Alison Ma: A Trick

“I especially enjoy sequencing my modular synth by sending MIDI out from multiple Tracker channels. I am aware of the Poly 2 module’s existence. But I have currently been using Ableton Live 11’s CV tools along with an audio interface to receive/send MIDI/CV. My favorite part of the sequencer is the random fill capability and pattern/song mode because it gives me lots of new ideas to work with. But also maintains a high level of user controllability. This is something I find lacking in other sequencers where randomness and controllability are roughly mutually exclusive. When you are unable to structure a song on a holistic level. And access to multiple voices is not as intuitive e.g. a DAW. Let alone looping/sequencing multiple voices for generative music. I find that the Tracker strikes an amazing balance here and fills the gap in my modular system! Finally, I love the incorporation of bidirectional MIDI for syncing up various software/hardware. Currently, I enjoy clocking the Tracker and thus all my modules to Live’s tempo, which greatly simplifies my audio editing process.”

“I enjoy using the Tracker as a sequencer more than recording into it mostly because of the lack of sample rate options, stereo recording/playback capability, and lossy audio effects. Regardless, sampling into the Tracker is quite an easy and intuitive process, one of my favorite things about it. I also love the tactility the Tracker gives me with the various wavetable/granular synthesis options but would most likely use it by recording the Line Out into my DAW as I play with the synthesizer parameters.”

Made by Alison Ma.