how to use "latch" in voice sequencer?

jimmy	Posted on Sat 17 Dec 2022, 06:46 PM I try to do sounddesign and would like to use the voice sequencer, but the sequencer does not loop when I check loop. also Latch can not be checked - when i touch it, it lights up briefly, but no marker appears. what do I wrong?
KODAMO	Posted on Sat 17 Dec 2022, 09:15 PM You must keep the keys pressed to have the sequencer loop. Do you use a sustain pedal ? (MIDI CC 64) Releasing the pedal stops the latching. Can you go in Global > System and tell us which firmware version do you have
jimmy	Posted on Sat 17 Dec 2022, 09:50 PM I use the latest firmware 6.2. I do not use a keyboard and I do not want to boot up my pc to send some notes to the Kodamo (when programming sounds). I thought, I could use the Kodamo and it´s sequencer solo. when I use a keyboard, I do not need a "voice sequencer".... doesn't this work solo?
KODAMO	Posted on Sat 17 Dec 2022, 11:15 PM The EssenceFM isn't made to work solo. The voice sequencer is a way to sequence tones inside a patch to create evolving sounds or rhythmic sounds, it's not designed to play on its own. It's really a sound module you should use with a DAW, an external hardware sequencer or a MIDI keyboard.
jimmy	Posted on Sun 18 Dec 2022, 09:20 AM being able to use a device solo saves a lot of energy (the planet would thank you) and that would prevent a lot of ambient noise (computers, other equipment) too. Creating sounds can take hours. If you only work with one device, you can concentrate on the actual creation process. Unfortunately, this powerful synthesizer does not seem to be as mature as I had hoped in many areas. So I often turn off the device in frustration...many features are obviously in the development phase, in my opinion not thought through to the end... and using the example of the voice sequencer: If I can create a "SEQUENCE" without a DAW and trigger it by using the "score key" on the synthesizer ---> then why should I use a DAW for a loop/latch?
KODAMO	Posted on Sun 18 Dec 2022, 06:52 PM Frustration mostly happens when people try to use a device for tasks it's not made for. The EssenceFM is mature for creating FM sounds in an easy and powerful way, that's its whole purpose. Many people use it in studios, controller by DAWs and sequencers. From what I understand reading your posts about simple ADSRs, built-in sequencer etc, I feel a product like the Digitone may be more suited to you, it doesn't go as deep into FM but is a more standalone music gear. In an ideal world, we'd like to build the best product that has every feature everyone can dream about, but at the end the product would be complex, lose its identity and would do nothing really well. People who buy the EssenceFM usually have their favorite master keyboard they want to use, or they favorite DAW or hardware sequencer. It's very rarely the only piece of equipment someone would get, it's like getting a classic rack expander with nothing to control it! The bare minimum setup I would recommend to you is the EssenceFM controlled by a small keyboard like an Arturia Keystep, that can be plugged right into its front USB port : Or like one of our users (thanks to him for the picture), a slighly bigger setup with a few synths and control surfaces : Many people also use it successfully with the Octatrack, eg. The Snipecatcher did a lot of great tracks with this combo : https://www.youtube.com/@thesnipecatcher116/videos
jimmy	Posted on Mon 19 Dec 2022, 01:30 PM Many thanks for the quick and comprehensive answer. In fact, I had seen the Digitone in comparison, but I didn't like it because of the rough sound. But you're right - the ADSRs there are really easy to use and I was hoping I could do that in the Kodamo. Thanks to your tips, I'm a bit further now - I think I have to exercise my tact here.the tip to zoom in on the envelope helps me a lot. Did I express myself incorrectly about the built-in "sequencer"? Of course, this device must be controlled. And it works really well with the DAW. but in this case I'm not concerned with the integration, but with the pure sound creation and the voice sequencer would be really great for that. The Kodamo is beautiful, has wonderful knobs and a flicker-free display, and most importantly, it doesn't make any inherent noise - so it would be almost fantastic if you could solo focus on the sound-finding device without a buzzing computer or flickering monitor. My Kodamo is connected via Midi-Din and works correctly with it. But if I also connect (in addition to the existing midi-din connection) it to a small keyboard via usb-midi (which I also use elsewhere without any problems) for programming, I get some kind of leakage current and constant small electric shocks. I don't like electric shocks (no matter how small they are). It may be related to some current loop in the wiring - never mind, I don't attach any importance to that. but i don't want to constantly have to change the wiring behind the device, remove the midi-din to prevent a possible leakage current just because i connect a small controller to the front via usb...so the controller remains unplugged. This is a pity but only one of my small, solvable luxury problems. Still, it would be nice if I could run the device (just for testing or creating sounds) with a loop-enabled sequencer (that might just be a little programming effort for a next update. this does not make the device more complex, but only allows you to check a box that already exists.) maybe you see it as a feature request or wish for Christmas).
KODAMO	Posted on Mon 19 Dec 2022, 02:17 PM Thank you for the suggestion, maybe we could improve the Preview button feature, allowing the user to create a small loop instead of just triggering the preview notes. About the electric shock, does this happen when touching the EssenceFM when a keyboard is plugged via USB-MIDI ? Is it a strong implusion like a spark (static) or a constant buzz feeling when you keep the fingers on it ? The only thing I'm aware of that could create this issue, is if the EssenceFM (or other device connected to it) is powered by mains and not connected to earth. Most devices that expose metal parts are earthed to prevent that, so it shouldn't happen (either some device is badly designed, or your electrical installation misses earth somewhere). For safety it's recommended to check the electrical installation. If this is a badly designed product, then the electric shock should be safe (it's usually a safety capacitor leakage in the power supply, leaking a few microamps which is normal), but I agree it's very annoying.
bunnyman	Posted on Thu 25 May 2023, 10:46 PM I'd like to create a drone using one of my performance parts (I've got 8 outputs, why not). Let's say a part one patch on MIDI ch 1, and part two patch on MIDI ch 2. I thought the Voice Sequencer 'Latch' option would get me there ... but seems it's a global setting for all Voice Sequencer instances (firmware 6.3). I'd like to kick-off part one to latch and drone, then use channel 2 to send notes to patch two that play without latching. If Latch isn't the way to go, any other ideas for this within the EssenceFM? Or do I need a separate MIDI keyboard with some taped down keys?