Arturia DrumBrute USER’S MANUAL

USER’S MANUAL

ENGINEERING :

Mickey Delp of Delptronics

Yannick Bellance

Olivier Delhomme

Valentin Lepetit

Nicolas Dubois

Adrien Courdavault

MANUAL :

Randy Lee

DESIGN :

Glen Darcey

Morgan Perrier

DesignBox

38240 Meylan FRANCE

http://www.arturia.com

Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other than purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of ARTURIA S.A.

All other products, logos or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

15th of October 2016 edition

2	ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

Thank you for purchasing the Arturia DrumBrute!

This manual covers the features and operation of Arturia’s DrumBrute, a full-featured analog drum synthesizer, pattern sequencer and live performance device.

In this package you will find:

§One DrumBrute analog drum synthesizer, with a serial number and an unlock code on the bottom. You will need this information in order to register your DrumBrute online.

§One DC power supply. Use only the included supply or else the unit could be damaged.

§The Quick Start Guide

Be sure to register your DrumBrute as soon as possible! There is a sticker on the bottom panel that contains the serial number of your unit and an unlock code. These are required during the online registration process. You may want to record these elsewhere or take a photo of the sticker in case it becomes damaged.

Registering your DrumBrute provides the following benefits:

•It enables you to download the DrumBrute user manual and the latest version of the MIDI Control Center software

•It allows you to receive special offers restricted to DrumBrute owners.

ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

Special Message Section

SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update the hardware that has been purchased.

IMPORTANT:

The product and its software, when used in combination with an amplifier, headphones or speakers, may be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate for long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is uncomfortable.

If you encounter any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

NOTICE:

Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function or feature works (when the product is operating as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and are therefore the owner's responsibility. Please study this manual carefully and consult your dealer before requesting service.

PRECAUTIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:

1.Read and understand all the instructions.

2.Always follow the instructions on the instrument.

3.Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the USB cable. When cleaning, use a soft and dry cloth. Do not use gasoline, alcohol, acetone, turpentine or any other organic solutions; do not use a liquid cleaner, spray or cloth that's too wet.

4.Do not use the instrument near water or moisture, such as a bathtub, sink, swimming pool or similar place.

5.Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall over.

6.Do not place heavy objects on the instrument. Do not block openings or vents of the instrument; these locations are used for air circulation to prevent the instrument from overheating. Do not place the instrument near a heat vent at any location with poor air circulation.

7.Do not open or insert anything into the instrument that may cause a fire or electrical shock.

8.Do not spill any kind of liquid onto the instrument.

9.Always take the instrument to a qualified service center. You will invalidate your warranty if you open and remove the cover, and improper assembly may cause electrical shock or other malfunctions.

10.Do not use the instrument with thunder and lightning present; otherwise it may cause long distance electrical shock.

11.Do not expose the instrument to hot sunlight.

12.Do not use the instrument when there is a gas leak nearby.

13.Arturia is not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by improper operation of the instrument.

