barmyfluid wrote:is it the intention that a pattern isn't really meant to be a musical chunk and should be treated more as just a general collection of parts?
I'm not that we'll versed in composing but that's how I see it when using patterns - each "pattern" is a combination of parts from each instrument. The composition is only really "alive" in the song window in my view, though I think there may be space for other approaches (some types of live improv oriented compositions could alternatively be "alive" in the pattern window).
With the current system, there is the advantage of having more space to do subtle variations in each instrument individually, which I appreciate.
I might go as far as to say that the current system would encourage more subtle transitions one instrument at a time rather than all instruments changing at once. That's how it feels for me anyway.
Unrelated to Android, but nanoloop one (maybe nanoloop two as well?) for Gameboy has a pattern screen that allows you to switch the "pattern" of all channels at the same time (by pressing A and a directional key).
I hope you can find a way that works for you!