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Beat Thang Virtual version 2.1.1 Table of Contents: Introduction…………………………………………(page 3) Introduction…………………………………………(page What's new in 2.1.1..............................................(pag 2.1.1..............................................(page e 4) Getting Started – Started – Overview……… Overview…………………… …………….. ....(page ..(page 5) General Information……………………………….(page Information……………………………….(page 11) System Settings……………………………………(page 13) Pattern Mode………………………………………..(page 16) Kit Mode……………………………………………..(page 22) Instrument Mode…………………………………...(page Mode…………………………………...(page 29) Mixer Mixer Mode………………………………………….(pag Mode………………………………………….(page e 30) Sample Sample Mode……………………………………….(page 32) Song Song Mode………………………………………….(page Mode………………………………………….(page 36) Effects Effects Mode………………………………………..(page 38) Export Mode………………………………….……..(page Mode………………………………….……..(page 41) Using BTV as a plug-in.......................................(page plug-in.......................................(page 42) Technical Notes……………………………………. Notes…………………………………….(page (page 42) Trouble Shooting…………………………………... Shooting…………………………………...(page (page 42) Credits……………………………………………….. Credits………………………………………………..(page (page 44)
**Need **Nee d more help? Free video tutori tutorials als are avai availabl lable e at: www.LearnBeatThang.com
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Beat Thang Virtual version 2.1.1 Table of Contents: Introduction…………………………………………(page 3) Introduction…………………………………………(page What's new in 2.1.1..............................................(pag 2.1.1..............................................(page e 4) Getting Started – Started – Overview……… Overview…………………… …………….. ....(page ..(page 5) General Information……………………………….(page Information……………………………….(page 11) System Settings……………………………………(page 13) Pattern Mode………………………………………..(page 16) Kit Mode……………………………………………..(page 22) Instrument Mode…………………………………...(page Mode…………………………………...(page 29) Mixer Mixer Mode………………………………………….(pag Mode………………………………………….(page e 30) Sample Sample Mode……………………………………….(page 32) Song Song Mode………………………………………….(page Mode………………………………………….(page 36) Effects Effects Mode………………………………………..(page 38) Export Mode………………………………….……..(page Mode………………………………….……..(page 41) Using BTV as a plug-in.......................................(page plug-in.......................................(page 42) Technical Notes……………………………………. Notes…………………………………….(page (page 42) Trouble Shooting…………………………………... Shooting…………………………………...(page (page 42) Credits……………………………………………….. Credits………………………………………………..(page (page 44)
**Need **Nee d more help? Free video tutori tutorials als are avai availabl lable e at: www.LearnBeatThang.com
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Introduction: Thank you for choosing Beat Thang Virtual as part of your creative process. As artists ourselves, we know how important this decision is. We understand that you have many products to choose from, and we greatly appreciate the fact that you decided to go with ours. We have worked very hard over the past few years to bring this concept to fruition. We have done our best to incorporate the features and functions that would most enhance the electronic musician’s creative process. We hope that this product will give you many years of enjoyment, enhance your creative workflow, and serve as a tool that facilitates your ultimate success. Please let us know how this works for you. We will continue to refine our line of products using your input. Our goal is to be as responsive as possible to user feedback. We value your input, and we are dedicated to making our products the best that they can be. We appreciate you. Peace.
-The Beat Kangz www.beatkangz.com
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What's new in 2.1.1: There are many new enhancements in this version of BTV. These enhancements fall into two main groups: stability enhancements and feature enhancements. Stability enhancements help BTV to perform better and be more stable. Feature enhancements add functions to BTV that make it more useful.
The main feature enhancements of 2.1.1 are listed below: 1. File system enhancements. Many changes have been made internally to the file systems of Beat Thang and Beat Thang Virtual. These enhancements make it easier to share files between the hardware and software; and use BT as a controller controller for BTV. If you have the hardware, hardware, you will also find that that interfacing interfacing your BT and BTV is easier and more stable. NOTE: To get the full benefit of these interfacing enhancements in BTV2.1.1, you must run BT firmware upgrade v1.1.1. 2. Auto-Authorization. If you are running BTV on a PC, then you will find that the auto-authorization process is more stable and functional. Please refer to the installation guide for details. 3. Non-Quarter note bug is fixed. These timing signatures did not play back properly in some previous versions. This is now fixed. 4. Data and executable are inn one file now for easier installation on both Mac and PC. 5. Recording the last half of a measure is more accurate. 6. Undo of pitch bended and Gated notes has been fixed. 7. Cancel in Time Stretch and Pitch shift is fixed. 8. Kit mode and and pattern pattern crashes are fixed. fixed.
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Beat Thang Virtual version 2.1.0
Getting Started - Basic Operations Overview We know you are exited and ready to try out your new gear. So, we've compiled this quick overview of some basic operations to get you started. Please go on to read the General Information Section. Then you'll be knowledgeable enough to be dangerous. The Beat Thang Virtual interface is fairly intuitive; so if you just want to play after that, then feel free. Those who want more details may continue throughout the rest of the manual, or just use it as a reference. Most importantly, do you and have fun!
