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Choosing a sequencer for ambient (Mac and iPad)
With sequencing for ambient in mind, I'm trying to choose a sequencer for my Intel MacBook Pro, but I would also like to be able to use the same, or a similar sequencer on my iPad, and ideally, my iPhone. It's also important to note that I want to be able to incorporate samples and stretches, not just MIDI sequencing.
Here are the options I'm considering so far:
OP-Z. (Hardware). I already have one, but it's less than a week old, and I'm learning). I'm not keen to make this my sole option, as I also wish to learn about software sequencing.
510k Seqund. (MacOS plugin). Recommended by a friend, I like the looks of it, but I'm not convinced it would suit my needs.
Stepic. (MacOS plugin). Recommended by the Signs Of Life YouTube ambient channel, it looks a little complex, but it sounds like it may pay off to explore it.
Strokes. (MacOS/iPadOS). This one might meet my needs well, as it's not only a sequencer, but a sampler too. Again, a steep learning curve, from what I've read here on the forum. I wasn't convinced when it first launched, but the longer it goes on, the more tempted I am to take a chance on it.
Drambo. (iPadOS/iOS). I have Drambo, but have never really dared dive in there. This could be my opportunity, but it doesn't offer me a MacOS option, as my MacBook Pro is an i5, not Apple Silicon.
LoopMix. (MacOS/iPadOS). I hadn't considered LoopMix before I saw it in a list of recommended sequencers for MacOS on Integraudio just now. Loops and samples are a part of my process too, so this makes some sense here. Maybe someone can help me understand LoopMix?
Update: Where does AudioModern PlayBeat sit in all of this? I see it can sequence audio files, which is a plus for me.
Also to note, I recently bought Mker on iPad, which I love, and am learning, but no MacOS or iOS option, hence the search continues. I also have two of the sqsl iPad apps (Latch and Temp), which I understand I a use to sequence my Mac.
If I didn't have the OP-Z, I might have been tempted by one of the similar priced hardware sequencers as my birthday present. But for now, the OP-Z stays, and I'm keeping it on trial for 30 days.
What are some of you guys using, who are on both iPadOS and MacOS, when making ambient music?
Cost isn't really a factor in this decision, as all the ones I mentioned that I don't have, are around the same price. So you could say my budget is £40 to 50 for a software sequencer.
Your thoughts please, dear friends…
Comments
Personally, from your list I only know of Strokes as an Intel Mac/iPad compatible app (not iphone) and as good as that is at sequencing I'm not sure if it's quite what you're looking for as a generator for ambient. As far as I know, neither Temp or Latch work natively on a Mac but maybe I'm mistaken. Also, Stepic seems to be a Max for Live plugin so you'd need to factor that in. I use Seqund on my Mac and like it a lot, but it's not universal. I use other sequencers / generators on a Mac, most of which don't have iOS versions so if that was a deal breaker for you I won't list them now - if you're interested though, let me know.
I'm actually going to update my list, and add in LoopMix, as I hadn't considered it a sequencer, but had been looking at it as a cross-platform looping tool (until Loopy Pro comes to desktop).
Temp and Latch would be used over MIDI to sequence the Mac.
Stepic is a hybrid: Max4Live and VST sequencer. Also, I use Ableton, but haven't afforded the upgrade yet. I'm at Live 11 Intro, saving to upgrade to Standard.
Do you use Seqund for ambient creations?
Ah - I stand corrected on Stepic - I was looking at an older version on KVR. I have used Sequend for slower, more ambient stuff but generally chose something like Riffer which allows me to setup up a 'framework' of key, scale, octave, frequency etc and then randomise over time across 4 midi channels.
I guess any sequencer / generator on the ipad could be used in the way you suggest for Temp and Latch so maybe that's the way to think...
Also, Riffer is Mac, ipad and iphone compatible.
If you don't have it, theres a trial available and a sale on - https://audiomodern.com/shop/plugins/riffer/
OK - being totally honest I think Stepic is possibly the most versatile generator/sequencer I've come across - I'm definitely going to be buying this one later. The randomisation options and cc automation are really very good and I think it would be perfect for ambient or probably any type of music. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
If dRambo had a VST wrapper I’d probably just use that for most stuff in Ableton as well, though I should just get into the habit of using it on the iPad and MIDI controlling a channel on the Mac…
Not cross platform but I’ve been meaning to check this one out for a while now, looks like a lot of different fun stuff bundled into one plugin…
https://stochas.org/
Free/Open source and by the Surge synth people so some sort of mark of quality there…
Thanks, I had wondered about Riffer, but it never appealed to me.
