In most cases, producing sound from a generator means adding notes
(sometimes triggers, covered
later
).
As mentioned previously, this is most usually done via a standard computer keyboard.
For MIDI-fanatics; it is very possible to directly record the notes you play on
your midicontroller to a pattern. One obvious thing: make sure you use
machines that support MIDI-input.
To add notes via your computer keyboard: when in the Aldrin pattern editor,
many keys on your keyboard are used primarily
for note entry. To explain the key-to-note orientation most easily, I will
present them visually. The following is the key-set which acts as a musical
keyboard. Please note that these keys cover slightly over 2 octaves at a time,
and are displayed in octaves from top to bottom, left to right.
Note:
While this section is completely familiar to most trackers, studio
musicians and newbies will begin their Aldrin voyage in a wondering about
how in the world you can use a computer keyboard as musical keyboard.
One thing to remember is that the keys flow in the much same order
as they do on a real keyboard - meaning left to right starting at C
(
Z
). Also remember
that you always have access to two octaves at once. A higher octave sites
on the top of your keyboard, while a lower octave sites on the bottom.
To change those octaves, go to
Changing octaves