A Short Guide to Eden and Loom

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A Short Guide to Eden and Loom

Eden is a multipattern poly-rhythmic sequencer that can generate texture-like MIDI note output (characterized by swarms or waves). Loom is a more rhythmic sequencer with a unique 6 voice polyphony similar to Eden. Both devices are designed to deliver exceptional performance and creativity in the studio and live performance situations.

What is the difference between Loom and Eden?

  • In Loom, patterns are tempo-locked to each other, unlike in Eden. So, if you add a note to your arpeggio in Loom, it will sync into the currently playing notes.
  • Eden has additional options for the notes to be unlocked entirely from the DAW tempo, a retrigger mode, and a one-shot mode (described below).
  • Eden is suitable for more swarm/wave-like patterns while Loom excels in rhythmic patterns.

Controls Common to Both Devices

  • Edit Mode - The parameter to edit (velocity or duration). Selecting a mode will display the relevant parameter values in the upper step display.
  • Voice Count - Number of arpeggiator voices. Determines how many of the 6 arpeggiator voices are activated.
  • Voice Number - The voice to edit (1-6). Selecting a voice will display the relevant parameter values in the step display.
  • Monitor (🎧) - Solo the selected voice. Useful when programming patterns.
  • Panic - Turn off all playing notes and stop output.
  • Step Display - Use this area to edit the step information of the currently selected parameter and voice. The lower row sets the octave. Mouse over information is displayed in the top right corner.
  • High/Low Sprinkle - Randomly transpose notes to an octave above/below. Probability is determined by the dial setting.

Features Unique to Loom

Loom contains a global time step. You can choose different grids by adjusting the time step value. (e.g. 16 corresponds to straight 16th notes). The x2 (half tempo) button Halves the tempo of the sequencer. Loom also contains a monophonic mode which is ideal for basslines etc. This can be toggled by the Monophonic button.

Features Unique to Eden

Eden has a different time step for each voice. This enables complex polyrhythmic patterns. It also means that the voices are not synced to each other.

  • Time Step - The time step of each voice. This determines the number of steps in a measure and is equivalent to changing the bottom number of a musical time signature.
  • Steps - The number of steps in the step display for each voice
  • Tempo/Sync - Locks/unlocks the sequencer to the tempo from Ableton Live
  • Retrigger (R) - Sets the sequence to be restarted for each new note
  • One Shot (1) - Sets the sequence to stop after one repetition

The Settings Menu

This view (common to both Loom and Eden) can be toggled using the small chevron arrow in the bottom right of the device.

  • Shuffle - Shuffle the step values of the currently displayed parameter of the selected voice.
  • Randomize - Assign random step values to the currently displayed parameter of the selected voice.
  • Voice Stealing - Set the polyphony handling mode. ON - Notes will be replaced by new notes when they exceed the voice count. OFF - Notes will be assigned linearly and will be ignored when the voice count is exceeded.
  • Flip Order - Reverse the order in which patterns are triggered. Can be used to add variation for two instances of the device with the same patterns.
  • Latch (cc64) - Allow the sustain pedal control (CC64) to be used as a hold function for the sequencer. ON - Patterns will be held until the pedal is released. OFF - Sustain control will be passed through the device.
  • Octave - Simple transpose control to shift output by octaves.

Velocity Controls

  • Sensitivity - Set the effect of input note velocities. When this setting is engaged, the velocity set by the sequencer will be scaled down when you play softly. Dial determines the extent to which this is effective.
  • Min - Minimum output velocity.
  • Max - Maximum output velocity.
  • Curve - Output velocity curve, as displayed in the graph below the setting.
  • Random - Add random variation to the output velocity.