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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
Control Center
[p.84], though; see the
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
Sequence window [p.97]
only available in the
Arturia - User Manual BeatStep Pro - The Step Sequencers
Sequence window [p.97]
section for information about sequencer features that are
MIDI Control Center [p.84]
section of that chapter for
software.
MIDI
24
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