live performance, reason 4, and control pads

[shig]

Hi guys, basically I've been asked to join a band recently doing sound effects and keyboards and stuff like that. I've been thinking about how to pull this off and decided the best way would be to continue with what I'm familiar with: pre-programming everything in Reason 4, and using a korg padkontrol (similar to an MPC) to trigger loops and a midi keyboard to play any melodies live to keep with the performance aspect. the problem is I'm not sure how to execute this. I've been using reason 4 for almost 2 years now and I have a better than average understanding of synthesis and how to use reason, but it's this new hardware thats throwing me off.

basically, I usually use the NNXT for all percussive samples. I think I might have to start using the redrum and its step sequencer, but if I make this a loop and assign a pad on the padkontrol to play this loop, it will loop the sequencer instead of that one drum pattern, am I right? which would mean I'd have to have every element of the tune in one loop of say 16 bars, and then mute and unmute when it's time to bring in those sections. I'm wondering if there's a better way to do this, possibly triggering loops without the sequencer actually playing. would it be wise to use a different DAW?

I'm also having trouble setting up the padkontrol, I borrowed it from a friend and theres no manual. if anyone could tell me how to change scene and how to assign each individual pad to a specific element on the NNXT or redrum. if I have an NNXT with each sample assigned in note norder, like C, C#, D, etc, the notes are spread all over the 16 pads in no order. and finally, if I have a drumloop .wav loaded in a sampler, how I could tap a pad and have it loop continuously.

I've done a bit of searching on the internet and I'd like to do some more but I'm about to go to work so I thought I'd ask you guys so I could hopefully crack on with this tonight. any help at all is massively appreciated. Cheers!

-Shig/Dafoe

[shaneynclan]

render everything as a loop, then use ableton live to trigger the respective loops with your mpc, or an apc