4	ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

			Table of Contents
1	INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................			9
2	DRUMBRUTE OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................			10
	2.1	MAKING THE CONNECTIONS ...................................................................................................................		10
	2.1.1	…with a computer ..........................................................................................................................		10
	2.1.2	…with external devices ..................................................................................................................		11
	2.1.2.1		MIDI devices ..............................................................................................	11
	2.1.2.2		Clock sources/destinations ...........................................................................	11
	2.2	TRANSPORT + PATTERNS .......................................................................................................................		12
	2.2.1	Tempo/Value display......................................................................................................................		12
	2.2.2	Rate/Fine/Tap Tempo.....................................................................................................................		12
	2.2.3	Transport buttons...........................................................................................................................		12
	2.2.4	Synchronization..............................................................................................................................		13
	2.2.5	DrumBrute modes ..........................................................................................................................		13
	2.2.6	Step buttons ....................................................................................................................................		13
	2.2.7	Copy/Erase.....................................................................................................................................		14
	2.2.8	Pattern length/Last step .................................................................................................................		14
	2.2.9	Save button.....................................................................................................................................		14
	2.3	FILTER + PATTERN EFFECTS ...................................................................................................................		15
	2.3.1	Output filter....................................................................................................................................		15
	2.3.2	Master volume................................................................................................................................		16
	2.3.3	Pattern effects ................................................................................................................................		16
	2.3.4	Roller/Looper/Step Repeat.............................................................................................................		16
	2.3.4.1		Roller ........................................................................................................	17
	2.3.4.2		Looper.......................................................................................................	17
	2.3.4.3		Step Repeat ...............................................................................................	17
	2.3.5	Global BPM ...................................................................................................................................		17
	2.3.6	Polyrhythm .....................................................................................................................................		17
	2.4	INSTRUMENTS + PADS ............................................................................................................................		18
	2.4.1	Instrument controls ........................................................................................................................		18
	2.4.2	Instrument select buttons ...............................................................................................................		18
	2.4.3	Pads................................................................................................................................................		18
	2.5	METRONOME, MUTE/SOLO + SHIFT .......................................................................................................		19
	2.5.1	Metronome .....................................................................................................................................		19
	2.5.2	Mute/Solo buttons ..........................................................................................................................		19
	2.5.3	Shift button .....................................................................................................................................		19
	2.6	REAR PANEL, PART 1...............................................................................................................................		20
	2.6.1	Power .............................................................................................................................................		20
	2.6.2	USB ................................................................................................................................................		20
	2.6.3	MIDI input/output ..........................................................................................................................		20
	2.6.4	Clock input/output..........................................................................................................................		20
	2.7	REAR PANEL, PART 2...............................................................................................................................		21
	2.7.1	Individual Outs...............................................................................................................................		21
	2.7.2	Metronome Output .........................................................................................................................		21
	2.7.3	Mix Output .....................................................................................................................................		21
	2.7.4	Headphone Level Control ..............................................................................................................		21
	2.7.5	Headphones....................................................................................................................................		22
3	BASIC OPERATIONS................................................................................................................................			23
	3.1	WORKING WITH PATTERNS.....................................................................................................................		23
	3.1.1	Select a bank ..................................................................................................................................		23
	3.1.2	Select a pattern ..............................................................................................................................		23
	3.1.3	Set the tempo ..................................................................................................................................		23
	3.1.4	Enable the metronome ...................................................................................................................		24
	3.1.5	Record a pattern ............................................................................................................................		24
	3.1.6	Save what you’ve done! .................................................................................................................		24
	3.2	CREATIVE PLAYBACK OPTIONS..............................................................................................................		25
	3.2.1	Output Filter ..................................................................................................................................		25

ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

	3.2.2	Swing..............................................................................................................................................		25
	3.2.3	Randomness ...................................................................................................................................		25
	3.2.4	Looper ............................................................................................................................................		25
	3.2.4.1		Loop length ................................................................................................	26
	3.2.4.2		Loop start point ..........................................................................................	26
	3.2.5	Pause or Restart.............................................................................................................................		26
	3.3	ALL NOTES OFF ......................................................................................................................................		26
4	SONG MODE...............................................................................................................................................			27
	4.1	WHAT’S A SONG? ...................................................................................................................................		27
	4.2	SELECTING A SONG.................................................................................................................................		27
	4.3	CREATING A SONG..................................................................................................................................		28
	4.4	SAVING A SONG ......................................................................................................................................		28
	4.5	ERASING A SONG ....................................................................................................................................		28
	4.6	LIVE PERFORMANCE FEATURES ..............................................................................................................		29
	4.6.1	Song-level features.........................................................................................................................		29
	4.6.1.1		Output Filter...............................................................................................	29
	4.6.1.2		The Looper Strip .........................................................................................	29
	4.6.1.3		Pause or Restart .........................................................................................	29
	4.6.2	Pattern-level features.....................................................................................................................		29
	4.6.2.1		Tempo.......................................................................................................	29
	4.6.2.2		Swing/Randomness .....................................................................................	29
5	PATTERN MODE .......................................................................................................................................			31
	5.1	PATTERN CREATION ...............................................................................................................................		31
	5.1.1	Set the tempo ..................................................................................................................................		31
	5.1.1.1		Fine-tuning the Tempo.................................................................................	31
	5.1.1.2		Tap tempo .................................................................................................	31
	5.1.2	Time Division .................................................................................................................................		31
	5.1.3	Recording a Pattern .......................................................................................................................		31
	5.1.3.1		The Metronome ..........................................................................................	32
	5.1.3.2		Quantize Record .........................................................................................	32
	5.1.3.3		Non-quantize mode .....................................................................................	32
	5.1.4	Mute/Solo features .........................................................................................................................		32
	5.1.4.1		Create a Group ...........................................................................................	32
	5.1.4.2		Clear the Group ..........................................................................................	33
	5.1.5	Using the Roller .............................................................................................................................		33
	5.1.5.1		How it works ..............................................................................................	33
	5.1.5.2		Sync settings..............................................................................................	33
	5.1.6	Spot Erase ......................................................................................................................................		33
	5.1.7	Swing..............................................................................................................................................		33
	5.1.7.1		Current Track button ...................................................................................	34
	5.1.8	Randomness ...................................................................................................................................		34
	5.1.8.1		Current Track button ...................................................................................	35
	5.2	PATTERN EDITING ..................................................................................................................................		35
	5.2.1	Step Mode.......................................................................................................................................		35
	5.2.2	Accent Mode...................................................................................................................................		36
	5.2.3	Red state, Blue state .......................................................................................................................		36
	5.2.4	Selecting a Drum… ........................................................................................................................		36
	5.2.4.1		…while paused ............................................................................................	36
	5.2.4.2		…while recording.........................................................................................	36
	5.2.5	Step Repeat.....................................................................................................................................		36
	5.2.6	Shift timing .....................................................................................................................................		38
	5.2.7	Copy a Drum Track .......................................................................................................................		38
	5.2.7.1		Within a pattern..........................................................................................	38
	5.2.7.2		Between patterns........................................................................................	39
	5.2.7.3		Between banks ...........................................................................................	39
	5.2.8	Erasing a Drum Track ...................................................................................................................		40
	5.2.9	Pattern Length ...............................................................................................................................		40
	5.2.9.1		Pattern Follow mode ....................................................................................	40
	5.2.9.2 Lengths > 16 steps .....................................................................................			40
6				ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL


