The step sequencers, What’s a step sequencer, Seq1 and seq2 characteristics – Arturia BeatStep Pro MIDI/Analog Controller and Sequencer Kit with CV/Gate Cables (Black) User Manual

Page 29: Step sequencers [p.24, Step, Sequencer [p.24, Step sequencer [p.24

3. THE STEP SEQUENCERS

The main focus of this chapter will be the sequencing features that are accessible from

the front panel of the BeatStep Pro. There are more parameters available through the

, though; see the

section of that chapter for

more information.

3.1. What’s a step sequencer?

A step sequencer is a very basic type of music sequencer. Originally popular in the 1960’s

and 70’s, they have been rediscovered as interest in modular synthesizers has grown.

We’ve included virtual step sequencers in some of our analog synthesizer emulations.

A step sequencer is usually

monophonic

; i.e., it will output only one note at a time. It’s

different from an arpeggiator in that a step sequencer does not determine what to do based

on keys you hold on a keyboard: the pitch of each note is set with a knob or a slider.

Once a sequence is running the performer’s hands are free to adjust other parameters such

as filters, envelope settings or pitch while the sequencer keeps looping.

Today’s music often uses loops, so it makes perfect sense that step sequencers would

experience a revival. With the purchase of BeatStep Pro you now have access to not one,

but

two

of these unique creative tools (plus a drum sequencer!). And as you have come to

expect, Arturia has taken them many steps beyond what the original devices could do.

3.2. SEQ1 and SEQ2 characteristics

Sequencer 1 and Sequencer 2 have identical features. They use the pads, Step buttons and

encoders as input and control devices to help shape the sequences in the following ways:

• The pads can transpose the sequence while it is running, and are used with the

SHIFT button to define various sequence parameters such as playback mode.

• The Step buttons show which sequence steps are active, allow you to enable and

disable them, and indicate the current position of the sequence.

• The encoders can alter the pitch, velocity and gate time of each step in the

sequence.

See the

section for information about sequencer features that are

only available in the

software.

Arturia - User Manual BeatStep Pro - The Step Sequencers