WMD Metron User manual

USER MANUAL
ADVANCED TRIGGER
AND GATE SEQUENCER
METRON

ADVANCED TRIGGER
AND GATE SEQUENCER
METRON

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................4
1.1 CONVENTIONS OF THIS MANUAL..............................................................................5
2. USER INTERFACE AND CONNECTIONS............................................................................6
2.1 FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW.......................................................................................7
2.2 REAR CONNECTIONS................................................................................................8
3. OVERVIEW OF METRON’S STRUCTURE.........................................................................10
3.1 SETTINGS FILE........................................................................................................10
3.2 PROJECT..................................................................................................................10
3.3 SESSION..................................................................................................................10
3.4 VARIATION................................................................................................................11
3.5 TRACKS....................................................................................................................11
4. BASIC FUNCTIONS.........................................................................................................12
4.1 VARIATIONS..............................................................................................................12
4.1.1 Editing / Playing Variation..................................................................................12
4.1.2 Select a Variation for Editing............................................................................13
4.1.3 Follow...............................................................................................................13
End of Variation..................................................................................................13
End of Bar...........................................................................................................13
Instant.................................................................................................................13
4.2 COMPOSE MODE....................................................................................................14
4.2.1 Quick Burst / Quick Gate..................................................................................15
4.3 SINGLE TRACK VIEW..............................................................................................16
4.4 RESET / PAUSE........................................................................................................17
4.5 DUPLICATE..............................................................................................................18
4.6 CLEAR.....................................................................................................................20
4.7 NUDGE.....................................................................................................................21
4.8 PATTERN LENGTH...................................................................................................21
4.9 MEMORY................................................................................................................22
4.9.1 Save Session....................................................................................................22
4.9.2 Load Session at End of Bar..............................................................................22
4.9.3 Load Variation Instant.....................................................................................23
4.9.4 Quick Load 5 Variations Instant......................................................................23
4.9.5 S.BUS Loading.................................................................................................23
4.9.6 Clear Memory Slot.........................................................................................23
4.10 RECORD.................................................................................................................24
4.10.1 Record Manual Gate.......................................................................................24
4.10.2 Record Silence................................................................................................24
5. ADVANCED SEQUENCING.............................................................................................26

5.1 BURST MODE / GATE MODE....................................................................................26
5.2 MICROTIMING..........................................................................................................27
5.2.1 Enter Microtiming Mode...................................................................................27
5.3 RANDOM MODE......................................................................................................28
5.3.1 Random Pattern...............................................................................................28
5.3.2 Probabilty........................................................................................................28
5.3.3 Group Probability.............................................................................................28
5.3.4 Alternate Event...............................................................................................29
5.4 TRIPLET..................................................................................................................29
5.5 PER-TRACK SHUFFLE.............................................................................................29
6. FILL FX..........................................................................................................................30
6.1 MUTE........................................................................................................................31
6.1.1 Recall Mute Scenes...........................................................................................31
6.1.2 To Set a Mute Scene...........................................................................................31
6.1.3 Mute Scene Track Enable..................................................................................31
6.2 ROLL.......................................................................................................................32
6.2.1 Roll Track Enable.............................................................................................32
6.2.2 Roll Pattern Replace........................................................................................32
6.2.3 Roll Pattern Special Track Enable....................................................................32
6.3 LOOP.......................................................................................................................34
6.3.1 Loop Track Enable.............................................................................................34
6.4 LATCH FX................................................................................................................34
6.5 INSTANT VARIATION CHANGE................................................................................35
6.6 RECORD FX.............................................................................................................35
7.SPECIALFUNCTIONS.....................................................................................................36
7.1 COMPOSE CHAIN.....................................................................................................36
7.2 DUPLICATE PATTERN LENGTH (DUP.PL).................................................................36
7.3 CONTRACT..............................................................................................................36
7.4 EXPAND..................................................................................................................37
7.5 STEP TO ALL PAGES...............................................................................................37
8.SETTINGS......................................................................................................................38
8.1 TEMPO AND SHUFFLE.............................................................................................38
8.2 GLOBAL SETTINGS..................................................................................................38
9.ASSIGNABLEINPUTS....................................................................................................40
9.1 ASSIGN FUNCTIONS.................................................................................................41
10.S.BUS...........................................................................................................................44
11. SPECS..........................................................................................................................46
12.CREDITS.......................................................................................................................48
13.GLOSSARY...................................................................................................................49