	5.2.9.3			Editing steps 17-32 .....................................................................................	41
	5.3	SAVE THE PATTERN!...............................................................................................................................			41
	5.4	COPY A PATTERN....................................................................................................................................			42
6	COPY/ERASE FUNCTIONS .....................................................................................................................				43
	6.1	COPY BANK TO BANK.............................................................................................................................			43
	6.2	COPY PATTERN TO PATTERN ..................................................................................................................			43
	6.2.1		Within a Bank.................................................................................................................................		43
	6.2.2		Between Banks ...............................................................................................................................		43
	6.3	COPY DRUM TO DRUM ...........................................................................................................................			44
	6.4	ERASING A BANK....................................................................................................................................			44
	6.5	ERASING A PATTERN ..............................................................................................................................			44
	6.6	ERASING A DRUM TRACK .......................................................................................................................			45
7	ADVANCED FEATURES ..........................................................................................................................				46
	7.1	EXTEND A PATTERN ................................................................................................................................			46
	7.1.1		Adding blank steps .........................................................................................................................		46
	7.1.2		Copy and append ...........................................................................................................................		46
	7.2	SHORTEN A PATTERN ..............................................................................................................................			47
	7.3	POLYRHYTHM MODE...............................................................................................................................			47
	7.3.1		What is Polyrhythm mode? ............................................................................................................		47
	7.3.2		What it does....................................................................................................................................		47
	7.3.3		Make a polyrhythm ........................................................................................................................		48
	7.4	SHIFT BUTTON CHART.............................................................................................................................			49
8	SYNCHRONIZATION ...............................................................................................................................				50
	8.1	AS MASTER ............................................................................................................................................			50
	8.2	AS SLAVE ...............................................................................................................................................			50
	8.2.1		Clock In/Out rates..........................................................................................................................		50
	8.2.2		Clock connectors............................................................................................................................		51
9 MIDI CONTROL CENTER BASICS .......................................................................................................					52
	9.1	SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS .........................................................................................................................			52
	9.2	INSTALLATION AND LOCATION ...............................................................................................................			52
	9.3	CONNECTION ..........................................................................................................................................			52
	9.4	BACK UP YOUR SEQUENCES ....................................................................................................................			53
	9.5	WHERE TO FIND THE MANUAL ................................................................................................................			53
10	USING MIDI CONTROL CENTER .....................................................................................................				54
	10.1	THE SYNC OPTION ..................................................................................................................................			54
	10.1.1		Sync operations ..............................................................................................................................		54
	10.1.2		Non-sync operations ......................................................................................................................		54
	10.2	DEVICE TEMPLATES ...............................................................................................................................			55
	10.2.1		The Working Memory ....................................................................................................................		55
	10.2.1.1			Live editing .............................................................................................	55
	10.2.1.2			Drag and drop .........................................................................................	56
	10.3	PROJECT BROWSER.................................................................................................................................			56
	10.3.1		Building a library...........................................................................................................................		56
	10.3.2		Revise a Template ..........................................................................................................................		57
	10.3.2.1			While synced ...........................................................................................	57
	10.3.2.2			Not synced..............................................................................................	57
	10.3.3 Send one pattern to DrumBrute .....................................................................................................				58
	10.3.3.1			When synced...........................................................................................	58
	10.3.3.2			When not synced .....................................................................................	58
	10.4	STORE TO/RECALL FROM .......................................................................................................................			59
	10.4.1 The ‘Store To’ button .....................................................................................................................				59
	10.4.2 Recall edited patterns from the DrumBrute...................................................................................				60
	10.4.3 Save, Delete, Import/Export, etc. ...................................................................................................				60
	10.5	IMPORT/EXPORT DEVICE SETTINGS........................................................................................................			60
	10.5.1		Export Device Settings ...................................................................................................................		60
ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL					7


10.5.2		Import Device Settings...................................................................................................................		61
10.6	EDITING BASICS ......................................................................................................................................			61
10.6.1		Data entry ......................................................................................................................................		61
10.6.2		Selecting the tabs ...........................................................................................................................		61
10.6.3		Bank tabs........................................................................................................................................		62
10.6.4		Device Settings tab.........................................................................................................................		62
10.7	PATTERN WINDOW ..................................................................................................................................			62
10.7.1		Navigation......................................................................................................................................		62
	10.7.1.1		Scroll .....................................................................................................	62
	10.7.1.2		Zoom .....................................................................................................	63
10.7.2		Pattern-level parameters ...............................................................................................................		63
10.7.3		Pattern length.................................................................................................................................		63
10.7.4		Pattern events.................................................................................................................................		64
	10.7.4.1		Enter/delete events ..................................................................................	64
	10.7.4.2		Move events............................................................................................	64
	10.7.4.3		Copy/paste events ...................................................................................	64
	10.7.4.4		Event velocity..........................................................................................	65
	10.7.4.5		Shift Timing ............................................................................................	65
	10.7.4.6		Step Repeat ............................................................................................	66
10.7.5		Track-level settings ........................................................................................................................		66
	10.7.5.1		Swing.....................................................................................................	67
	10.7.5.2		Randomness ...........................................................................................	67
10.8	POLYRHYTHM .........................................................................................................................................			67
10.9	DEVICE SETTINGS ...................................................................................................................................			68
10.9.1		MIDI Channel ................................................................................................................................		68
10.9.2		Global settings ...............................................................................................................................		68
	10.9.2.1		Clock In/Out Settings ...............................................................................	68
	10.9.2.2		Auto-Sync...............................................................................................	68
	10.9.2.3		Tap Tempo..............................................................................................	68
	10.9.2.4		Global BPM..............................................................................................	68
	10.9.2.5		Wait to Load Pattern.................................................................................	68
	10.9.2.6		Accent Velocity Threshold..........................................................................	68
	10.9.2.7		Pads send MIDI notes ...............................................................................	69
	10.9.2.8		Metronome .............................................................................................	69
	10.9.2.9		Step Repeat Randomizer ...........................................................................	69
	10.9.2.10		Step Repeat Probability.............................................................................	69
	10.9.2.11		Vegas mode ............................................................................................	69
	10.9.2.12		Pause mode ............................................................................................	69
	10.9.2.13		Next bank ...............................................................................................	69
10.9.3		Transport settings ..........................................................................................................................		69
10.9.4		Drum Map ......................................................................................................................................		70
11	ARTURIA DRUMBRUTE – LEGAL INFORMATION.....................................................................			71
11.1	SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT ...............................................................................................			71
11.2	FCC INFORMATION (USA)................................................................................................................			73
11.3	CANADA ..............................................................................................................................................			74
11.4	EUROPE		................................................................................................................................................	74

