Mode Machines SEQ12 User manual

USER MANUAL

3

4
CONTENT
5 1. INTRODUCTION
5 1.1. Quick overview
5 1.2. About this manual
5 1.3. Unpacking
6 2. CONNECTIONS
6 2.1. MIDI-connections
6 2.2. Power supply
6 2.3. Prog-Ports
7 3. CONTROL ELEMENTS
8 4. CONCEPT
10 5. DEFAULT-VALUES
11 6. QUICKSTART
14 7. JAM-MODE
14 7.1 Function of the Matrix
14 7.2 Function-button-assignments
15 7.3 Menu-functions in JAM-mode
17 8. SEQ-MODE
17 8.1 Function of the Matrix
18 8.2 Menu-functions and Display
20 8.3 Track-Types
20 8.4 Function-buttons
20 8.4.1 Function-buttons with track-type MONOPHON
23 8.4.2 Function-buttons with track-type POLY
24 8.4.3 Function-buttons with track-type DRUM
26 8.5 Spezialfunctions in SEQ-mode for DRUMPATTERN
27 8.6 Odd numbered sequence lenght (STEP and TRIM)
28 8.7 RATCHET function
29 8.8 COPY / PASTE / CLEAR
30 8.9 Random generator RND
30 8.10 MIDI-THRU
31 8.11 Recording notes and controllers with external MIDI-Keyboard
32 9. SONG-MODUS
33 9.1 Sequence chains
34 9.2 Parts
37 10. PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS AND MIDI
38 11. RECAP: SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS/BUTTON ASSIGNMENTS
39 12. APPENDIX

5
1
INTRODUCTION
1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Quick overview
SEQ12 is a MIDI-step-sequencer. It uses a pattern based structure. Patterns, called
sequences in this case, contain steps with MIDI-notes and MIDI-controller-data. Sequences
form melodies, chord progressions or drum-patterns. These may be arranged in parallel tracks
with individual MIDI-channels, resulting in complex sequences which can be manipulated in
real time.
Therefore, SEQ12 is a live-capable tool to create and arrange pattern-based music. It lends
itself to be used as a standalone sequencer, but may as well be perfectly combined with a
DAW, to hugely expand whose possibilities.
1.2. About this manual
Despite its clearly laid out user-interface, not all functions of your SEQ12 are self-explanatory,
naturally. Therefore we urgently recommend that you read and internalize this manual! Only
like that, you will unlock the full potential of your new sequencer.
To organize this manual in a clear way, certain terms and sections are highlighted:
• This is how a control element during operation is indicated: „Select MOD“
• The matrix-buttons are described like this: (X/Y). X represents the horizontal position,
Y the vertical position. Therefore, matrix-button (4/2) is the fourth button in track 2.
• This is how a display-text is indicated: „The display indicates
PATTERN “
• This is how an important hint is indicated:
IMPORTANT! Always and exclusively use the provided power supply!
• This is how a tip for practical use is indicated:
TIP: The TRIM-function can be used to perform.
1.3. Unpacking
Carefully remove SEQ12 from its packaging. The box contains:
• your SEQ12 step-sequencer
• an external power supply (12 volts DC, 1000mA, pin = plus)
• this manual
IMPORTANT! Keep the original box and the packaging material. In case, your SEQ12
has to be sent somewhere, the original box and packaging is the safest way to trans-
port the unit.
We‘re ready to go now - Mode Machines wishes you a good time!

6
2
CONNECTIONS
2. CONNECTIONS
2.1. MIDI-connections
On its rear panel, SEQ12 offers connectors for MIDI-units. There are three outputs and one
input. To ensure optimal timing, SEQ12 offers three MIDI-outputs. If possible use these outputs
in parallel and avoid serial chaining of MIDI-units. Connect a suitable MIDI-unit to the MIDI-
input, such as a master-keyboard.
2.2. Power supply
Inaddition,youwillalsondtheconnectorforthesuppliedpower adapter (12 volts DC,
1000mA). It is labeled DC IN 12V.
IMPORTANT! Always and exclusively use the provided power supply! Using a power
supply with wrong performance data may result in damage of the SEQ12. Mode
Machines is not liable for damages resulting from wrong power supplies.
2.3. Prog-Ports
The connectors PROG 1 and PROG 2 will allow the connection of programming units to carry
outrmwareupdates.
MIDI Synth 1
MIDI Synth 2
MIDI Synth 3 MIDI-Keyboard
Power
Supply

7
3
CONTROL ELEMENTS
3. CONTROL ELEMENTS
The buttons of the user-interface are sorted by function into three sections. The Matrix claims
the largest space. It consists of 12 lines and 16 columns. The matrix serves to program
sequences and to display and edit different types of MIDI-data. Depending on the mode being
selected, it may also display the progression of different sequences.
To the left of the matrix, 12 function-buttons are placed in vertical order. These serve
different purposes, depending on the mode being selected: For example, you select, which
MIDI-data are going to be displayed or edited. This may be notes, velocity- or controller-data
for example. The four lowermost buttons may be assigned to carry out copy-functions. In
certain modes, the function-buttons serve to select tracks or as mute-buttons for those.
On the right hand side, there are buttons to carry out control-functions. The topmost three
buttons select the main view resp. the MODE. There is a MENU for each MODE. This contains
additional parameters that can be edited using the navigation-cursor and that will be shown
in the display.
The lowermost three buttons are used for transport control.
Function Buttons
Mode Buttons
Display
Cursor
Control Functions
Playback Functions
Matrix

