DK+ newbie: creating songs?

[Hernan]

Hi, a couple of quick questions from a newbie: so far I have been using DK+ kind of like a sample player: I created a MIDI track on my host (Tracktion v2) that I used to trigger the drum samples. This is working fine, but I would like to be able to use the patterns to program rhythms more easily.

Question #1: Is there a way to program a "song" on DK+? I mean, how do I tell the drum machine "play pattern A, then play pattern B four times, then pattern C three times, etc."

Question #2: If not, is there a way to trigger pattern changes from the host using MIDI or VST automation?

Question #3: I can't seem to be able to get the "live mode" to work. DK+ changes patterns in the middle of the bar, what am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance,

L

[Aldo]

Hi, a couple of quick questions from a newbie: so far I have been using DK+ kind of like a sample player: I created a MIDI track on my host (Tracktion v2) that I used to trigger the drum samples. This is working fine, but I would like to be able to use the patterns to program rhythms more easily.

Question #1: Is there a way to program a "song" on DK+? I mean, how do I tell the drum machine "play pattern A, then play pattern B four times, then pattern C three times, etc."

Question #2: If not, is there a way to trigger pattern changes from the host using MIDI or VST automation?

Question #3: I can't seem to be able to get the "live mode" to work. DK+ changes patterns in the middle of the bar, what am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance,

L

Hi.
Regarding your first question, the answer is no.

It's much easier (and later much easier to edit, we considered your solutions during the development of DK+) to program a song selecting patterns via MIDI.
How? This brings us to your question #2
DK+ patterns can be controlled via MIDI on channel 16.
Midi notes ranging from C1-B2 select the patterns from A to X, C3 stops the sequencer and C#3 starts the sequencer.

To the last question now... live mode works only when the drum machine is controlled via MIDI as well.

Please please please read the documentation.

Have fun!
Aldo.

[johne981]

Hi

I need to do the same kind of thing but have been unsuccessful. In tracktion I've set the input midi channel to 16, then drawn in events at c1, d1 and e1 then pressed play, but the patterns don't change (i've tried it with follow on and off without success. Any ideas where I'm going wrong?

[operandx]

Try from C0 rather than c1 on the piano roll

[Hernan]

Aldo,

Thanks a lot for your help, it works great now! Next time I'll read the manual I promise. The good ole cursory look sure didn't work this time

Maybe it would be a good idea to add a "How to" section to the manual? You already have written the "how to program a song" part

Thanks again, and keep up the good work!

L

[Beardedone]

A how to use would really help. The manual does not describe how to use step sequencer follow feature or how to selectively play patterns. After a couple of months I can't figure out how to follow from page 1 to a subsequent page in any of my preferred hosts, FLStudio, Sonar or eXT. I am running DK+ from a channel 16 midi track but can only turn on and off page 1. I have created patterns on page 2 but they won't play with any midi note. I want to be able to switch patterns based on notes. I understood that DK+ had this functionality but apparently not that I can see. This is really limiting my use of DK+.

Gordon

[Beardedone]

No one?

[guido01]

Hi Gordon,

The number of pages used in a pattern depends on the number of steps, there are 16 steps to a page, so a 32 step pattern will use 2 pages.

A mistake I made was, if you have a pattern using 2 pages or more you need to go to the second page and make sure you click on the red "led" at the top right of the sequencer to play all that page.

The pattern will play all pages activated in order. The "follow" button, if activated, diplays the pages as they are played.

Patterns are stored in the colored buttons on the top right lettered "A"-"X" and it is these that are switched by midi notes on channel 16.

You can bring up a copy dialog by right clicking on page or pattern buttons.

Here is a song recorded in eXT, the drums programmed in DK+ using the NS7free kit:

http://www.wusik.com/song.php?id=762

Hope this helps.

Trev

[Beardedone]

Hey Guido01.

Thanks for the tips. I don't understand how to set up DK+ to receive input from a midi out so I can control via channel 16. SO I am stuck working in FLStudio. I also have Tracktion, Sonar 4PE and Live 4 but since I feel modt comfortable with FLS I will try to manage.

A mistake I made was, if you have a pattern using 2 pages or more you need to go to the second page and make sure you click on the red "led" at the top right of the sequencer to play all that page.

OK but I do not see this red LED!

I cannot get channel 16 to control patterns. I now cannot get it to turm off and on a single pattern. I am finding this VSTi frustratingly hard to understand. I thought BFD would be complex butit only took me a few minutes. DK+ has been on my PC for a couple of months and I still haven't been able to use it - There are a bumch of great grooves but with out the ability to control them i.e. turn off and on it is very limiting.

Please someone tell me how to run DK+ in FLS and if possible in eXT as well.

Thanks,
Gordon

[Beardedone]

OK I finally have it working. I was able to finish my July comp etnry using DK+ for the drum part. But don't ask me how or why it's now operational. If there is a tutorila or instructiuonal Flp in the works I would really like to see it.

Cheers,
Gordon

[mahtazz]

i thought Aldo is in the works... Aldo?