I guess I'm looking for something more sequencer like than Temp and Latch. I went for them for the interface, but something about it isn't clicking with me. I'm a sucker for design (I trained as an electronic product designer, but later moved from designing physical electronic products to software based).
I didn't realise Riffer was for iPhone too. Interesting. But of course, there's the outlay for the Mac plugin. Maybe I'll try the trial. I just haven't clicked with the design of Riffer so far.
Exploring the AudioModern site now, I see that Riffer is MIDI only, so that would be a factor against it for me, as I can use samples and loops in Loopmix.
There's a good demo / review of Stochas here -
Weirdly that popping up on my YouTube feed while playing with the kitten this morning is what reminded me of it, then this thread appeared so thought I’d best mention it…just need to get my lazy butt in the studio rather than chilling in the all too rare Yorkshire sunshine 😅
Re: Drambo, I reckon I would be tempted to go that way too.
I'll take a look at Stochas, thanks. I have Surge. Of course, Stochas wouldn't be an option for iPad and iPhone. Although I'm realising that most apps in this range are too tiny interface wise for the iPhone anyway.
Good for you! Go to it…
I see Riffer is on sale for £24.95 on plugin boutique at the moment.
Another question I've just added, is where does AudioModern PlayBeat sit in all of this? I see it can sequence audio files, which is a plus for me.
Playbeat is not like Riffer or Stepic - it's more aimed at step sequencing beats which can include audio samples rather than note sequences...it outputs live midi to drive external drum apps but has its own internal engine with built in sounds - you can also import your own.
Okay, thanks. That might be relevant, as I'm wanting to import my own sounds via samples. Looks like it will be worth a free trial or a demo.
If you like generative sequencing, modular is the way to go. I don’t know if miRack will play nicely with vcv rack on desktop though. I tend to doubt it.
I understand its a hardware limitation for you @andowrites , but I'll say I'm loving Drambo as an ambient/noise sequencer. There are so many options, including: modulating euclidean sequencers, creating complex lfos, programatic chord generation/progression. Its awesome.
I have 8 tracks midi mapped to my Faderfox EC4 and love it. With a bit of massaging you can use the EC4's 14-bit MIDI as well for fine tune adjustment.
miRack works on desktop (Intel + Apple Silicon) too.
I spent a good month diving down the rabbit hole of miRack sequencers. I didn't find much usable that fits my style of music, but if I was into ambient, it'd be pretty great.
Take it for what it's worth from a person who doesn't do ambient but ...
Zenbeats. Cross platform, and seems to me like it could tick the OP boxes.
Piano. Any sequencer. Big reverb. Harold Budd.
For me part of the fun in modular is building my own sequencers out of utility modules. You can get some wild results. For example, a clock divider into a mixer can be a sequencer.
It sounds crazy, but @Alexandernaut Fugue Machine is great for ambient. Lots of possibilities. Run multiple versions, and send it into MIDI processesors like PageFall apps.
@andowrites - Having sold some stuff on ebay I treated myself to Stepic and I'm very impressed. The way you can create sequence patterns with subtle variations over time and string them together is ideal for ambient and the cc modulation lanes are extremely flexible and useful to generate gentle movement in the sound. It's desktop only but definitely worth a look - it's €39, no demo available but a 30 day money back guarantee.
@Wrlds2ndBstGeoshredr For example, a clock divider into a mixer can be a sequencer.
I like those kinds of tricks, can you elaborate a bit?
I've made Ambient in AUM using Fugue Machine. It really is a fantastic sequencer!
These sequencers (Zoa & OODA) are both iOS, iPadOS & macOS
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zoa-living-midi-sequencer/id1581881354
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ooda-portable-midi-sequencer/id1612549576
I'm curious why you think Strokes isn't ideal for ambient. Is it because it started as a drum sequencer and is "too rythmic?" My intuition is that is would be great for ambient stuff although I only have really used it for bangy noisy stuff, because that's so fun and it does it so well
I've successfully used Strokes for ambient, the key is to use a very slow tempo. Using pitch modulation, you can get interesting pseudo random notes.