Arpeggiator

 

Note: This feature is not available in SONAR LE.

The arpeggiator lets you play intricate patterns of notes that would otherwise be extremely difficult or impossible to play manually and at speeds and octave ranges that exist beyond the physical limitations of the player or keyboard range.

Arpeggiated events are new events that are based on notes that you play on your controller keyboard. The new events are rhythmically and harmonically specified by the arpeggiator’s preset, allowing you to “play” an endless variety sophisticated musical passages with simple key pressing.

The most significant capability of the arpeggiator is its ability to apply algorithmic variations on your input as well as MIDI-based patterns.

In addition to note events, the arpeggiator can send parameter automation such as pan, volume, and even effects automation for the current track.

Each MIDI and instrument track has its own integrated arpeggiator, visually located in the Track view. Running multiple arpeggiators across tracks can help realize exciting melodic and rhythmic textures.

The arpeggiator controls are accessed in the Track Inspector.

Figure 76. Arpeggiator controls are available in the Track Inspector

Arpeggiator controls

The following table describes the controls in the Arpeggiator.

Table 34. Arpeggiator controls 

Control	Description
Enable/Disable	Enables/disables the arpeggiator on a given track. This control can be assigned to MIDI remote control and modified in real-time during project playback.
Preset Control	You can create and edit arpeggiator presets; all user parameters are stored in the preset. Arpeggiator settings are included in track templates. Arpeggiator presets can be saved to a file and exchanged with other users. Arpeggiator files are stored in a shared directory. For details, see Using patterns and presets.
Rate	Adjusts the relative speed of the arpeggiator sequence by changing all the note durations by a factor of the current tempo. This control can be assigned to MIDI remote control and modified in real-time during project playback.
Octave Range	Sets the number of octaves through which the arpeggio will play. A value of 1 means that a held chord will only arpeggiate the notes that are being held within the octave from which the notes are being transmitted. A value of 2 means a held chord will arpeggiate for two octaves. The held chord always represents the bass octave, meaning that the other octaves sound in a higher register. If you specify a range higher than the standard MIDI specifications, the Arpeggiator will repeat the pattern in the highest available octave as necessary. This control can be assigned to MIDI remote control and modified in real-time during project playback.
Latch	Latch keeps the arpeggio playing after you let go of the keys. This control can be assigned to MIDI remote control and modified in real-time during project playback.
Swing	Sets the amount of swing applied to the selected pattern. You can make a pattern of 8th, 16th, or 32nd notes play back as swing notes instead of straight notes. The amount of swing ranges from 0 (no swing) to 100% (maximum swing).
Velocity	An offset control that scales the arpeggiated note’s velocity to a percentage of the original note velocity.
Duration	Controls whether the notes in the pattern are held to their full value, or are held for shorter or longer durations.
Pitch Offset	A transposition control in half-steps, up or down a maximum of 2 octaves.
Flam Amount	If a pattern contains flams, this menu controls how big a difference there is between the attack time of the flam and the note it is attached to.
Source Mix	When 0, simultaneously held notes arpeggiate as single notes. At 50%, simultaneously held notes are heard as a chord in addition to the usual arpeggiated notes, both at equal levels. At 100%, only the held chord is audible. Control: Knob (0 – 100%); this control can be assigned to MIDI remote control and modified in real-time during project playback.
Ch	MIDI input and output menu—the Arpeggiator only affects input data that’s on the MIDI channels listed on this menu. The arpeggiator always obeys the track’s assigned output channel, plus any additional channels specified in the arpeggiators Ch menu.
Shapes	Choose a shape that specifies the direction in which currently held notes are to be sequenced. The following shapes are available: Rhythm (implicit rhythm mode) Forward Reverse Forward Circle 1 Reverse Circle 1 Forward Circle 2 Reverse Circle 2 Inward Outward Inward Circle Outward Circle As Played As Played Circle Random

 

Note: Most Arpeggiator parameters can be controlled via MIDI remote control, but automation data can not be recorded into tracks. For details, see To set up remote control for a knob, button, or fader.

 

See:

Using the arpeggiator