Create automation with Step Sequencer in Logic Pro for iPad

Instead of creating automation points along a timeline that, connected, form an automation curve, you can create automation in Logic Pro for iPad using Step Sequencer.

The concept of Step Sequencer in Logic Pro is based on classic hardware step sequencers with rows of configurable switches and knobs used to generate repeating musical patterns or drum patterns. Instead of storing notes in a series of steps along the row, you can assign a row to a specific automation parameter, and each step in that row then contains a single value for that automation parameter. See Pattern creation basics.

Creative use of Step Sequencer automation

The steps in a Step Sequencer pattern represent a specific time grid (for example, 1/16 or 1/8 notes), and storing specific values for an automation parameter (for example, pan, volume, or filter cutoff) in those steps makes it easy to create tempo-based automation. That means you can easily change the value of an automation parameter based on the bars/beats grid of your project. You need to create those automation patterns only for one bar and then extend that pattern region to repeat that pattern or move it on the track lane to any other position where you want to perform that automation.

For example:

Create 1/4 note steps for the Pan parameter to alternate left and right pan positions on the beat.
Create 1/16 note steps for one bar for the Volume parameter to decrease the level with each step gradually.
Create 1/8 note steps for two bars for the Resolution parameter of the Bitcrusher plug-in and set each step to a different value.
Create 1/2 note steps for the cutoff frequency of a synth to close and open the filter over two bars periodically.

Add automation steps to a pattern region

The following steps assume that you already have a pattern region in your project.

In the Tracks area, tap the pattern region to select it, and then tap the Editors button in the view control bar.
The Editors area shows Step Sequencer.
Tap the Add button above the row headers to open the Row Assignment menu and choose Automation > Main > Pan.
You can choose any other automation parameter from the menu.
On the new row, for example, tap the 1st, 5th, 9th, and 13th step to turn them on.
Tap the Row disclosure arrow to show the Value attribute.
Drag the value of the first and third selected step up to +63 and the second and fourth value down to -64.

The pattern region plays back with the pan position jumping left and right on each downbeat.

Control track stacks with an automation pattern region

Placing a pattern region on the main track of a track stack controls its subtracks based on the Step Sequencer automation.

Create a track stack.
Tap the disclosure arrow in the track header of the track stack.
All the subtracks are displayed below the main track.
Tap the track lane of the main track, then tap again and to open its menu, and choose Create Pattern Region.
With the pattern region selected, tap the Editors button in the view control bar.
The Editors area now shows Step Sequencer.
Follow the steps described in Add automation steps to a pattern region.

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Helpful?

Logic Pro User Guide for iPad

Create automation with Step Sequencer in Logic Pro for iPad

Creative use of Step Sequencer automation

Add automation steps to a pattern region

Control track stacks with an automation pattern region