Sharing my learnings from tonight: First press SEQ. Press Edit/TRig on. Then Press KIT/SQ to get to the Kit menue. Then put in PLocks for each single step on a sequence. Set them all to your average level. Now press Kit/SQ again to get to the Pitch/Leveling Menue. Use the Curser right arrow to find the similar P-Lock Menue. Now CLEAR all steps in the sequence! Repeat this procedere for all instruments and save Kit & Pattern as master file. At the P-LOck Menue one may switch from one lock to another via the left/right arrows and set it to a unique level with the data wheel. You can now put steps in or out to your liking. Or bring them back in whenever you need. All PL stay in memory. With Push-Button 13 (Manual says 12 but is wrong - at least on my alpha) you can disable/enable the value for each step by pushing Button 13. (turnes back to your average level) Use arrow buttons to get to the next Locks. I saved a master Kit for all Instruments with average PLs at each single Instrument as a starting point. (I disarmed all steps in the sequences so I just need to put it in to my needs. The PL-Menue Mode is a helpful overview, for example with Hihats. (Ad on: changing the value of an already locked step by pressing the step and changing to a new parameter via one of the push-buttons will change ALL PLs to this new parameter. Each single values will stay the same, but with the new parameter..) Maybe you already knew it..Have fun!
do you know how long the parameter lock sequence is? On the Xbase 999 it was only 16 steps, even if your full loop was 32. is it the same on the alpha?
Hi...i bougth this alpha base two months ago...i having a issue...in the fisrts three kits of instruments i cant change the open hat sample.....do you know how i can fix it? Thanks
Thanks for this demo!! From what i remember, on the X-base 999 the parameter locks only effected 16 steps, not 32. So if you change a value on step 1 this will be mirrored on step 17 etc. Essentially you have a 32 step loop on the sequencer but the parameter lock loop is only 16 steps. It always annoyed me. Could anyone let me know if this is the same on the Alpha Base, or can you have 32 different steps with 32 different parameter locks? In my opinion the parameter locks should just effect that one step, not every step thereafter, for the price-tag on this machine that needs an update. Seems so fiddly this way.
The p-locks have a slightly different concept. You can change only one single parameter per step. But this parameter may be an entire instrument. The p-lock is equal to a send of a single midi cc to the machine at the selected step.
Thanks for the response. Does this work for all 32 steps then? I.e. if you set the decay on step 1 to 100 can you also set the decay on step 17 to 0? On the 999 steps 1 and 17 had to be the same. Just like steps 2 and 18 had to be the same, and so on, because the P-lock loop was only 16 steps long, not 32. Then I also have another question - How easy is it to record live parameter changes? Are you able to tweak the nobs as it runs along?
I don't use p-lock excessively. So, I haven't tested it for longer sequences, but I've heard no complains from others. Actually, the Alpha Base supports 64 steps. Live tweaking is possible, but setting the p-lock twice leads to issues when different parameters are involved. But you could delete a p-lock then it would be fine. But not so convenient in a live situation.
Wow, thanks for the quick tutorial. Seems confusing, that locking an existing step influences/changes other steps. Don't you end up in a complete mess when putting in some different locks within one sequence?
Hi there, I got some troubles with the edit mode and maybe you could help me... when I am on Kit 1 pattern 1 for example, saving my pattern (store pattern / store kit) and then move to pattern 2. I want to keep the same kit/instruments from pattern 1 to pattern 2 except 1 instrument changing. Then, if i store the pattern/kit on pattern 2 while changed 1 instrument, when i go back on pattern 1 it would have saved the last changes from pattern 2 to pattern 1, although I want to go free from any pattern with changing instrument but keep the same kit (like i don't want to tweak the same Kick and store it on all different Kit section) Not sure to be clear... best,
Hi! What kind of change do you apply to the second pattern? Do you change some steps or instrument parameters? The latter will of course apply to pattern 1, as well.
After reading this again: You could use a multi kit and set a parameter lock on the instrument at the beginning of the according pattern. Pls, refer to the manual for detailed instructions.
Thank you for the demo of the parameter locks. Looks really complicated compared to electron. Your video is already 3 years old. Has that improved till now?
Thanks, it's not that complicated. Basically, you can change pitch and one parameter per step. It will keep the changed value until another change of the same parameter happens. Meanwhile you've got a second option: When the sequencer is running and you press and hold an instrument trigger, then parameter changes will be recorded as p-locks.
@@GeekGearSynths I can't decide whether to order the Jomox Alpha Base or an Elektron Analog Rytm. Really not an easy task. But I am in Berlin. So maybe I will support the Jomox ;-)
@@kristosvidinakis Soundwise the AB might be the best on the market. But the sequencer is really weak compared to Elektron sequencer. The AB has a really nice roll option. But with an external sequencer you basically have 4 analog mono synths. The Amps are velocity sensitive, the AB has full ADSR channels on six channels (two each VCF, VCA). But it has only on 3 channels an inbuilt tone generator (MBrane, Kick, FM) and on the other channels a noise source (128 noises, 1 white noise generator, 127 metallic noise types). You need samples to bring it to shine (clap etc). The Rytm has an excellent inbuilt sequencer and different analog sound sources, which can be very versatile, but are really classic. The kick and mbrane can go way more crazy on the AB. Currently I am thinking about a Pioneer SP-16 to sequence the AB (until my Cirklon arrives). I was inspired by a jam from Benjamin Damage.
