Step modulator toolbar in Step FX in Logic Pro for iPad

The Step Modulator is the heart of Step FX. It offers three independent step modulators that each provide up to 128 steps. Each modulator can be assigned to modulate effects unit parameters or to modulate gate or pan. It is also possible to assign multiple step modulators to the same parameter to create interesting polyrhythmic effects.

In addition to defining the number of steps in each modulator, you can change the level and length (gate time) of individual steps, and you can also tie steps. Each modulator provides independent Depth, Rate, and Swing amount controls, and also features an Attack, Hold, and Release envelope that defines the overall step shape for each modulator. See the sections on Step FX modulator playback controls and display controls.

A number of modulator pattern presets are included, along with menu commands to help you quickly create new and interesting rhythmic modulation patterns.

Figure. Step modulator section of Step FX, showing all parameters.

Step modulator toolbar controls

Step Modulator select buttons: Tap to select step modulator 1, 2, or 3. All parameters in the step modulator, envelope, and so on, update to show values for the chosen modulator. A light on each button indicates the on/off state.
On/Off button: Enable/disable step modulator 1, 2, or 3. The button is shared by all three modulators and enables/disables the selected modulator.
Modulator Target pop-up menu: Choose a target parameter for step modulator 1, 2, or 3. The chosen modulator target name is shown on the corresponding button. The Target pop-up menu is shared by all three modulators and shows the target for the selected modulator.
It is possible to assign the same target for multiple modulators. Because each modulator can have a different pattern and length, along with independent Depth, Rate, Swing, and envelope control, this can lead to complex polyrhythmic modulations. There are two gate modes available that facilitate different playback behaviors:
- Gate Mix: Gate Mix is the best Gate choice in most cases. In this mode, a Depth value of 0% results in no change to the sound. As the Depth value increases, the volume associated with the minimum step value decreases until at 100% it results in silence. Negative Depth values invert step values. When multiple Gate modulators are used, the Gate Mix value is multiplied by existing Gate values.
- Gate Add: In Gate Add mode, a single Gate Add step modulator with a Depth value of 0% results in silence, and a Depth value of 100% sounds identical to Gate Mix. As you increase the Depth value, the amplitude of existing steps increases. Negative Depth values invert step values. When multiple Gate modulators are used, the Gate Add value is added to existing Gate values. For example, a Gate Add Depth value of +10 changes a step value of 50 to 60.
Depth field: Drag vertically to set the intensity of modulation for step modulator 1, 2, or 3.
Pattern pop-up menu: Choose a menu item to save or load your own modulation pattern or to load a factory modulation pattern.
- Save As: Opens a name field. Enter a name, then tap the Save button to save your modulation pattern. Tap Cancel to stop the save operation and to exit the Save name field.
  User patterns are shown at the bottom of the Preset pop-up menu.
- Recall Default: Initializes all steps and the envelope in the current user pattern to default (null) values.
- Copy/Paste: Store the current modulation pattern in the Clipboard. Paste applies the modulation pattern currently found on the Clipboard.
- Delete Selected User Pattern: Deletes the current user pattern.
- Custom: This menu item is shown automatically when any pattern changes have been made. It can be considered the “current state” pattern preset.
- LFO: Choose an LFO shape preset.
- App Patterns: Choose a factory pattern preset.
Previous/Next buttons: Tap the Previous button to choose the preceding modulation pattern preset. Tap the Next button to choose the next modulation pattern preset.
Value/Duration buttons: Tap the Value button or tap the Duration button to limit editing to one direction.
- Value: Limits edits to vertical changes, enabling you to adjust a step value without changing its length.
- Duration: Limits edits to horizontal changes, enabling you to adjust a step length without changing its value.
More button: Open a pop-up menu where you can choose an item that affects the modulation pattern. These include randomize, shift, reverse, and other functions.
- Random Full: Apply full-range random offsets to modulation pattern step values. Use this command to create truly random modulation patterns.
- Random Deviation: Apply limited-range random offsets to modulation pattern step values. Use this command to create slight variations of existing step values.
- Shift Left/Right: Move all modulation pattern steps one position (a step) to the left or right. Steps at the first and last position “wrap around,” so step 16 would become step 1 if you used the Shift Right command on a 16-step modulation pattern.
- Double Note Length: Doubles the length of all steps. Full-length steps are tied to the next step. Steps of 25% length become 50% length steps, 50% length steps become 100% length steps, and so on.
- Reverse: Reverse the position of all steps. Step 1 becomes step 16, step 2 becomes step 15, step 3 becomes step 14, and so on in a 16-step modulation pattern.
- Invert: Invert the level of all steps. A step with a level of 40% becomes a step with a level of 60%, a step with a level of 10% becomes a step with a level of 90%, a step with a level of 0% becomes a step with a level of 100%, and so on.
- Append Duplicate: Duplicate all active steps and copy them to the step immediately following the last step. For example, steps 1 to 10 would be copied to create a 20-step modulation pattern.
- Append Reverse Duplicate: Duplicate all active steps, reverse their order, then copy them to the step immediately following the last step. For example, steps 1 to 4 with values of 15, 20, 30, and 70 would be copied to create an 8-step modulation pattern with values of 15, 20, 30, 70, 70, 30, 20, and 15.

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Step modulator toolbar in Step FX in Logic Pro for iPad

Step modulator toolbar controls