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1.2C How "Looping" Simplifies Recording
To simplify recording in Compose mode, a Pattern will "loop" over and over again. Example:
Suppose you want to record an 8-beat pattern. While recording, the pattern will record
through all 8 beats, then immediately jump back to the beginning and continue recording
through all 8 beats again. The SR-16 will remain in record mode, and continue to loop, until
you press STOP or switch over to Perform mode. You will hear any previously-played parts
as you record new parts.
You can also erase drum hits while the pattern is looping to correct for errors.
1.2D What's a Voice?
Each of the 12 large pads triggers a voice. A voice is a sound-generating element with
several variable parameters: Drum sound, tuning, volume, output assignment (the voice's
audio output can go to either one of two sets of stereo outputs, and furthermore, to anywhere
within the stereo field of the chosen set of outputs), and MIDI note number.
Each pad is velocity-sensitive: the harder you hit the pad, the louder the drum sound
assigned to the pad will play. Thanks to the dynamic articulation techniques mentioned
earlier, the timbre will often change as well, just like "real" drums.
There are eight levels of pad volume resolution, from soft to loud. However, when using the
SR-16 as a drum sound expander and triggering sounds via MIDI, they respond to all 127
MIDI volume levels.
1.2E About Defaults
A default is a setting that is automatically assumed until you purposely change it. Example:
When you turn on a VCR, it automatically defaults to Stop—you have to purposely tell the
machine to go into Record or Play. Stop is therefore the VCR's power-up default status.
The SR-16 includes a default setup that assigns particular drum sounds to particular voices
(pads), at certain level and pan settings. The default drum sound assignments are printed in
white on the pads. However, you can change these defaults and come up with any type of
"drum set" you'd like.
Defaults save time by giving you a setup that's instantly ready to go; sometimes you'll need to
change only a few parameters to customize the default setup to your liking.
Often the default is "whatever was selected last." Example: If the SR-16 was in Pattern mode
and Pattern 23 was selected when you turned off the SR-16, the next time the SR-16 powers
up it will be in Pattern mode with Pattern 23 selected.