Apple Logic Pro 9 - Manual (Page 1124)

An arpeggiator features parameters for direction, velocity, speed (Resolution), note length,
start quantize (Snap), repeats, octaves, and velocity offset (Crescendo). All parameters
can be MIDI-controlled in real time, which adds immensely to its versatility.
To use an arpeggiator object, you must place it in the MIDI signal path, and Logic Pro
must be open. (For technical reasons, the arpeggiator resets on cycle jumps.)
Typically, you would assign an arpeggiator to an arrange track, and cable its output to
an instrument. You can, of course, insert it where needed in the MIDI signal path.
Once set up, you can use the arpeggiator with live MIDI input, or for MIDI region playback.
You can also record the output of the arpeggiator by cabling it into the Sequencer Input
object. If you do this, be sure you either record to a no output track, or break the
arpeggiator’s connection to a MIDI output.
The Arpeggiator Parameter Box
The Parameter box of an arpeggiator contains the following parameters:
• Direction: Determines the direction of the arpeggiated chord. You can choose between
the following settings:
• Up: Lowest note to highest note
• Down: Highest note to lowest note
• Up/Down: Up and down; highest and lowest notes repeat
• Auto: Up or down, depending on whether the second chord note arrived before, or
after, the first chord note.
• Up/Down2: Up and down; highest and lowest notes don’t repeat.
• Random: Notes play in random order.
• All: All notes play at once (useful when Repeat is on).
• Velocity: Determines the velocity values of the arpeggiated notes. You can choose
between the following settings:
• 1 to 127: Fixed velocities
• Original: The velocities of the recorded notes are retained.
• Random: Random velocities between 1 and the original value
• Key Limit: Defines the pitch range for the chord arpeggiation. Any chord notes outside
this range are passed directly to the output. This is useful when you want to solo above,
or play a bass line below an arpeggiated chord.
• Resolution: Sets the rhythmic note value (the speed in note divisions) of the arpeggio.
The None setting deactivates the arpeggiator.
• Length: Defines the length of the arpeggiated notes. The Original setting retains the
lengths of incoming (or recorded) notes.
1124 Chapter 37 Environment Objects Reference