I just got a new TD-3, and am really enjoying it so far. Except for one thing. I’m not sure if I’m doing something wrong, or if this is a firmware bug. For all I know this feature doesn’t even exist.
I’d like to be able to write a pattern, and copy/paste it to several pattern slots. I’d then like to transpose some of the patterns, so that I can chain them together in track write mode (for example, a 12 bar blues pattern). But when ever I transpose a pattern, the transposition is not saved if I switch to another pattern and back. So after transposing each pattern slot, they default back to the original sequence.
I’ve found posts mentioning firmware bugs related to the transpose feature. One issue is that getting transpose to work in the first place is a pain (at least when clock is slaved to a RD-6). But eventually, after switching between modes enough times, I’m able to use the transpose feature. But I can only get it to work in pattern play mode. Switching to pattern write mode at this point allows me to continue transposing. But it doesn’t actually save my transpositions. The notes I’ve found about this bug mention that it occurs when clock is slaved to MIDI, so it could also occur with analog clock sync (what I’m using).
I haven’t tried updating the firmware yet, because I need to access a windows/mac pc. But based on the production date and last firmware update, I suspect it’s already running the latest version. I read one blog post about someone selling their TD-3 due to this particular bug that hasn’t been fixed in over a year.
Has anyone else noticed this behavior? Was this feature available on the original 303? After a few hours of playing, I feel like I gave myself carpel tunnel trying to hold the pitch button and transpose live with one hand.