Pattern repeating in song mode and more

Step
1

Hi there,

Got my step and loving it, though I do have some questions.

Primarily in song mode at the moment the pattern will only move to the next pattern automatically after one play, or when you manually press the ‘next pattern’.

So is it possible to have a programmable repeat function for each of the patterns in song mode. For example play pattern 1 once, play, pattern 2 eight times, play pattern 3 once, play pattern 4 three times etc…so the default typically is being one, though providing the ability to vary the number of repeats for a pattern as needed for a specific song?.

Secondly in relation to midi, are you ale to provide a full midi implementation chart and capabilities?

And finally the Polyend Backstage, are you able to put a link to this portal on the polyend webste, or at least in the user account area?

Many thanks!

Chris

6 Likes
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I haven’t yet found a way to set repeating patterns by a certain number and don’t think it’s possible with current firmware. But I agree that it’s definately a feature that would be valuable allowing you to create long songs that play automatically without counting bars and hitting next pattern button at the right times. Please implement this Polyend

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This isn’t possible at this time, so you could either copy it twice to play twice - or what I would do - If I wasn’t using Track 4 I would just slow down the speed of the track - so if I want it to play 4 times I would put track 4 at 1/4 speed, then it wont change until track 4 finishes.

As for MIDI - the MIDI implementation is fairly simple and listed in the manual on page 21.

2 Likes
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That sounds like a workaround but not ideal as it involves nothing much happening on track 4, I’ll give it a try tomorrow. But ideally it would be easier to be able to define a number of repeats or bars that a pattern should play before moving to next pattern which makes for a better workflow and completely frees up track 4 for other use. Thanks anyway.

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Hi Mitch,

Thank you for the reply, your solution to the problem is innovative but a very basic ‘workaround’ and though really it is an ineffective solution with many limitations and not really workable in a real-world work flow. This drum machine has all the hallmarks of being a good product, but it needs to overcome some fundamental core limitations such as this.

Hopefully we could see this implemented in a future firmware release to take it out of the old DR55 limitations.

Many thanks!

Chris

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“This drum machine has all the hallmarks of being a good product.” Couldn’t agree more.

“It needs to overcome some fundamental core limitations.” Amen.

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I agree this is a fundamental flaw. Without this function this device, in front of me now, is NOT a drum machine. There is no Song mode. It’s a fancy step sequencer / drum looper. The product is being mis-sold. I’m returning mine to Andertons.

1 Like
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Yes would love some sort of option to do this as well!

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I agree, I posted this request no knowing you had created this post. Without a pre-programmed song mode this expensive little drum machine is not a useful live tool for me (and you, and some others it seems). This is what I posted with some typo-corrections fixed.

What is the problem?

After creating a Song with useful Patterns I start the STEP and then click forward to get to the next Pattern and so on etc. However, song structure often repeats with a composition such as;
intro/verse(P1)/chorus(P2)/verse(P1)/chorus(P2)/break(P3)/verse(P1)/chorus(P2)/outro(P4).
So I have to jump around and click to change between these Patterns. It’s messy and complicated when trying to play lead and control other devices as well. The STEP is an intelligent device that just needs a new ‘Auto Song’ feature where these problems can be solved. See below…

What should this feature achieve?

Firstly (AUTOMATE);

I have created a song and have multuple patterns ready and wating to use. What I want to do is automatically play (Auto Song) this sequence of patterns in an unbroken sequence, and hands free.

Pattern 1 x3, Pattern 2 x4, Pattern 3 x1, Pattern 5 x3, Pattern 2 x4, Pattern 3 x1, Pattern 6 x5 (aka: a simple intro, verse, chorus, outro). I would like the STEP to select my patterns in this order and repeat the patterns for the number times I select. Effectively the STEP can act as a session drummer in this manner.

Secondly (CONTROL);

I would like to use 2x STEPs in series and set one of them as the master in a master/slave configuration. When I press play on the master I would like the second STEP to begin playing in time with the master’s timing. This would allow me to have 8 voices to use for depth.

Thirdly (CONDUCT);

If we can automate song patterns as suggested above then it would also be advantageous to have silence patterns. Why silent Patterns? At different points within a composition instruments can be brought in for dramatic effect or to bridge different parts of the whole composition. During the sequence there may be long or short silences where these Tracks are either playing or waiting to be played i.e. adding some attack during chorus sections etc.

All of these would allow the STEP to become a more effective accompaniment to a lone musician trying to produce something meaningful. This automation would also aid live work, if a drummer can’t be found the STEP can assist during live sets.

Are there any workarounds?

I can’t find any workarounds. The STEP is a great little device, it’s just missing something that would make it much more useful to a musician trying to manage multiple instruments/pedals/sequencers etc.
By adding an AutoSong feature that is able to chain togther Patterns into a Song structure, you will be making a BIG difference to how this device can be used.
By adding Blank Patterns you will extend how instruments can be used or silenced within a longer automated sequence.
By adding provision for multiple STEPs to work together you will be further extending how useful these little sequenced drum machines can be.

1 Like
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Can I just check in to find out whether this unit can be modified, this post is more than a year old. I have the same problem and am now unable to use the 2 STEPs I own live. This means the STEP is not an instrument that can support a solo lead performer or small band. But it has been designed in a rugged pedal format which leads buyers to think it will support a live performer with little fuss.

I don’t understand what I have bought, It’s well designed, it’s well made, fairly straightforward to program and use, but I can’t use it due to missing functionality.

1 Like
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I did read somewhere after I had just bought my STEP, that Polyend had a habit of abandoning their products early. Unfortunately this was after my option to return the product. So my STEP is essentially an expensive door stop at the moment. And I suspect that there will be no further updates to resolve these fundamental issues with the STEP. So I guess what previously written about Polyend abandoning projects is correct, and all prospective purchasers of Polyend products need to be aware of this.

14

Oh dear, it seems I have joined the doorstop club. I must admit there is a

distinct difference with their MESS effects pedal. The software on that

product has had multiple software/feature updates. Also there is talk of

it linking into ENDLESS effects in the future…

But no updates to the STEP in quite some time.

What a wasted opportunity to produce something useful, I don’t get it?