Rhythm Patterns Question

I just got my X6 and I posted a very similar question three days ago, for which I got no reply. I therefore spent quite some time with both modes and apparently (also from what I understand of the manual) they are sadly not connected. God knows why.

As of now, when I start banging rhythms which I like, I use RPS instead of the Rhythm function. You just record your pattern in Song mode (in the Ptn section), looping and layering if you which - à la Groovebox - and then assign it to a pad or key with RPS. This is actually extremely cool because you can have 100 patterns in a song which can be mutually exclusive (using mute groups) or simultaneous, and aligned to beats or measures.

The only drawback in this method is that you don't get the flashy step editor. For precise editing you have to resort to Micro Edit but compared to world peace I think it's a minor issue.

Note to Roland : how difficult would it be to add a function called "Convert Channel 10 data to Rhythm Pattern"?

Hope this helps.

"...I notice that in the rhythm pattern screen you cannot select the note value of each note as in the real step recording mode, which kind of limits your ability to create the exact beats you want."

Actually you can "event edit" your patterns in song mode. When creating patterns you should see an F Key for this purpose. It works just like "event edit" for a track.

Hi guys.

Welcome to the Roland Clan.

Rhythm patterns are different and separate from sequencer patterns stored in the Pattern track. Rhythm patterns are much more limited and more like a basic drum machine than the patterns in the sequencer. I believe Roland included them to allow users to quickly create rhythm ideas and to easily map percussion sounds to a grid.

Though you can't directly call a Rhythm pattern from within a sequence, once you create a Rhythm pattern you like, you can record it into a sequencer pattern. Then you can insert a pattern call into any track. I believe the primary reason for the confusion is that the sequencer pattern feature is a legacy feature inherited from previous MRC Pro sequencers (like the XP-80 and XP-60). In those earlier MRC Pro sequencers, the sequencer patterns were simply called "Patterns." With the Fantom-S, Roland introduced separate Rhythm patterns, which should really be called something else, like Rhythm Templates, Grooves, or Drum Sequences to eliminate confusion.

talino pretty much has the idea. For complex patterns, use the sequencer patterns. For basic ideas and grooves, the Rhythm patterns are fine, and can add nicely to a live performance.

Regards,

Nathan Sheldon
http://www.nathansheldon.com/