Matrix Arpeggiator

Essentials

Matrix is a step-based arpeggiator designed to sequence incoming MIDI notes into dynamic arpeggios. Extensive control over note generation and playback with various directions, timing parameters, and pattern sequencing. Ideal for creating melodic sequences, rhythmic patterns, or evolving textures.

• Step-based arpeggiator

• Multiple playback directions

• Timing parameters and pattern sequencing

• Direction, rate, repeat, gate, and pattern chaining controls

Getting Started

The Matrix takes chords as input and plays them in succession rather than simultaneously, creating dynamic arpeggiated patterns with rhythmic and harmonic complexity.

1. Add a Matrix device to your project.

2. Connect its note output to a synthesizer (such as Heisenberg or Bassline).

3. Add a note track to the Matrix and draw chords.

4. The Matrix will automatically split chords into individual notes and play them according to your pattern settings.

Controls

Basic Parameters

The main knobs control individual note playback:

Velocity	Controls the velocity of outgoing notes, unless overridden by a pattern step
Rate	Controls playback speed (e.g., 1/16 means one note every 1/16th note)
Repeat	Controls how often each note repeats before the next note is played. For example, your Notes are C E G, and you set Repeat to 2, it will play C C E E G G.
Gate	Controls note length as a multiplier of the rate. At 50% gate with 1/16 rate, notes play for 1/32nd note

Strategy Selection

Controls the order and octave range for note playback:

Modes	Up, Down, Up/Down, Zig Zack, Zig Zack +, Random 1000
Octaves	Number of octaves to spread the pattern over (1-4 octaves)

These directions determine how held notes are arpeggiated. For example, with chord notes 0 1 2: “Up” plays 0 1 2 0 1 2, while “Down” plays 2 1 0 2 1 0.

Global Settings

Hold	When enabled, continues playing notes after chord release until new chord or stop note
Bypass	Forwards incoming notes directly, bypassing all arpeggiator processing

Patterns

The Matrix offers extensive pattern creation and editing capabilities with up to 4 different patterns, each containing up to 64 steps.

Pattern Configuration

Controls how patterns are edited and played back:

Patterns	Select and modify one of 4 different patterns
Edit Range	Choose which 16 steps of the 64-step pattern to view/edit
Length	Set pattern length; pattern loops after reaching this length
Sync	Determines if note order restarts with pattern or plays independently
Mute/Clear	Mute mutes entire pattern; Clear removes all pattern settings

Pattern Steps

The pattern step section allows configuration of each individual step:

Steps	Up to 64 steps per pattern in the step editor
Velocity	If set to more than 0, overrides the global velocity value. If 0, uses the global velocity setting
Mute	Mutes this step and plays nothing
Tie	Ties this step to the next one, meaning the next step won’t be played and the current step plays for twice as long (or however many tie steps follow)
Chords	Causes the entire incoming chord to be played for this step instead of individual notes

Practical Tips

Practical Tips

• Creating Arpeggios from Chords: Feed chord progressions to create melodic arpeggiated riffs. Use different modes (Up, Down, Zig Zack) for varied melodic movement. Combine with octave spreading for wider harmonic range.

• Rhythmic Variation: Automate the Rate parameter to create tempo changes within patterns. Use Repeat to create rhythmic emphasis on specific notes. Adjust Gate for staccato vs. legato playing styles.

• Advanced Pattern Techniques: Use Tie steps to create sustained notes and legato phrases. Apply Chords on specific steps to emphasize harmonic moments. Switch between patterns for dynamic arrangement changes. Use Hold mode for continuous arpeggiation without sustained input.

• Creative Applications: Don’t just use chords as input, try using all notes from the scale you are playing in to get a walking bass style.

• Advanced Techniques: Write 1 Bar long chords and use the Matrix to control the rhythm of the chords by activating Chords on all steps. The step pattern then determines when each chord plays.