Seriously, this should just be a plugin…and seriously Ableton Live & Reason do this better. I still feel like this is a magic voodoo trick to have to do to get this in Logic, but I want everyone to know it’s possible. Let’s begin:
1: MAKE YOUR INSTRUMENT
No further explanation needed. I picked ES1 if you need a suggestion. I’m going for something like the arpeg found in “Ayo Technology”. Yes I listen to fiddy. Next!
2: CLICK ON WINDOW -> ENVIRONMENT
Or just hit command-8.
3: GO TO THE “CLICK & PORTS” TAB
Located in the top left of the environment window.
4: TURN ON YOUR CAPS LOCK KEYBOARD
Play some notes to see how the MIDI signal path that you see is working.
5: CLICK “NEW” THEN CHOOSE “ARPEGGIATOR”
Also, take a moment to send Apple feedback reminding them that everyone else just makes this an included plugin and doesn’t require Max/MSP -style patching to accomplish this. Moving on.
6: PATCHING
Connect the output of “Input View” into the Arpeggiator. Connect the outlet of Arpeggiator into “Sequencer Input”
7: IT STILL DOESN’T ARPEGGIATE
Until you hit play. Go to the Environment window to change the note values, etc. (setting both note values to 64ths will get you that Timbaland sound that’s so popular with the kids these days).
(p.s. to preempt all of the Logic defenders out there, I’m one of you. I just wish this one feature were packaged in an easy to turn on/automate plugin rather than using the environment. I realize the advantages of keeping the environment around but also that most non-MIDI-guru users aren’t going to realize it exists at first.)