Seq66 Basic Tutorial

Live Play

 

Live play consists of creating a number of looping patterns that can be muted or unmuted while playing a live solo. This live performance can, to some extent, be recorded. The discussion here is light; as usual, see the user's manual and play around with Seq66.

 
  • Hot-keys. While playing, patterns can be muted and unmuted via hot-keys, as configured in the 'ctrl' configuration file. The default layout on the keyboard matches the 4 x 8 live grid. A MIDI controller can also be set up; see the installed file qseq66-lp-mini-alt.ctrl for a good example. It is documented in the launchpad-mini.ods spreadsheet.
  • Queueing. Queueing means to enable a pattern, but not have it actually turn on (or off) until the loop makes its next repetition. To activate it, click the Q button at the bottom. Then press the hot-key of the desired pattern. The word "Queued" appears, and changes to "Armed" or "Muted" at the next repetition.
  • Mute groups. Mute groups allow for the arming/muting of a number of patterns at once. Up to 32 mute-groups can be defined. They can be stored inside the song or in a 'mutes' file. To assign a mute-group, first arm all of the desired patterns. Click the "L" button to the right of the Q (or the "L" keystroke). Then click a pattern hot-key. The mute group is saved. During play-back, click the shifted version of that hot-key to restore the pattern. Mute groups can also be edited in the Mutes tab.
  • Sets. A set is all of the patterns on a single "page" of the Live grid. A number of sets can be created, each holding all the patterns for that set. A set, when recalled (by number), then will play automatically. Sets are stored in the song. Sets can also be edited in the Sets tab.
  • Playlists. Playlists can be set up so that it is easy to move from song-to-song using the arrow keys or a MIDI control. Playlists can also be managed in the Playlists tab.

 

Seq66

 

Seq66 provides many ways to control live play. See the user's manual. Play around a lot. Report bugs!