The unlinked, four-bar controller lane at the bottom automates a Live Pitch device to transpose successive one-bar repetitions of the step sequence.Īny time you enter notes in a MIDI clip with the mouse when Snap to Grid is enabled (Options menu), you are basically step sequencing. A Step Sequencing State Of MindĢ: This one-bar, 16th-note step sequence uses velocity and note length to emulate a step sequencer's velocity, gate time and tied note options. I'll start with a description of the MIDI clips method, which has become my favourite approach, and then delve into the alternatives. So, as you'll have guessed by now, our subject this month is step sequencing.
Furthermore, many commercial hardware and software step sequencers work well with Live.
Max For Live users can download a huge assortment of free step sequencers developed by other users. With not too much effort you can build a basic step sequencer from Live's MIDI Effects devices and use the knobs on any supported MIDI control surface to program it. MIDI clips in Session view offer a fully featured approach to step sequencing that requires minimal setup and no additional software or hardware. If you're a fan of step sequencing, Live is more than up to the task. The clips at the bottom illustrate different grids and scales. Use the Shift key to move notes by octaves. To program your step sequence, select a note, activate it if it is deactivated (grey) and move it with the up and down Arrow keys. The notes on the left are guide notes for the clip Fold operation.
The BeatStep Pro ships with a micro USB cable and two MIDI adapters.1: The top MIDI clip serves as a template for a one-bar, 16th-note, chromatic-scale step sequence.
Use a USB power adapter to use the BeatStep Pro in standalone mode. The USB port allows for standard class-compliant bus-powered operation. The BeatStep Pro offers multiple synchronization sources including internal clock, USB, external MIDI clock, or analog/DIN sync. The dedicated randomizer function offers control over amount and probability, while the real-time looper/roller touch-strip creates loops and stutter effects.Īll sequences offer independent control over swing and transposition, but may be controlled globally so all functions change at the same time. Each of the knobs, step buttons, and velocity sensitive pads are fully customizable and can send MIDI CC messages, note data, and program changes. Not only does the drum sequencer record 16 MIDI tracks, but will also sends 8 gate outputs for triggering drum modules in the analog domain.Īll of the touch-sensitive knobs give parameter feedback with the slightest brush, without changing values. The unit includes scale modes to quantize the pitch of the encoders to specific pitches within a given scale. Record note pitch, length, and velocity in real-time with the pads or an external keyboard and the sequence will playback quantized at the step resolution. When placed into sequencer mode, each of the melodic sequences offer note, velocity and gate time settings with the ability to tie notes.
The pads can be set for note generation, MIDI CC buttons, and sending program change messages for a wide range of applications. The included MIDI Control Center software provides a user interface for MIDI mapping the functions of the controller with the option of archiving favorite presets. The rotary encoders can be MIDI mapped to control filters, EQs, delays and other effects. The controller can also be used to trigger clips or tracks in production and DJ software such as Ableton Live, Traktor, and Serato. When placed in controller mode, a performer can use the pads and rotary encoder knobs to control drum software on an iPad (with camera connector kit) or a computer such as BFD, Kontakt, Ableton Live's Drum Rack, EZ Drummer, Addictive Drums, Reason Kong, or Geist. Additionally, the drum sequencer allows for 16 separate tracks (one per pad) of sequencing and allows for real-time recording via pads or step buttons for a classic drum machine workflow. The unit features 16 projects, each with two melodic sequencers offering up to 64 steps per sequence, and 16 sequences per project. The BeatStep Pro from Arturia is an analog and MIDI controller / sequencer for software instruments, analog & digital hardware synthesizers, drum machines, drum kits, and iPad applications.