Pressing STOP/CONTINUE will stop playing the song, and the display will return to the select song display. Pressing STOP/CONTINUE again will begin playing the song from the beat at which it was stopped. Pressing PLAY will always start the song from the beginning of the first step. When a song reaches its end, it will stop and the PLAY LED will turn off, unless LOOP is on, which will cause the song to loop back to step one and continue playing.

The << and >> buttons (rewind and fast-forward) can be used to advance or retreat through the beats and steps of a song. If the song is playing, pressing the fast forward button will cause sustaining notes to stop, and the beat display to advance at a gradually increasing rate (up to the maximum possible tempo) until the fast forward button is released, after which the song continues playing from the beginning of the displayed beat. If the end of the current step is reached, the next step is started.

The rewind button works similarly, but in reverse. In either direction, if the end or beginning of a song is reached, the display remains on that step, unless loop is on, which results in the step "wrapping around". When a song is not playing, these buttons can be used for the same function, and by pressing STOP/CONTINUE the song will continue from the last displayed beat. The fast forward and rewind button can be held down simultaneously to "freeze" the display on the current beat.

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Alesis MMT-8 manual

MMT-8 specifications

The Alesis MMT-8 is a powerful MIDI sequencer that made waves in the late 1980s and continues to be a favored tool for musicians and producers seeking a reliable means to create and control MIDI sequences. Known for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, the MMT-8 allows users to compose, edit, and play back complex musical arrangements with relative ease.

One of the standout features of the MMT-8 is its 8-track sequencing capability, enabling musicians to sequence multiple MIDI instruments simultaneously. Each track can hold up to 99 phrases, allowing for a high degree of musical flexibility. The MMT-8 supports up to 16 MIDI channels, making it an ideal choice for composing intricate arrangements that involve a variety of sound sources.

The unit boasts a straightforward, intuitive interface that is designed to streamline the workflow. With a dedicated LCD screen and an array of buttons, users can navigate through the various functions with ease. The MMT-8 features real-time and step-time recording modes, providing options for different styles of input, whether one prefers to perform live or program sequences note-by-note.

In terms of sound manipulation, the MMT-8 includes advanced editing capabilities such as quantization, transposition, and velocity adjustments. These features allow musicians to refine their compositions and achieve a polished sound. Additionally, the sequencer supports note durations, triplets, and tuplets, which gives users even more control over timing and rhythm.

Another notable technology of the MMT-8 is its ability to sync with other MIDI devices. It supports MIDI Clock and Song Position Pointer, ensuring tight synchronization when being used in conjunction with other gear. Users can also take advantage of its extensive MIDI data transmission capabilities, which enable seamless interaction between the MMT-8 and external synthesizers, drum machines, and sound modules.

The Alesis MMT-8 has a built-in memory that allows for expansive storage capabilities, with the option to save and recall sequences easily. Users can store up to 40,000 notes and can manage multiple projects without worrying about running out of space. Additionally, the sequencer has a battery backup feature to safeguard data integrity.

In summary, the Alesis MMT-8 is a classic MIDI sequencer that combines powerful features, user-friendly interface, and solid reliability. Its 8-track sequencing capabilities, real-time and step-time recording options, and advanced editing functions make it a valuable tool for both novice and professional musicians looking to expand their creative horizons. Whether for studio work or live performances, the MMT-8 continues to be a respected choice in the landscape of MIDI sequencing technology.