Sequential Circuits SixTrak

Sequential Circuits SixTrak. In Dublin, Ireland.

Using the Sequential Circuits SixTrak Sequencer

1) Introduction
2) Playback Start/Stop
3) Track Volume
4) Memory Full
5) Recording Basic Tracks
6) Erasing Tracks
7) Edit Track Program

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1) Introduction

The sequencer is the heart of the SixTrak, recording the individual
synthesizer timbres and tracks which result in complete orchestrations. When
playing the SixTrak live, the six vioces are each programmed with the same
sound (homophonic mode). Live multi-timbres are not possible because the
SixTrak cannot know which keystrokes are intended for which timbres. But
the sequencer records each voice on it's own track. So each voice can be
overdubbed in a different program. The playback mixture of the tracks can
also be programmed by individual track volume adjustment.

The sequencer capacity of 800 total notes is alloted to two "banks", SEQ A
or SEQ B. (However sequence capacity can be increased to about 4000 notes
through the Model 64 MIDI sequencer.)

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2) Playback Start/Stop

Stack mode and the arpeggiator must be off. One sequence must be stopped before the other can be started. (Both SEQ LEDs must be off.)

To start, press SEQ (A or B). If the sequence is empty, the LED will not light or will go off instantly.

The initial speed of the sequence wil always be the last speed at which it was played.

Note: Do not turn SPEED all the way counterclockwise, as this will stop the sequencer by selecting MIDI clock input.

The sequence will repeat continuously ("loop"), until SEQ is pressed. At the end of each loop, the TRACK LEDs will blink.

If all TRACK LEDs are lit, no voices are available for accompaniment (The sequencer is using all six voices)

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3) Track Volume

During playback, the mixture of the track volumes can be adjusted. This adjustment is remembered. Whenever the sequence is played, the track levels will be set as they were last adjusted.

With sequence playing back, SEQ and the TRACK LEDs of recorded tracks will light.

Hold desired (lit) TRACK switch.

Adjust TRACK VOLUME as desired. (It is possible to mute the track entirely.)

Release TRACK switch.

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4) Memory Full

Before recording or overdubbing, you should be aware of how "Memory Full" is
indicated.

When 800 notes have been recorded in both sequences, the TRACK RECORD and TRACK LEDs will start blinking rapidly. To escape this situation, switch SEQ (A or B) off. You can create more space by erasing undesired tracks in wither sequence, or by erasing either sequence completely.

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5) Recording Basic Tracks

Check that the PITCH wheel is centered (Detented).

Check that the SPEED knob is centered.

Select program desired for basic track(s).

Switch TRACK RECORD on. (If you decide not to record, you can switch RECORD off, without erasing any existing sequences.)

To record, switch  SEQ  A or B on. Note: This erases any previous sequences in the banks.

TRACK 1 will light automatically.

If more than one track is needed for the initial track, switch on additional TRACK switches.

Recording will start automatically when you begin to play.

When recording starts, the selected TRACK LEDs will blink.

While the sequencer is recording, the PITCH and MOD wheels are locked out.

To stop recording, in time with the desired ending, either:

Switch RECORD off. The recorded basic track(s) will playback and loop. (If the playback is transposed, the PITCH wheel was not centered before recording.)

Or,

Switch SEQ off. The sequence will not playback.

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6) Erasing Tracks

Start playback by pressing SEQ.

Hold TRACK RECORD. It will blink.

Press lit switch of track to be erased.

The sequence will stop and SEQ will be lit. The track has been erased.

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7) Edit Track Program

To change a track's program:

Start playback by switching SEQ (A or B) on.

Switch TRACK RECORD on.

Press track switches of track(s) to be reprogrammed. The LED(s) will blink.

Select desired program.

To stop, press SEQ.

To return to normal playback without stopping, press TRACK RECORD.

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