Ben Morrall

Welcome to my collection of discoveries and thoughts on Programming, Low-FODMAP Cooking, Travel and anything else that takes my interest.

The OXI One MKII is a comprehensive multi-track performance sequencer and “studio brain” designed to control modular gear, external synthesizers, and DAWs. It features an anodised aluminium unibody, a 128-pad RGB grid, and a bright 1.5-inch OLED display

Tutorials

Official Tutorials on how to use the sequencer.

EP. 3: Groove

  • Groove vs. Swing: While swing adds timing offsets to specific steps (usually offbeats), a groove is a preset template that applies both timing shifts and velocity variations to create a more natural rhythmic feel. Key Parameters:

    • Accent: Adds positive (up to 120) or negative velocity variations to the pattern.

    • Time: Adjusts the timing of notes forward or backward.

    • Offset: Shifts the entire groove pattern left or right, which is particularly useful for finding “sweet spots” in melodic sequences.

    • Random: Randomizes the amount of groove applied (from 0 to 100) based on your current accent and time settings.

    • Length: Users can modify the step length of a groove (typically 16 or 32 steps); decoupling the groove length from the note pattern length can create interesting rhythmic variations.

  • Track Independence: In multitrack mode, each of the eight tracks can have its own independent groove template and settings.

  • Arpeggiator Integration: The arpeggiator has its own dedicated groove menu, allowing you to apply accents and timing shifts specifically to arpeggiated sequences.

  • Optimal Velocity Settings: To get the most out of positive and negative accents, it is recommended to set the default velocity to 64 in the configuration menu, providing enough headroom for the groove to scale up or down.

  • Customization and Importing: The device comes with 14 preset grooves and space for eight more, but users can also import templates from an SD card or create/import custom grooves (including those from Ableton Live) using the OXI app.

  • Custom Template Creation: Using the app, you can design personal grooves up to 32 steps long, manually setting the velocity (±64) and timing (±40%) for every individual step

Oxi One MkII Arpeggiator Tutorial

  • Arpeggiator Types and Sources: The device features three main types of arpeggiators. The Keyboard arpeggiator is available in all modes and uses notes from the performance keyboard. The Poly and Chord arpeggiators use notes specifically programmed onto the grid.

  • Activation and Shortcuts: To turn the arpeggiator on, navigate to the arpeggiator menu and rotate the first encoder. You can quickly toggle the arpeggiator on or off by holding Shift and clicking the first encoder, which also remembers your previous settings.

  • Unique Octave Variation: The Octave Variation setting differs from traditional arpeggiators; instead of just repeating the pattern in a different octave, it adds higher or lower notes in a less predictable pattern.

  • Pattern Reset and Latch: The Reset setting determines if a pattern starts fresh from the lowest note when new notes are played (On) or continues the existing pattern for a more “interesting” flow (Off). The Latch function allows you to add or remove notes from the pattern while Hold is engaged (Shift + Hold).

  • Rhythmic Complexity with Euclidean Generator: In Poly and Chord modes, the Euclidean Generator can create complex rhythms by spreading a set number of pulses across a specific length. It also includes a repetition setting that adds repeats to each pulse for added rhythmic interest.

  • Groove and Velocity Accents: You can apply Groove settings to arpeggiated patterns to add time variation and velocity accents. These accents are tied directly to the selected groove, allowing for highly dynamic patterns.

  • Modulation for Evolving Patterns: Almost any arpeggiator parameter, such as octave variation or division, can be modulated using internal LFOs, modulation lanes, or external sources. This is key to creating constantly evolving and deep patterns.

  • Playback Requirement: For the arpeggiator or roll to function, the device must be in Play mode; otherwise, the screen will prompt you to “press play for arp”.

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