Ultrabeat step sequencer basics in Logic Pro for Mac
The fundamental idea behind analog step sequencers is to set up a progression of control voltages and output these step by step, typically in an endlessly repeating pattern. This principle helped to spawn a number of electronic music styles based on the mesmerizing effect that repeating patterns can have.
In early analog sequencers, three control voltages were usually created per step to drive different parameters. The most common usage was control of sound pitch, amplitude, and timbre (cutoff) per step.
The control surface of analog sequencers often contained three rows of knobs or switches aligned on top of (or beside) each other. Each row commonly contained 8 or 16 steps. Each row provided a control voltage output that was connected to a control input (for a particular parameter) on a synthesizer. A trigger pulse determined the tempo between steps. A running light (an LED) indicated the step that was currently being triggered.
The running light programming concept also appeared in later drum computers, the most well-known examples being the Roland TR series drum machines.
The introduction of the MIDI standard and increased use of personal computers for music creation led to a rapid decline in the step sequencer and related technology. More flexible recording and arranging concepts that didn’t adhere to the step and pattern principle were possible with the far more powerful personal computer.
Despite these technological advances, step sequencers haven’t disappeared completely. Hardware groove boxes have experienced a renaissance in recent years due to their intuitive nature, which has made them a favored tool for rhythm programming.
The Ultrabeat integrated step sequencer couples the advantages and general working principles of its analog forebears with significantly more flexible control options, making it a powerful tool for rhythm creation.