ARPEX is an expressive arpeggiator Max for Live device. It works just like a regular arpeggiator with the addition of MPEfunctionality.

Incoming MPE slide and pressure data is used to control the octave transposition and note duration for each individual note.

This means by sliding or applying more pressure to each note, exciting new variations of the arpeggiated pattern can be played, in real-time.

CONTROLS

SLIDE PRESSURE SWITCHES – When turned on, incoming MPE slide and pressure values generated by each note are enabled. These values can be used to control either the octave range or duration of an individual note in the arpeggiated pattern. When turned off, a constant value can be set in place of incoming values using these number boxes. Use the Slide/Pressure Switch to determine how incoming MPE slide and pressure values are assigned. 

SLIDE PRESSURE VALUES – If the ‘Slide’ button is turned off, use this number box to set a constant value to control either the octave range or duration of incoming notes.

STYLE – Select a rhythmical pattern to be generated based in the in coming notes.

VELOCITY MODE – If turned on, incoming velocity values will be ignored, and instead generated by the velocity sequencer. If turned off, incoming velocity values will be used per note.

MAX OCTAVE MODE – Set the maximum octave range for notes generated in the arpeggiated pattern.

DURATION MODE – If turned on, duration values triggered by incoming MPE pressure or slide (depending on assignment) will be ignored, and instead generated by the duration sequencer. Duration that is set to a maximum value will generate overlapping notes (legato).

If turned off, incoming duration values triggered by incoming MPE (pressure or slide) will be used per note.

SEQUENCER VIEW – Switch between the velocity and duration sequencers.

SEQUENCER STEPS – Set the number of steps in the velocity/duration sequencer. 1 -32

VELOCITY SEQUENCER – If active, incoming velocity values will be ignored, and instead generated by the velocity sequencer at the same rate as specified by ‘Rate’.

VELOCITY SHAPES – Generates preset patterns on the velocity sequencer for the number of steps currently set.

SHIFT – Shift all values of the sequencer left or right. This applies to Velocity, Duration and Active Steps.

RANDOM LOOP – If turned on, the velocity sequencer values will be randomised on each pass of the sequencer loop giving new values each time.

RANDOM – If turned on, the velocity sequencer values will be randomised on each pass of the sequencer loop giving new values each time.

DURATION SEQUENCER – If ACTIVE, duration values triggered by incoming MPE pressure or slide (depending on assignment) will be ignored, and instead generated by the duration sequencer. Duration that is set to a maximum value (above the horizontal line) will generate overlapping notes (legato).

RATE SYNC/TIME – Notes will be generated at a speed determined by the rate setting. The rate can either be synchronised to Live’s BPM or run freely, set in millisecond intervals by pressing the ‘Sync/Time’ button.

SWING – Turn on to apply swing to the arpeggiated pattern generated. Use the swing amount number box to determine a swing amount. Swing is only applied if ‘Rate’ is set to ‘Sync’ and is either a 1/8, 1/16 or 1/32 note division.

SYNC/TIME SWITCH 

• Sync= The speed of the arpeggiated pattern will synchronise to Live’s BPM as specified by a note value.
• Time= The speed of the arpeggiated pattern will run independently from Live’s BPM in millisecond intervals.

RESTART– Restart the arpeggiated pattern so that it plays from the beginning.

• OFF= the pattern is not restarted.
• NOTE= the pattern is restarted every time a new note is played.
• SEQ= the pattern is restarted every time the sequencer loops over.

MPE THROUGH – Enables MPE control data to pass through the device (Poly Key Pressure, Control Change, Aftertouch, Pitch Bend etc.)

COMPATABILITY

ARPEX will function as a standard arpeggiator with any regular MIDI controller but to make full use of its design, an MPE controller will be needed (see below).

SenselMORPH

RoliSeaboard/Block

Ableton PUSH (although not an MPE controller, Ableton Push does have polyphonic aftertouch which means it could be used to control one of Arpex’sparameters.