8	ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

1 INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Arturia DrumBrute!

This is truly a product that has been born a legend. DrumBrute is an analog drum synthesizer, which means it follows in the time-honored tradition of the classic drum machines of the 1970s and ‘80s by generating a truly organic, analog sound and then providing nearly infinite analog control over each of the tone-shaping parameters.

And though its roots are squarely planted in the rich, analog past, DrumBrute reaches for the future by incorporating the most advanced technological developments of the modern era. And so it is able to integrate and synchronize with any computer system, MIDI rig or vintage setup.

But most importantly, we have taken great care to make sure DrumBrute will enhance your creative experience. And we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished.

Who are we kidding? We’re thrilled! DrumBrute is a ton of fun to use. You’re going to have a blast with it.

Be sure to visit the www.arturia.com website and check for the latest firmware, download the MIDI Control Center and check out the tutorials and FAQs. We are sure you’ll be making killer grooves before you know it.

Musically yours,

The Arturia team

ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

2 DRUMBRUTE OVERVIEW

2.1 Making the connections

DrumBrute provides many ways to connect with other types of equipment, from vintage to modern. Below are examples of potential setups:

2.1.1…with a computer

DrumBrute is more than a classic drum machine: it’s also a USB class-compliant device. So at its most basic level it can be connected to any computer with a USB port, and its pads can used as input devices for various applications. The included MIDI Control Center software allows you to specify which MIDI notes and commands will be transmitted by the pads and transport buttons, respectively.

DrumBrute does not draw its power from the USB port on your computer. To supply power to the DrumBrute, simply connect the included DC power adapter to the DrumBrute and to an external power source, then set the power switch on the back of the DrumBrute to the On position.

10	ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

2.1.2…with external devices

As you can see, the DrumBrute can be the backbone of some amazing systems.

2.1.2.1MIDI devices

There are lots of great devices that only have MIDI ports (no clock sync, no USB). DrumBrute will fit right in with these systems: it will sync with MIDI sequencers, arpeggiators, and other drum machines, and its own drum sounds may be played from a MIDI keyboard. And of course it can send and receive MIDI data using the USB port of your computer.

2.1.2.2Clock sources/destinations

The Clock input and output can synchronize with older clock types such as 24 pulses per quarter note (ppqn), 48 ppqn, 2 ppqn (Korg), or even a single pulse per step.

See section 8.2.2 for information about what cables to use with other sync connections and formats.

ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

2.2 Transport + Patterns

1.	Tempo/Value display	(see 2.2.1)
2.	Rate/Fine/Tap Tempo	(see 2.2.2)
3.	Transport buttons	(see 2.2.3)
4.	Synchronization	(see 2.2.4)
5.	DrumBrute modes	(see 2.2.5)
6.	Step buttons/Step values	(see 2.2.6)
7.	Copy/Erase	(see 2.2.7)
8.	Pattern length/Last step	(see 2.2.8)
9.	Save button	(see 2.2.9)

2.2.1Tempo/Value display

Most of the time the display will show the tempo value in beats per minute (BPM), but it will also change temporarily to show the values of the Pattern Effects while they are being edited.

2.2.2Rate/Fine/Tap Tempo

The tempo can be set using the Rate/Fine encoder or by tapping the Tap Tempo button. To fine-tune the tempo, press Shift and turn the encoder. The display will change to show the decimal values of the tempo (.00-.99) as soon as the Shift button is pressed.