8
4
CONCEPT
4. CONCEPT
As described earlier, SEQ12 is a pattern-based step-sequencer which creates MIDI-data. To
illustrate the concept, we will explain a couple of important terms here:
SEQUENCE
A sequence is the smallest unit within the SEQ12. It contains up to 16 steps, representing
MIDI-datasuchasnotes,controllers,shufeetc.
SEQ-mode
The SEQ-mode is used to program a sequence using the matrix or an external MIDI-input
device (e.g. a master-keyboard).
In SEQ-mode, the matrix visualizes steps with certain MIDI-data of the corresponding sequen-
ce which can be selected using the function-buttons 1 to 8(notes, octave range, step-length,
velocity,controller-values,shufeetc.).
A progressing locator-bar moving from left to right indicates the current step-position.
Parameter values such as velocity, controllers or step-length are visualized as LED-bars in the
matrix.
SEQ12 allows to store 16 sequences per track.
TRACK
SEQ12 offers 12 tracks, arranged one below the other in the matrix. Each track addresses one
of the three MIDI-outputs. Each track can additionally be assigned to one of three „track-
types“.Alloftheseareoptimizedregardingtotheirspecicmatrixvisualization.Inaddition,
they offer different functions. These are the track-types available:
• MONO: A monophonic track can only play one note per step and offers three
controller-tracks.
• POLY: Polyphonic tracks allow to play multiple notes per step. This makes them suited for
chords. Polyphonic tracks offer two controller-tracks.
• DRUM: Drum-tracks are optimized to address drum computers or similar units. The
  matrixformsapatternwhereeachlinecanbesettotransmitadenablenote.For
example, you may set the bass drum to the lowest line, followed by the snare drum
above and so on. This way, you can address up to twelve different drum sounds
from a single track. Drum-tracks also offer two controller-tracks.
JAM-mode
The JAM-mode is the performance mode of the SEQ12. In JAM-mode, the matrix displays
12 tracks with 16 sequences each. This way it is possible to directly select any of the 16
available sequences for each of the 12 tracks for immediate playback.
The function-buttons to the left activate respectively mute the 12 tracks.

9
4
CONCEPT
Assumingthedifferenttrackscarryspecicmusicalpurposes(e.g.track1=melody,track2=
bassline,track3=chords,track4=drums),itispossibletoeasilycreateasong„onthey“in
JAM-mode.
It just requires two „clicks“ to switch from JAM-mode to SEQ-mode where, likewise, you can
edittheselectedsequences„onthey“.
SONG-mode
SONG-mode allows the creation and playback of longer and more complex arrangements or
even full songs. Even here, it is possible to change the sequence-progress in real time.
In SONG-mode, every track is given an individual series of up to 64 sequences which is called
a sequence-chain.
Part
The 12 sequence-chains of all tracks build a part. The SEQ12 can store up to eight parts. Parts
may be changed while the sequencer is running. Given that parts could equal song-parts, you
will have a choice of intro, verse, break, outro etc., which can all be called up to taste.
In this mode, the matrix serves to select parts as well as to display the sequence-chains of a
selected track. In song-mode, the locator-bar moves from top to bottom!
SETUP
The topmost hierarchic-level is the „setup“. A setup contains the settings of all data that can be
changed by the user. This includes all parts, contained sequences and sequence-chains as
well as the global settings. You may compare a „setup“ to a „song“. SEQ12 allows to store up to
32 setups.

10
5
DEFAULT VALUES
5. DEFAULT-VALUES
After switching on the SEQ12, it will automatically enable JAM-mode with the following de-
fault-setup:
Tempo : 126 BPM
Track 1 : monophonic, OUTPUT 1, MIDI-channel 1
...
Track 2 : monophonic, OUTPUT 1, MIDI-channel 6
Track 7 : monophonic, OUTPUT 2, MIDI-channel 1
...
Track 10 : monophonic, OUTPUT 2, MIDI-channel 4
Track11 :Drum,OUTPUT3,MIDI-channel10 (preconguredforJoMoXXBase999)
Track12 :Drum,OUTPUT3,MIDI-channel14 (preconguredforElektronAnalogRytm)
TIP: Here‘s an example for a useful track assignment:
You may connect a drum-synthesizer to the third MIDI-output (tracks 11 and 12).
Sequence 1 of track 11 is preset with note-assignments for the JoMox model
XBase 999. The bass drum is set in the lowermost line, followed by the snare and
so on ...
Equally, sequence 1 of track 12 is preset with note-assignments for the Elektron
model Analog Rytm.
Tracks 1 to 6 are routed to a polyphonic synthesizer connected to MIDI-output.
Tracks 7 to 10 are routed to a unit connected to MIDI-output 2.