General Layout of the User Interface (UI) Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the basic anatomy of the software. The rest of the manual will make much more sense if you do. Let's start with an overview of the main sections:
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Basic Terms and Definitions - Please take a moment to look over these basic terms (even if you already know them). These terms define the basic logic and structure behind the Beat Thang Virtual's organization and workflow. Understanding this section insures that we are on the same accord, and you get the most out of this manual: Sample - A digital recording of a sound. This software ships with a library of over 3000 samples. You can also create your own and store them in a user location. Pad – One of the 13 pentagonal shapes located at the bottom of the BTV software screen. These represent physical drum triggers. Sounds are assigned to them and can be triggered using your computer keyboard, controller device, or through MIDI. Bank - This is a group of 12 pads (or 1 octave). There are 8 banks total in every Kit. (96 sounds total per kit). Use BANK up and down buttons to access banks. Kit – A collection of samples. By organizing samples into Kits, you can easily access several samples simultaneously. You can also assign multiple samples (up to 16) to a single Pad for a layered sound. Instrument – A sound that is pitched across all or part of the eight octave (8 bank) key range. Track – A discrete location that can have a different Kit or Instrument assigned to it. There are 8 internal tracks and 8 external (for sequencing other MIDI instruments). Tracks are accessed by pressing buttons 1-8. Tracks 9-16 are accessed by pressing the 9/16 button, and then 1-8 buttons respectively. Pattern – A looped beat composed using various Kits and Instruments assigned to multiple Tracks. Song – A string of patterns. In the Song mode, patterns may be chained together to create arrangements that are saved as songs.
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Navigation You can click any button on the User interface (UI) in order to access the various functions of this software. You can also click editable lines in the Beat Thang Virtual’s audition /edit window directly. You can move the cursor forward through the data locations by pressing the TAB button. In order to move backwards use TAB + SHIFT buttons. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to change the value of each setting. You can also "click and drag" in many cases to change values or to move kits, patterns or samples from the browser to the audition /edit window or the pads (samples only).
Basic Audio /MIDI Setup The first time you run Beat Thang Virtual, you will have to make sure that audio and MIDI signals are properly routed in and out of the software. Otherwise, you will get no sound . Here's how to do it: 1. Click the SYSTEM button beneath the audition /edit window. 2. The System Settings dialog appears.
3. If you have a MAC, set the "Audio Input" to "Built-in Input" or "Built-in Microphone" (depending on the source that you want to sample from). "Audio Output" should be set to "Built-in Output" or whatever other driver might be available (if you have an external audio interface). 4. On a PC, select any available ASIO driver. You may have to download one. We recommend "asio4all" (free download at www.asio4all.com) if you do not have a dedicated audio interface and driver. If you do have an audio interface, then use its ASIO drivers for input and output.
NOTE: Now that your audio is properly configured, you can trigger and monitor sounds by pressing a,w,s,e,d,f,t,g,y,h,u,j, or k on your computer keyboard. If you would rather use an external MIDI controller as a trigger, then you will have to set the "Midi Input Port" (in the same Systems Settings Dialog) to whatever MIDI driver or plug and play controller that you have installed. Otherwise Beat Thang Virtual will not be triggered.
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How to trigger a sound * Click a pad with your mouse -OR* Press a,w,s,e,d,f,t,g,y,h,u,j, or k on your computer keyboard -OR* Use a MIDI controller (keyboard, pad, drum triggers, etc.). Most controllers must be on and present before launching Beat Thang Virtual.
How to create a new pattern (make a beat) 1. Click the PATTERN button with your mouse.
2. Press the NEW (soft key) at the bottom of the audition / edit screen. 3. Set the tempo in the BPM window (or tap the TEMPO button located in the pad section)
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4. Click and drag a Kit (or instrument) over from the Browser window on the left. Drop it directly into the Kit window. Use your MIDI controller or click the pads (or a, w, s, e, d, f, t, g, y, h, u, j, and k keys on your computer keyboard) to audition sounds. Use BANK up and down (to the right of the track buttons) to access all the banks (octaves) of sounds. 5. Hit the record button (you are now record ready).
6. Hit PLAY (now you're recording) and tap out your beat on track1. If you don't like what you did, hit the UNDO (function key) and begin again.
7. Select a new track by changing the number in the track window, or simply clicking a track button.
8. Repeat steps 4 through 7 to overdub tracks.
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How to rename a pattern (beat) 1. While auditioning a pattern (works the same with kits, instruments, songs or samples), click the "File" soft key. 2. You will be asked for the new name of the object. 3. Use left / right arrow keys and keyboard to type new name. 4. You cannot rename objects that are not writable (factory data). How to save changes 1.To save any change press the SAVE button located below the audition / edit screen. Use left (<) / right (>) arrow keys and keyboard to type a new name. 2. If the object being saved is not savable, you will be asked to rename it. 3. When Prompted, Press the Cancel (soft key) to abort the save, or OK (soft key) to save the changes.
