Key Concepts; Play The Programs - Akai MINIAK Reference Manual

KEY CONCEPTS

Here are the MINIAK's most important concepts:
PROGRAMS
Programs are the MINIAK's sounds, built from its oscillators, envelopes, filters, modulation matrix, and other
analog-style components.
SEQUENCES
Sequences are repeating melodic and/or rhythmic motifs. There are two types of Sequences — arpeggios
and sequences. (See Chapter 3 for more information.)
RHYTHMS
Rhythms are combinations of sequenced drum programs. Think of a drum machine with its interchangeable
sounds and sequences.
MULTI
The Multi setting combines multiple Programs, Rhythms, Sequences, and more. This is the MINIAK's most
powerful and most sonically sophisticated element.
NAVIGATING WITH THE DATA DIAL AND ITS BUTTONS
Use the DATA DIAL to the right of the display the performance controls to navigate through the MINIAK's
options. Most MINIAK functions involve pressing the buttons and then turning or pushing this knob.
"YELLOW LIGHT / RED LIGHT"
The [PROGRAMS], [SEQUENCES], [RHYTHMS], and [MULTI] buttons glow yellow when first pressed
indicating that you're in "Play Mode," and the DATA DIAL can be used for selecting. When the DATA DIAL
is pushed, the buttons glow red, indicating that you are in "Edit Mode" and that the DATA DIAL can be used
for editing.
At any one time, only one of the buttons will glow, indicating that the MINIAK is operating within that mode.
"TURN"
Turn the DATA DIAL to cycle through various options.
"PUSH"
Push the DATA DIAL to edit the option displayed. Push again to stop editing. See the following visual
illustration:

PLAY THE PROGRAMS

The MINIAK's basic sounds are called "Programs." Try playing some of these Programs now.
Find the [PROGRAMS] button on the right side of the top panel. Press it; then spin the DATA DIAL. Notice
how the Programs are organized by category – basses, then leads, then pads, etc.
Turn the volume up and listen to some of these Programs. Experiment with the (PITCH), (MOD1), and
(MOD2) wheels and the (X/Y/Z knobs). Here are a few points to note:
•
The (X/Y/Z knobs) do different things depending on the Program. Sometimes, they increase or
decrease the quickness of the attack. Sometimes, they change the tone by adjusting the filter
resonance.
•
The (MOD1) wheel typically – but not always – adds vibrato.
•
The (MOD2) wheel typically – but not always – sweeps the filter frequency, radically changing the
tone.
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