RecNPlay (Mono)

Description

RecNPlay combines a synth, a (real time-capable) step sequencer and a bitcrusher effect, as well as any combination of these use cases. External input is available as a component passing the complete signal chain. The sequencer can be synchronized internally or externally. The bitcrusher provides optionally random modulation per step. Step positions can be modified, for recording there is an overdub-option available. The filter is similar to that of a Korg MS-10, thus interesting drums sounds in combination with whitenoise are possible, too. The parameters are structured in a manner, that starting with a preset recording and playback with the TBD hardware alone (without the web interface) is possible.

To get an idea what can be done with these features and effects, you may listen here:

https://soundcloud.com/taitekatto/recnplay-for-tbd

Parameters

Section 1: Global Stuff (Volume / EG / Trigger)

  • Master Volume

  • EG active n/y

  • Attack

  • Decay

  • Main Trigger (EG and/or next step)

Section 2: Voice (Parameters can’t be modified during playback)

  • Voice Volume (0== mute)

  • Pitch Saw - CV V/Oct

  • External <=> Saw

  • Saw <=> Noise

  • Cutoff

  • Resonance

  • Filter Drive Noise

Section 3: Effects / Bitcrusher

  • Bits to Crush (0==off)

  • Downsample Factor

  • S&H ModAmount per Step

Section 4: Stepper (Values of ‘Voice’ to be recorded)

  • Stepper active n/y

  • Record <-> Playback (Change sets step to one)

  • Current Step (changes on modify)

  • Number of Steps

  • Clock TPM*10 (0==ExtTrig / Max==1/32 at 60.0 BPM)

Usage / Patch Ideas

Normally the patches/play options will be driven by RecNplay’s main building blocks and the use-case on the other side, the main use cases are:

  • Effect for external input, featuring a filter, a bitcrusher

    and optionally an AD envelope

  • Synth, featuring a sawwave, a bitcrusher, an AD envelope and

    optionally external input

  • Step sequencer modifying the parameters (incl. tuning) of the

    synth and/or external input

Please be aware, that when the step sequencer is in playback-mode, all Voice-Parameters (Section 2) will be blocked / not changeable anymore. This is due to the concept that per step “snapshots” of the then current state of the voice, including tuning will be taken. To record “empty steps” you can set the voice-volume to zero.

Using the step sequencer / Record:

Set “Stepper active” to ‘y’, set “Record ⇔ Playback” to ‘Record’, optionally set “Current Step” to the position you want to start recording. Set “Number of Steps” to the number of steps you want to record. Enable the “Main Trigger” (Global section) once per step to be recorded.

Using the step sequencer / Playback:

Set “Stepper active” to ‘y’, set “Record ⇔ Playback” to ‘Playback’, optionally set “Current Step” to the position you want to start playback. Set “Number of Steps” to the number of steps you want to playback. Enable the “Main Trigger” (Global section) once per step to be played, or use the internal clock by setting it to any value but 0.

Please note:

  • Any Change of Record ⇔ Playback will reset the current step to

    0

  • Changes to “Current Step” will only take place on change, so

    to enable 2 if 2 is already set for instance, change to 1 or 3 and back.

  • The internal clock for playback will be used, when it’s set to

    any other value than 0

  • Clock values are “Triggers per Minute”, times 10 - so 600

    would be 60 BPMs effectively using quaternotes. 1200 would be 60 BPM using ⅛ notes and so on.

  • For external sync, simply use the main trigger in play-mode.

    This way you can have uneven triggerings as well, for instance if you use a module like MI Grids.

Common parameter mappings:

To be able to record in a real-time kind of way you could use the following mapping:

  • “Pitch Saw” to CV-0 (played with a keyboard for instance)

  • “Main Trigger” to TRIG-0 (triggered by a keyboard for

    instance)

  • “Record ⇔ Playback” to TRIG-1

  • “Saw ⇔ Noise” to CV-1 (controlled with the mod-wheel of a

    keyboard for instance)

  • “Cutoff” to Pot-0

  • “Resonance” to Pot-1

Storage of sequences:

Sequences are stored in working memory only. You can modify individual steps during recording or repeat steps during playback. But when you load a different plugin or shut down your TBD, the current sequence will be lost. One trick to partly bypass this is to record another sequence from your modular synth using RecNplay, thus freeing this sequencer for other duties.