Jangdan 1.0 is a MIDI effect device created by Simplemachines. This Max4Live device has built on a premise which is as innovative as it is culturally significant. It borrows from the rich and distinctive rhythmic traditions of gugak, traditional Korean music. Loosely translating as 'time units' in Korean, the concept of Jangdan represents rhythmic cycles used in traditional Korean music. They are traditionally performed on the janggu drum, and each rhythm will have a different character - so while some might be fast and energetic, others can be slow and relaxed. The device syncs these rhythmic patterns to Ableton live's tempo and allows the manipulation of these rhythms to create unique sequences.
The central feature that sets the Jangdan 1.0 apart, is the inclusion of the jeongganbo notation system. Jeongganbo is a square symbolic notation method that was originally used to record court music in 15th century Korea. Each square in the system denotes a beat, and the placement of rhythm symbols guides specific playing techniques. This system has been integrated into the sequencer on the Jangdan 1.0, allowing users to visualize and manipulate their rhythm sequences.
Reaching into time-honored traditions, the device features a baked in menu of preset traditional Korean rhythm sequences. This offers users an instant tour of historical Korean rhythmic structures, with the ability to take them apart, and reshape them into entirely new creations. On top of this, the device includes a preset system feature which allows for the saving and loading of personal rhythm patterns. This enhancement ensures that you can return to favorite sequences with ease, a real plus for both live performance and studio workflows.
But how does it feel to use? Thankfully, the Jangdan 1.0 is fully optimized for Ableton Push controllers. This means all the detailed intricacies of your sequence can be tweaked, nudged, and tickled from the convenience of your Ableton Push. Improvisation can be seized upon with all the tactile immediacy traditionally associated with playing a physical instrument.
Perhaps one of the most praiseworthy aspects of the Jangdan 1.0 is that all proceeds from the device are being donated to the Arts and Culture Programs at The Korea Society. This move by Simplemachines links the proceeds of this device back to the cultural roots of its inspiration, supporting outreach for Korean arts and culture.
Certainly, it is clear that the Jangdan 1.0 offers Ableton Live users a rich toolkit for creativity and rhythm, bridging gaps between historic Korean rhythmic traditions and modern electronic music production. For those eager to explore the rhythmic depth of gugak in the context of modern music production, the Jangdan 1.0 makes the journey accessible, intuitive, and exciting.
It is compatible with Ableton Live 11/12 Standard (with Max for Live add-on) or Ableton Live Suite and can be downloaded here. [maxforlive.com/library/device/12346/jangdan]
Example Usage
To get started with Jangdan 1.0, this beginner-friendly example will guide you through creating your own Korean-inspired rhythm sequence in Ableton Live. First, ensure you have a MIDI track ready and drop the Jangdan 1.0 device onto it. Jangdan, a unique MIDI effect, requires a compatible instrument on the same track or on another MIDI track routed correctly to make sound.
Start by browsing the menu of traditional Korean rhythm sequences included with Jangdan. Each pre-loaded rhythm makes use of jeongganbo notation, which presents a visual representation of beats through squares that encapsulate different sounds and techniques commonly associated with the janggu drum. Select a preset from the menu to load it into the device. You'll see the sequencer populate with notation symbols that represent specific playing techniques.
Hit play to hear the sequence. Adjust the tempo in your Ableton Live session to change the rhythm's pacing, allowing you to experiment with how quickly or slowly the rhythms unfold. To create your own patterns, use the intuitive grid in Jangdan to add or remove symbols. Each symbol can be clicked to reveal different play techniques or sounds. This customization is the heart of Jangdan's creative potential, enabling the fusion of traditional rhythms with your unique sound.
To enhance your workflow, Jangdan 1.0 is optimized for Ableton Push controllers, offering a tactile way to interact with its sequencer. With Push, you can tap into the rhythm grid, modifying beats and techniques on the fly. This interactivity provides an engaging and intuitive way to sculpt your sequences.
Once satisfied with your sequence, use the built-in preset system to save your creation. This feature allows you to recall complex rhythms easily, opening the door to seamless experimentation with different sound palettes and musical contexts.
Exploring Jangdan 1.0 gives you a creative edge, blending the ancient musical tradition of gugak with modern production techniques in Ableton Live. As you become more familiar with this device, you'll find endless possibilities for integrating these distinctive rhythms into your projects. For those inspired to dig deeper, consider visiting the device's website at simple-machines.net/products/jangdan for more resources and updates.
