Programming Patterns using Different Modes

Create sequences from scratch using the DrumBrute’s step-time and real-time recording methods

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Start by selecting a pattern number (1-16). Patterns in other banks can be chosen by pressing the Bank button + buttons A-D. Press Erase and select the pattern again to clear it. Select the tempo via the white ‘Tempo’ knob.

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The Last Step button is used to determine the end point of the chosen pattern. For longer patterns, the << and >> buttons move you backwards and forwards between the four blocks of 16 steps. Hold the Last Step button and button 16 to give you one bar of sixteenth-notes.

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Now we’re going to punch in a very simple four-to-the-floor bass drum pattern. Press the Step button, followed by the Kick 1 pad. Holding Shift while pressing an instrument pad allows it to be selected without it actually playing. Now program the sequence by pressing steps 1, 5, 9 and 13.

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Switching to Accent mode, you’ll still see the steps we just programmed, now lit up in blue. Pressing step 1 twice will turn it red, indicating that the step will play louder. This is a great way of adding interest to each part, picking out certain steps to accent.

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If you want to create longer, more elaborate rhythm parts, extending a pattern is the way to go. Holding Shift and pressing the >> button copies the first 16 steps into the next Step Group (17-32). Press the << and >> keys at the same time to enter Pattern Follow (to automatically show the current set of steps playing).

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Press Record and use the Snare and Clap pads to add steps in real time. If you’re starting with a blank pattern, don’t forget to enable the metronome. Holding Shift and the Record button puts you in non-quantising record mode. This is great for adding some nicely humanised percussion lines.