Basics - Elektron Monomachine SFX-6 Using Manual

Basic Monomachine vocabulary:
Machines = Synthesis ie. SWave, SID, DIGIPro, FM+, VCO and FX
Tracks (1-6) = host your desired Machines and Patterns
Patterns = the total or whole of the 6 track parts.
Kits contain all of these...Machines, Tracks, Patterns and Midi data. Think of Kit's as the
equivalent to the MPC's Programs...Just remember that its all integrated.
Machines > Tracks > Patterns
(you don't need a pattern to hear the machines though.....but Machines have to have a Track
for playback)
SEQUENCING BASICS
Note input works (SFX-60) through 16 step triggers (you can choose what octave you're in),
and/or external keyboard. You can do both in real time, step-sequencing, and can edit an
individual note after the fact. You can see what particular pitch a note-on trigger is by pressing
and holding the particular step trigger. While doing this, you can using the arrow keys of the
MNM to alter the pitch. You don't specifiy note lengths in the way in which the MIDI machines
on the MD do. Each synth track has evenlope parameters (attack, hold, decay, release) which
control note duration. You can, of course, freak the fuck out with parameter locks for total
control.
In terms of mono vs. poly modes. It's all or nothing--either you have 6 internal mono tracks or
6 tracks polyphonically assigned to one 'machine.' Synthesizer parameters are roughly
parallel to the MD's, and, IMO, there are more than enough for a huge pallete of sounds. The
individual machines within the synthesis types, coupled with their own parameters, coupled
with effects, filter, delay, lfo, etc., provide ample room to diverse sounds.
The sequencer is actually one of the strongest parts of the Monomachine.
SONGMODE:
In song mode, you can specify the offset of a pattern. For example, if you have a pattern that
is 32 beats long, you can specify that the pattern should start on beat 5, play for 16 beats, and
then switch to another pattern.
The Elektron song sequencer is derived from old-school MOD trackers, which require that the
composer enter in which events will occur, row by row.
Stick with it! You may find that the sequencer will do what you want it to do, and show you
things you didn't know you wanted to do.
MONOMACHINE SYNTH BASICS
I would load up a 'New Kit' on say Bank F-1 and see for yourself:
Starting from scratch/New Kits really helped me to learn it. I know
other people find it helpful to hear the pre-existing Kits....either way,
just keep hammering at it. It took me probably about 1 week or 2 to
really understand how everything was working together.
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