Arpeggios Explained Part II Sort + Direct

In this installment we will take a close look at a HYBRID Arp that uses “SORT+DIRECT” and specific velocity range data to accomplish its goal.

We’ll start with a quick review of the Arpeggio KEY MODEs.

The arpeggiators in the XS/XF are very complex. What is necessary first is to understand the KEY MODES. 

sort 
When you play specific notes (for example, the notes of a chord), the same sequence plays, no matter what order you play the notes. 

thru 
When you play specific notes (for example, the notes of a chord), the resulting sequence differs depending on the order you press the notes. 

direct 
Note events of the Arpeggio sequence do not play; only the notes you play on the keyboard are heard. When the Arpeggio plays back, the events such as Pan, Brightness, Expression are applied to the sound of your keyboard performance. Use this setting when the Arpeggio types includes non-note data or when the Category type “Ctrl” (Controller) is selected. 

sort+direct 
The Arpeggio is played back according to the “sort” setting here, and the note pressed is also sounded. 

thru+direct 
The Arpeggio is played back according to the “thru” setting here, and the note pressed is also sounded.

Let’s take a look at the VOICE: PRE 7: 113(H01) Trancing in the Rain
It uses arpeggios in the Category: Hybrid > Sub-Category: Z. Pad > PadH arpeggio assigned to it. 

Translation: 
“Hybrid” = multiple things going on. Like a Hybrid car has both a gas engine and one that runs on a battery - these arps have two different things happening. One type of sound that responds directly to your playing and one that runs via the arpeggiators.
“Z.PAD” = Zone Velocity for Pad
“PadH” = Pad High Velocity

This is a four Element Voice. IMPORTANT: The Element Velocity Limits are set as follows:

EL1 = 3-127 (Strong Detuned Pad stereo) = pad
EL2 = 3-127 (Fx Cymbals stereo) = pad
EL3 = 2-2 _ (Mini Bass3c) = arp
EL4 = 2-2 _ (Punch) = arp

_ The two “Pad” Elements 1 and 2 are set to sound anytime you strike a key with a (High) velocity between 3 and 127.
_ The two Elements responding to the arpeggio pattern will only sound when you precisely hit a key with a (Low) velocity of 2. That’s right 2 and only the velocity 2! Try it – you may have to try 100 times and still not be able to do it manually. But the point is the Arpeggio Pattern for this Voice only outputs notes with a precise velocity of 2. 

Since Elements 3 and 4 are not velocity sensitive (Vel Sens = 0), they trigger with full volume when a velocity of 2 is received. They only sound when a velocity of 2 is sent.

How does this arpeggiator output data precisely at a velocity of 2? Let’s take a look at how this Voice’s arp Type is configured to create the phrase with a velocity of 2
Press [EDIT]
Press [COMMON EDIT]
Via [F2] ARP MAIN and [F3] ARP OTHER you can view all the parameters that control the selected Arpeggio Types
The ARP PLAY FX are found under [F3] ARP OTHER.
Notice how the VELOCITY RATE has been reduced from the normal setting of 100% to a value of 2% This forces the notes in this phrase to be reduced.

Where does the VOICE set the Velocity Sensitivity of Element 3 and 4?
While in [EDIT] we need to navigate to individual ELEMENT parameters which you will always reach via the numbered buttons
Press [3] to view Element 3’s parameters
Press [F4] AMPLITUDE
Press [SF1] LEVEL/PAN

When the LEVEL VELOCITY SENSITIVITY value = +0 changes in how fast the key is pressed will have no influence on the result of the notes created. How hard or soft the key is struck will have no influence on the output, the output is determined strictly by the LEVEL parameter as set here.