Programming the ’Brute

For different situations, there are multiple ways to create and access Patterns and Songs in the Arturia’s beatbox The primary mode for programming the DrumBrute is based around the concept of a Pattern. These can be anything from 1 to 64 steps long, and you can store 16 patterns in each of four Banks (A-D), making for a total of 64 storable Patterns.

Steps are shown using buttons 1-16, with the LEDs above (labelled 16, 32, 48 and 64) indicating position for longer patterns. By default, each step represents a sixteenth-note, but this can be changed using Shift, and Step buttons 1-5.

Patterns can be recorded in real time by tapping the instrument pads. In Step Mode, the Step and Accent mode buttons alter the display to show programmed steps rather than pattern numbers.

Patterns (up to a maximum of 16) can be be linked together in Song mode. Press Record and then use the Pattern (and Bank) selection buttons to choose which patterns to play. Multiple presses of the same pattern allow them to be repeated.

As Tempo is stored with each pattern, you may want to enable Global Tempo Mode (Press Shift then 16) when working with the internal clock so that the Songs play back at a consistent tempo. Hold Shift whilst tweaking for much finer control.

In the excitement of laying down beats, it’s easy to forget that the DrumBrute requires you to explicitly save Patterns and Songs before switching modes. To avoid losing their contents, press the Save button plus the required Pattern/Song number button.