Must know Arp tricks and hacks!

Summary

The video demonstrates four ways to extend a standard arpeggiator workflow using MIDI effects and free Max for Live devices.

Techniques and tools

1. Create old-school, multi-octave arpeggio patterns

   • A standard Up/Down arpeggiator pattern with two steps may alternate within each octave instead of travelling all the way up and then back down.
   • To create a broader “up, then down” pattern, place a Chord MIDI effect before the arpeggiator and set the desired number of octaves. The presenter also demonstrates using octave-shift controls.

2. Add syncopated note divisions

   • The arpeggiator’s usual rate options may not provide the desired syncopated sixteenth notes.
   • Set the rate to sixteenth notes, retrigger every three sixteenths, and set Repeat to 1. The presenter demonstrates the timing using Chord Trigger mode and the metronome.

3. Morph between arpeggiator rates with Arp Interpol

   • Arp Interpol, a free Max for Live device, goes before the arpeggiator and follows its rate.
   • It enables continuous morphing between time divisions—for example, from 64th notes to eighth notes—to create changing rhythmic patterns.

4. Block unwanted rate values with Value Block

   • For quantized live parts such as hi-hats, Value Block can prevent selected rate values, such as triplets, from being chosen.
   • Place it before the arpeggiator, map it to the rate control, and select the values to block. You can optionally MIDI-map its control to a mod wheel.

Main speaker and source

A single presenter from Side Brain narrates and demonstrates the techniques.