Start Playing with Beatmaker 2!

Before we look at things in more depth, let us first explore how to play UJAM Beatmaker, as that may be all you need for now.

The keyboard section of the UJAM Beatmaker window is dedicated to firing off drum hits and controlling the drum grooves. Keys in the left half trigger individual drum sounds, whereas keys from C3* and up let you select the various patterns that make up the arrangement of a song.

Interactive Keyboard

The basic principle is simple:

• When you press keys in the C3–B4 range, UJAM Beatmaker will start playing a phrase with the groove. The rhythm patterns are conveniently named like song parts. When you release the key (and Latch is off), playback will stop.

• With Latch on, you can stop playback by hitting B4 or one of the Endings (C#4 and D#4).

• Version 2: You can click on the upper half of any phrase key and drag the phrase into your DAW as a MIDI file. That is an amazing feature allowing you to edit patterns and use them across styles and even across Beatmakers!

• MIDI notes C1–D#2 represent individual drum hits.

• When you use the pitch bend wheel, you can gradually mute the kick drum

  and snare. By turning up the modulation wheel, you can create crescendos and decrescendos. Very dynamic!

  If you know these things and can switch presets, you know all you need to start producing with UJAM Beatmaker.

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*MIDI note number 60 is called C3 in some DAWs and by some synth manufacturers. Other DAWs and synth manufacturers refer to it as C4.