2.2.3Transport buttons

12	ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

The Transport buttons control the DrumBrute sequencer as well as external MIDI devices using standard MIDI messages or MIDI Machine Control (MMC). Use the MIDI Control Center software to make any necessary changes.

The Record button is used to create songs and patterns, and the Stop button will cancel recording or playback.

The Play button doubles as a Pause/Continue button, which allows you to pause a sequence in mid-stream, tweak the sound of an instrument, and then press Play again to resume recording or playback. You can choose to have the Play button work in

Record mode allows both quantized and unquantized recording. See section 5.1.3 for more information.

Pause/Restart mode as well. Use the MIDI Control Center to choose the PAUSE option.

2.2.4Synchronization

There are four Sync options which are accessed by pressing the Sync button repeatedly. These determine whether DrumBrute will be the master or the slave in a multi-device setup.

For descriptions of the sync features see chapter 8.

2.2.5DrumBrute modes

These five buttons determine the operational mode of the DrumBrute: Song, Bank, or Pattern mode. The Step and Accent buttons are used to edit a Pattern.

Everything you need to know about creating a pattern is in chapter 5. To learn how to build a song, see chapter 4.

2.2.6Step buttons

ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

One main use for the sixteen Step buttons is to select patterns in Pattern mode. But they serve many other purposes as well. For example, in Step mode they are used to enable/disable events in a pattern.

In this manual you will learn how to use the Step buttons to select a song (see 4.2), select a bank or pattern (see 3.1), to edit a pattern (see 5.2), to set the pattern length (see 5.2.9), and much more.

2.2.7Copy/Erase

These two buttons are used in every mode to copy or erase large amounts of pattern data at the same time. For example, you can copy a pattern to a new location or erase it completely.

You can also copy sequence data from one instrument to another within the same pattern, or erase all of the data for one instrument within a pattern.

The Copy/Erase functions are covered in greater detail in chapter 6.

2.2.8Pattern length/Last step

DrumBrute patterns can be up to 64 steps long, consisting of up to four 16-step subdivisions that play one after the other. Those are called the Step Groups.

The four LEDs above the double arrow buttons (<< >>) are used to indicate the pattern length and which Step Group is currently playing.

The Last Step button is used with the Step buttons and the << >> buttons to change the length of the current pattern.

For a complete description of these features, see section 5.2.9.

2.2.9Save button

The Save button is used in conjunction with the Song, Bank and Pattern Mode buttons to preserve the patterns you have created. When your patterns have been saved to the

14	ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

internal memory then they will be loaded back into the memory when the DrumBrute is powered up.

Your new pattern data will be lost during a power-cycle unless you have used the Save button to store it to the DrumBrute internal memory.

There are two levels of the Save function: Pattern and Bank. Details about these operations are found in section 3.1.6.

2.3 Filter + Pattern effects

1.	Output filter	(see 2.3.1)
2.	Master volume	(see 2.3.2)
3.	Pattern effects	(see 2.3.3)
4.	Roller/looper/Step Repeat	(see 2.3.4)
5.	Shift+15: Global BPM	(see 2.3.5)
6.	Shift+16: Polyrhythm	(see 2.3.6)

2.3.1Output filter

ARTURIA – DrumBrute – USER’S MANUAL

These knobs and buttons add a fun and expressive way to control the overall sound of the DrumBrute during performance. Select the filter type with the HPF button (off = LPF, or Low Pass Filter), sweep the filter frequency with the Cutoff knob, and use the Resonance knob to control the filter emphasis.

To hear the unfiltered signal, press the Bypass button.

To learn more about the Output Filter options, see section 3.2.1.

2.3.2Master volume

This knob controls the master output level of the DrumBrute. It does not affect the headphone level; that is controlled by a recessed knob on the rear panel.

The Master Volume knob will not affect the level of an instrument when a cable is plugged into the rear panel output of that instrument. In this case, use the Level knob above that instrument’s drum pad. See section 2.7 for more information.

2.3.3Pattern effects

Swing introduces a “shuffle” feel to the patterns. It can affect the entire pattern (all instruments at once) or only the current instrument track, leaving the others untouched.

