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Step Sequencer - That Sends MIDI Messages
Hi,
I am looking for a step sequencer (UI similar to a drum machine; e.g. Elliot Garage) :
- where you can set the number of steps 4, 8 , 16, 32, 64 etc.
- and on any step you want, it will send out a MIDI message (rather than play an audio file or a drum beat)
- must support at least 64 steps (in 4/4)
- must sync with the host
- must support MIDI PC messages - not just MIDI note messages
Does such a creature exist? I think not.
What about something like Atom Roll, can it send out MIDI PC messages on certain steps of a beat? I checked out /tried Atom Roll... it does not support sending a MIDI PC message, only notes as far as I can see.
I "think" I messaged a couple AppDev folks, nobody replied.
Thanks!!!
AJ
Comments
StepBud does all that, but doesn't send PC, only CC. You could send it through mfxConvert to change the CC's to PCs.
Hey @Vmusic, I'm the creator of Prism, which can do the first 4 points, and maybe all 5 if I understand your use case a little more around MIDI PC messages. Even if it can't I'd love to hear more. I've got some ideas for the future regarding PC and extra input would be great.
Right now Prism can send out a PC message through user interaction but that message isn't tied to the individual steps. My thoughts right now are to tie PC send out to the pattern/scene. How are you looking to use PC and sequencing in your setup?
A simple approach that would let you use any sequencer you please is just to convert notes to PC messages or whatever other messages you like. mfxConvert is $2.99 US and is useful for many things.
Drambo can do it with just one module.
@A_Mortal_Mage I sent you a message, and I've attached a pic of the EG drum kit sequencer - a great step sequencer UI, howbeit and obviously more functionality than needed or discussed in my post.
Thanks
AJ
@wim Which module? I have Drambo. Is there a sequencer in it, that lets you send MIDI PC messages on different steps of the sequence?
The module is called PC Generator and it's in the MIDI section. Yes, you can trigger it from Drambo's step sequencer.
Exactly how ... uh ... I need to do a little experimentation. Unless someone else steps in.
@Vmusic : WoodStepper can send up to 4 midi commands (PC, CC, ...) per step. However it has a max of 32 steps.
Woodman
@woodman WoW, I have this plugin as well. Does the BPM sync to the host (in my case Loopy Pro)? I am running or playing a loop, and I need the MIDI messages sent in time with the audio loop, controlled by the tempo of the host?
@woodman I think for many of my loops, I can live with breaking a measure into 32 steps, that still gives quite a bit of control of routing the audio of a loop to different audio buses, via MIDI, based on a certain 'step' in the loop. But it has to sync with the tempo clock of the host.
@Vmusic : I don't own Loopy Pro but I checked in AUM and there it works (switch the DAW button on).
Super easy: Just hold a step and choose the desired Program Change number from the list in the PC module.
@rs2000 I do appreciate that; Easy for you..... it seems the ONLY thing I can put in the step sequencer is MIDI notes. What did you do to get the red "triggers" in steps 1 and 9? When I put or click on a step, I only can put MIDI notes into them. It's very frustrating....
@woodman
I have the software, seems complicated. I "thought" I selected the 7th step of (green, whatever green means) and directed the software to send a PC message on Channel 1 - see the screen shapshot.
I have the MIDI out routed to MIDI monitor to "watch" and nothing is being sent. Frustrating
@Vmusic : I see you have the "Play Step" on, can you switch it off and run the sequencer by pressing start ?
also in Advanced check the midi out setting (Daw or External)
@Vmusic - the key is in understanding this sentence. You're trying to accomplish it by putting notes in the sequencer. It works a little differently than that:
But seriously, I think you should consider using mfxConvert. Just use any sequencer you're familiar with, send its output to mfxConvert and mfxConvert out to the destination. This will allow you to change notes to PC as they pass through.
You don't seem to have a lot of patience for learning new applications. This gets you out of having to learn a whole new sequencer for just this one task. Learning to use mfxConvert will come in handy for many other things as well.
On another note, to head off another potential source of frustration...
Program Changes often take a little time to change the patch of whatever they're directed to. Often it doesn't work out to put the event right on a measure or beat where you need it. Often that needs to be put somewhere slightly before you need it in the timeline.
Yes agreed. This is why I want to use a step sequencer, especially one that has 64 steps for 4 beats. I would send a PC message at step 62 or 63 to change settings for the next measure, and likewise send a PC message at about step 45 or 46 to change settings for the note played on the 3rd beat of the measure.
You're correct; I want to create music, not spend hours learning software, and in many cases find out it just doesn't do what you want. I do greatly appreciate your knowledge and help!!!
[edit] (whoops ... I think I remember you're using Loopy Pro rather than AUM? Oh well, hopefully you can adapt this if you decide to give it a try.)
Here's an example setup for Atom 2 sending notes to mfxConvert, which changes them to Program Changes and sends those on to iM1. mfxConvert is set to change note C4 to Program Change 0, C#4 to Program Change 1.
(Note: there are some quirks to be aware of. These are due to the looseness of note naming conventions in the MIDI spec. For example, C4 in Atom 2 is actually C3 in mfxConvert. C#4 in Atom 2 is Db3 in mfxConvert. If you stick to midi learning things as described below, that's not too much of a problem. It's just one of those MIDI things we all have to live with.)
AUM Setup:
1. Load Atom 2 and mfxConvert in a midi channel strip.
2. Load whatever you want to target with Program Changes.
3. Route Atom 2 to mfxConvert.
4. Route mfxConvert to the target.
Conversion Mapping:
1. Engage Learn in mfxConvert
2. Tap the first note you will use in the piano sidebar in Atom 2. It should register in the FROM tab of mfxConvert
3. Change Event Type in the mfxConvert TO tab to program change, and set the needed channel and number. That note conversion is now set.
4. Tap the next note in Atom 2, and set the conversion in mfxConvert.
5. Repeat for all notes you'll use.
6. If you make any mistakes, it's easiest to just repeat step 2 and 3 above.
7. Disengage Learn
8. SAVE as a preset when all mappings are correct.
@Vmusic No worries. I meant hold a step while setting the PC number indeed, not tap, release, then change the number.
It's the same as the p-locks on Groove Rider GR-16 or hardware like Octatrack, Digitone, Digitakt, Syntakt and a number of other grooveboxes.