The results of each step (loop) of a given musical phrase can be altered using a step sequencer, which is effectively a looping device for music production. The lengths of the loops are up to you, and you can choose whether they should play sequentially or simultaneously for a more interactive effect. In both hardware and software, audio signal generators known as synthesizers use additive and subtractive synthesis to produce a wide range of alterable sounds. Chord Sequencer plugin are pedagogical hardware or software tools for producing and modifying MIDI data that audio signal generators can use.
Sequencing synthesized sounds can produce amazing outcomes. The two could be used to produce a wide range of musical phrases and elements, from basslines to melodies or riffs. In addition, you can map settings from one device to those on the other using the MIDI learning features of synths and sequencers. You can typically obtain a thorough level of integration between them.
Table of Contents
Arturia Pigments 3
Pigments 3 is a potent synthesis tool that has been combined into a simple interface with a ton of intriguing features. Two major engines that mimic various synthesis types make up its core. The utility engine considerably improves the audio (as a third engine but with an additional influence).
This drum pattern generator plugin has a lot to offer, including modulation, sequencing, modulation, filtering, delays, and a respectable preset collection created by well-known experts. You can create breathtakingly original sounds for any project at hand thanks to the abundance of customizable elements. Additionally, aficionados of randomization will like the variety of features that are offered to satisfy these requirements. You can use a number of built-in components to accomplish the work for you, ranging from LFOs that modify the direct signal to randomizing sequences.
With the help of the Seq section, you may create musical phrases by selecting a scale, adjusting the dynamics of each instance, generating random parameters, and arpeggiating signals. Each step’s rate, order, and parameters can be manually changed, but you can also add some variety by using different randomization techniques. You can create the initial signal using one of four distinct sound engines. You can utilize two at once, and you can set them to any of the available four settings (Harmonic, Wavetable, Virtual Analog, or Sample & Granular engines). By using intriguing pairings and intriguing samples, you can produce distinctive timbres.
This plugin is really extensive and can handle a lot of work while generating. Until you’ve created something remarkable, you can modify endless parameters and settings. Pigments 3 is considerably more appealing due to its layout and usefulness because it has a user-friendly interface and a ton of intricate features that have been simplified. This is the Best Sequencer VST Plugin in 2023.
Sugar Bytes Thesys
Sweet Bytes An amazing 32 step sequencer plugin is Thesys. It has a number of crucial music-making and sound-editing capabilities. Because it is designed to be used for real-time pattern editing, it contains a helpful randomization tool and an integrated synthesizer that you can use to create original ideas on the spot or breathe new life into stale grooves.
The sequences can be painted, but by using the mutate function and random generator, you can quickly create designs on the fly. Alternatively use your MIDI keyboard to directly record the pitch. You can start right away because the integrated synthesizer saves you from needing to spend a lot of time wiring. The root note should be set first. No out-of-key note will escape your grasp while using the scales.
The Velocity (volume) and Gate Sequencer (which regulates the length of each note) are located below the pitch channel. You’ll spend the majority of your time programming riffs and arpeggios in these top three areas before assigning them to patterns.
Users who anticipated using Thesys’ arp features were pleasantly pleased by how much more powerful it turned out to be than they had anticipated. The plug-in is commonly utilized in studio environments, but some users have also reported utilizing it effectively during live performances. To utilise its powers to their fullest in live settings, some preparation is undoubtedly required. But with a little forethought, Thesys can undoubtedly improve even the most commonplace instrument parts. This is the Best Sequencer Plugins in 2023.
Sugar Bytes Thesys offers an almost incredible amount of value for the money. Given all the features and functions you get in exchange, it would still be worth the price even if it were priced a few hundred dollars higher. This is a sound tweaker’s paradise because you can completely alter your tracks with it. This is the Best Sequencer Plugin in 2023.
XLN Audio XO
By putting all the samples on your computer keyboard into the UI, the XO plugin from XLN Audio accomplishes some astounding job. The XO is more focused on drums than the previous plugin was, and it has a few special characteristics that make it more useful for making beats. In addition to a fantastic sequencer, the XO offers a few other fascinating surprises that we’ll look at below.
The XO has a useful trick up its sleeve: it locates every drum sample on your computer, regardless of where it is, and gathers them inside the plugin. Additionally, it color-codes the various audio examples and arranges them all according to similarity (kick, hats, snare, etc.). Additionally, XO provides eight thousand samples and more than one hundred presets to help the creative process along. You can use this function to listen to samples and select the sounds that suit your needs the best. You don’t need to search through hundreds of folders and subfolders because everything you need is right there. Use the built-in filter and search features instead if you’re looking for something specific. Finally, use the plugin to organize your samples into structured folders and make playlists.
An array of rhythm production and manipulation capabilities are available through the built-in sequencer, effects, and randomization feature. You have total control over each channel’s steps and pace as well as many other common settings like swing and pan, much like with the majority of sequencers. With simple mapping and routing functions, you may modify individual steps or the entire sequence and activate different FX and creative factors. The Accenuator alters dynamics, velocity, and adds swing to your beat to give it feel, groove, and life. Apply one of the various groove templates to do it for you and adjust parameters as needed if you’re in a rush or simply need a creative boost. The choke/gate, which keeps drums sounding genuine and clean, is another intriguing element.
Audiomodern Riffer
The Riffer by Audiomodern is a melodic production tool that goes beyond the scope of a MIDI sequencer. You can keep things straightforward and use it to assist in creating simple chord progressions, or you can utilize one of the many built-in effects to give your musical lines an unexpected twist.
It can be used to produce MIDI data for a device that will accept it and is compatible with anything that will accept MIDI data (such as a synth, drum rack, bass, or more). Additionally, it has the ability to generate MIDI for hardware devices. The sequencer controls are all there in the main display, along with a zoomable piano roll that allows you to see more notes. It will support you faithfully in your musical activities and has a fantastic design.
When developing musical phrases, chord progressions, or beginning something from scratch, randomization can be a useful tool because it does a lot of the legwork for you. You frequently come up with something that you wouldn’t have normally thought of on your own. Because randomization takes place within the parameters that were initially defined, the magic can happen (like scale, chord progression, rate, etc.). Any parameter on the screen can be chosen, and then you can click the lock button to stop the randomization process from changing it. And to top it all off, you can configure Riffer’s Infinity mode to randomize after a predetermined length of listening time so you can make the regular adjustments required to keep the music interesting. For live performances, it can be a fantastic choice.
The matrix sequencer interface is the actual star of the show, so let’s look at it. It doesn’t get much better than user-friendly plugins that are powerful. Here, we have simple access to “shuffle” and “stutter,” two humanizing settings you might expect to find on a performance sequencer. You can choose how many times the root note will play in the sequence by using the root note function, which is useful. You can also lock notes and steps to prevent randomness from affecting them. At the bottom, you’ll find a preset tab that enables you load up to 16 presets for easy application on each Riff.
There is a group of banks with the names “R1 to R4” that are all different Riffer instances that can coexist with or be utilized independently. Click on the selected Riff to quickly switch between them, or double-click on any Riff to silence it. By connecting the banks and varying the patterns, progressions, and scales on the various Riffs, you may construct intricate polyrhythms. Having the opportunity to work on them individually or make changes that affect everyone is a win-win. The Riffs are a fantastic feature that make creating thrilling progressions simple