Hi Nick,
thanks for confirming!
I run multiple mono synths plus drum machines, so having kind of a "master switch" would be helpful if you still want to play with things on the hardware level (like editing 2S patterns which is lots of fun). The idea is to have an Ableton like workflow, creating song structures on the fly from a central point, but still be able to work with the different machine interfaces.
"Bouncing" to Ableton is, well, a bit restrictive, reminds me of the days when we had 4 or 8 tracks
. Also, when sequencing things from Ableton, the MIDI bus may get clogged, especially with parameter animation. I´d much rather have MMC/MC only on the cable with an occasinal Program Change for pattern switching. So yeah, it´s an option, but not a great one.
Regarding the hands on, I´m very much in your camp. Problem is, with a few machines I´m running out of arms, can´t be everywhere. So while working on the sound of the 2S, I want to switch patterns and the rest of the machines should follow. Maybe I´m fiddling with the sound of the drums next, then 2S should be able to follow a pattern change. Kind of wearing different hats, a synth solo here, some drum modulation there and then working the bass. Think of a launchpad to call scenes, so you get your hands free for sound sculpting. You could even build 64+ step sequences that way, if the pattern changes themselves could be sequenced.
I will put something in the feature request zone, maybe we get lucky
