Seq66 Basic Tutorial Introduction
2024-10-26 This section summarizes the main components of the Seq66 graphical user interface.
Main Window / Live Grid. Seq66 starts with a main window that has a standard menu, a row of controls involving the basic timing of MIDI playback, a set of tabs, including a Live tab that presents a grid of patterns, with other controls, including playback controls, at the bottom. In Live mode, all patterns play continuously, over and over. The Live grid can also be shown in an external window for flexibility. A MIDI file can be dragged onto the live grid to open it. Song Editor. The Song Editor provides a way to lay out a complete performance, in much the same manner as other MIDI sequencers. The Song Editor can also be shown in an external window for flexibility. Pattern Editor. The Pattern Editor is a way to record MIDI events and paint MIDI events, and view them. The Patter Editor can also be shown in multiple external windows for flexibility. Event Editor. The Event Editor is a way to view individual event and correct them, if necessary. This tab is explained in more detail in the Seq66 User Manual. Playlists. The Playlists is a way to move back and forth through a collection of MIDI songs. See the Seq66 User Manual. Sets. Sets are collections of patterns that can be loaded into the Live Grid in order to change the way the arrangement is playing. See the Seq66 User Manual. Mutes. Mutes ("mute groups") provide a mute and unmute a number of patterns at the same time. See the Seq66 User Manual. Session. The Session tab shows information about the current run of Seq66. See the Seq66 User Manual. In addition to the interfacs described above, Seq66 handles SMF 0 and 1 MIDI formats, provides for control of Seq66 by a MIDI controller such as the Novation Launchpad (as well as status display by such a device), a large and flexible set of keystroke controls, port mapping, support for JACK (on Linux), Windows, and more. |
As noted, much more is explained in the Seq66 User Manual. Once you grok Seq66 the heavily-indexed user manual can fill in the details. Or, use good old trial-and-error. If you find the diagrams too small, just fire up Seq66 and bring up the screen item at issue.