Phasing with Pattern Length in Maschine

In this tutorial, we use two or more groups with different pattern lengths in order to sequence scenes with more rhythmic interest.

This tutorial covers how to use two or more groups with different pattern lengths in order to sequence scenes with more rhythmic interest.

With its grid set to “Quick,” Maschine’s pattern-based sequencer with increase or decrease its pattern lengths by powers of two bars or measures (two, four, eight, sixteen, etc). Decrease this setting to “1 Bar” or smaller for this tutorial and technique. If we choose a different pattern length like three bars on one group and two on the other, we can quickly create a six-bar scene in which every bar of music is unique.

Using this pattern length technique, we can take this much farther. Essentially, we can take a scene in which the patterns on different groups are all four bars long, where the scene will “turn around” or loop evenly in just four bars and introduce a pattern or shorten an existing one to three bars create a syncopated scene that will turn around in twelve bars rather than just four. (3 x 4 = 12). This technique can work in any type of music across many different genres.

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