Before the release of SONG MODE, Essential B1 can only switch patterns manually via ⬆️&⬇️ arrow keys, which is not a very ideal way. Now with SONG MODE, it is possible to chain up to 16 patterns to extend the pattern length from 16 steps to 256 steps at most. Besides of letting it switch automatically, you can switch it yourself via 16 buttons instead of ⬆️&⬇️ arrow keys. With that said, you can view them as 16 favorite slots that save 16 patterns you like for quick access.

• Enter/Exit Song Mode

To enter SONG MODE, please ensure your ESSENTIAL B1 is not playing any PATTERN (PLAY/STOP = STOP), then double press the PATTERN button to enter SONG MODE. 

Be aware that entering SONG MODE might cause PATTERN switching, for it will load the PATTERN in SLOT 1 automatically. To prevent losing your pattern, when entering SONG MODE with an unsaved PATTERN, the SAVE button will flash for seconds to double-check with you. If you are sure to discard the unsaved content, simply double-press the PATTERN button again while the SAVE button is flashing. Or you can SAVE the PATTERN before entering SONG MODE if you want.

To exit SONG MODE, double press the PATTERN button while in SONG MODE. PATTERN CHAIN will be set to OFF automatically after exiting SONG MODE.

• Edit Song Mode

In SONG MODE, we have introduced SLOT. There are 16 SLOTs which represented by 1...16 PADs(B1...C4). Each SLOT can load one PATTERN from 128 onboard memory.

(PS: Depends on whether you perform the factory reset or not after updating the firmware, 16 SLOTs might be filled with random contents when first time entering SONG MODE. But no worry, hold CLEAR/REST button for about 3 seconds will clear all the SLOT settings.)

To edit SLOT, first select the one you want to edit by pressing down the representative PAD. The blue LED will flash after selecting it and the DISPLAY will show the PATTERN number in selected SLOT. Press ⬆️/⬇️ arrow keys to scroll through 128 pattern memory.

You can add SLOT via pressing down the first unlighted PAD next to the last lighted PAD. Press down CLEAR/REST button will clear the last SLOT, hold CLEAR/REST button will clear all the SLOT.

PAD G#3: In SONG MODE, this PAD is used to turn ON/OFF the GLOBAL TEMPO. When GLOBAL TEMPO = ON, the ESSENTIAL B1 will ignore the TEMPO of each PATTERN and will run all the PATTERN as the GLOBAL TEMPO.

To set the GLOBAL TEMPO, make sure to turn on the GLOBAL TEMPO (PAD G#3 light up). Then press the TEMPO TAP button constantly in the speed you want to set or press the TEMPO TAP button once and use ⬆️/⬇️ arrow keys to set the desired TEMPO.

PAD A#3: In SONG MODE, this PAD is a switch for CHAIN function. When CHAIN = ON, the SLOTs will playback in a cohesive way (switch automatically). When CHAIN = OFF, the SONG MODE will act as a favorite palette where you can switch whenever you want from up to 16 SLOTs.

While in SONG MODE, you are still be able to access those live performance features on the Essential B1 through CLEAR/REST, GATE LENGTH, ACCENT, RATCHET, SLIDE and HOLD buttons.