1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the WMD Metron Performance Sequencer. Metron is a
dynamic performance gate sequencer ideal for real-time pattern creation, live
performance, and improvisation. It features 16 outputs and over 93 buttons,
making it easy to “push” the rhythm and control of your Eurorack into
rewarding territories. To make the most of the machine, we recommend that
you carefully read this manual.
A Note From the Designer:
WMD’s niche is: “New Sounds, Maximum Experience”, and while Metron may
be silent on its own (unless you really like clicks), it absolutely creates the
maximum experience one can have with modular and rhythm. We have been
pushing our gear to be ever more playable and versatile in a live setting, to
help you play for longer, make better transitions, and get the most out of the
other modules in your rig. We make gear to make your mind’s ear a reality.
Years of internal iteration of Metron gives you modern, unequivocal control
over timed events while retaining the familiarity of the classic trigger
sequencer. We have agonized over all aspects of the human interface to
create a device that allows the immediate expression of rhythm. Three years
of development, sixteen hardware revisions, and thousands of hours coding
have resulted in a machine that is both fluidly satisfying to play and vast
enough to challenge and excite its human for years.
Thank you for supporting WMD, you allow us to continue to create. We hope
to do the same for you.
4
1. INTRODUCTION

5
1.1 CONVENTIONS OF THIS MANUAL
We have used the following conventions throughout the manual:
Button names are written in uppercase and bracketed letters.
For instance, the button labeled “DUPL” is called [DUPL]. Encoder 1 would be
referred to as ENCODER 1, while the encoder 1 button will be [ENCODER 1]. A
push of the encoder button will be indicated with brackets, while a turn of the
encoder will not.
Mode names are capitalized followed by the word Mode. The Compose Mode is
an example of this.
Functions where settings can be made or actions performed are written in
upper case letters and underlined. For example: RECORD SILENCE.
Messages visible on a screen are written in upper case letters and enclosed in
apostrophes. Like this: ‘ENABLE’
The following symbols are used throughout the manual:
!Important information you should pay attention to.
A tip to make it easier to interact with Metron.
1. INTRODUCTION
Blinking LED: Switches
between bright on and off.
Breathing LED: slowly pulses
between bright and dim.
Bright LED
Dim LED

6
2. USER INTERFACE AND CONNECTIONS
Metron’s interface has been divided into functional sections. These
sections will be referred to by the labels show in the diagram below.
2. USER INTERFACE AND CONNECTIONS

!The memory card is not hot swappable and should be
present in the unit from startup until shutdown.
7
2.1 FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW
I. VARIATIONS: There are 5 VARIATION buttons: A, B, C, D, and E, as well as
the COMPOSE button. Use them to select and navigate between variations.
II. TRACK GROUP: For most modes, Metron can display up to four tracks at a
time. The group of tracks currently displayed are selected with the TRACK
GROUP buttons.
III. TRACK SELECT: Multifunction buttons generally associated with their
corresponding track or MATRIX row function.
IV. FUNCTION BUTTONS: Allow the user to perform functions and enter the
different modes on Metron.
V. MATRIX: The main editing and data entry area of Metron. Its function
changes depending on the current mode.
VI. COUNTER DISPLAY: Simple bar counting display that shows total time
elapsed in the system. Various conditions will cause this counter to reset.
Some modes will use this display for text information.
VII. STEP DISPLAY: Normally displays the master track playhead position
of the playing variation. Some modes will use this to display text
information.
VIII.PAGE DISPLAY: Displays the page you are viewing. There are 16 pages but
only a 1 digit display, so pages 9 — 16 are marked 1. — 8. with a decimal.
IX. ENCODER 1: Responds to push as well as turn. Its function is related to the
current mode.
X. ENCODER 2: Responds to push as well as turn. Its function is related to
the current mode.
XI. MEMORY CARD: Metron requires a memory card for all memory
functions. The unit will operate without a memory card, but nothing will
save.
2. USER INTERFACE AND CONNECTIONS

