Pressure-sensitive note repeat encodes velocity into repeated notes via finger pressure

Pressure-sensitive note repeat (also called ‘roll’) triggers successive quantized hits on a drum pad and uses the performer’s current finger pressure as the velocity for each recorded note. As the metronome ticks each 16th note, a new hit is logged with the velocity matching how hard the pad is being pressed at that instant. This removes the need for drumming skill while still producing natural velocity variation: lightly pressing gives quiet notes, firmly pressing gives loud ones, and random variation between the two yields a realistic-sounding hi-hat part. The technique was introduced by Linn on the Linn9000 in 1984.

Examples

On an MPC or similar: hold Note Repeat (roll) on the hi-hat pad and continuously vary finger pressure from light to medium while the pattern loops. Play back the recorded sequence — the velocity pattern reflects your pressure gestures.

Assessment

Compare programming 16 hi-hat hits one at a time versus using pressure-sensitive note repeat. Under what conditions does note repeat produce better results, and why?