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General Information Modes There are four basic modes: SONG, PATTERN, KIT and INST. There are four buttons on the left side of the audition / edit window by the same name (respectively). By clicking either one of these buttons, you can enter that mode and edit, rename or create new songs, patterns, kits or instruments. When a mode button is clicked it will remain lit and you will see its parameters in the audition /edit window until you switch to a different mode.
Soft Keys You will notice 4 data locations at the bottom of the audition / edit window. These are "Soft Keys". As you go through the various modes and functions of the Beat Thang Virtual, The audition / edit screen will change accordingly. You will also notice the soft keys changing accordingly. Click them directly and use the up/ down arrows to change their values as needed. You can also move the cursor forward from soft key to soft key by pressing the TAB button (move backwards by using TAB + SHIFT buttons). Notice the "<" and ">" symbols on either side of the soft key row. Clicking these icons will move you forward (or back) to the next or previous set of soft keys (if another set exists).
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Function Keys Below the audition /edit window is a row of buttons called function keys. They control the main functions of the software. Their operations are as follows:
EDIT - allows you to modify songs, patters, kits and instruments. SAVE - a touch of this button saves all modifications. EXIT - hit this anytime you want to return to the previous screen. UNDO - clicking this button will take you a step back in the edit history. INS/COPY - using this function, you can copy and paste track and pad data. DELETE - using this function, you can delete kits, patterns, pads, songs and sequence data. EXPORT - click this to bounce your composition down to a stereo audio file. Files can then be imported into other audio software. SYSTEM - here you can access all the general systems settings of the software DATA - (Functionality to come in subsequent versions) SAMPLE - use this function when you want to make a digital recording of a sound, edit it, and save it.
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System Settings The Systems function is used to edit global machine settings. Press the SYSTEM button to access and change the following settings:
* Au d io I n p ut – here you can choose the device for input to the Thru channel and sample recording (where you select mic input etc)
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*Audio Outpu t - this is where you choose the device for sound output from the BTV. Here the line output path to your speakers is selected. (Must be an ASIO driver). * Buffer Size - this is where you control how much data is processed per buffer. This allows you to fine tune the performance of the software based on the task that you would like to perform. The higher the buffer size, the longer the latency (the time it takes to hear a sound after you strike the pad). So, if you want a tighter performance on the pads, then set a lower buffer size. But if you want to run more effects, set your buffer size higher. * Receive Multi-Timbral - this option lets you choose whether or not BTV will work in a multi-timbral mode. Enable this mode by clicking its radial button. Once enabled, you can use BTV as a tone module and trigger multiple tracks discretely from multiple MIDI channels output from an external sequencer. NOTE: If not enabled, then each of BTV’s tracks will receive external MIDI input uniformly; and only from the selected MIDI Input Channel. Use this option to make triggering easier from a MIDI controller device (like a pad or keyboard controller, etc.). This way, you will not have to change midi channels on your controller in order to trigger sounds on the individual tracks of BTV. * Transpose Midi Not es - this option lets you move the root note up and down on a keyboard or pad controller so it will correspond with the banks on BTV. * Midi Root Not e - this is where you would adjust the root note of your controller to correspond with BTV. * M I D I I n p ut Po r t - choose the device to use as an external controller (keyboard with USB, Pad controller etc) * MI DI I nput Channel - the MIDI channel that BTV will listen on. To listen to all channels, select Omni. * MI DI Output Port - choose the device that the BTV will output external midi tracks to; (a sound module or keyboard perhaps). 14
* Pit ch Bend Range – changes the number of semitones that the pitch bend slider will bend a note. Half the range is lower than the samples natural pitch, half is higher. 2 is the traditional setting (but try 12 for crazy pitch changes). * Pit ch Bend Mode – determines whether the pitch bend control affects a single track or all tracks. * PPQ for new patt erns - the Parts Per Quarter Note (PPQ) at which new patterns will record and play back. Changing this does not affect patterns which have already been recorded. The higher PPQ is set, the more resolution you have to record sequenced notes. * User Dat a Pat h – determines where user data (the samples, kits, patterns, etc. that you create) will be saved. * Beat I ndicator Butt on – determines which button will be used to trigger tap tempo function.
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Pattern Mode A pattern is a Beat. Pattern mode allows auditioning and editing of patterns. Enter pattern mode by clicking the PATTERN button. Initially, you will be able to audition all available patterns. Here you can also edit (click the "Edit" soft key or create a new pattern (click "New" soft key). In edit pattern mode, a pattern's tracks can be recorded and its track properties can be edited. The file Browser on the left can also be used to load Patterns. In the browser on the left you will see “Preset” and “User” Folders. Stock patterns are found in the "Presets" folder. The "User" folder is where the beats you make will be stored. To load patterns just double click on a file in the browser. Or "drag and drop" it directly into the audition /edit window. You can also click on the file name window and scroll through using the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard.
How to edit a pattern * Select the pattern. (See "How to change patterns".) * Press the EDIT button. The screen will show the pattern name and its properties.
* Begin setting pattern properties and recording tracks. (See "How to record tracks".) * If you have made changes to the current Pattern, you will be asked if you want to save your changes. How to end pattern editing. *Press the EXIT button. The screen title will change to "Audition Pattern". *Your changes will not be lost if you have not saved them.
