Pattern Presets

Tabbal organizes work into 16 patterns, each containing 8 layers — a total of 128 slots. This lets you prepare multiple variations and switch between them during performance.

Patterns

The top row of the preset area shows 16 pattern buttons. Click a pattern to select it as the playing pattern and load its main layer (layer A) into the grid editor.

• Click — select and play this pattern
• Double-click — rename the pattern

Patterns, Layers and Polymeters

The bottom row shows 8 layer slots (labeled A through H) for the currently playing pattern. Layers let you stack multiple sub-patterns that play simultaneously within a single pattern.

• Click the label — load this layer into the grid editor for editing (does not affect playback)
• Double-click the label — rename the layer
• Play/Stop button (▶/■) — toggle whether this layer is in the active mix; when in the mix, the button pulses in sync with the BPM
• S (Solo) button — solo this layer within the pattern (exclusive toggle — clicking the active solo turns it off)

Independent time signatures and cycle length

Each layer is a complete sequence in its own right: it stores its own time signature, tempo, and swing, independent of the other layers in the pattern. Because a layer’s time signature also sets its bar (cycle) length, layers with different time signatures loop at different lengths and drift against each other rather than staying locked to a shared bar.

This makes layers a polymetric tool: run a 4/4 groove under a 7/8 layer, and each cycles at its own length, realigning only when their bar lengths coincide — the basis for polymeter and polyrhythm. To set a layer’s time signature, load it into the grid editor and change the time signature there; the change applies to that layer alone.

Saving Patterns to Slots

Use the savePatternToSlot bridge function to copy the current editor pattern to any slot. The pattern preset system stores all grid cell states, row configurations, time signature, BPM, swing, and pattern names.

Clearing Slots

Clear a pattern slot to reset it to an empty default state.