Randomness introduces an increasing amount of unpredictability to the patterns. As with the Swing setting, this control can affect the entire pattern or only the current instrument track, leaving the others untouched.

For more details on these features, see sections 5.1.7 and 5.1.8.

2.3.4Roller/Looper/Step Repeat

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2.3.4.1Roller

When DrumBrute is recording a pattern the Roller strip can be used to generate drum rolls. Place your finger somewhere within the strip while recording, press a pad, and

The smallest drum roll the pattern can record is set by the timing division you have selected for the pattern. In other words, if the timing division of the pattern is 1/16, DrumBrute will not record 1/32 rolls played on the Roller strip.

DrumBrute will repeat (“roll”) that instrument into the pattern. The rate of the repeat is determined by where you press your finger (1/4, 1/8, etc.).

2.3.4.2Looper

When a pattern is playing back (i.e., not being recorded) this strip can be used to loop sections of the current pattern. The size of the loop is determined by the time division selected within the Looper strip area. The start and end points of the loop are based on the playback location of the pattern at the time the Looper strip is pressed.

2.3.4.3Step Repeat

The touch strip is also used in Step Mode to enter Step Repeat data. This feature allows you to enter rapid, repeating notes without having to alter the timing value for the pattern. Details about this feature are found in section 5.2.5.

2.3.5Global BPM

It is possible for all patterns to have their own tempo, or you can use this parameter to force them all to play back at the same tempo. To toggle this feature, hold the Shift button and press step button 15.

2.3.6Polyrhythm

Individual instrument tracks within a pattern can loop independently when the Polyrhythm feature is enabled. This setting is stored separately for each pattern. To enable this feature, hold the Shift button and press step button 16.

To learn more about the Polyrhythm feature, see section 7.3.

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2.4 Instruments + Pads

1.	Instrument controls	(see 2.4.1)
2.	Instrument select buttons	(see 2.4.2)
3.	Pads	(see 2.4.3)

2.4.1Instrument controls

Each instrument has its own set of sound-sculpting parameters. The lines between the instruments indicate which knobs belong to which instrument. Each instrument and its knobs are called an instrument channel.

Some instrument channels are shared by two instruments. For example, the Maracas and the Tambourine instruments are both found within the Maracas/Tamb channel. This is known as a shared channel.

The movements of the instrument controls are not recorded as part of a pattern.

2.4.2Instrument select buttons

These buttons toggle between the instruments in a shared channel. Each instrument in a shared channel can be recorded independently into a pattern.

However, as a general rule the instruments share the instrument controls. For example, if you change the tuning on the Tom Hi instrument the tuning will also change for the Hi Conga.

2.4.3Pads

The 12 velocity-sensitive pads are used to input note data into a pattern. But they will always trigger their instruments whether DrumBrute is running or not.

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Remember that some pads provide access to more than one instrument, each of which has its own track in the pattern sequencer. Counting all of the shared channels, there are actually 16 separate instruments available from the 12 pads.

2.5 Metronome, Mute/Solo + Shift

Metronome controls

Mute/Solo/Shift buttons

2.5.1Metronome

To enable the metronome, press the On button. This will provide a timing reference while DrumBrute is running. Various timing values are available for the click. See section 3.1.4 for information about this.

The click level is controlled by the Metro Volume knob. The metronome also has a dedicated output jack on the rear panel.

For a description of the output options for the Metronome see section 2.7.

2.5.2Mute/Solo buttons

These buttons allow you to silence one or more instruments or isolate specific instruments while recording a pattern or playing it back.

For more information about using the Mute and Solo buttons, see section 5.1.4.

2.5.3Shift button

The Shift button is used in conjunction with other controls to perform secondary functions such as Fine Tempo adjustment or clearing the Mute group.

Each specific use of the Shift button will be described in the appropriate section of this manual. For a complete list of Shift functions see section 7.4.

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2.6 Rear panel, part 1

1.	Power	(see 2.6.1)
2.	USB	(see 2.6.2)
3.	MIDI input/output	(see 2.6.3)
4.	Clock input/output	(see 2.6.4)

2.6.1Power

From left to right in this section are the power switch, the power cable strain relief, and the 12V DC power connector. Use only the included power supply to avoid damage to the DrumBrute.

