Operation Manual

MATRIX PATTERN SEQUENCER
297
Programming Patterns
Pattern Basics
Matrix contains a built-in pattern sequencer. Unlike the main sequencer in Reason, the
Matrix sequencer repeatedly plays back a pattern of a specified length. The typical ex-
ample in the “real world” (as well as in Reason) is a drum machine which plays drum
patterns, usually one or two bars in length.
Having the same pattern repeat throughout a whole song may be fine in some cases,
but most often you want some variations. The solution is to create several different
patterns and program pattern changes (automatic switching from one pattern to an-
other) at the desired positions in the song.
How the Matrix pattern sequencer integrates with the main
Sequencer
The built-in pattern sequencer in the Matrix interacts with the main Reason sequencer
in the following ways:
D The tempo set on the transport panel is used for all playback.
If the Tempo track (see page 94) is used, Matrix will follow this.
D If you start playback for the main sequencer (on the transport panel), the
Matrix will automatically start as well (provided the pattern sequencer
hasn’t been disabled - see below).
D You can mute and solo Matrix tracks in the sequencer.
If the Matrix has a track in the sequencer and you mute this track, Matrix will auto-
matically be muted as well. This is indicated by a Mute indicator on the device
panel. If there are several note lanes on the Matrix track, their respective mute sta-
tus will not be indicated on the device panel.
D You can also run Matrix separately (without starting the main sequencer)
by clicking the Run button on the device panel.
This starts the built-in pattern sequencer in the device. To stop playback, click the
Run button again or click the Stop button on the Transport panel.
D If you are running Matrix separately and start playback of the main se-
quencer, the pattern device will automatically restart in sync with the se-
quencer.
D Pattern changes can be controlled by a pattern lane in the main se-
quencer.
In other words, you can record or create pattern changes in the main sequencer,
and have them occur at the correct position on playback.
Selecting Patterns
The Matrix has 32 pattern memories, divided into four banks
(A, B, C, D).
The Bank and Pattern buttons for the Matrix pattern sequencer.
D To select a pattern in the current bank, click on the desired Pattern but-
ton (1-8).
D To select a pattern in another bank, first click the desired Bank button (A,
B, C, D) and then click the Pattern button.
Nothing happens until you click the Pattern button.
The pattern change takes effect on the next downbeat according to the time signature
set in the transport panel or on the transport track.
The Pattern Enable switch
The Pattern Enable switch.
Next to the Bank and Pattern buttons you will find an additional switch, which is nor-
mally activated. If you click this to turn it off, the pattern playback will be disabled,
starting at the next downbeat - exactly as if you had selected an empty (silent) pattern.
For example, this can be used for bringing Matrix patterns in and out of the mix during
playback.
Steps
Matrix patterns consist of a number of discrete steps. For each step, you can enter a
note, a CV value and a Curve value. When you run the pattern, each step will be
played back in turn and will play a sound or send out the information programmed for
this step. If you have ever used a drum machine, this will be obvious to you.
Clearing a Pattern
To clear (empty) a pattern, select it and use the Clear Pattern command on the Edit
menu or device context menu.