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How to create a new pattern. * Press the PATTERN button (to enter Pattern mode) and then press the NEW soft key.
Click the "<" or ">" on either side of the screen to see all options. There are several that can be set: -BPM (tempo) : How fast or slow the pattern plays. Tap at least four times on the tempo button at the tempo you want. You can also click the numbers next to BPM and use your up and down arrow keys (or click and drag) to adjust your tempo. - Tracks : Here you can switch between the 16 possible parts of your composition; 8 internal and 8 external (for sequencing with sound modules and other external sound sources). Each track can have its own kit or instrument. -Bar Length : Sets how many bars you want your pattern to play before looping. Each track can have its own bar length; So track one can be 4 bars, track two can be 8, etc. The loop occurs at the longest bar. - Quantize : Adjusts the notes you play precisely in time with the beat count. You can adjust the note value to match your desired timing from quarter notes (1/4) up to sixty-fouth notes(1/64). You can even adjust this after you have recorded your beat. 1/16 is the traditional quantize for most hip hop, **TIP** if you are sequencing at double time (twice the tempo) try half the desired quantize (1/8 instead of 1/16) and you will keep the 1/16th feel.
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-Record Mode : There are two options for recording: "overdub" and "replace". Overdub allows you to add to a previous recording. Replace mode allows you to erase and record over a previous recording. -Swing : Gives a swing feel to the timing of your pattern (beat). This can be changed before or after the beat has been recorded. -Signature : Sets the timing signature of your beat. -Pre Roll : Sets the length (in bars) of the count in before you start recording -Click Vol : Sets the overall volume level of the click (metronome) -Click : Determines whether the click plays in record only or during playback -Pad Sens : Sets the trigger sensitivity of the pads. How to change patterns. *Scroll to the pattern name in the audition /edit window and use the up and down arrow keys to select a pattern to edit. *If the current pattern has been edited, you will be asked if you want to save the changes. *You can also use the file browser on the left to select patterns quickly. How to copy a pattern. *Select a pattern * Press COPY/INS. * You will be asked to name the copied pattern. The name must be unique.
How to delete a pattern. *Select a pattern * Press the DELETE button. * You will be asked to confirm that you want to delete the pattern.
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The following apply only when Editing is enabled. (See "How to edit a pattern".)
How to tap the tempo. * Click the "tempo" button
* Tap the tempo button (or tap the "Enter" button on the computer keyboard) at least twice and up to four times. * If you press the button less than four times, after two seconds, the tempo will take effect.
How to select the track. * Click on one of the eight track buttons (9-16 can be accessed by clicking the 9/16 Button) -OR * the number next to "Track" in your audition /edit window and use your up and down arrow keys; a box will surround the selected track number. * The track can be changed whether playing or recording. If recording, the current track will record the events. How to record events to a track. * Select the track. (See "How to select the track".) * Press RECORD * Press PLAY * A count in will begin if the Pattern's pre-roll is not 0. -OR* Press PLAY and when the desired section of the Pattern is reached, press RECORD. * Trigger the sounds with Pad presses, keyboard presses or MIDI controller events. ("See how to trigger sounds".) * The notes are recorded from the time RECORD is pressed to the time STOP or RECORD is pressed again can be removed from the recording by pressing UNDO. If record is press again, the last recording cannot be undone. ***TIP*** you can hit record at anytime a pattern is playing and can stop recording by simply pressing the record button again with out stopping playback
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How to delete a track's events. * Select the track. (See "How to select the track".) * Press DELETE. * You will be asked to confirm that you want to clear the track's events before it is done. *You can delete Control, Notes, or ALL. Control - just deletes pitch or mod changes but leaves the notes Notes - just deletes the notes but leaves the control All - deletes everything Cancel - cancels the delete
How to copy the track's events. * Select the track. (See "How to select the track".) * Press COPY/INS. * Select the destination track. * Press COPY/INS. * You will be asked to confirm that you want to overwrite the current track. * The copied track will be written to the selected track. * Each copied track can only be pasted once. How to seek to the beginning of the pattern. * Press |<. * If recording is armed, the beat clock will show the pre-roll time as a negative count. * Otherwise, the beat clock will be set to 1-1. How to seek within a pattern. * Press > to seek forward. * Press < to seek backward. * No sounds are triggered while seeking. * The seeking stops when the end or start of the pattern is reached. How to record an external Track * External tracks play back by sending MIDI data, so you must be connected to a MIDI device to hear the output from an External Track. The Track's number is the MIDI Channel is controls plus nine. So Track 9 sends data on MIDI channel 0, Track 10 sends data on MIDI channel 1. * Press 9-16 to allow selection of tracks 9 – 16. * Select a Track * Record the events by pressing Pads, moving the Pitch and Mod wheels, or using an external MIDI controller.
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**with the current 2.1.0 update, BTV now offers 16 internal or external tracks**
How to playback an external Track * Connect a MIDI device and set it to respond to the correct MIDI channel. * Play back a Pattern that has external tracks.
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Kit Mode Press the KIT button, to enter kit mode. Here Kits can be edited, and created.
