Feature Request | Pattern Editor

Cubase
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1

I’ve just tested the [Pattern Editor], and it’s still missing a critical capability.

When I program a hi-hat line in 16ths and then decide to add 32nds, 64ths, or 16th triplets on the same lane, the original 16th notes should remain exactly as entered. Changing the [Step Resolution] for that lane should not alter previously committed steps.

What’s currently happening is that when the lane’s [Step Resolution] changes, the existing notes are recalculated to the new grid, which changes the groove. The editor needs to preserve (honour) the resolutions of notes that have already been entered.

You can treat this as a data-model problem: the sequencer is currently deriving note positions from the lane’s current step resolution, so when the resolution changes, the notes get reinterpreted. To fix it, you make note positions absolute (tick-based) and make the lane’s resolution a UI/grid property only, not the source of truth.

1 Like
2

There is a way to do this already, it’s called link (if remember correctly). Icon beside the resolution.

3

I am Having to use a workaround.

I usually prefer to work in 16ths grid view then alter the grid.

But to use the pattern editor i have to keep global resolution as 64ths, and use the Tie notes property to create 16ths, 32nds.

4

No it isn’t the solution, the issue with the pattern editor is, it is not a grid. Whereas in grid based sequencers you can apply a midi not then change the grid resolution behind the midi note, this is not possible with pattern editor, there is no grid, they are empty containers that change resolution and they are either On or Off.

If you have Grid resolution set to 16ths and you put in 4 16ths in on every beat, then change the pattern resolution, it will force those 16ths to become the selected resolution.

In a grid this would not happen.

Sequence Grid = Midi Notes & Grid in background
Pattern Editor = Containers that have a set resolution of choice, On/Off

The workaround they have created for the melodic pattern editor is to be able to tie certain notes, but this is more work than just punching in desired note lengths.

5

Yes, you are right. I find that I am running into this problem all the time now and we need an option to lock the rhythm when changing the Step Resolution. Otherwise I have to redo my programming to change resolution.

thanks

6

Yes, the way they have designed it is that unlike having a grid in the background that can change without affecting the already input step resolution, you just have the resolution enslaved to whatever that lanes resolution is.

I find it a frustrating way to work, and prefer the Midi Key editor over this method.

What Ableton have done they have added all the midi tools that are in the Pattern Editor, into there Piano Roll/Key Editor, Steinberg have invented an entire new section that is detached from the sequencer Piano Roll/Key Editor, that you then convert patterns over to.

I think the Pattern Editor is for generating quick ideas, which is a shame because it could have been a complete overhaul of the already brilliant Key Editor, instead of a basic detached zone.