@@kristosvidinakis I never tried this. Okay, it might be possible by using a multikit. These kits do not have their own sound setting, but pick the sounds from different kits. So, you can have your kick from kit 1, your mbrane snare from kit 11, hihats kit 24, etc. And you can p-lock the instruments in the multikit. E.g.: Step 1 kick1, step 5 kick 2, step 9 kick 2, step 13, kick 3 The FX behave in many respects like an instrument and they occupy IMHO an own slot in the multikit. There you can p-lock them. IMHO it's not possible to lower individual send parameters. But I never tried. I didn't even think about this. I will try it later this day.
Kind of weird programming from Jomox but sounds real tight and thanx for showing the procedure. Still dont understand the klick functions of the 4x4 seems to activate more them just muting a voice = strange, more : couldnt find my way out of FX page again
Indeed, pushing the rotary encoders has several functions. The first 11 is to mute the specific track. Number 12 toggles between multi and single kit. No. 13 deletes parameter locks from a selected step, no 14 mutes the fx, no. 15 quick save of the sequences, and no 16 quick save of the kit. Quick save stores the pattern to RAM s.t. you could save your changes to a sequence, change the pattern and recall your saved changes. It's for live programming and it's not stored permanently in flash memory. Writing the flash memory interrupts the reading, so your sounds will stop playing, when doing it live. Therefore the quick save to RAM. For me it took while to understand, but the AB has no menu hierarchy. So, FX is equal to an instrument page or Disc page. To leave you have to choose the section where you want to proceed. You can't leave an instrument page either.
Sharing my learnings from tonight: First press SEQ. Press Edit/TRig on. Then Press KIT/SQ to get to the Kit menue. Then put in PLocks for each single step on a sequence. Set them all to your average level. Now press Kit/SQ again to get to the Pitch/Leveling Menue. Use the Curser right arrow to find the similar P-Lock Menue. Now CLEAR all steps in the sequence! Repeat this procedere for all instruments and save Kit & Pattern as master file.
At the P-LOck Menue one may switch from one lock to another via the left/right arrows and set it to a unique level with the data wheel. You can now put steps in or out to your liking. Or bring them back in whenever you need. All PL stay in memory. With Push-Button 13 (Manual says 12 but is wrong - at least on my alpha) you can disable/enable the value for each step by pushing Button 13. (turnes back to your average level) Use arrow buttons to get to the next Locks.
I saved a master Kit for all Instruments with average PLs at each single Instrument as a starting point. (I disarmed all steps in the sequences so I just need to put it in to my needs. The PL-Menue Mode is a helpful overview, for example with Hihats. (Ad on: changing the value of an already locked step by pressing the step and changing to a new parameter via one of the push-buttons will change ALL PLs to this new parameter. Each single values will stay the same, but with the new parameter..)
Maybe you already knew it..Have fun!
Oh, I didn't know the button 13-trick. 12 is multi kit.
Great trick! Thanks for sharing.
do you know how long the parameter lock sequence is? On the Xbase 999 it was only 16 steps, even if your full loop was 32. is it the same on the alpha?
also can you record the parameter locks live, by turning knobs while the sequence plays?
Just listened to this in my studio.. Wow that kick drum is superb
The kick is explosive.
This is excellent- thank you. Looks like you found your first bug ;)
The vanishing step after setting p-locks?
Sometimes there are small issues, but no bummer so far :-)
Hi...i bougth this alpha base two months ago...i having a issue...in the fisrts three kits of instruments i cant change the open hat sample.....do you know how i can fix it? Thanks
Thanks for this demo!!
From what i remember, on the X-base 999 the parameter locks only effected 16 steps, not 32. So if you change a value on step 1 this will be mirrored on step 17 etc. Essentially you have a 32 step loop on the sequencer but the parameter lock loop is only 16 steps. It always annoyed me. Could anyone let me know if this is the same on the Alpha Base, or can you have 32 different steps with 32 different parameter locks?
In my opinion the parameter locks should just effect that one step, not every step thereafter, for the price-tag on this machine that needs an update. Seems so fiddly this way.
The p-locks have a slightly different concept. You can change only one single parameter per step. But this parameter may be an entire instrument. The p-lock is equal to a send of a single midi cc to the machine at the selected step.
Thanks for the response. Does this work for all 32 steps then? I.e. if you set the decay on step 1 to 100 can you also set the decay on step 17 to 0?
On the 999 steps 1 and 17 had to be the same. Just like steps 2 and 18 had to be the same, and so on, because the P-lock loop was only 16 steps long, not 32.
Then I also have another question - How easy is it to record live parameter changes? Are you able to tweak the nobs as it runs along?
I don't use p-lock excessively. So, I haven't tested it for longer sequences, but I've heard no complains from others. Actually, the Alpha Base supports 64 steps.
