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332 Chapter 23 Ultrabeat
Note: When you modulate Time, increasing velocity values lead to a reduction in length
of the envelope segment. Lower velocity values increase the length of the envelope
segment.
Sustain
Activation of the Sustain button causes a red handle (and vertical line) to appear on the
x-axis. This can be moved horizontally—but only within the decay segment area. The
amplitude that the envelope reaches at the Sustain junction point is retained until the
MIDI note is released. After receiving the MIDI note off command, the envelope
continues for the remaining decay time.
Note: If the Sustain button is not activated, the envelope functions in “one shot” mode,
and the note length (MIDI note off command) is disregarded.
Zoom (to fit)
When you select the Zoom button, the envelope is enlarged to fill the entire width of
the display, making it easier to adjust junction points and curves. The graphic display is
quickly redrawn after any change is made to the Attack or Decay values.
Note: When the Zoom function is selected, the decay junction point can be dragged
beyond the right-hand edge of the display area, in order to lengthen the decay time.
After you release the mouse button, the envelope graphic is automatically resized to fit
the display area.
Zoom A/D
The Zoom A button only shows the attack phase across the entire width of the display,
and the Zoom D button only shows the decay phase. This allows easier and more
accurate edits to envelope shapes, even down to millisecond values.
The Step Sequencer
The integrated step sequencer allows all Ultrabeat sounds to be combined in
sequences, based on patterns. It’s design and use (step programming input) are based
on analog predecessors.
Dependent on your personal taste and favored musical style, you’ll want to control
Ultrabeat from either the integrated step sequencer or from Logic, when programming
rhythms. Combining both sequencers is also possible; they both can be active at the
same time, and are automatically synchronized with each other. Logic’s song tempo
stipulates the tempo of Ultrabeat’s internal step sequencer.
Before we turn our attention to Ultrabeat’s step sequencer, let’s take a brief look back at
the early days of sequencing.