2.2 REAR CONNECTIONS
I. POWER: Metron uses a 16 pin power connector in order to interface
with the Select Bus. No power is consumed from the +5V or -12V
rails.
II. SYNCBUS: This connector allows for integration with modules and
hardware that uses the SyncBus start/stop protocol.
III. EXP: 2x proprietary bus connectors for connecting multiple Metron
units. One connector has a terminator labeled “EXP TERM.” This
terminator should remain in place at all times.
IV. USB: Development use only. Not for use by customer.
V. BOOT SWITCH: Enables the USB for recovery. Must be set to “NORM”
for Metron to operate.
!The Boot Switch must be set to “NORM” for Metron to
operate. It will not power on if the switch is set to USB.
8
2. USER INTERFACE AND CONNECTIONS

9

3. OVERVIEW OF METRON’S STRUCTURE
The following diagram shows Metron’s interface programming hierarchy.
METRON
project x8
session x64
variation x5
track x16
pattern
data S.BUS
track
internal clock
settings
assign type
& enables
mute scenes
global
settings
roll
patterns
FX enables
mute status
3.1 SETTINGS FILE
All data aside from project data is ultimately stored in the global settings file
at the root of the memory card called “SETTINGS.WMD”.
3.2 PROJECT
The root of the memory card also contains a number of project folders. All
the data for loading and saving is stored inside the project folders. Metron can
store up to 8 projects.
3.3 SESSION
A session represents a memory save in Metron. Every project contains 64
sessions. A session contains the pattern data for 5 variations, 16 Mute Scenes,
and settings for Internal Clock, Assign Input and Per-Track Shuffle.
10
per-track
shuffle
3. OVERVIEW OF METRON’S STRUCTURE

3.5 TRACKS
Metron features 16 standard tracks as well as an S.BUS track, compatible with
Select Bus. Each of these tracks can be up to 256 steps in length. Standard
tracks offer additional deep pattern editing features, like 48ppqn resolution,
shuffle and triplets.
3.4 VARIATION
Variations are Metron’s working memory. Each variation stores all of the
track information. This means the user has 5 quick access memory slots
available to them at all times. Additionally, Metron has the ability to play
and edit separate variations. This allows the user to build a fresh pattern
while the last one is still playing. Variations are the key to dynamic, evolving
performances and composition with Metron.
11
3. OVERVIEW OF METRON’S STRUCTURE

4.1.1 Editing / Playing Variation
The user has the ability to view and edit variations that are not playing. The
variation currently playing is indicated by a bright LED on the VARIATION
buttons. If the editing variation is not the playing variation it will be indicated
by a breathing LED on the VARIATION buttons (fig. 4.1)
Fig. 4.1: Editing and Playing Variation are both Variation A.
4. BASIC FUNCTIONS
4.1 VARIATIONS
Variations are key to making music with Metron. A variation contains the data
for all 16 tracks. The user has 5 variations to facilitate pattern composition,
allowing for seamless transitions when recording or performing live.
12
4. BASIC FUNCTIONS

4.1.2 Select a Variation for Editing
To select a variation for editing simply press the [VARIATION]. To select a
variation to play, see FOLLOW below (fig. 4.2)
Fig. 4.2: Playing Variation is A, a blinking LED indicates that
Variation C will follow.
4.1.3 Follow
Variations can be triggered to follow one another. All playheads will reset once
the new variation begins playing unless otherwise noted.
End of Variation:
Press the [VARIATION] you would like to play once to edit, and a second time
to follow at the end of the variation.
End of Bar:
Press the [VARIATION] that is set to follow at end of the variation currently
playing once more to make it follow at the end of the next bar.
Instant:
Hold [FILL FX] and press the [VARIATION] you would like to play. The variation
will begin playing immediately from the current playhead position.
!Pressing [RESET] will force any pending FOLLOW
operation to happen immediately.
13
4. BASIC FUNCTIONS

