Microgranny and sequencers?

Want to talk about music hardware or software that doesn't include Reason?
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Re8et
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Posts: 1550
Joined: 14 Nov 2016

13 Jun 2023

Hi!
I have a Bastl MicroGranny 2.5 Mono Granular Sampler since 2018.
MG uses Midi notes 0 to 5 to trig samples
If the TUNED parameter is turned OFF, the range of 5 octaves (with C4 in the middle) represents the whole sample and pressing different keys sets starting position of the playback. When used with granular settings this feature can be used to play individual grains.

I made an Arduino midi translator, so I can change the default notes trigs for the 6 samples slots to my liking.
For example, SQ1 sequencer lower notes is C2 or 48 on the Midi range.

In this video the Arduino was set to translate the Volca Beat midi out mod to trigger notes 1-6 and CC mods.
It was fun but samples could not be sustained and MOD CC was not really working right.



One way to deal with the limited SQ1 limited range can be using an Arduino with a range extender code, that would
transpose C3 to C-1 or Note 0.
The other is to add the Arduino transposer to the MG, tuned for various sources. One can be SQ1.
SQ1 hower have only duty, and can not tie notes, so it's impossible to play a sample longer thanSQ1 step lenght.
Another way to Add Mod to SQ1 could be via Arduino always, setting channel B midi channel 2 to Midi CC
number X
CC mapping is: 102 = SAMPLE RATE, 103 = CRUSH, 104 = ATTACK, 105 =, 106 = GRAIN SIZE, 107 = GRAIN SPEED, 108 = START, 109 = END, 0 = preset change.

Another way to play the MG is to use it Reason, and that is optimal use, or, if you still want to use hardware,
Use a sequencer like the Arturia Keystep, Beatstep, or SQ64. Any seqencer that can trig all Midi notes, plus
CC.

CC Automation in MG is really what makes it special.
The knobs are slow in RT. Midi CC messages however are snappy.

I've been trying to use CC MOd on the SQ64, but is really cumbersome editing waveform on the SQ64.
It's one of the worst feature on the SQ64. Using Reason to draw CC's instead is awesome.

Another way to play MG would be to make a dedicated Midi controller that can use LFO or ENV to trig notes and CC's.
SQ64 can't do that.

SO, what is your preferred way to play MG?

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