Rex-
Love your passion for modal runs. I’m still on the fence about getting them, getting Capriccio for runs, or getting nothing. What is so special about modal runs?
Scarlet Jerry
Ok Jerry you asked for it here is the condensed version of my review.::
Playing Modal Runs reminds me of playing with a delays where you have to “feel” the timing” to create an infinite variety of rhythm patterns ...but with scale runs.
The runs are either performed by strings or woodwinds or any mixture and 3 mic positions to choose from.The amount of notes in the run is determined by the player instead of the pre recored.There are 5 rhythm variations which can be triggered on the fly via keyswitches.First you activate a “key” by playing a triad(I have preset triads I drop in so I can futz with the runs).Then play the beginning low note to a high note or high to low and voila’...scale runs....but there’s more.
The real magic starts with how much you can manipulate the runs by intervals (minor 2 to three octaves).There are two modes like in other Sonokinetic Ostinato libraries of Absolute or Relative.
In Relative mode all runs notes are relative to your keyswitch chord(example A minor)regardless of what keys you play(example Eb=D)
This is where the fun begins if you play(notes) A then B(major 2) with the triplet rhythm mode it plays four notes that aren’t a scale run...A-G-A-B as a triplet then a downbeat note.Now you can repeat that pattern up the scale or any variation(even change rhythms) you want to create your own unique runs.This is just an example how you can create runs that aren’t straight up and down.
In Absolute mode you can play notes out of key ...example:
Play A-F#-G#-C-A for an A melodic minor(or Ab jazz altered) from A-B-C-D-E-F#-G#-A-B-C-B-A.This is where the digital delay technique comes in handy.It takes some practice to “trigger” the notes in these types of runs but it is possible .The ability to play any amount of notes can create odd time or poly rhythms . and of course you can play just regular scale runs also.....however the possibilities are limitless.
The runs are either performed by strings or woodwinds or any mixture.I’d love to see a choice of arts,more rythms and solo instruments instead of fixed ensembles and the ability to leave out notes to create pentatonic or hexatonic and altered scales or add notes for bebop dominant and different interval patterns like the Gypsy minor (and Carnatic modes ).
I know the Sono team is working on it so PLEASE give us the midi record ASAP.That would put this at the top of my list of most useful library.
IMO this isn’t just scales runs that are fixed like every run generator I’ve heard.You can create infinite scale variations motifs riffs. I’m in the processing of using it to compose parts not just make runs(I NEED midi record!!)
This is an ingenious invention by Sonokinetics I’m surprised more people don’t rave about it considering it is so inexpensive even when not on sale for half off!!You guessed it I am a true believer.Like other Sono products this isn’t just a phrase loop library you have to use your ear and develop a strategy for the sounds you are hearing and experince a lot of serendepities on the way.
