads in the 8x8 matrix represent a step in the Step Grid.
Just as on classical drum machines, a light representing the sequence runs across the 8x8
matrix, highlighting each step during playback. Select a Sound and put events at chosen
steps in the sequence by pressing the corresponding click-pads. By repeating the process
Sound by Sound you can build up a whole Pattern.
However, before you begin to create a beat you must first load a drum kit using the Browser.
7.2.1 Loading a Drum Kit
Since we are creating a beat you must first load a kit from the MASCHINE factory library.
To load a drum kit:
1. Press the Group button (A–H) to select a Group.
2. Press BROWSE to access the MASCHINE library.
Recording and Editing Patterns
Playing and Programming Beats
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