You will find below a description of the Mutate and Spice functions offered by KeyStep 37 mk2:
Based on Minifreak "Mutate" function, there have been many improvements brought to the algorithm with the idea of keeping the results musical and fresh each time you trigger the "Mutate" button.
The result is what we get on the KeyStep mk2 series.
Indeed, the Mutate principle is to bring a certain amount of randomness (note length, swing, pitch, polyphony) into the sequence (to be exact in a "portion of the sequence").
We have therefore implemented a set of rules.
Different set of rules are combined to form the "Seq/Arp Mode" (as seen on silkscreen above keys in blue):
When pressing Mutate it does keep the randomness on a sequence or an Arp within these rules to generate the new idea.
On the KeyStep 37 we have the same features, but you also get access to the parameter of the Mutate algorithm via the 4 new encoders, which allows you to push the boundaries between the modes (as described below):
How to use Mutate?
When pressing MUTATE, it randomizes (within boundaries) the different parameters of the algorithm.
When CONTROL button is activated and MUTATE button is pressed, you will be able to tweak the following fixed parameters depending on the selected mode with the 4 knobs:
SEQ MODE (Mutations are applied by "segment" of the Sequence):
Probability: Probability is basically the size of the segment where changes will occur.
Random: Defines the amount/proportion of change when probability is triggered.
Polyphony: Defines the probability of having polyphony inserted into your sequence ("Stacking notes").
Density: Defines the number of notes activated in the sequence
ARP MODE (Types from 1 to 6 “classic arp pattern” ):
Probability: Probability is basically the size of the segment where changes will occur.
Random: Defines the amount/proportion of change when probability is triggered.
Polyphony: Defines the probability of having polyphony inserted into your sequence ("Stacking notes").
Density: Defines the number of notes activated in the sequence
ARP MODE (Types from 7 to 15 “New arp generative type”):
These ones are patterns generated based on these 4 parameters.
Trig: Defines the probability a note will be triggered (euclidean based).
Tail: Sets the probability of notes length.
Polyphony: Defines the probability of having polyphony inserted into your sequence ("Stacking notes").
Bass: Defines how often the Lower note pressed will be triggered for repetitive pattern results.
We have a set of rules for each pattern "type" labelled from 7 to 15:
| Pattern | Trig Proba | Tails Proba |
Polyphony Proba |
Comment |
| 7 | 100% | 0% (1 Step only) | 0% | All steps trig on 1 step, classic Arp Pattern style |
| 8 | 75% | 0% (1 Step only) | 0% | Short notes, less density |
| 9 | 40% | 25% | 0% | Short notes, quite sparse |
| 10 | 60% | 100% | 0% | Short & Long notes, fully filled |
| 11 | 40% | 100% | 0% | Short & long, mostly long, fully filled |
12 |
50% | 25% | 30% | Short notes, small density, a few chords |
| 13 | 50% | 25% | 70% | Short notes, small density, frequent chords |
14 |
50% | 70% | 70% | Long notes & frequent chords |
| 15 | 40% | 90% | 80% | Long chords |
-So if you press SHIFT+ key (pattern 7 to 15) or when you press mutate again it will apply the rules above.
-But if you tweak the 4 knob before (w.CONTROL button activated) and then press the MUTATE button, the above rules are superseded with your own choice.
Note
You can of course press Mutate several times and hear a new variation to your Sequencer Pattern every time.
MUTATE and Pattern length over 16 steps:
The improved MUTATE function will make sure the mutation will have a consistent/musical result on long patterns and to avoid having "too much" randomness.
Each block of 16 steps are called "phrases", the generative MUTATE algorithm will also make sure to generate variations targeting an A-B-A-C phrase style pattern (64 steps in that case) for improved musicality.
How to Reset a Mutated Pattern?
If you want to start the Mutate process all over again with an unmodified Pattern, hold Shift and press the Mutate/Reset button. You will be back to your initial pattern, and you can start mutating again.
Holding Shift and sliding up and down the Modulation Strip will add random changes to the current Sequence or Arpeggio. The further up the Modulation Strip you go, the greater the changes.
-Spice adds randomization to Gate Length and Ratchet (adding multiple triggering).
-The Mutate function generates a new pattern for Spice.
Alternatively, Shift + 3 taps on the Mod strip also generates a new Spice Pattern but without adding mutations.
Make sure to refer to the User manual which provides additional details about this feature in the "2.3.5. Spice" dedicated section:
Note
When Using Spice and playing the keyboard, make sure to release the Shift button, or you may accidentally change the Arpeggiator Mode.