Sequencers

Hey everyone,

If you took my second IO Academy course, you're familiar with sequencers. For those that haven't (and as a reminder for those who did) there are a number of Max4Live sequencers that you can download (free and paid) to help spark inspiration in a blank project. Pretty much everyone is familiar with arpeggiators, but for those who haven't used hardware, sequencers can be a little less understood and utilized. For certain genres though, especially more classic house/techno leaning songs, sequencers are crucial in getting the right vibe for your pattern.

Some of my favorites are: MDD Snake, Euclidean Sequencer, M-185, and the Probability Pack.  It can be worth exploring these as well as googling around trying to find others, and even just utilizing the sequencers that are found in certain VST synths, like Repro1, Sub Boom Bass, Sylenth, and many of the Arturia synths (check the "Advanced" hidden section). There are even some Max4Live devices that I wouldn't even consider sequencers, yet they provide incredibly creative ways to come up with patterns--one such example is Bouncy Notes from the Inspired by Nature pack. There's a lot included in Ableton Suite, so go have a check on their website to see what goodies you have yet to download!

Sometimes I use sequencers or arpeggiators with a specific idea in mind for a certain element, but more often I'm just randomly playing around trying to spark inspiration and find a jumping off point for the song, whether it's with bass, melodies, or drums.

Tips for Sequencers/Arpeggiators:

• Try using a quantizer (i.e. the Scale midi effect tuned to the key of your song) after the sequencer in the chain. That way any crazy randomness can still in the correct scale for the song. This is especially important for more esoteric devices like Bouncy Notes.
• Explore polyrhythms by setting the sequencer's length (or the number of notes in your arpeggio) to something indivisible by 4
• Test out different reset points in your arpeggio by changing the loop length or inserting and cutting notes throughout the pattern.
• Try using slower rates or more sparse patterns and fill the gaps with FX chains of delays, granular effects, filters, etc.
• Sometimes super simple sequences are best. If you listen carefully to a 303 acid line for example, in the majority of songs they're almost always just 1-2 notes with varying octaves, accents, and automation.
• Don't just sequence pitch/notes. Use them to sequence rhythm (gates), velocity, and other parameters. These variations are especially useful to enhance simple arpeggios.
• Record them to MIDI (route into a new midi channel Post-FX and make custom adjustments/variations.

Let me know how you get on with these and if there are any others I should check out!