Hello,
thanks very much for the input.
I really already know how to loop midi with the Pyramid and how to change bar length manually, also using the pads, I 've been through the manual different times already
I have my project set up with pre-defined tracks (fixed channels per synth and fixed track / ‘loop’ length = 2 or 4 bars most of the time in case of this project)
The problem is that I sometimes don’t want the length to be predefined, so I can decide on the spot, while recording, that I’ll record a little bit longer. 8 bars instead of 4 for example… Now I can’t do that while I’m playing / recording…
I really sometimes just want to hit record, play something and when I feel my part is finished (after x bars or even x beats) stop record so the track continues to loop at that freshly recorded length… After that I want to do the same with another track with another non-predefined length…
The Future Artist MIDI looper does this (but it’s not a reliable device, unfortunately).
The not-so-usable looper function of the SQUARP works like this: once you’ve looped the first frase ‘freely’ (so as like I’ve described above), the track length of other tracks is fixed to that length after that initial recording. Or you have to change it manually again (yes, possible via shortcuts, I know). Unfortunately it’s not possible to record additional tracks / loops freely again…
I still find you have to use your hands too much in some cases on the Pyramid. Especially if you’re a keyboard player and you have to play keys / manipulate FX / synth parameters live also…
Even if I use a pedal, still I have to reach the Pyramid with my hands too often. Also I don’t know why I can’t configure my 3-button TC Helicon pedal, as the software only allows 2-button pedals :-/. There DO exist 3 button pedals, squarp!
On my first gig with the Pyramid last weekend, I really found myself struggling with switching modes / doing manual actions too much…
In record mode you can’t unmute a track, so you have to go back / forward from live to track mode to do this.
In track mode you also can’t record a track instantly (the record button is only used as a ‘save track mutes state’-button).
I still love the pyramid, it’s a very nice piece of gear and the closest thing to what I need live to loop my ideas with MIDI, but I really whish some functions were a little bit easier / quicker to access or to perform live, especially as an instrument player that is using this sequencer together with instruments / FX, and not only using the Pyramid as the main device that needs the most attention.