How to select a kit *You can press the up and down arrows or use the browser to the left *Presets contain factory kits, User is where your kits will be stored *Double click on a kit in the browser to load it *If the current kit has been edited, you will be asked if you want to save changes How to edit a kit * Select the kit. (See "How to change kits".) * Press the EDIT button. The screen title will change to "Edit" * Begin setting pad properties. * If you have made changes to the current Kit, you will be asked if you want to save your changes. How to end kit editing * Press the EXIT button. The screen title will change to "AUDITION KIT". * If you have made changes to the current Kit, you will be asked if you want to save your changes. How to create a new kit * In the AUDITION KIT window, click the new soft key (See "How to change kits".) * Make changes to your kit * Press SAVE or switch to another kit. * You will be asked for a new name for the kit.
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NOTE: The following apply only when Editing is enabled. (See "How to edit a kit".)
How to select a pad for editing * With a kit loaded, and in edit mode press any pad -OR* Click on the pad name -OR* Scroll until the pad name is selected How to set the pad's samples * Drag a sample from the file browser on the left hand side of the window. This is a list of all samples in the Beat Thang virtual and the sounds you have added to your user folder. -OR*Select a pad *Click where the sample name will appear in the edit window * Scroll using up and down arrow keys to the desired sample How to change the edited layer Use arrow keys until the layer number is selected. -OR*Click on the layer number; a box will surround the layer number *cycle through the layers using the up and down arrow keys. With the desired layer selected, editing the layer's properties is done the same as described in "How to edit pad properties". * You can select the category of the sample also in the edit window for example: SNARES, KICKS, etc
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PAD SETTINGS Press the KIT button to enter kit mode. Next, press the EDIT soft key and you will be able the access the Pad settings (Kit edit mode). These settings give you great control over the behavior of sounds assigned to the pads. There are several settings to edit. Click the more (< and >) icons in the audition /edit window to access them all. Their functions are as follows:
Pad: Shows you which pad is currently selected for editing. Click on any pad and you will see the value change here. Bank : Shows what group of pads are present; there are 8 banks per kit (0-7). Layer : Shows what pad layer is present for editing. Here you can create, copy, or delete a layer. This is how you can stack sounds (maybe a snare and a clap). Each pad can have up to 16 layers. Volume : Adjust overall level for each pad or layer Pan : Adjust left or right placement in the stereo image for each pad or layer Pitch : Adjust the overall tuning for each pad Trigger : Determines how a sound will be played back once the pad is triggered. Gate plays the sound on the pad as long as its held down. Retrigger plays the whole sound if the pad is pressed once but restarts it if hit again while its playing. OneShot plays the whole sound from a single pad press. No need to hold the pad down.
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Cut Off : Adjusts the cut off frequency for each pad. (If a sound has too much treble, try lowering the cutoff to roll of some highs) Res : Adjust each pad’s resonance with respect to its selected cut off frequency. (If a sound is too dull try increasing its resonance to increase clarity) Delay Send : Adjusts Delay send for each pad (use this to add echo) Verb Send : Adjusts Reverb send for each pad (add hall or room ambience) Attack : Adjusts the attack slope for each pad. (this determines how fast a sound reaches max volume once it is triggered). Decay : Adjusts decay time for each pad. (Can be used to create natural fades for each pad. Will Interact with sustain setting). Sustain : Adjusts sustain of each pad (How long a sound plays while holding a key). Release : Adjusts release time of each pad (How long a sound plays after releasing the key). Start and End point : Adjusts the assigned sample’s Start and End points for each pad.
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Autochop : Autochop allows you to quickly create multiple edits (Chops) for a given sample. In order to use this function you must enter Kit /Edit mode, use the Right More (>) arrow to find the Autochop soft key, then: 1. Drag the sample that you wish to chop onto a pad. (Double clicking a sample will load it onto any selected Pad). You will then see the sample's waveform.
2. Click the "Autochop" Softkey. Now the edit screen changes and you can see "Sensitivity" and "Frequency" adjustments at the top. Move these sliders to adjust the number of chops that you will have. (Chops are marked by red lines in the edit window).
3. You can audition your chops by clicking each pad. If there are more than 13 chops, then you can bank up to access them all. When you are satisfied with your chops, press the "OK" softkey.
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4. Pressing "OK" now opens a new edit window:
Here, you can select Chop Start/End points. This allows you to determine where your chops will appear on the keyboard. When you are satisfied with the location of your chops, then click the Right More (>) button and press "Complete". You can "Cancel" the Autochop function here also.
Start and End velocity : Adjust Start and End Velocity for each layer of each pad. Voice group : Sets the voice/mute group of each pad. This allows one sound to damp (or stop) another. This is commonly used for open and closed hit hats, but can be used with any sample. ( Hint: Assign each sample to a pad. Set both pads to mute group M1. Now, when you hit one it will stop the other. This will create more realistic open and closed hi hat interaction).
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Key Span Key span allows one pad's settings to be copied to a range of pads, while adjusting the pitch of each Pad so that the pitch increases from the Beginning pad in the span to the end pad in the span. Note that the pitch property's range is +/-24 so the largest span possible is 48. This basically allows you to create an instrument out of a single sound. That instrument can span a few notes, or a 4 octave key range.
