Torso Electronics T-1 - 2.1 Glossary of Terms

Generic Setup
2
31
The T-1 Notebook : Reference & Guide
30
The T-1 Notebook : Reference & Guide
2.1 Glossary of Terms
While you may think this should be hidden at the back of this book, understanding terminology often
used in the context of general audio production topics and specically when using the T-1
sequencer will help unlock it’s power and performance. It makes sense to become familiar early with
these terms to speed up learning and to get the most out of the T-1 user experience and workow.
Generic Setup
2
Ableton link: Ableton are a DAW developer who
introduced the link technology which enables
communication between multiple, separate audio
devices across a WiFi network.
Arpeggiator: A function that automatically
generates ordered sub patterns using a group of
triggered notes.
Beta: A term normally used for pre-release
software versions used for testing purposes.
Bank: An element that acts as a container to help
organise and store the 16 patterns. T-1 has a
maximum of 16 banks available.
Channel: In T-1 the channel refers to the MIDI
communication channel. This ranges from 1-16.
Control Change. A MIDI standard message which
is applied to change parameter settings. Also
called CC.
Control Voltage. An analog signal used to control
parameters and affect their values. Used for
modulation and control, commonly found in
modular rack systems. Also called CV.
Cycle: A cycle is parameter automation that would
be applied to introduce track variations and
changes. A collection of parameter settings are
stored together in a cycle with up to 16 cycles
available in each track
Denmark: Country in the Northern European area
of Scandinavia. It’s capital is Copenhagen. Famous
for innovation, high quality design and mermaids.
Also the home of Torso Electronics, creators of T-1.
Euclidean Rhythm: An algorithm that generates a
note pattern based on mathematical calculations.
In T-1 this uses steps, pulses, rotation / start and
division as the parameters to set.
Eurorack: The most common standard of modular
synthesis which comprises of discrete functions
rack mounted and connected together with CV /
Trigger patch cables. Buchla is another alternative
modular standard.
Gate: An on/off signal that activates a function.
Used interchangeably with ‘trigger’, although gates
usually activate over longer periods for example as
a note on.
LFO: Low frequency oscillator which is a control
signal specically used for modulating parameters.
MIDI: MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital
Interface and is a standard protocol used for
communicating between audio equipment. MIDI is
normally applied using USB or using a 5 Pin MIDI
DIN. Both are available in T-1 using the USB-C
connection or the 5 Pin to 3.5mm adapter.
Modulation: The process of controlling and
manipulating one parameter from the control of
another. This typically allows variations and
movement to be added to a function.
Monophonic: A mode which allows only the playing
of one note at a time.
Mute: Muting offers variations that can be created
by silencing tracks and patterns especially useful
when playing live sets.
Note: A musical note generated by the sequencer
pattern steps and associated triggers.
OS: Operating System is the core rmware that
makes T-1 Sequencer work and manages how it
operates.
Parameter: The individual value of a specic
function or control element. A parameter can be
adjusted to affect a pattern and steps operation.
Pattern: This is the backbone and core of a T-1
sequence and contains one set of steps that forms
a melody or beat.
Perform: A mode in T-1 which supports muting and
temporary variations through use of two buttons.
Ideal in a live environment and to introduce
improvisations.
Pitch: The audio frequency variation between notes
that determine its sound within a musical range.
Polyphony: The ability to play multiple notes
simultaneously on an instrument. For example to
play chords.
Polyrhythm: Two or more rhythms running
concurrently in the same cycle but with different
beats or subdivisions
Power Bank: A portable rechargeable battery
device used to power or recharge portable
equipment.
Probability: The determination of whether an action
will occur or not. In a generative sequencer this
can add interest and randomisation.
Program Change. A MIDI standard message which
is applied to change banks or patches of a device.
Also called PC.
Pulse: Used in T-1 Euclidean pattern generation to
trigger a note event. This is generally positioned on
a step but can also be expanded further, for
example by adding note repeats.
Root note: In musical terms this is a single note
used as the starting reference in an harmonic
scale. Typically a root note would be the lowest
note in a chord.
Sequence: The process of creating a series of
actions such as note triggers or parameter
changes to create melodies or drum beats.
Step: A step is a building block in a pattern
structure. A series of steps would form a pattern
where note events i.e. pulses can be selectively
placed to form a melody or beat.
Synchronization: In the context of connected audio
gear, sync or synchronization refers to how the
clock timing is aligned between multiple devices.
Typically one device would lead as a primary clock
and other devices would follow. This is commonly
managed using MIDI or CV Clocks.
T-1: An algorithmic sequencer that generates
patterns and melodies that control other audio
gear in a generative and uid style.
T-1 Cong: A Mac or PC based software tool to
help congure the T-1 Sequencer. Important for
rmware updates and I/O conguration.
Tempo: The speed at which the overall sequence
runs, based on a standard measure of beats per
minute. T-1 operates between 24 - 280 BPM.
Transport: A term often used to refer to the
collective controls for play, stop, record, pause
where available within in systems.
Track: A T-1 Sequencer pattern contains 16 tracks.
Tracks help manage the structure and length of a
sequence. Typically tracks contain steps and
would each be used for individual instruments, e.g.
Drum, Percussion, Bass, Pad etc.
Transpose: To change the pitch for a range of
notes. Notes can be transposed up or down a
dened octave range. Can also refer to adjustment
up or down for a range of notes on a keyboard.
Trigger: An on/off signal that activates a function.
Used interchangeably with ‘gate’, although triggers
usually are shorter pulses for example to trigger a
short drum hit.
Quantization: The alignment of musical elements
to a dened grid or timing structure.
Update: The process of installing the newest
rmware. This brings new features and xes bugs
associated with previous versions.
Velocity: A function which measures how hard a
note is played and modulates sound accordingly.
For example hard played notes may sound louder
than softly played notes on a piano.