In this Reason quick-tip, we explore how to use explode on programmed drums. Explode allows us to pull out each hit type to a separate lane in the sequencer.
Having each on a separate note lane opens up a number of interesting possibilities, in this quick tip we are going to focus on Using Explode to allow us to selectively apply a groove to our Drums.
Using Explode On Programmed Drums For ReGroove Flexibility:
We are going to use Kong for this Reason Quick tip but it will work equally well for any drum or sampler plugin in your rack. Not only is this quick and easy, but it can also be undone with a right-click and a menu selection.
- Press F7 to go to the sequencer.
- Then, select your Drum track, in the sequencer.
- Press F8 to bring up the Tool Window.
- In Tools Tab, select Extract Notes to Lanes.
- Then click the Explode option.
- Press the Move button.
There is now a separate note lane for each Kong pad that you are currently using. You will also notice that each lane has a Select Groove arrow. You can now apply a different ReGroove channel to each drum or apply a little groove to selected hits.
Additional Tips:
- You can commit to the groove permanently by right-clicking your drum track and selecting Commit To Groove from the menu.
- If you want to collapse your drums back down to one note lane; right click your drum track and select Merge Note Lanes on Tracks from the menu.
When doing number 2 any groove that you have selected on your individual drum lanes will be permanently applied to the individual drum lanes before it collapses. If you don’t want this to happen then select No Channel via Groove Select for each lane that you routed to the ReGroove mixer.