Mopho step sequencer?

[mirland]

New to the forum so please be gentle

I've bought my first hw synth - a Mopho. But I really really don't understand how to use the step sequencer. Could anyone write a small how-to? I simply don't get it - how to "play" the sequence and how to save it? The manual is not exactly helpful...

TIA

[alexp]

I have no idea about the mophos sequencer, but welcome!!!

Lots of people here can help you out. I know it sounds great! Sounds like you have made a fantastic first choice.

Cheers, and enjoy the forums!

alexP

[badmark]

Hi. Probably the best thing you could do is download and install the mopho editor (either the free or the paid-for version), which should make things a lot clearer for you. It's just about possible to program the step sequencer from the assignable knobs on the mopho itself - scroll through the list and there's an option to turn the sequencer on and off - but I don't imagine it would be a whole lot of fun.

[Resonant Serpent]

Originally Posted by messer

New to the forum so please be gentle

I've bought my first hw synth - a Mopho. But I really really don't understand how to use the step sequencer. Could anyone write a small how-to? I simply don't get it - how to "play" the sequence and how to save it? The manual is not exactly helpful...

TIA

The dedicated editor is the easiest way to edit the sequencer. Also, make sure you turn the sequencer on, and you tell it what to sequence. Each set of sequences is saved with the patch. So, just save the patch you're working on when you get something you like. You can play the sequence by pushing the 'push it' button on the front. It's been a while since I had mine, and sold it, but it's first on the list of things I want to get back.

[msl]

Yes you need the editor, there is a free one on the DSI site but the pro ($30) version has many more features. There is also a downloadable manual for the editor, with lots of screen shots, from this you'll get the basic idea quickly. Basically there are 4x32 note sequencers that can control a wide variety of functions, pitch, lfo's, noise, etc, etc. The pro editor has many automated functions for altering the sequences.

[d.dot]

Originally Posted by msl

the pro ($30) version has many more features.

Do you think it's worth getting the Pro version? I'm not new to engineering and producing, but when it comes to programing analog synths, I'm whatever you call someone beneath a hack or noob.

[GeorgeHayduke]

Originally Posted by d.dot

Do you think it's worth getting the Pro version? I'm not new to engineering and producing, but when it comes to programing analog synths, I'm whatever you call someone beneath a hack or noob.

I think you'll be fine with the free one until you've got the hang of the basics. There's nothing you can't do soundwise in the free editor.

Btw. a VST-edition will be coming out at some point...

[msl]

Well see for yourself, the free one is fine to start with, but you'll want the other features later. Esp program genetics and automated functions for the sequencer.

[mirland]

OK. Well, it's not really a major issue for me - I was just wondering since the "manual" for the Mopho is rather "simplistic" I have an idea of getting away from the computer and start using hardware instead of software to get the feeling of playing instead of clicking the mouse all the time (I used to play drums)... So next up will be a drum machine of sorts and mayhap an effects module... Final sequencing will be done in ProTools though.

The Mopho sounds great btw!

[Derp]

Originally Posted by messer

I have an idea of getting away from the computer and start using hardware instead of software to get the feeling of playing instead of clicking the mouse all the time (I used to play drums)...

Just wait until you can make entire songs without the computer being on. It really is liberating.

[mirland]

Yes, I really look forward to that point. But it's a bit of a task defining what is needed and what is not. Eventually I will need a drum machine and an effects module... I'd like to keep things at a minimum.

[Mike6581]

I'd definately use the software editor for doing step sequences. In theory you can do it from the front panel, but it will be a bit nightmarish. At it's most simple level it works like this:

You have 16 steps. For each step you can define what the pitch is relative to the root note you are playing. The sequence will change key depending on what key you press on your keyboard, but the sequence will still be the same progression. Unless you're doing some kind of 5th note patch, both oscillators will probably still be on C, so if you for instance did a sequence that went:

C2,D2,E2,F2,G2,A2,B2,C3,etc

You'd have it playing a major scale over and over again. Hold down the C key and it's the C-major scale, hold down the G key and it's G-major. You'll notice that it's not playing the notes you programmed, it's playing the same relative distance from the root notes. A major scale is a really rubbish example I realise but I hope that shows you how it works.

To spice things up, try adding rests or changing the tempo of the sequence. You can also set the reset point of the sequence to be a lot shorter than the 16 notes.

Also don't forget you can also use the sequencer to control things like the filter and PWM, as well as note information.

[mirland]

Originally Posted by Mike6581

I'd definately use the software editor for doing step sequences. In theory you can do it from the front panel, but it will be a bit nightmarish. At it's most simple level it works like this:

You have 16 steps. For each step you can define what the pitch is relative to the root note you are playing. The sequence will change key depending on what key you press on your keyboard, but the sequence will still be the same progression. Unless you're doing some kind of 5th note patch, both oscillators will probably still be on C, so if you for instance did a sequence that went:

C2,D2,E2,F2,G2,A2,B2,C3,etc

You'd have it playing a major scale over and over again. Hold down the C key and it's the C-major scale, hold down the G key and it's G-major. You'll notice that it's not playing the notes you programmed, it's playing the same relative distance from the root notes. A major scale is a really rubbish example I realise but I hope that shows you how it works.

To spice things up, try adding rests or changing the tempo of the sequence. You can also set the reset point of the sequence to be a lot shorter than the 16 notes.

Also don't forget you can also use the sequencer to control things like the filter and PWM, as well as note information.

Thanks! Exactly what I was looking for.

[Mike6581]

Glad to be of help. It's a bit trial and error getting the sequence from your head into step form when you've not used one before, it took me a bit to get to grips with the one on the Prophet 08 when I first got it, but once you've got the hang of it you'll be sorted.

[mirland]

What really triggers me about the Mopho is the real time tweaking. It suits me very well - but sometimes you just need that sequence pumping