If you’re into synthesis, you know that we’re in the middle of an exciting renaissance for analog, digital, and hybrid gear. It was only a few years ago that I was seriously looking on eBay for an analog sequencer. An 8-step sequencer, with no additional features, could be had for $400–$600; 16-step sequencers were over $1,000 and were as large as they were costly. But, thanks to a renewed interest, there are now a number of sequencers that are affordable, conveniently sized, and jam packed with features.
1 – Korg SQ-1 Step Sequencer
Among the most affordable yet surprisingly powerful sequencers, the Korg SQ-1 step sequencer gives you 2 x 8 steps of CV (control voltage) and MIDI, eight sequencer modes, step-editing buttons, and the flexibility to work with all of the common CV voltages: 1V, 2V, and 5V per octave, as well as 8V (Hz/V) for the Korg MS-20 and MS-20 mini.
2 – Electro-Harmonix 8 Step Program
The Electro-Harmonix 8-Step offers eight continuous sliders to provide CV and expression for your synths and effects. It can sync via tap tempo or MIDI clock and offers expression control over rate, depth, glide time, and sequence length. An optional foot controller allows you to store 100 preset sequences.
3 – Arturia BeatStep
Arturia’s BeatStep has 16 rotary encoder steps that can feed your synths, effects, and virtual instruments via CV, MIDI, and USB MIDI. It also features 16 velocity-/pressure-sensitive pads for finger drumming and expressive real-time performances. Everything can be stored to 16 user preset locations and backed up using computer software.
4 – Arturia BeatStep Pro
But in my opinion, the absolute Mac daddy (and PC daddy) of affordable, tabletop sequencers is Arturia’s new BeatStep Pro controller and sequencer. It boggles the mind that so many features can be packed into a slab that’s only 1.5″ tall. And it works with MIDI, USB, CV/gate, drum gates, and DIN sync control.
There are 16 projects, each containing two independent sequencers. Each of those sequencers has 16 patterns that can have up to 64 notes. And you can record the notes in real time on the velocity-sensitive pads, an external MIDI keyboard, or enter them via the 16 rotary encoders. And if that isn’t enough, they’ve added a separate 16-track drum sequencer (again with 16 patterns per project).
There’s also full transport control, a ribbon slider for looping and note rolling, swing (independent for each sequencer and drum sequencer), and a flexible randomizer (again, independent for each).
And, on top of all that, pressing the Control Mode button turns all of the knobs, buttons, and pads into a fully assignable MIDI controller that can be assigned differently for each of the 16 projects. It’s simply too much to write about and hard to believe until you see it for yourself, so be sure to go to our website and watch the demo video.
These and dozens more sequencers can be found here. To get a personalized recommendation for your sequencing needs, make sure to give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call today!
