Using "pattern feature" of Stepchild

[guitar1969]

I'm using Stepchild to create drum tracks, and it is much easier to enter notes than the built in midi clip editor in T, but I cannot seem to figure out the whole saved pattern thing and how it makes entry easier. I am following the basic instructions it has, and saving an entry into a pattern number, but do not understand how to actually retrieve them(And see them) and trigger them, and more importantly, how it makes clip creation easier. Is anybody using the Pattern feature successfully and how - curious if it is a usable feature.

Thanks for all the help thus far!

[ModuLR]

you create a pattern by entering some notes on the grid, then right click a pattern # to save it to that particular one. You can then make a few further variations, then right click a different pattern # to save it there.

The idea was that when creating drum tracks, more often than not.. you are making variations of an initial pattern, instead of starting from scratch or being forced to copy/paste. This is what the working in a buffer thing is all about.

in any case, to trigger a pattern... it's the octave of notes starting at c4 absolute. Meaning, on a scale starting at c0 -> c8 (or whatever), the first trigger note is c4.

Most sequencers define middle C differently. some start the begining of the scale (or whatever--I'm not musical) at c-3, some c-2, etc. Tracktion can adjust where it starts middle C, so just take a look at where the scale starts then add accordingly... c-2 = c2, c-3 = c1, etc.

or you can just mash the keys until the pattern chages, then take note of what key made the change.

dunno about making clips easier.. the idea was just a uber simplistic step sequencer geared toward basic drum patterns with drag n' drop midi support..

hope this helps a bit tho..

[SuitcaseOfLizards]

I use the "mash keys until it changes" approach

The main thing with Stepchild is making sure your notes are set properly, it takes a bit to adjust the grid to match your drum sampler/synth, but once done do as ModuLR said and you're good to go! Oh, make sure the "Trigger Patterns" is set to "On".

[james]

Does anyone know what happened to Karbon Life Forms? He was porting/rewriting stepchild for mac when everything just stopped. His site has been down for a long time.

[guitar1969]

Thanks for the info - I can see the usefulness of the pattern feature when doing something such as drum patterns, but is there any way to view the contents of a pattern after it is saved.

Thanks for the help, and the great tool.

mh
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[ModuLR]

if you click the pattern # you want, it will display whatever is saved there. You might have to make sure e-to-e is on so the plugin is actually processing, but that's about it.