MIDI Sync Mode: this isn't completely clear, but then again I don't have a DAW, just a sequencer but the theory should still hold. When you say "by pressing F#1" is that on the x0xb0x keyboard as well as from a sequencer? What modes is this designed to work in (User-A etc)? Actually that question relates to all functions - any way of outlining exactly what modes each item works in??
It works only in MIDI Sync mode - I thought that`s obvious. Any note-press mentioned relate to incoming midi, not to the box`buttons. The entire mode is meant to make the box play the right thing at the right time without touching the box` buttons, controlled from "outside". Can`t say how much sense this makes if it`s not a DAW to control it..
Auto Var is applied in any mode whenever the thing is playing, but to EDIT it you must be in USER_B mode.
Swing and Gate length is also applied in any mode, but to EDIT it you must be in play mode, not in pattern edit mode (buttons are used elsewise there).
Randomizer is available only in pattern edit mode.
Smart Randomizer and New Macro Functions: seems to work well, and gives great scope for variations. i take it though there isn't any easy way to get back to your original (pre-randomised) pattern without selecting another pattern and then selecting back again? Might be better using "Slide Button (“Default”): Defaults the pattern to “da-da-da-da-da-da...”." to reset the pattern to its original?
To go back, go to any other play mode (without having pressed DONE) and then back (same workflow as for any other editing) - But your idea is actually good and reasonable, - I`ll consider it (
next update will be usability only).
New Swing: seems to work but not terribly useful as the results were not overly noticeable. Maybe the new depths require a lot of button pressing compared to the old version? My tempo was around 116 - should it be higher to get a more noticeable effect? Might just be my patterns were duff!
The tempo is fine. Press is 2,3 times to get 20%, 30% swing - a subtle swing sometimes used by me. Press it 4,5,6 times to get an obvious swing. Press it 10 times to get straight triplets.
Variable Gate Time: works but wasn't able to get anything that sounded 'good' so maybe need to experiment with different types of pattern.
Typical 303 Acid pattern are better at normal length, no doubt. It`s just perfect what the thing normally does. But I found very cool patterns for shorter gate length, when there is also many longer-than-one-step notes, so the remaining short notes sound like little "ghost notes". Certain other patterns in certain contexts make sense with longer gate times. I have the Env-Mod-Zero mod, so I can create pad-like constant-output patterns, that are just "flat" for example, which I think is cool, and be it just "for the break". Also when running lower tempo, say 80 bpm, having longer gate times also is useful, I think ( I have 2 main projects, and one is, well, ..
slow)
Automatic (Runtime-) Variation: Sounded good, especially in the very low settings as introduced a nice variety. Could this be made available while the pattern is running? Otherwise its a bit clunky going into User-B while things are stopped then going back again to hear any results?
Yes, I`m currently thinking about exactly this, working on it. My idea at this point is, that in any play mode the workflow could be like this:
1) Press and Hold the Tempo Knob
2) While holding it select the parameter you want to change (Slide Var Prob., Accent Var. Prob., Octave Var. Prob) by pressing SLIDE, ACC, UP.
3) The box keeps playing - but LED (step/bank etc) don`t light anymore, because now you`re in Adjustment mode for Auto Variation.
4) Now turning the tempo knob increases/ decreases the probabilty of the parameter selected before - and the value is shown on bank LED
5) To change a different parameter press SLIDE, ACC or UP again.
6) To disable all auto var press DONE
7) To leave the mode press the Tempo Knob again