Incorporating traditional Korean rhythms into your electronic music production can breathe new life into your sound palette, and the Jangdan 1.0 Max for Live device excels in delivering just that through its unique integration of jeongganbo notation. This sequencing style can notably transform your MIDI patterns in Ableton Live and create a truly cross-cultural music experience. Let's dive into an intermediate-level walkthrough to harness the potential of Jangdan 1.0.
To begin, ensure you have Jangdan 1.0 installed in your Max for Live library, and drag it onto a MIDI track within your Ableton Live session. With its setup interface ready, you’ll notice the distinctive jeongganbo grid, each square ready to host a beat. The visual representation of beats makes it simpler to experiment with unconventional time signatures found in Korean music. For this example, we'll create a rhythmic structure that might accompany a modern electronic piece but with a traditional twist.
Start by setting up a basic MIDI instrument on the same track, something like an Ableton Drum Rack or any percussion instrument with a sharp transient. Initially, choose a preset from the device’s menu that aligns with your production tempo to get accustomed to the rhythmic nuances. For more hands-on experience, manually enter notation symbols that correspond to different beats and playing techniques found in the instruction manual of the Jangdan 1.0.
Next, dive into the instrument's sound design. The jeongganbo sequences can be a bit stark when played only on a synthesized drum. Layering is key here—duplicate your track and add a contrasting sound, like a marimba or synthesized pluck, to complement the rhythm generated by Jangdan 1.0. This approach creates a percussive texture that carries both traditional weight and contemporary flair.
Connect your Ableton Push controller for even more tactile control over your sequencing. Jangdan 1.0 is optimized for Push, allowing you to dynamically alter patterns in real-time. Utilize the note mode on Push to experiment with variations on each beat, introducing subtle humanized elements that mimic the live janggu playing style. You can even save multiple patterns using the preset system—arrange these into a live set to switch between variations, further enhancing the dynamism of your performance or production.
Finally, embrace the rich cultural heritage embedded within Jangdan's rhythms by blending them with your stylistic signatures. Add effects like reverb or delay to provide a modern electronic atmosphere or use sidechaining techniques to integrate these rhythms smoothly. Jangdan 1.0 offers a bridge between ancient and contemporary, providing a creative canvas to producers seeking to explore beyond traditional Western rhythmic boundaries. As you familiarize yourself with its depth, let the intricate patterns propel your music into uncharted territories. Remember, every beat carries the echo of tradition, now ready to resound in modern music through your digital canvas.
Further Thoughts
Imagine you're deep into a project, seeking a rhythmically unique signature for your latest track in Ableton Live. You've loaded Jangdan 1.0, this culturally rich Max4Live device, to breathe new life into your MIDI sequences. The moment you drag Jangdan onto a MIDI track, a visual treat of jeongganbo notation unfurls. Step away from the typical grid and embrace the squares and symbols that define traditional Korean rhythms—each one a doorway into unfamiliar rhythmic territories.
Begin your exploration by selecting a preset rhythm pattern from Jangdan's menu, perhaps opting for a traditional Jinyangjo, known for its serene, slow-paced elegance. Instantly, your MIDI clips are infused with a rhythm that suggests subtlety and grace, characterized by the gentle beats typically played on a janggu. The confidence in these rhythmic structures allows you to layer synths or basslines, creating a shimmering foundation over a native cadence.
To deepen the integration, connect an Ableton Push to experiment with real-time modulation. Jangdan 1.0 is meticulously optimized for Push controllers, allowing you to dynamically engage with playing techniques confined within each jeongganbo square. With the rotary knobs, adjust the emphasis and velocity, or trigger pattern variations with the pads, exploring an array of percussive textures and dynamics directly inspired by Korean percussion.
But the magic isn't restricted to rhythmic authenticity alone. Challenge the constraints of traditional music by saving these patterns, then subverting them. Shift from the expected, importing multiple jeongganbo rhythms into multiple tracks, each assigned a diverse synth from your library, thereby building a remarkable polyrhythmic symphony. This layering craftily juxtaposes tradition with innovation, a hallmark of Jangdan's capabilities.
For added creativity, modify these rhythmic sequences. Perhaps augment the note density to generate a more complex rhythm over a driving kick on another track, or trim the notes for sparseness and space. The flexibility of saving and loading your personal patterns within the device ensures that these custom rhythms can perpetually adapt to new projects.
Finally, circle back to the origin, honoring the profound rhythmic traditions that inspired this device. Explore the uncharted territories of incorporating traditional Korean rhythmic patterns into genres as wide as ambient, hip-hop, or techno. Jangdan 1.0 in Ableton Live doesn’t simply recreate a musical form but rather expands your toolkit to integrate global sounds into modern contexts, making it a vital asset in any producer's arsenal.