How to use key span * From Kit or Instrument edit mode, select the Pad whose settings should be used as the template for the span. * Press MORE until the Key Span function is shown. * Press the Key Span function button. This brings up the Key Span dialog. * Choose the initial Pad that starts the span (to the left of the pad selected). * Chose the last Pad to end the span (to the right of the pad selected). * Press OK. * The settings from the template Pad are copied to each Pad from the beginning Pad to the end Pad.
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* The pitch will be set for each Pad so that the Pad is one semitone higher than the previous Pad in the span. For example, if the template pad has pitch 10, the pad to its left will have pitch 9, the pad to its right will have pitch 11. MultiEdit Function Multiedit allows a Pad to have its properties edited for all Pad's using the same sound in the current bank. For example, after using Keyspan to map a chorus sound onto multiple Pads, the volume or ADSR properties of all Pads using the chorus sound can then be tweaked one bank at a time. How to adjust all settings for an instrument in the current bank Hold Option + shift while editing the property
Instrument Mode This mode works just like Kit Mode. We made it a separate mode so that you could have an easy way to separate your instrument sounds from your kit -based sounds. As this software evolves, we may add VSTi, and other plugin and synth functionality to this slot as well.
( See Kit Mode for operation. Instrument mode works the same)
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Mixer Mode Track specific settings can be edited in Mixer mode. In Mixer Mode, the level (volume), pan, track effect sends and the track filter can be set and are stored with the Pattern. Mixer mode is accessed from Pattern mode by pressing MIXER. Press MIXER again to exit.
The Mixer mode screen provides a graphic representation of the Track's settings as well as the numeric values for them. This is where you “fine tune” your beats. You can turn down a track that’s too loud or bring up one that’s too soft. You can also pan tracks from left to right. Also control reverb or delay sends.
How to select a Track * Click on the MIXER button * Click the track button that you wish to adjust. - OR * Click the Track number in the edit window for the desired track and scroll with the up and down arrow keys. ***Tip*** Try the filter which can be s equenced with the “mod” slider if you get the right setting it can sound really sick!
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Mute and Solo How to solo a Track * In Pattern Mode, HOLD option key for Mac [Alt for PC] then click on the Track button of track you want to solo) * The soloed track's button will flash. * More than one track can be soloed at a time. * If the track is muted, solo takes precedence and the Track will be heard. The mute will take effect when the track is unsoloed. How to mute a Track * In Pattern Mode * Hold command or Apple [Control for PC] then click on the Track button of the track you want to solo) * The muted track's button will remain lit. * More than one track can be muted at a time. * When a soloed track is muted, the track remains soloed. The mute will take effect if the track is unsoled.
How to unsolo all Tracks * Press the SOLO button. How to unmute all Tracks * Press MUTE button. How to mute a Pad * Hold command (apple) for Mac [Control for PC] + Pad How to solo a Pad * Hold option [Alt for PC] + Pad
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Sample Mode Sample mode allows recording of the input channel to a new .wav file. It also has functions that allow you to edit existing sample files. Enter the Sample mode by clicking the SAMPLE Button just below the Effects section. If you then want to trim, amplify, normalize or change a sample's pitch or duration; you may edit existing samples by then clicking the EDIT Softkey. If you wish to edit a factory preset sample, you must first make a copy of it. Then edit the copy.
How to audition the current sample * Enter Sample mode (Press SAMPLE button) * Select a sample * Press PLAY
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How to record a new sample * Enter Sample Mode (Press SAMPLE button) * Press NEW (You will get an input screen)
* Press RECORD button to arm recording (now you can adjust your levels). * Press PLAY button to begin recording. * Press STOP button to end recording. * Press SAVE * Enter a Name and category for the sample. Choose an existing category or create a new one.
Sample Edit Mode Within the Sample Edit Mode, you will find several functions that will allow you to change the character of any recorded sample (accept for factory preset sounds; copy them to make changes). From the Sample mode, simply click the EDIT Soft Key to unlock the following functions. Use the Right More Arrow (>) Soft Key to access all functions:
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Reversing a sample * Enter sample mode (Press SAMPLE button) * Select a sample and press EDIT Soft Key or record a new one * If you don't want to replace the current sample, press COPY/INS Button to create a copy. * Press REVERSE Soft Key. * Press PLAY button to listen, the sample will be reversed * Press SAVE button to accept the change or UNDO button to restore the original. Trimming silence from the beginning of a sample * Enter Sample mode (Press SAMPLE button) * Select a sample and press EDIT Soft Key or record a new one * If you don't want to replace the current sample, press COPY/INS button to create a copy. * Press TRIM Soft Key in edit window * Click the AUTO TRIM Soft Key and the start point will be set to the beginning of the sample if there is empty space. * Audition the sample, press UNDO button if the results are not acceptable. * Press SAVE to accept the change or UNDO to restore the original. Normalizing a sample * Enter sample mode (Press SAMPLE button) * Select a sample and press EDIT or record a new one * If you don't want to replace the current sample, press COPY/INS to create a copy. * Press the NORMALIZE Soft Key. * Press PLAY button, the sample will be reversed * Press SAVE to accept the change or UNDO to restore the original. Amplifying a sample * Enter sample mode * Select a sample and press EDIT or record a new one * If you don't want to replace the current sample, press COPY/INS to create a copy. * Press the AMPLIFY Soft Key. * Enter the amount to amplify the sample. * Press OK to perform the gain change. (NOTE: This change is permanent and affects the file unlike the changes to sample levels in other modes). * Press SAVE to accept the change or UNDO to restore the original.
