What is the problem?
It’s a bit annoying to be locked into to every pattern having the default of 32 steps. Sometimes the song I’m composing is easier to do in 16 or 64 step patterns so every time I create a new pattern in a project I have to change the track length before composing. Another example is working out of 4/4 time, e.g. if I want to do a 12/8 song its usually easier for all of the patterns to start off with a track length of 24/48.
What should this feature achieve?
I think if the user could set a default pattern length in the project settings like the notes scale, root note, etc. it could mean that every new pattern you create would start off having the default track length. Also if the user has already entered note data into any patterns in the project it won’t affect those, just patterns which are completely empty, which could allow the user to mix pattern lengths and time signatures quickly whilst composing a song. This would optimise workflow for songs/projects that deviate from the default 32 steps unlocking opportunities to explore other pattern structures and time signatures.
Are there any workarounds?
The closest workaround I can think of is using the copy/paste pattern functionality in pattern view, but you have to do this with every pattern in a project manually which is still laborious.
Any links to related discussions?
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Any references to other products?
I thought of this whilst playing around with Korg M01D for the 3DS which lets you set the pattern lengths in its song settings. I’m sure there are other less niche examples of this 