Groove Track

As a style-based segment plays, the choice of patterns is determined, in part, by the current groove level and any embellishment commands in the groove track, as shown in the following figure:

Every pattern is assigned a groove range consisting of a range of numbers between 1 and 100. For example, the groove range of a pattern might be 10 to 20. The pattern is a valid selection when the groove level, which can be set either by a marker in the groove track or by the application playing the segment, is within that range.

To summarize the meaning of these similar terms:

• Groove Range is the range of groove levels for which a pattern is valid. This is part of the Pattern Properties.
• Groove Level is a value set by a marker in the groove track, or by an application, to restrict the choice of patterns for playback. This is part of the Groove Level Properties for a marker. The groove level can be randomized.

In addition to having groove levels, patterns can be designated as Embellishments. There are four standard embellishment types: Intro, Fill, Break, and End. You can also define up to 100 custom embellishment types. Patterns designated as embellishments are played only when the matching embellishment type is specified in the groove track, or by an application.

Each marker in the groove track can specify a groove level, an embellishment, or both. A marker also specifies how multiple matching patterns are to be selected as the segment loops.

In the previous figure, four markers are visible:

• An Intro embellishment. Because it has no groove level, any single-measure Intro pattern can be used here.
• A custom embellishment, called 101. Again, there is no groove level.
• A groove level that can be set in the range from 15 through 35. No embellishment is called for, so only normal patterns will play.
• A Fill embellishment with a groove level that can be set in the range from 30 through 70.

When a groove level is set, it remains in effect until the next marker that specifies a groove level. An embellishment command, however, only affects the pattern selected at that measure. After the embellishment has finished playing, normal patterns are selected until another embellishment marker is encountered.

If you do not include a groove track in a segment, or if you leave the groove track empty, the segment plays using a default groove level of 62, and no embellishments are played.

For information on entering and editing grooves and embellishments, see the following topics:

• Entering Data in a Segment Track
• Positioning Data in a Segment Track
• Editing Data in a Segment Track
• Groove Level Properties

Properties Window

For more information on how to use groove levels in combination with groove ranges in patterns, see Groove Ranges.