What this really is, is a pocket loop station / widget that allows you to layer sound in real time. You can use your computer keyboard for faster performance or simply click around the interface itself. Its design encourage precise pattern editing but also live improvisation too.
To begin, press Wind to start the loop and the sequencer will kick in. Here’s what you see, a sixteen step grid divided into four lanes. Each one control a sound source. Lane 1 is a kick drum, lane 2 is a snare, lane 3 is a bass pluck, and lane 4 is harmonic chord stabs.
How to Use the Sound Loop Tool
Tap on any cell in the grid to switch that sound on or off. This creates the rhythmic backbone of your track.
The four big pads on the top of the deck are for live performance. You can map them to your keyboard too so you can play the sounds that way. The R key is the chord, the E key is the bass, the W key is the snare, and the Q key is the kick. With this mapping, you can have your hands on keyboard as you experiment with different rhythms. They sound straight away which makes them good for live improvisation.
The Record feature uses the arm quantized overdub button. Once armed, it will record your live strikes into the closest available next step on the grid. You’re free to play as you like and it’ll snap your timing to the beat. It is great for building up complex patterns quickly without needing to place each note manually. You can toggle it on or off at any point during playback.
Slip reel buttons control timing. They move the whole lane pattern forward or back one sixteenth note. This means that you get syncopation but don’t have to redraw the pattern. It’s a quick way to adjust timing and give some groove. On your keyboard you can achieve this with the bracket keys.
More control of your transports is provided by the buttons here. If you don’t want to begin with no pattern loaded, then the Scatter a groove will load in a default pattern across each lane. Here’s an immediate beat to build around. If you’ve filled out too many lanes, just hit the Unthread all button that cleans up your lanes. And when it’s time to clear the slate for something fresh, use this button. Still the reels halts play back and cancels scheduled voices.
On the right are some dropdowns and sliders that adjust the global settings. The tempo slider adjusts the speed in BPM. The swing slider introduces a shuffle feel to the timing. The master slider controls the overall volume. The loop key selector will change the tonal center. You have options for A minor, C, D, F, and G. It affects both the chord layers and the pitch of the bass.
The Mute and Solo buttons let you control each of the lanes separately: Muting a lane will make it silent but preserve its patterns. Solo’ing a lane will mute every other lane so that you can concentrate on that part alone. Click on a lane’s step to select it. Or press a number key (1-4) to do so.
Press the arrow keys to navigate around the grid. Use Space/Enter to toggle the selected cell. Add a simple kick pattern on the one and five beats, then arm quantized overdub to capture your live strikes into the nearest upcoming step on the grid. Tap your snare with the W key, and listen to how it quantizes what you play. Tweak the swing slider until you’re feeling it. Later slip that snare reel in to give your groove a more laid back feel. Change the loop key to hear how it changes the harmony.
To see a larger view, press the fullscreen button. It removes all browser clutter so you can focus on the grid. This is useful if you have a small screen. The Help panel is a handy shortcut key reference to help you learn the keyboard controls. Leave it up while you get used to it.
To get the mix right, experiment with soloing/muting. Solo that bass and see how it blends with the kick. Mute those chords and listen for the rhythm on its own. Keep the levels comfortabley using the volume slider.
Construct your loop gradually. One instrument at a time. It’s a playful, patient sort of tool. Begin with a single lane and expand outward as you wish. Keyboard provides speed; Mouse offers precision. Modify the key for fresh harmonic color. Alter the tempo to suit your mood. All the necessary controls is in hand. Wind up that loop and let it go.