Live tweaking is possible, but setting the p-lock twice leads to issues when different parameters are involved. But you could delete a p-lock then it would be fine. But not so convenient in a live situation.
Unfortunately, I can't check this soon.
Ok man, thanks for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it.
Why does it have to be so complicated? On the MachineDrum it's extremely simple and intuitive.
Wow, thanks for the quick tutorial. Seems confusing, that locking an existing step influences/changes other steps. Don't you end up in a complete mess when putting in some different locks within one sequence?
Actually, parameter lock at the alpha base means: At this step change the parameter. It does not mean change the parameter only for this step.
So just to be clear- it changes the parameter going forward?
Yes, it does :) Including the where your set p-lock
Hi there,
I got some troubles with the edit mode and maybe you could help me...
when I am on Kit 1 pattern 1 for example, saving my pattern (store pattern / store kit) and then move to pattern 2.
I want to keep the same kit/instruments from pattern 1 to pattern 2 except 1 instrument changing.
Then, if i store the pattern/kit on pattern 2 while changed 1 instrument, when i go back on pattern 1 it would have saved the last changes from pattern 2 to pattern 1, although I want to go free from any pattern with changing instrument but keep the same kit (like i don't want to tweak the same Kick and store it on all different Kit section)
Not sure to be clear...
best,
Hi! What kind of change do you apply to the second pattern? Do you change some steps or instrument parameters? The latter will of course apply to pattern 1, as well.
After reading this again: You could use a multi kit and set a parameter lock on the instrument at the beginning of the according pattern. Pls, refer to the manual for detailed instructions.
@Geek Gear Yes this is what i found in the manuel, thanks for your answer mate ;)
das delay auf den vocals klingt echt nice!
Danke dir!
How do you save you parameter locks? I have tried save pattern but it didn't save. Im afraid to save kit.
IMHO it belongs to the pattern. Have you switched "seq" on after loading?
Ah ye! thats an interesting way to trigger the changes. Thank you so much, this is a major game changer.
Thank you for the demo of the parameter locks. Looks really complicated compared to electron. Your video is already 3 years old. Has that improved till now?
Thanks, it's not that complicated. Basically, you can change pitch and one parameter per step. It will keep the changed value until another change of the same parameter happens.
Meanwhile you've got a second option: When the sequencer is running and you press and hold an instrument trigger, then parameter changes will be recorded as p-locks.
@@GeekGearSynths I can't decide whether to order the Jomox Alpha Base or an Elektron Analog Rytm. Really not an easy task. But I am in Berlin. So maybe I will support the Jomox ;-)
@@kristosvidinakis Soundwise the AB might be the best on the market. But the sequencer is really weak compared to Elektron sequencer. The AB has a really nice roll option. But with an external sequencer you basically have 4 analog mono synths. The Amps are velocity sensitive, the AB has full ADSR channels on six channels (two each VCF, VCA). But it has only on 3 channels an inbuilt tone generator (MBrane, Kick, FM) and on the other channels a noise source (128 noises, 1 white noise generator, 127 metallic noise types). You need samples to bring it to shine (clap etc).
The Rytm has an excellent inbuilt sequencer and different analog sound sources, which can be very versatile, but are really classic. The kick and mbrane can go way more crazy on the AB.
Currently I am thinking about a Pioneer SP-16 to sequence the AB (until my Cirklon arrives). I was inspired by a jam from Benjamin Damage.
@@GeekGearSynths Thanks for the information. Can you also make parameter locks for reverb and delay with the AB?
@@kristosvidinakis I never tried this.
Okay, it might be possible by using a multikit. These kits do not have their own sound setting, but pick the sounds from different kits. So, you can have your kick from kit 1, your mbrane snare from kit 11, hihats kit 24, etc.
And you can p-lock the instruments in the multikit. E.g.: Step 1 kick1, step 5 kick 2, step 9 kick 2, step 13, kick 3
The FX behave in many respects like an instrument and they occupy IMHO an own slot in the multikit. There you can p-lock them. IMHO it's not possible to lower individual send parameters. But I never tried. I didn't even think about this.
I will try it later this day.
Kind of weird programming from Jomox but sounds real tight and thanx for showing the procedure. Still dont understand the klick functions of the 4x4 seems to activate more them just muting a voice = strange, more : couldnt find my way out of FX page again
Indeed, pushing the rotary encoders has several functions. The first 11 is to mute the specific track. Number 12 toggles between multi and single kit. No. 13 deletes parameter locks from a selected step, no 14 mutes the fx, no. 15 quick save of the sequences, and no 16 quick save of the kit. Quick save stores the pattern to RAM s.t. you could save your changes to a sequence, change the pattern and recall your saved changes. It's for live programming and it's not stored permanently in flash memory. Writing the flash memory interrupts the reading, so your sounds will stop playing, when doing it live. Therefore the quick save to RAM.
For me it took while to understand, but the AB has no menu hierarchy. So, FX is equal to an instrument page or Disc page. To leave you have to choose the section where you want to proceed. You can't leave an instrument page either.
ah to mi radi..thx ;)
people gotta realize how loud the alpha base is compared to their voice. It's a problem