Alesis K2661 specifications 12-7

Song Mode

Getting Started with the Sequencer

While you’re on the MISC page, take a look at the quantize parameters (Quant, Grid, and Swing) in the middle column of the page. Quantization is a very useful feature, especially if you’re having a bad rhythm day. When you quantize a track, the sequencer moves the elements of that track closer to a grid based on the time signature of the song. You can use quantization to tighten up a rhythm track subtly, or to create a precise, unwavering mechanical rhythm.

For our drum loop, we’ll try the total quantization experience, so position the cursor over the Quant parameter, and turn the Alpha Wheel until the value is set to 100%. Move the cursor down to the Grid parameter. The default value of 1/16 indicates that quantization will move the notes you play to the closest 16th-note division in the Bar. Try double- pressing the Plus/Minus buttons below the Alpha Wheel to move through a range of useful grid values. Note that some of the values have tr or t appended to them. These are grid settings that allow you to maintain a triplet feel. We’ll use a setting of 1/16, so return to this value if you’ve changed it, then press Exit or the MAIN soft button to return to the MAIN page in Song mode.

NOTE: The K2661’s sequencer also provides a full range of advanced quantization features that you can apply to previously recorded tracks. To learn about these, refer to Chapter 12 of the Musician’s Guide.

10.Make sure you are in Merge mode (it’s the default, so you’ll be in Merge mode unless you’ve changed the value of the Mode parameter). This is important, because you want to be able to overdub on the track as it loops. (In Erase mode, you would erase all existing notes every time the loop came around.) To activate Merge mode, go to the MAIN page and set the Mode parameter to a value of Merge.

11.Begin recording drums.

Press the Record soft button (observe the REC READY indicator on the top line) then press the Play soft button when you’re ready to begin. Remember to wait for the four beat countoff before you start to play.

Since you are in Merge mode, you don’t need to do everything at once. A common approach to making drum loops is to record a different voice each time the loop comes around. For example, on the first loop you could record snare hits on the back beats (1:2, 1:4, 2:2, 2:4, etc.). Then you could add kick drum to the snare when the loop comes around again; you’ll be able to hear the previously recorded part, as well as the new part. On the third pass you might record ride cymbal, followed by hi-hat or other percussive accents. Keep it simple at first, because you can always save the part while it’s basic (but correct), then make additions later. To keep track of where you are, watch the flashing Song-mode LED or the Locat parameter on the MAIN page.

12.Press the Stop soft button when you’ve finished recording the drums.

Save the changes to your song by pressing the Yes soft button followed by the Replace soft button.

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