Ultrabeat step sequencer overview in Logic Pro for Mac
Ultrabeat incorporates a step sequencer which you can use to create polyphonic rhythmic sequences and patterns. The sequencer displays running light-style controls like those found on classic drum machines and shares many of the sequence and pattern creation methods employed in these devices.
The Ultrabeat step sequencer expands on the features of hardware drum machines by providing extensive automation and editing features. These enable you to precisely vary the timbre of the sound and the overall dynamics at any point in the pattern. The step sequencer plays an important role in shaping the rhythms and sounds that you can produce with Ultrabeat.
The step sequencer allows all Ultrabeat sounds to be combined in patterns, based on sequences for each individual sound. Its design and use—commonly referred to as step programming—are based on analog sequencers and drum machines. Unlike these analog precursors, Ultrabeat enables you to program automated changes for nearly every synthesizer parameter.
Depending on your working preference and favored musical style, you can control Ultrabeat with either the integrated step sequencer or Logic Pro when programming rhythms. Combining both sequencers is also possible; they can be active at the same time and are automatically synchronized with each other. Logic Pro acts as a master clock in this situation, determining the tempo of the Ultrabeat internal step sequencer.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of step sequencing, see Ultrabeat step sequencer basics.