M25: How To Use The Arpeggiator

Introduction

The Rockville M25 features a built-in arpeggiator, allowing you to create dynamic, rhythmic patterns from chords you play. This guide will walk you through how to activate, adjust, and customize the arpeggiator settings for your music production.

Step 1: Activating the Arpeggiator

1. Press the Arpeggiator Button to turn it on.
2. Play a chord, and the arpeggio pattern will begin.

Step 2: Adjusting the Arpeggio Speed with Tap Tempo

• Use the Tap Tempo button to set the speed of the arpeggio.
• Tap it multiple times to adjust the tempo.
• Turn off Tap Tempo: Hold down the button until the light disappears.

Step 3: Customizing the Arpeggio Using Control Knobs

To adjust the arpeggio settings, hold down the Arpeggiator button and turn the corresponding knob:

1. Division Knob (Note Length)

• Controls the subdivision of the arpeggio (e.g., 1/8, 1/16, triplets).
• Example: A 1/16th triplet will sound much faster than 1/8.

2. Swing Knob (Rhythmic Feel)

• Adjusts the swing of the arpeggio for a straight or shuffled feel.
• 0% Swing: Rigid and quantized.
• 75% Swing: Adds a human-like groove.

3. Mode Knob (Playback Direction)

• Changes how the arpeggio plays back:
  • Up: Notes ascend from lowest to highest.
  • Down: Notes descend from highest to lowest.
  • Exclusive: Skips repeated notes.
  • Inclusive: Repeats the first and last note.
  • Order: Plays notes in the order pressed.
  • Random: Plays notes in a random pattern.

4. Octave Knob

• Adjusts how many octaves the arpeggio spans.
• Example: Setting to Octave 4 will play across four octaves.

5. Latch Mode

• When enabled, the arpeggio continues playing after you release the keys.
• When disabled, the arpeggio stops when keys are released.

6. Sync Mode

• Choose Internal or External sync:
  • Internal Sync: The arpeggiator runs on the M25's tempo settings.
  • External Sync: Syncs to an external MIDI clock from another device.

Step 4: Changing Arpeggio Speed with Plus/Minus Buttons

• Play a chord and use the + and - buttons to adjust the arpeggio speed.
• + Increases speed while - slows it down.

Troubleshooting Tip

• If the knobs aren't affecting the arpeggiator, make sure you're holding down the Arpeggiator button while adjusting them.

Conclusion

The Rockville M25’s arpeggiator is a powerful tool for adding rhythmic movement and creative textures to your music. Experiment with different modes, octaves, and swing settings to find the perfect sound for your track.