2.6.2USB

This jack provides the data connections to a computer. In addition to working with your DAW, the USB connection enables you to use the MIDI Control Center software to configure extra parameters and to update the DrumBrute software.

2.6.3MIDI input/output

Use standard MIDI cables to send and receive MIDI note and clocking data between DrumBrute and MIDI-compatible devices.

2.6.4Clock input/output

The Clock input allows DrumBrute to interface with pre-MIDI devices that used these connectors for synchronization, such as early drum machines by Korg and Roland. Other vintage devices may use different types of connectors which should be readily available.

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2.7 Rear panel, part 2

1.	Individual Outs	(see 2.7.1)
2.	Metronome Output	(see 2.7.2)
3.	Mix Output	(see 2.7.3)
4.	Headphone Level Control	(see 2.7.4)
5.	Headphone Outputs	(see 2.7.5)

2.7.1Individual Outs

Each DrumBrute instrument channel has a dedicated 3.5mm output jack on the rear panel. Both instruments of a shared channel will share that channel’s output.

When a cable is connected to one of the individual outputs, that instrument channel will be removed from the Mix Output. This is true for the Metronome output as well.

The output level of each instrument channel is set by the corresponding Level knob on the front panel.

2.7.2Metronome Output

The metronome has its own individual output because the metronome’s output circuitry behaves in a slightly different manner than the other instruments. See section 2.7.5 for details.

2.7.3Mix Output

This output jack carries the output signal for every instrument channel. When a cable is connected to one of the individual outputs, that instrument channel will be removed from the Mix Output. This is true for the Metronome output as well.

The Mix Output level is controlled by the Master Volume knob on the front panel.

2.7.4Headphone Level Control

This knob is recessed into the rear panel to avoid an accidental change in level. Push the knob inward to release it for adjustment, and push it back in to protect it from further changes.

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2.7.5Headphones

The headphone outputs carry the same signal as the Mix Output and operate the same way, with one exception: When one of the headphone jacks is connected, the metronome will be removed from the Mix Output but will remain in the headphones until its individual output is used.

The behavior of all other connection options is the same for the headphones and the Mix Output, including the metronome: When a cable is plugged into one of the individual outputs, that instrument channel’s signal will be removed from both the headphones and the Mix Output.

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3 BASIC OPERATIONS

3.1 Working with Patterns

DrumBrute holds 64 patterns, arranged in four banks of 16 patterns each.

3.1.1Select a bank

In addition to the numbers 1-4, the first four Step buttons are silkscreened with the letters A, B, C, and D. Each one represents a bank of 16 patterns.

To switch between banks, press the Bank button and then select one of the first four Step buttons. After this, press the Ptrn button and select one of the 16 patterns within that bank using the Step buttons.

There is a setting in the MIDI Control Center software that allows you to switch between banks without the additional step of selecting a pattern. See section 10.9.2.13 to learn more about this feature.

3.1.2Select a pattern

To select a pattern within the current bank simply press one of the Step buttons 1-16. If you are still in Bank mode you will need to press the Ptrn button first and then select the pattern.

DrumBrute will respond in one of two ways if it is running when the selection is made: it will either change immediately to the new pattern or wait until the end of the current pattern. Use the “Wait to Load Pattern” setting in the MIDI Control Center software to specify which behavior you prefer. This is described in section 10.9.2.5.

3.1.3 Set the tempo

When Sync is set to Internal, the tempo range of DrumBrute is 30-300 beats per minute (bpm).

There are three ways to set the tempo for your pattern:

•Turn the Rate/Fine encoder.

•Use the Tap Tempo button.

•For fine tempo adjustment, hold Shift and then turn the Rate/Fine encoder.

Each pattern can have its own tempo, but you can make DrumBrute use the same tempo for all patterns and songs. To do this, hold the Shift button and press Step button 15 (Global BPM). When Step button 15 is lit blue, Global BPM is active.

The MIDI Control Center allows you to specify all features related to tempo and the metronome. See section 10.9.2 for details.

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