The Bassline Machine is a monophonic bass synthesiser with a built-in sequencer. This classic device has a single oscillator capable of generating either a Sawtooth or square wave. The device also features a simple yet powerful filter. The Bassline Machine's sequencer is a step sequencer and is similar to those found married to drum machines. The sequencer allows for a pattern as well as options about how you want to note to be played to be programmed into the device manually. Make a repetitive pattern and automate the filter controls as well as using the effect pedals to create full-on early 90s acid techno!
Notes and Sequencing
As mentioned the Bassline machine has a built-in sequencer, this is where notes can be added and defined. Notes are added to the sequence by first using the step index to decide on what step in the sequence you wan to be played and then adding a note to that step by selecting the required note by using the sequencing buttons.
- pattern length - This number denotes how many steps your sequence has.
- pattern +/- - Adjustment of how many steps there are in the sequence. TIP! Holding down SHIFT while selecting these buttons will allow you to double of half the number of steps in your sequence, (from 2-4, from 16-32 etc.etc.)
- clear pattern - Deletes the selected pattern.
- sequencer - Allows for definition of what note is played on each step. Only one note can be played per step.
- shuffle on/off - The shuffle option works by selecting key notes in the sequence and then moving or shuffling the notes between those key notes either forwards or backwards depending on the configuration of your timeline.
- note on/off - Allows for a note to be played on the step. (Selecting this button is essential if you want a note to be played on the selected step)
- transpose down - The transpose buttons allows for the note to be put down an octave.
- transpose up - The transpose buttons allows for the note to be put up an octave.
- accent - The accent button allows for the note to be accented. If this button is selected the strength of the accented note can be determined by using the Accent Wheel.
- slide - Allows for the note to make a smooth transition into the next note. (portamento)
- step index - Displays which step in the sequence is currently selected.
- next step - Go to next step in the sequence.
- previous step - Go to previous step in the sequence.
Patterns
The middle area of the device is where you can toggle through the devices different internal patterns. This area also includes the Bassline's master volume control.
- pattern selector - The pattern wheel allows for you to toggle through the different patterns within the selected pattern bank.
- pattern bank - The Bassline Machine has 4 different pattern banks A, B, C and D. Each pattern bank contains 7 different patterns.
- Volume - Master volume control.
Filter and Parameter Controls
Across the top of the Bassline machine is where the device's filter controls can be found, as well as controls for some of the devices parameters. This is where the sound of the the device can really be defined. This is where the magic happens…
- waveform selector - Determines whether the device generates either a sawtooth or a square wave.
- tuning - Allows for fine tuning of the output signal.
- cut-off frequency - Allows definition of the internal filters cut-off frequency.
- resonance - Allows adjustment of the resonance of the output signal.
- envelope modulator - Allows control over of the size and shape of the filter envelope.
- accent - The accent wheel allows for control of the strength of the accented notes in the sequence.
NOTE: The accent wheel will do nothing unless the accent button has been used with at least 1 step in the sequence.
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cisneroscristopher60_gmail_com
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gvsisters477_gmail_com
hi, how do I do music without any instruments?
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Jordi Moragues
Don't drag anything into the desktop.
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noahbuckwalter_mcps_org
How do I turn it on/get it to start playing??
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Jordi Moragues
Connect it to a mixer input or anything that is connected to the Master Output, make sure your volumes aren't zero and press play in the transport. You should hear a pattern play in a loop.
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DMEPclass
How can you add the patterns to the timeline and have everything play?
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Jordi Moragues
Right click an empty area on the Bassline and choose Create Pattern Track on the context menu. Double click in the newly created pattern track on the timeline to place pattern regions. The regions will trigger the current pattern. You can change the pattern they trigger by right clicking them and choosing a different bank and pattern from the Switch Pattern item in the context menu.
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MikeyDv2002
how do i use this
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Jordi Moragues
Instruction manual above.
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Prøxller
how can you change the key?
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Jordi Moragues
If you mean key as in scale, the synths don't have such thing. You just program the notes that are right for whatever key or scale that you've decided your track to be in.
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Haddonl89
How do i make the note sustain
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Jordi Moragues
Make sure that the Slide button has its LED on for that note. The next note should have the same pitch, otherwise you'll get a pitch slide. You can set Slide on for as many consecutive notes as you need for long sustains, although the sound will eventually be limited by the envelope's decay.
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perxeo
How can I listen separately the bass line of the "Bass line" instead of listening it in the timeline??? I want to listen the bass pattern in a individual manner .... thanks!!!
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Jordi Moragues
Afaik, this isn't possible. The Bassline uses patterns only (no note tracks, no note input, no software keyboard, no play button on the device itself) therefore you can only hear it when the transport is playing. That said, you can solo it and loop a specific pattern if you want to check it in isolation.
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sniamuriel1207_gmail_com
Perfect
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sebpoole03
Is there any way to go up two octaves?
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Jordi Moragues
No, there isn't, like there wasn't in the original. You could consider using another synth, like the Pulverisateur, to create your sound if you need that range.
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Apostle
It seems like the patterns were changed on how they play now. For me anyways, whenever I change the pattern and the pattern bank, it only plays one note. How do i get it to where it played an entire bassline again?
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steven_bushong
Hey @Apostle ... I'm having the same problem. Did you figure it out? Thanks!
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Jordi Moragues
Can't reproduce this. You mean changing patterns live or through a pattern track? Are you sure your pattern isn't just one note?
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geneticus0_gmail_com
Is there a way to tie the RIM from the 909 to the 303? On the originals there was a mono jack on each unit for that purpose.
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Jordi Moragues
Every device is automatically synced to the track tempo.
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$HARi D BEATZ
how can you control the bassline with your keyboard
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Jordi Moragues
Yes, but it's not available for the Bassline device.
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ApoC
Audiotool has a midi keyboard built into the app I think..
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Jordi Moragues
Unfortunately you can't use your keyboard with this device.
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danny_hood
On the top left of Bass line there is an 'Input', What is the input for? Can i plug effects into the input, doubt that works. I want to make the 303 sound like its overloaded right before it explodes, I blow it up.
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Known As I
It can be used to feed an external sound as a replacement for the internal waveform generator. That reduces the device to its function as a pattern sequencer with filters, resonance, etc. This works best with a continuously played sound as input.
The Pulverisateur has a similar input where it's function is more obvious.
Please don't blow it up - we only have very few in stock.
For the sound: The 303 itself is very tame. Try feeding a dirty sound into the input (waveshaper, tube distortion) or use the same destructive devices on the output. You can crank up the resonance and accent, too. Move the cutoff frequency in the range of the most dominant tune.
Hope this helps.
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Solar_Solstice_OP
wow It might accually help me.
me sirbio de mucho