Recording Patterns; Steps To Recording A Pattern; Practice Mode; Recording Other Parts (1-Shot And Synth) - Akai XR 20 Reference Manual

RECORDING PATTERNS

Note: An empty Pattern defaults to an 8 beat length (2 Bars), with 16th note quantization and
swing off (50%). If you need to change the length, it is best (though not essential) to do so before
recording. Other parameters can be changed while you're recording.

STEPS TO RECORDING A PATTERN

1. First, begin by selecting User Patterns (the display should indicate PATTERN and USER).
2. Next, select an empty User Pattern with the INC / DEC buttons or the VALUE dial (the
display should show EMPTY PATT).
3. Press the RECORD and PLAY buttons simultaneously. The XR20 will begin recording.
4. Play the sounds on the pads. As you record, the display will show the current beat number.
5. The Pattern will "loop" during the record process so that you can overdub different drums on
different passes.
6. To stop recording, press STOP.
7. Press PLAY to audition the Pattern from the beginning.
When recording your pattern it's a good idea to locate the drum set that you want to use for the
pattern ahead of time. You can change this later. For instructions on selecting a Drum Set, see
the section 'SELECTING, EDITING AND CREATING DRUM SETS'. Note that a Drum Set is a
collection of sounds such as the Drums, 1-Shot and Synth sound. Therefore, if you would like to
change the Synth sound in a Pattern, for example, you will need to modify the Drum Set to
contain a different synth instrument.
Note: Instead of playing on the pads, you can also record remotely by sending MIDI notes to the
XR20. Make sure that MIDI device you are playing has settings that correspond to XR20's
sounds (MIDI Channel and note numbers.)
Note: When sending MIDI data into the drums when the XR20 is not recording (i.e., the XR20
serves as a drum sound expander module), the drum sounds respond to 127 different levels of
dynamics. However, if MIDI is used as a trigger during the recording process, the Pattern will
"quantize" the incoming level to the nearest of eight levels—the same eight levels produced by
tapping the pads at various levels.

PRACTICE MODE

If you want to practice your beat with a metronome (the XR20 only plays the metronome when
recording) you can use Practice Mode. While in Pattern Mode (User Patterns should be selected),
press the REC button and you will hear the metronome sound, but the XR20 will not record what
you play on the pads.

RECORDING OTHER PARTS (1-SHOT AND SYNTH)

After recording your Drum part (or if you want to start with a different part) you may want to add
more instruments to your Pattern's arrangements.
To record a 1-Shot or Synth part to your Pattern:
1. Press the 1-SHOT or SYNTH button and play the sounds on the pads in the same manner
as the DRUM mode. The SYNTH mode will have a pitched sample that will play across the
pads (the notes corresponding to each pad are indicated in the upper right corner of the
pad).
2. Press the REC and PLAY buttons. The Pattern will start recording. Play your synth or 1-shot
part.
3. Press STOP when completed.
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