Alesis K2661 Tutorial Recording a song, 12-2, Patch Through, Assign Programs to Channels

Song Mode

Getting Started with the Sequencer

Patch Through

There’s one more use for Local Keyboard Channel. With any model of the K2661, the Local Keyboard Channel parameter lets you patch through (also known as soft through) to external sound modules. When Local Keyboard Channel is enabled, the K2661 takes the rechannelized information and sends it out the MIDI port. This lets you hear an external module while you are recording a track assigned to that module.

Tutorial: Recording a song

In this tutorial, we’ll record a song by using the steps described below. Bear in mind, though, that this is just one approach to sequencing a song. This example includes:

•Assigning programs to channels

•Recording a drum loop

•“Unlooping” the drum track and adding the remaining instruments

•Mixing the song

Assign Programs to Channels

Start by deciding what instruments you want to use in the song. Suppose you want to record a bass /drums / organ rhythm track with a lead instrument on top. You’ve decided to use the programs such as the following:

•54 Jazz Kit II

•30 Warm Bass 1^2

•22 Gospel Organ

•79 Modulead

Set up your K2661 so that each of these instruments is on a separate MIDI channel. Since Song mode automatically assigns each channel to a separate sequencer track (1-16, consecutively), you’ll then be all set when you start laying down tracks, and won’t have to go scrolling through the program list. Don’t worry about changing your mind later, though, since you can always make changes after you’ve recorded your initial tracks.

If you use a KB3 program in a song, make sure that the channel to which you assign it is the KB3 channel; otherwise it won’t play. You could always change the KB3 channel to match the channel you want to use for recording the KB3 program, but we recommend deciding on a channel that will always be the KB3 channel, and keeping it that way. Also keep in mind that KB3 programs require one voice of polyphony for every two tone wheels in the program. Since most KB3 programs use at least 79 tone wheels, that leaves only eight voices free for other programs.

Aside from the KB3-channel issue, it doesn’t really matter which channel you use for the programs you want to record. In this example, we’re going to put the drums on Channel 1 and the bass, organ, and lead on Channels 2, 3, and 4.

12-2