Sequencer ideas 2

[chrisp]

I was thinking if Motif Swing could get sequenced or add it in the motion sequencer.
If we can go one step further, create a similar to the amazing microtonality editor, an editor
for Motif Swing, where we can create and save our own templates.Instead of a division of an octave we
get a division of a measure!

[Baloran]

The idea is good, and the idea of doing something in the same spirit as microtonal is not bad. Just try to express more finely the need, the relationship between tempo / division and the finesse of what can be adjusted. Anything can work for me, but in the end, the sum of the shifts has to bring me back to the theoretical time

[chrisp]

My thoughts so far...

Swing Motif Editor
the need:

To create grater variety of unusual or evolving rhythms in a non random way by creating custom swing motifs and being able to sequence them in the motion seq or the sequencer. Or at least the ability to micro time each sequencer step, with the widest range possible. If we choose micro timing for each step then I hope that since the sequencer step timings are predetermined external midi clock sync should work.


1. It could be just a simple numerical window, where we enter the number of beats the swing motif has, probably up to 32 (?), displayed sequential (like 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ...), with the option for + or - sign next to each beat to indicate the desired time deviation and then the swing percentage can control the intensity of the effect. Exactly as it looks right now but with manual customisation, save/recall ability and add it to the sequencer so we can alternate swing motifs on the same music material for example. Of course first beat can't be early.

2. Micro timing adjustment,
add micro timing +/- adjustment to the sequencer encoders, so every sequencer step can have each own timing deviation but still let it be affected by overall swing motif and swing intensity setting. We add and subtract time from various steps and then swing and motif can work on top. The limit to combined movement of the steps should be until a step reaches approx 95% (?) of the previous or next step gate duration. Having micro timing as part of the sequencer we could copy and paste the music part and introduce alternative timings to the steps or vice versa.
This can also be added to the motion sequencer which offers independent to the sequencer lengths.

3. the relationship between tempo / division :
Not sure if there is a need to change this, division is like the bottom number of the time signature of a measure.

and the finesse of what can be adjusted :
we need to be able to define the top number of the time signature of a measure and have a window to enter the number of beats that the swing motif would have, probably up to 32(?) which of course can be a different number from the number of sequencer steps.
A swing motif editor which can produce, recall and save swing motifs where we can interpret the sequencer's already set number of steps (for example let's say 13) to a time signature with beat groupings like : 2+3+2+3+3 or 3+3+3+2+2 etc. So in this case with division of an 1/8 we need 13 beats which is our measure 13/8, therefore a window displaying 13 bars with timing adjustment +/- to define the swing motif. Again the Motion or Sequencer should be able to read and load that swing motif.