AutoArp

Note:
While AutoArp is categorized as an "Instrument" to ensure compatibility with Reason 6.5/6.5.1, it does not produce audio and is a note triggering utility.

Product Manual: http://www.black-and-orange.com/re/autoarp_manual.pdf

AutoArp will help you make music even if you don't know anything about music theory or have limited keyboard skills. You can start right away by just playing one note at a time which AutoArp will snap to the selected scale, run through the chord generator, and output beautiful arpeggios from those chords. You can make entire songs with a single finger!

Even if you're well versed in theory and have lightning dexterity from years of ticklin' the ivories, AutoArp can serve as a "sketch pad" to quickly test out different scales and chord progressions. Or use AutoArp as a scale reference (over 60 scales per key to choose from) to learn a new genre of music.

Whether you take advantage of the scale mapping and chord generator or choose to input your own chords, AutoArp provides a feature-rich arpeggiator and step sequencer allowing you nearly endless control of the shape and sound of your patterns.

Live performance was kept in mind in the design of AutoArp. Each of the modules can be turned on/off via MIDI Remote allowing a single AutoArp instance to serve as an "auto-correct" for improvisation, a one-finger chord generator, and/or a complex arpeggio player all switchable on the fly.


Input Control
• Hold for "Latch" effect

• Quantization options for first input, note changes, and release

• Multi-Note modes override the chord generator for "traditional" arpeggiator operation


Scale Mapping
• 12 keys and over 60 scales with "Audition Scale" mode to aid choosing the right scale for your song

• Notes played are snapped to the current scale allowing improvisation that's always in key

• Custom mapping allows alternate chord triggering for more variation


Chord Generator
• Integrates with scale mapping to ensure progressions are in scale

• Chord inversion

• Custom chord creation

• Over 60 chords in the chord dictionary to serve as reference in creating custom chords

• 3-octave chord "trimming" option allows further customization of how each chord sounds


Arpeggiator
• Shuffle timing with custom shuffle group size

• "Human" timing for a more natural sound

• Extend your chords for longer arpeggio patterns

• Velocity variation

• 7 Play Modes: Linear, Skip, Skip Rev, 3-1, 3-1 Rev, 4-2, 4-2 Rev

• 6 Play Directions: Up, Up+Down, Down, Down+Up, Random, Manual

• Play Count setting to loop arpeggio or play only 1-4 times (for "One Shot")

• Option-rich Repeat Note setting designed from common guitar playing technique but capable of many variations for any style


Step Sequencer
• Display allows visualization of pattern and doubles as a step editing aid

• Individual step timing to create unique rhythms

• Steps can play individual notes or chords

• Individual step note selection allows custom pattern creation


Multiple Outputs
• Control multiple instruments with one AutoArp instance via sequencer control outputs for Single Note, Chord, and Main

• Arpeggio Playing output triggers on pattern loop

• Sequencer Step output conveys timing of sequencer to trigger other instruments like Kong/Redrum drum sounds


Portability
• AutoArp's removable faceplate operates as a tablet computer to allow editing AutoArp patches on the go*


About Demo Songs:
All demo songs (those with "Demo - " prefix) were made with a single AutoArp instance with only one note input at a time.

Simple Melody - A simple song played with one finger. No practicing required!

Shuffle Example - A 2 note shuffle with AutoArp triggering the piano and the hi-hat sounds. Also demonstrates how the Sequencer can output chords on a step instead of only a single note.

One Man Band - All instruments controlled via a single instance of AutoArp via its various CV outputs.

Skip and Bass - All instruments controlled via a single instance of AutoArp via its various CV outputs. Also demonstrates shuffle and slight "human" timing.

Synth Arp - Recorded "rhythm" synth with AutoArp's arpeggiator set to "loop", then recorded the "lead" synth with the same AutoArp instance, but set in a "one shot" mode (via setting Play Count to 1).


UPDATE HISTORY
--------------
1.1.7 update
--------------
Fixed
-Octave Trimming bug

Added
-Sequencer Control Gate Input acts as retrigger when connected alone
-New Extended Chord and Release>Extended Chord Step Types
-New Patch: Extended Chord Example.repatch

--------------
1.1.5 update
--------------
Fixed
-Handling of transport tempo changes during playback

Added
-Step edit controls
-Step editing process refined
-Velocity performance modulation
-Sequencer Control inputs
-Multi-Note Retrigger Setting
-New Patches
---2 Pattern Keysplit at C3 (req ReVolt).cmb
---3 Pattern Selector (req ReVolt).cmb
---CV Quantizer (req ReVolt).cmb
---Roll-Flam via PBend-Kong [C1-D#2].cmb
---Roll-Flam via PBend-NN-XT [C1-D#2].cmb
---Sequencer Control Example.cmb

--------------
1.1.0 update
--------------
Fixed
-Root Note audition buttons
-Chord Dictionary audition button
-Intermittent uninitialized settings bug
-Intermittent looping bug
-Intermittent playhead positioning bug
-Chord Select control standardized
-Removed unintended value tooltips
-Custom Note 12 labeling

Added
-Gate Reset On Input parameter
-Held notes that are re-input (through CV-controlled hosting Combinator) are re-triggered
-Performance CV Outputs (Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel, Sustain Pedal, Aftertouch, Expression, Breath)
-Turning Hold off does not stop playback if notes are still held
-Organized Patches
-Strummer patch and variations



* Since AutoArp is not a physical hardware device, the "removable faceplate" is a conceptual reference to the planned future release of a tablet version of AutoArp which will read and write .repatch files allowing patches to be edited/created on the tablet and then loaded into AutoArp Rack Extension. Details and release date TBA.