Matrix with 2 notes at once?

[pmilkman]

I use Matrix a ton, but a huge limiting factor for me is the inability to map 2 or more notes at the same time to make a chord/harmony.

Is there something like that out there?

[huggermugger]

Sequences may be the best of the lot, though there are others.

https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack ... sequences/

[dmitrijsorokin]

You can combine up to 8 matrix via https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack ... cv-merger/

[SuperEight]

I'm curious why the Matrix can't be updated to include polyphony and note probability, etc? Is the Matrix just there for backward compatibility at this point? Same with the arpeggiator. Maybe it doesn't make sense to update this stuff when new stuff can be created, but it would be nice to see new functionality added to these to keep them relevant rather than always having to buy another. I thought updates were one of the advantages software had over hardware?

[challism]

You are going to have to use more than one Matrix and run them through some kind of merger.

This sequencer/player is free: https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/reas ... no.wbl4014

[buddard]

I'm curious why the Matrix can't be updated to include polyphony and note probability, etc? Is the Matrix just there for backward compatibility at this point? Same with the arpeggiator. Maybe it doesn't make sense to update this stuff when new stuff can be created, but it would be nice to see new functionality added to these to keep them relevant rather than always having to buy another. I thought updates were one of the advantages software had over hardware?

They are monophonic because CV/Gate is monophonic. (Yes, there has been an attempt to introduce a polyphonic CV protocol, but it was never widely adopted).

[Jackjackdaw]

Also they are great devices. I wouldn’t want them changed. There are loads of interesting and inspiring Re.s available that do different stuff.

[selig]

Speaking of poly CV, this Player may be my most used Player ever:
https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack ... converter/
MIDI/CV Convertor, besides doing the basic merging required to run multiple Matrix devices into a single instrument, can also be a great way to pass poly notes around over CV Since Players can’t otherwise reroute/split things (they don’t use the ‘cable’ concept like other devices). Would have been great to have MIDI cables, but this little player does the trick in the mean time, and then some…

[Loque]

Speaking of poly CV, this Player may be my most used Player ever:
https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack ... converter/
MIDI/CV Convertor, besides doing the basic merging required to run multiple Matrix devices into a single instrument, can also be a great way to pass poly notes around over CV Since Players can’t otherwise reroute/split things (they don’t use the ‘cable’ concept like other devices). Would have been great to have MIDI cables, but this little player does the trick in the mean time, and then some…

Beside this costs 30 bucks, what makes it better then this free one?
https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack ... layer-tap/

[crimsonwarlock]

what makes it better then this free one?
https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack ... layer-tap/

As Selig hinted, it supports poly-CV. Regarding the price, it goes for a tenner during basically all regular sales periods.

[Loque]

what makes it better then this free one?
https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack ... layer-tap/

As Selig hinted, it supports poly-CV. Regarding the price, it goes for a tenner during basically all regular sales periods.

Ok, got it.

But there are also free CV/PolyCV converters and mergers available.

[selig]

Speaking of poly CV, this Player may be my most used Player ever:
https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack ... converter/
MIDI/CV Convertor, besides doing the basic merging required to run multiple Matrix devices into a single instrument, can also be a great way to pass poly notes around over CV Since Players can’t otherwise reroute/split things (they don’t use the ‘cable’ concept like other devices). Would have been great to have MIDI cables, but this little player does the trick in the mean time, and then some…

Beside this costs 30 bucks, what makes it better then this free one?
https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack ... layer-tap/

I've not had luck with every situation on the free merger, it won't track legato notes in some cases compared to MIDI-CV converter which has always handled every situation perfectly.

Just now I was trying them both again for comparison and found a case where a series of tied notes in the Matrix didn't play all the notes even with just one Matrix hooked up.
Here is the matrix in question the last step that plays is step 10, the highest note in the sequence. When it gets to step 11 it just holds step 10. Going direction into Subtractor plays fine, going in MIDI/CV Convertor plays just fine, but even one matrix into CVPT into Subtractor fails to play all the notes. It will play notes if the ascend, but not descend when tied/legato. Probably just a bug, but something to watch out for.

Screen Shot 2024-01-06 at 9.39.30 PM.jpg

And since CVPT isn't poly, you can't split notes to two places without connecting a CV and Gate cable for EVERY voice you play. If you play a four note chord you'll need to connect 8 cables between CVPT and then you can't exceed four voices. Just a bit more work for simple functionality.

But in fairness, with CVPT you get a Distributer (if you don't already own one) for free, for hocketing and other fun things to do with sending poly notes to multiple synths with different patches on each note of the chord/sequence.

[Loque]

...

I agree to the potential bug in CVPT. I think it is related to note ordering. I noticed that in some cases notes send through CVPT just sounded different or unexpected. AFAIR I contacted Rob in the past, but I cannot remember if I got a answer or what the answer was...

Guess, I will give the payed Player a try...

Regarding Distributor, Distributor supports also MW and PW, which is clearly a plus. I think Players do not receive PW or MW, so they can't create a output for it. So Distributed still has its place IMO.

Maybe we will see more possibilities for Players to manipulate MIDI in future. Maybe when RS adds MPE...

[wereMole88]

CVPT the poor man's MIDI/CV converter. Yes it's a pain in the ass to redirect anything substantial polyphonic. Didn't know about the legato bug.