Note with unspecified duration in MIDI mode for drones

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What is the problem?

It is currently impossible to sequence drones in MIDI mode because of the maximum note duration of 64 steps.

What do you want to achieve?

I wish it were possible to specify an “unlimited” duration (no NOTE OFF event) so that a single note could be spread over several patterns. Then it could be stopped either by triggering another note on the same track or having a “note off” step.

Are there any workarounds?

Not really, one can slow down a track or overlap sounds over several tracks to have a the feeling of a drone.

Any references to other products?

On some other grooveboxes, there are different implementations. On the Circuit Tracks you can specify “tied” notes. On the MC-101, if the note duration exceeds the pattern length and if the same note is retriggered, it automatically ties both notes if I remember correctly.

Thank you so much to the team :slight_smile:

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Depending on the sample you have and the sound you’re after, a workaround may be to tweak the sample attack and decay, and also play with the delay & reverb. Basic drone techniques, I know, but worth mentioning them since they are available in the Play today.

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Hi ! Thanks a lot for your suggestions ! Actually, I was referring to MIDI tracks :slight_smile: Cheers !

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Doh, sorry for the noise. I guess I was overwhelmed by all the new firmware release news today. :sweat_smile:

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@here Thanks for your wish. It’s now ready for voting :slight_smile:

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9

Have you ever tried to send the Midi CC 64 (Sustain on/off) with the note to be held? I’m considering buying a Play mainly as a midi Sequencer and I rely heavily on drones.