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Time stretching a sample * Enter sample mode (Press SAMPLE button) * Select a sample and press EDIT Soft Key or record a new one * If you don't want to replace the current sample, press COPY/INS to create a copy. * Press the Right More (>) Soft Key to access TIME STRETCH function. * Press TIME STRETCH Soft Key. * You will be prompted to enter a Stretch Factor. This number, when multiplied times the length of the sample will modify its duration. (Ex: If a stretch factor of 2.0 is applied to a 1 minute sample, then the resulting sample will be 2 minutes. Likewise if you were to apply a Stretch Factor of .5 to the same sample, then the resulting sample length would then be 30 seconds.) * Press the OK Soft Key. * Now Press PLAY, and you will hear that the sample will be pitched without effecting its length. * Press SAVE to accept the change or UNDO to restore the original. Pitch Shifting a sample * Enter sample mode (Press SAMPLE button) * Select a sample and press EDIT Soft Key or record a new one * If you don't want to replace the current sample, press COPY/INS to create a copy. * Press the Right More (>) Soft Key to access PITCH SHIFT function. * Press PITCH SHIFT Soft Key. * You will be prompted to enter the amount in which to shift the pitch. This number is measured in semitones. It can be positive or negative, which will shift the pitch up or down respectively. * Press the OK Soft Key. * Now Press PLAY, and you will hear that the sample will be stretched or compressed without effecting the pitch. * Press SAVE to accept the change or UNDO to restore the original.
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Song Mode Song mode allows several patterns to be arranged into a song. In this mode, the order of pattern playback is determined. A repeat count can also be set for each pattern. This is an easy way to chain together individual patterns to create a linear composition.
***Remember the browser on the left also works in this mode***
How to edit a song * Select the song. (See "How to change songs".)
* Press the EDIT button. The screen will show the song name and its properties. * Make changes * Continue until all patterns for the song are selected and the repeat counts are set. How to end song editing. * Press the EXIT button. The screen title will change to "Audition Song". * Your changes will not be lost if you have not saved them.
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How to create a new song. * From the Song audition screen press NEW. * Press the EDIT button. * Make changes. * Press SAVE or switch to another song. * You will be asked for a new name for the song. How to change songs. * Double Click the song name in the browser -OR* Click the name in the audition window and scroll with your up and down arrow keys. * If the current song has been edited, you will be asked if you want to save the changes. How to copy a song. * Click the Song name in the Audition window * Press COPY/INS. * You will be asked to name the copied song. The name must be unique or you will be asked again.
How to delete a song. * Click the Song Name in the Audition window * Press DELETE. * You will be asked to confirm that you want to delete the song. The following apply only when Editing is enabled. (See "How to edit a song".)
How to add a pattern to a song. * Click Edit Button or Edit in Audition Window * Click where you want to add a pattern * Click Add to create a new insert * Select a Pattern from browser or Scroll with up and down arrow keys to desired pattern -OR* Press >> or << to move through the steps of the song. * Do this until the last step with the pattern "" is selected. * Select the pattern name and scroll to the desired pattern for the new step.
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Effects Mode Effect settings can be edited from any other mode. The settings are stored in the Factory folder. To enter the effects mode, hold the Option [Alt for PC] key and click any Effect Button. Each effect type has its own directory for presets, so it is possible to have a reverb and a delay preset named "Big", for example.
Any Effect can be enabled or disabled by pressing the button for that effect. Delay, Reverb and CompEq each have one possible effect. The Freak effect can be one of several different types of effects. Current Freak effects are: - Chorus - Disintegrator - Fast Overdrive - Foldover Distortion - High Pass Filter - Low Pass Filter - MVC Mo High Pass - MVC Mo Low Pass - Phaser - Chorus/Flanger - Pitch Shifter - Reflector - a reverse delay - Vibrato - Valve Rectifier - Valve Saturation - VyNil - vinyl effect
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**Effects with time based properties can be synced to the current tempo .** The current preset for an effect determines the effects settings in all other modes. Only Song Mode will be able to change the effect settings when the Song loads. The effect settings which were in place when BTV was shut down will be restored when the application is opened again.