4.2 COMPOSE MODE
Compose Mode is considered to be the main or default mode of Metron.
The four rows of the matrix correspond to the four tracks in the current
TRACK GROUP.
Press [COMPOSE] at
any time to return to
Compose Mode.
Enter trigger steps to a track in
Compose Mode by pressing the
[MATRIX]. Press an active step
to turn it off.
14
4. BASIC FUNCTIONS
Mute status of the
track is indicated on
the LED. LED is dim
when muted.

4.2.1 Quick Burst / Quick Gate
The user can quickly enter burst steps without ever leaving Compose Mode by
holding the [MATRIX] step and turning ENCODER 2. The burst type will show on
the CURRENT STEP display.
A similar function is also extended to gates that allows the user to quickly enter
long gates. Hold the corresponding [MATRIX] step and turn ENCODER 1. Turning
the encoder to the left will make a gradually decreasing gate on the held step.
Turning to the right will set the step to 100%. Continuing to turn the encoder
will push 100% gates to the following steps extending to a multi-step gate.
Hold a [STEP] and turn
ENCODER 1 to quickly set gates.
Turn left for smaller than 100%.
Turn right to extend a 100% gate
to the following steps.
Hold a [STEP] and turn
ENCODER 2 to quickly
set bursts.
15
4. BASIC FUNCTIONS
This can be any step
in the MATRIX.

4.3 SINGLE TRACK VIEW
The user also has the option to display four pages of a single track across the
four rows of the MATRIX. This is referred to as Single Track View. Temporarily
enter this view by holding the corresponding [TRACK SELECT] button. Latch
this view by then pressing [COMPOSE] or vice versa.
Hold a [TRACK SELECT]
button to temporarily enter
Single Track Mode for the
corresponding track.
Press [COMPOSE] with
[TRACK SELECT] to
latch Single Track Mode.
16
4. BASIC FUNCTIONS

4.4 RESET / PAUSE
Pressing this button will immediately reset all playheads inside the unit. It
will also force any requested memory loads or follow actions to happen
immediately. The RESET function is available from all modes in Metron,
except for when the [RECORD] button is held. Holding [RECORD] and pressing
[RESET] will pause the sequencer and mute the outputs. Repeat this button
combination to unpause.
Hold [RECORD] then press
[RESET] to pause the
sequencer and mute the
outputs.
17
4. BASIC FUNCTIONS
Press [RESET] at
any time to reset
all playheads.

4.5 DUPLICATE
DUPLICATE is one of the most essential functions to working quickly in
Metron. Data types are arranged hierarchically. Anything lower in the
hierarchy can take the data of something higher in the hierarchy, E.G.
a user can copy a variation to a single track (fig. 4.3)
All of Metron’s DUPLICATE functions are performed using a similar button
combination. The user enters Duplicate Mode by holding [DUPLICATE]. The
sequence of buttons pressed after entering Duplicate Mode determines the
data that will duplicate. First press is Copy and subsequent presses are Paste.
Paste actions will continue until [DUPLICATE] is released, unless otherwise
noted in the following section.
[Copy VARIATION]
[Copy page]
[Copy step]
STEP 1: COPY
STEP display will show ‘CPY’
before the first button press
18
[Copy track]
4. BASIC FUNCTIONS
STEP 2: PASTE
The STEP and COUNTER
displays will show the copied
data after the first press.

DUPLICATE TYPES
A number of special helper functions are also contained in
Duplicate Mode. These are CONTRACT, EXPAND, and PL.DUP
(Pattern Length Duplicate). Find out more about these functions
in Section 7. SPECIAL FUNCTIONS (fig. 4.6)
fig. 4.3
fig. 4.6
19
4. BASIC FUNCTIONS
COPY PASTE
VARIATION VARIATION
PAGE
TRACK
PAGE PAGE
TRACK
TRACK TRACK
STEP STEP
TRACK