Zenbeats: Using the Zenbeats Arpeggiator

Intro:

The Zenbeats Arpeggiator is our new MIDI Plugin included with Zenbeats 3.1.3 and up.

It features 6 patterns, beat sync'd rates from 1/4d through 1/16t, with various customizations that can be automated via 8 memory presets. Let's dig into it!

Pattern Selections

Up	The Up Pattern plays held notes from lowest to highest.
Down	The Down Pattern plays held notes from highest to lowest.
Up/Down 1	The Up/Down 1 Pattern plays notes from lowest to highest and back down to lowest.
Up/Down 2	The Up/Down 2 Pattern plays notes from lowest to highest and back down to lowest but adds an additional high and low note on each cycle.
As Played	The As Played Pattern enables you to play through notes in the order that you hold them. This lets you create unique melodic arpeggiations 💡Tip: Try engaging the Hold button before playing notes on the keyboard. This will let you create any melody as an arp pattern.
Random	The Random Pattern will play notes held in an evolving random sequence that never repeats.

Rate: 

The rate setting will determine the speed at which the pattern is played and can be selected from

1/4d, 1/4, 1/8d, 1/4t, 1/8, 1/16d, 1/8t, 1/16, 1/16t

Hold:

When enabled, the Hold function store the notes held and plays them on repeat until disabled.

Customization Controls

Octaves

The octaves control will set your pattern to play within 1 to 3 octaves.

Duration

The Duration control adjusts the note lengths which is derived from the Rate value. Turning up will play longer notes, turning down will play shorter notes.

Swing

Turning up the Swing knob Well, add a swing feel. This is also based on the rate value set.  

Feel

For more granular control over timing, turn up the feel knob. This will add a humanized effect over each note generated, making the arpeggiator sound less perfect and a little more human.

Probability

Probability control is unique. Its default setting is all the way up and, in this state, it will always play the notes you're holding down. If you turn the probability knob down, it will randomly skip notes in the arpeggiator pattern giving you slightly unpredictable, yet interesting results.

Memory Slots

Memory slots allow you to save and recall any of the arpeggiator parameters with the push of a button. Simply select the memory slot then set the arpeggiator up as desired and click the store button to save it. If you wish to clear a memory slot just select it then tap the clear button to erase the settings. You can have up to 8 memory slots per preset. 💡Tip: When storing a memory slot that has the hold function engaged it will also store any notes held down as well.