Native Instruments MASCHINE+ Standalone Production and Performance Instrument - Manual (Page 108)

11. Recording Patterns
This chapter provides an overview of the necessary steps required to record and edit a Pattern. It
explains the generic process of creating both a beat and melodic content. It also describes the
various ways this can be accomplished with MASCHINE+ through real-time input or using the
sequencer.
Here's an overview of this chapter:
• Setting Recording Options : This section provides information on how to set up your own
recording options, from setting the tempo. pattern length and count-in and metronome. For
more information, see Setting Recording Options .
• Playing and Programming Beats : This section will guide you through the process and features
that can be used to create a beat-based pattern. For more information, see Playing and
Programming Beats .
• Creating Melodies and Harmonies : This section explains how to create melodic content. For
more information, see Creating Melodies and Harmonies .
• Recording Modulation : This section explains how recording modulation enables you to record
changes for a chosen parameter over time, to add movement, life, and depth to the sounds and
effects in your songs. For more information, see Recording Modulation .
Now it’s time to get creative!
11.1. Setting Recording Options
Before you begin recording there are several options you may want to configure to help you get the
most from MASCHINE+. You can of course start recording straight away using the default
settings, but if you are an experienced user and have a preferred recording setup you can
configure your own settings. However, regardless of your experience with MASCHINE+, you can
revisit these features at any time to optimize your setup.
The recording options include:
• Tempo : The tempo of your track can be changed at any time, but setting it upfront can often
give your track a certain feel that helps create the “vibe” or foundation of your track as you are
recording. Additionally, you may even want to use Tap Tempo to sync up with other musicians
when recording or playing live. For more information, see Setting the Tempo .
• Pattern Length : Set the length of the Pattern you want to record in Bars. By default as you
record a Pattern MASCHINE+ will automatically grow the Pattern to accommodate the length of
your recording, but if you have a certain length in mind, you can change this default setting, see
Adjusting the Pattern Length .
• Step Grid : Step Grid affects both the size and number of steps and the quantization resolution
in your Pattern. This is useful when recording and also when editing your Pattern. For more
information see Setting the Step Grid .
• Record Settings : These options enable you to adjust Metronome parameters (Level, Time
signature, and Auto-on), Count-In Length, and automatic Quantize mode via the onscreen
overlay, Input velocity, and Pattern Follow. The Metronome is a precise musical reference that
can help you keep time when recording live input. The Quantize mode options allow you to set
various options related to when and how quantization is applied to the input of your recording.
Pattern Follow will set MASCHINE+ to move with the Playhead through the various parts of your
Pattern when step sequencing. For more information see General Settings .
RECORDING PATTERNS
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