RPG-8 Monophonic Arpeggiator

Let's explore using the RPG-8 Monophonic Arpeggiator. But first, let's have a quick discussion. First: What is an Arpeggiator?


An arpeggiator is a feature available on some synthesisers that automatically steps through a sequence of notes based on an input chord, thus creating an arpeggio. The notes can often be transmitted to a MIDI sequencer for recording and further editing. An arpeggiator may have controls to manipulate the order and speed in which the notes play; upwards, downwards, or in a random order. More advanced arpeggiators allow the user to step through a complex sequence of notes or play several arpeggios at once.

To simplify the above paragraph: When you play a chord while using an arpeggiator, you will end up playing all of the notes of the chord in a sequence. This sequence has some customizable functions. You can control whether or not the arpeggiator goes up the scale, down the scale, play a random pattern, etc.


There's more to it: an arpeggiator cannot be used by itself. Why not? Because it is acts as a controller and not a stand-alone synthesizer. With that said, you must first create a synthesizer and then create an arpeggiator which will connect to the synthesizer. Here is how you use an arpeggiator inside Reason.

1. Create a Synthesizer in Reason (Thor/Subtractor/Malstrom).

Thor

Subtractor

Malstrom

2. Load in a patch with that synthesizer.


3. Create an RPG-8 Monophonic Arpeggiator.

4. Now, attempt to play a chord with the keyboard. Notice what happens?


You're not necessarily limited to just using a synthesizer with the RPG-8, but today it is what we are using for the exercise.