Matrix Pattern Sequencer

Introduction

The Matrix is a pattern-based device. Matrix doesn’t generate sound on its own, but has to be connected to another instrument device. It basically works by sending pattern data in the form of Note CV (pitch) and Gate CV (note on/off plus velocity) or Curve CV (for general CV parameter control) signals to a device or device parameter. The patterns can be up to 32 steps, and there are 32 memory locations for storing pattern data. The Matrix is monophonic and can control one voice in an instrument device.

Unlike most other devices in Reason, the user interface of the Matrix is not modeled on any existing hardware equivalent. The hardware devices that could be said to have similar functionality are analog step sequencers, which usually had rows of knobs that controlled the note pitch and gate values for each step.

About the three Output types

Note and Gate CV values.

The Matrix can produce three types of output: Curve CV, Note (Key) CV and Gate CV.

•	Note CV normally controls note pitch.

When connected to an instrument device Sequencer Control input, the values correspond to semitone steps.

•	Gate CV represents a note-on/off value, plus a level value (that could be likened to velocity).

Both of these two outputs are typically connected to the Sequencer Control Gate and CV inputs on a compatible instrument device. For example, if you create a Matrix with either a synthesizer (Subtractor, Malström) or a sampler (NN-19, NN-XT) selected, they will be auto-routed in this way, and will control one voice in the device.

•	Curve CV is a separate pattern, programmed separately from the Note/Key and Gate CV.

Curve CV values (upper window).

This is useful for programming CV curves that control other parameters other than note pitch (although you could do this too). This way you could control the note pitch and triggering from the Key and Gate outputs for a device, then add a second independent pattern using the Curve CV output that could control filter cutoff for example.

It should be stressed that all three outputs can be used in any number of ways. For example, you could use the Gate CV to trigger a drum in Redrum, or let the Curve CV control the feedback parameter of a delay, etc.