How to edit an effect preset * Press EDIT and the button for the effect you want to edit. * Press Option [Alt for PC] and the effect button you want to edit * Press EDIT button or Edit in Edit Window. * Begin setting effect properties. * If you change the current Preset and you have made changes to it, then you will be asked if you want to save your changes. How to end effect editing * If Editing is enabled, press EXIT to return to disable Editing. * Press EXIT to exit Effect mode. How to create a new effect preset * Press EDIT and the button for the effect you want to edit. * Press option [Alt for PC] and the effect button you want to edit * Click the New button in the Audition window * Make changes. See "How to edit an Effect Preset". * Press SAVE or change to another preset. You will be prompted to name the new preset file. How to delete an effect preset * Select the preset you want to delete. * Press DELETE. * You will be asked to confirm that you want to delete this preset. How to change the current preset in Effect audition mode * Click on the File Name in the Left Browser -OR* Click the file name in the Audition window and scroll with the up and down arrow keys The following apply only when Editing is enabled. (See "How to edit an effect preset".)
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How to change the Freak effect * Enter Effect mode by pressing FREAK + EDIT. Press option [Alt for PC] and the FREAK button * Press EDIT * Click on the Effect Field to change * Make Changes * The effect properties will vary depending on which effect has been selected.
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Export Mode Export mode allows a pattern or song to be converted into an audio file for use in other programs or as a sample in your Beat Thang Virtual library. Exports can be performed “live” or “direct”. A “live” export allows anything heard while listening to the BTV’s output to be captured in the exported audio file in real time. This includes live pad playing, effects, PITCH and MOD changes. When “live” is set to OFF, then the pattern or song will be rendered directly to a .wav file. In either mode, the track mutes, pad mutes and solos will affect the exported audio. This allows a pattern to be exported into individual files for each soloed track or pad.
How to export a song or pattern * Enter song or pattern mode. * Select a song or pattern to export. (See "How to change songs".) * Set any desired mute or solo states for Pads or Tracks. * Press the EXPORT function key. * For Live export, select Live and set it to ON. * Press RECORD then PLAY. * Pressing PLAY without arming RECORD will allow you to audition the song before exporting it. * If Live is ON, the song or pattern will loop until you press STOP. You will hear the audio being exported. * If Live is OFF, the export ends when the song or pattern ends. It isn't necessary to press stop. No audio is heard while exporting. * Name the new file and select where to save it. * Your exported file will be in the user "Sample" folder.
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Using BTV as a Plugin: The main feature added with the 2.0 update of BTV is the Plug-in Feature. This means that BTV can function as a virtual instrument within other audio programs known as Digital Audio Workstations or DAWs. There are many DAWs that BTV can interface with. As of version 2.0, Audio Units (AU) and Virtual Studio Technology (VST) are supported. Please refer to www.learnbeatthang.com to see demonstrations of use with specific DAWs.
Technical Notes • To use a MIDI controller to trigger samples, you might need to have the controller on and available before launching Beat Thang Virtual. If Beat Thang Virtual does not find any devices on launching, then shut it down, check all connections and re-launch. • Because the device default settings (bank 0) start triggering samples from MIDI note value 0. You may need to adjust the octave of your controller to hear anything.
Trouble Shooting: "I’m hitting pads, but I don’t hear any sound" First- double check to make sure that a sound is actually assigned to that pad. Click KIT, then EDIT and make sure that something shows up in the SAMPLE window. MAC- Make sure your audio interface is selected in the Systems Settings menu (click the SYSTEM button). If you don’t have an audio interface make sure you select “built in” For Audio Input and Output. Otherwise, select your interface. PC- Make sure you have downloaded asio4all at www.asio4all.com Install it, then restart your computer. Select that for your output In the Systems Settings (click the SYSTEM button).
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“I did that but still no sound” Some computers (especially laptops) just have low end integrated sound cards that don't do audio very well. You will get better results by upgrading your audio interface. There are many out there to choose from. Google "Audio Interface" and you will see several choices in all price ranges.
“I hear clicks and pops in my audio especially when I use the FX” Mac- click the SYSTEM button and increase the "Buffer Size". PC- click SYSTEM button and increase the "Buffer Size". Note: this will increase the latency (time from when you play a note to when you hear it). If this doesn’t work or if you don’t like the lag, then you may want to upgrade your audio interface. (See "I did that but still no sound"). High latency is a common issue with typical low end audio interfaces. An inexpensive upgrade will improve latency and sound better too.
“My controller won't trigger the notes” Make sure its plugged in before you start Beat Thang Virtual. Then Click the SYSTEM button and Make sure OMNI is selected
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Credits Product Design Codetta Product Design, Inc.
Software Engineering Art & Logic, Inc.
Audio Engineering/ Sound Design Ivan Corraliza Eugene Doolittle Aja "A-J-A" Emmanuel Matt Everett Luke "BoomBAP" Jackson Tim Kastner Matt Leech Reavis "Rev" Mitchell
Session Performers Greg Bryant Zach Casebolt Aja Emmanuel Gary Evans Jenice Fuller Michael "Keno" Hill Luke Jackson Nioshi Jackson Darin James Erskine "EJ" Jones Lindsey Koester Justin Levenson Shane Miller Daniel Miree Reagan Mitchell Reavis Mitchell Nadir Omowale Greg Patrick Christopher Pence Giovanni Rodriguez Edwin Santiago Justin Saunders Kirby Shelstad Chauncey "C.I" Smith
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