How to create a drum track?

[RichB]

I want to create a percussion track (loop) that I can play while performing. I can't make sense out of the manual for doing this. Do I create a "song" track or can I use the RPPR function to create this?
Do I save this in combi mode? Korg LE.
Any help is appreciated.

Rich

[X-Trade]

RPPR is a feature that only applies to 'song'/sequencer mode anyway. So a song or a RPPR pattern are both stored in the sequencer, not in Combi mode.
Although the sequencer is very similar to Combi mode and some of us do use it as an easy way to organise our live performances and add things like RPPR.

The most basic way to create a drum track would be the way it is done in other combis - using the arpeggiator. The arpeggiator patterns can be edited in Global mode and have a 'fixed note' mode where each number from 0-9 (or something like that) corresponds to a note you have selected.
Then you would set up this arpeggiator in a combi attached to the appropriate drum kit. So you do need to know a bit about combi programming that way.

[billbaker]

Rich,

To expand a bit...

You've already suggested 3 solutions, all of which are legitimate.

In combi mode, you can assign any drum arp to a combi, and you can use that arp to play any drum sounds you like. By using several kits played by the same arp and limiting the ranges, you can play prtty much any drum (bs, sn, toms) in almost any combination.

Using this technique (range limitations) you can also pare the arp down to it's most basic elements (bs/sn/hh) which sometimes is much more musical than some of the over-busy patterns

What it won't do is fills. You can get some variations by switching between or layering A and B arp, and muting drums if they're individually assigned.

It's like playing with a drum machine that has limited controls. However, if you're happy playing with a "groove" - this is the simplest way to go. It can't vary much, but it doesn't necessarily have to.

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In sequence mode you can lay down a basic pattern and cut-and-paste to make it the exact length, including verse A / B, chorus and bridge sections with fills etc. It can be elaborate or simple, and this is the easiest place to put in USER patterns - YOUR stuff.

You'll need to assign the keyboard you want to play over it to one of the tracks and set up effects so there's a bit of work involved there. And you'll be playing in sequence mode, rather than combi or program, so you will need to adjust your transitions to accommodate using a third performance mode.

This is closest to playing with backing tracks, if it helps to think of it that way. You get the exact same thing every time, with whatever nuance you choose to put in. If you're going to use this mode, go for as much variation as you can musically fit in - that will be where it shines. Note, though, that when the track is done, you are too; there's a degree of inflexibility that some folks find difficult to deal with.

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As x-trade said, the RPPR is actually a sequence, but it's performance trigger is assigned to a specific key on the keyboard. So F might be your intro, where G is a chorus and A is a bridge. The RPPR can be a full lift; ALL parts of a sequence (drums, bass, comp, melody) can be part of the triggered "loop" - if the loop is 8 bars with a turnaround you'll get fills and have audible cues for your loop points.

This feature is more like playing with sampled loops like Acid, or Abelton. As such it is flexible; you can cue up whatever section you feel like playing, and pretty much infinite; it will play as long as you want

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Which of these methods you chose will depend on what you want to do and how much time you want to put into it.


BB

[RichB]

Thanks for the quick responses.
I copied an existing combi arp track and used that for my initial try in combi mode. I'll have to do somemore experimenting, now that I have a little more insight.

Rich