I’m looking at two sequencers, the Pittsburgh Lifeforms, and the Behringer System 100 182 Sequencer.
As usual, I’m trying to do this on the cheap, the Lifeforms does all I need, most importantly, on-board random sequencing, but it’s expensive.
The Behringer is an 8 or 16 step, cool, but it has no random function.
I can’t think of how you would trigger this to randomly step through a sequence, as it has no pitch CV input, it has a gate input, but that’s no good.
Last edited by Arpangel on Fri Jan 22, 2021 9:43 am, edited 2 times in total.
Don’t overlook the Korg SQ-1, it’s incredibly powerful, incredibly versatile, incredibly affordable, can run on battery power and has a compact form factor.
I still use my SQ-1 even though I have the NerdSeq, it’s very immediate.
People really need to get over their compulsion with Behringer, their ethics are totally lacking. I will not buy a directly branded Behringer product again.
I have a PBH sequencer, it’s very nice but I have minor quibbles on the accuracy of its tracking.
Last edited by Ben Asaro on Fri Jan 22, 2021 1:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I suspect the downside for you Tony would be that it's not as 'hands on knobby' as a lot of sequencer modules, may be overkill and there is a bit of a learning curve. However, it is an excellent device and has massive flexibility. I particularly like the ability to chain up to 8 note/event effects per track (it's an 8-track sequencer).
Despite the lack of knobbiness it is a hands-on device but you do need to get to know it.
Last edited by Eddy Deegan on Fri Jan 22, 2021 1:59 pm, edited 2 times in total.
The Doepfer A-154 and A-155 look like an interesting combination. They're eurorack though. I'd have to get a case that fits them exactly so I wouldn't be tempted to buy anything else once they arrive.
Thanks all, well, I’m going to have to get a bigger case, for this sequencer.
If I go stand-alone, it saves me the cost of a bigger case, the little Korg sequencer is the cheapest way out of this, but the Dark Time is cool.
Ultimately I’m trying to cut down on lots of boxes cluttering up the bench, so an integrated solution would be better I suppose.
Last edited by Arpangel on Sat Jan 23, 2021 7:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
If you're going to go with a Eurorack solution there are so many to choose from. I would personally save up and get a full-featured sequencer (Hermod, NerdSeq, Eloquencer, Rene); simple sequencers run out of functionality quick and the USD/GBP:hp ratio is not a great bargain, or even a good one, in my opinion.
Last edited by Ben Asaro on Sat Jan 23, 2021 12:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Ben Asaro wrote:If you're going to go with a Eurorack solution there are so many to choose from. I would personally save up and get a full-featured sequencer (Hermod, NerdSeq, Eloquencer, Rene); simple sequencers run out of functionality quick and the USD/GBP:hp ratio is not a great bargain, or even a good one, in my opinion.
Thanks Ben, I had a Rene in my first system, it literally drove me mad, I found it totally impenetrable, head damaging, I sold it almost immediately.
I’m looking for a traditional style sequencer, with knobs, but, that can also be capable of being programmed from a keyboard in real-time, plus a few random functions.
Last edited by Arpangel on Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:43 am, edited 1 time in total.
I know you said you want to keep it inside the skiff, but have you thought about using a BeatStep Pro? Or even a KeyStep of some kind? Then instead of adding a keyboard to the setup you're just folding the sequencer functions into something you're already going to be using.
Last edited by Ben Asaro on Sun Jan 24, 2021 1:57 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Ben Asaro wrote:I know you said you want to keep it inside the skiff, but have you thought about using a BeatStep Pro? Or even a KeyStep of some kind? Then instead of adding a keyboard to the setup you're just folding the sequencer functions into something you're already going to be using.
Ben that’s a brilliant idea, problem solved, the cheque is in the post
The KeyStep will fit into my portable rig nicely too, for when we can "be normal again"
I did think of a KeyStep for something else, but the modular didn’t come into my mind at the time.
I’m coming to New York as soon as this thing is over, spending about a month there, my partner and I, we must meet up, America in general is on my bucket list, and I hope to see it before I’m asked to join that big studio in the sky.
Last edited by Arpangel on Mon Jan 25, 2021 8:24 am, edited 4 times in total.
One heads-up about the Keystep – you have to hook it up to a computer to change certain settings. The two that annoy me most are S-trig/V-trig settings on the gate output, and analogue clock division settings. If you want to switch your analogue clock from, say, 16ths to 24ppqn you have to USB it up and faff with the app. It's fine if you just want to set and forget, but this kind of thing is my biggest gripe about all these Arturia controllers. Otherwise the Keystep is handy, and dead easy to pull out in a pinch for some spontaneous arpeggiator action etc.
nathanscribe wrote:One heads-up about the Keystep – you have to hook it up to a computer to change certain settings. The two that annoy me most are S-trig/V-trig settings on the gate output, and analogue clock division settings. If you want to switch your analogue clock from, say, 16ths to 24ppqn you have to USB it up and faff with the app. It's fine if you just want to set and forget, but this kind of thing is my biggest gripe about all these Arturia controllers. Otherwise the Keystep is handy, and dead easy to pull out in a pinch for some spontaneous arpeggiator action etc.
Thanks, I’m just going to be using this with my Eurorack, I don’t think the trigger thing should be an issue.
I’ll be using it for arpeggiating and basic sequencing.
Arpangel wrote:I’ll be using it for arpeggiating and basic sequencing.
That being the case I'd offer up the Synthstrom Deluge for your consideration. I've found it to be excellent for getting basic sequences going. It's very visual. It can do far, far more, of course, but I've not much interest in that direction.
It has USB, MIDI and CV/gate outputs, so it will fit into pretty much any system.
Arpangel wrote:
I’m coming to New York as soon as this thing is over, spending about a month there, my partner and I, we must meet up, America in general is on my bucket list, and I hope to see it before I’m asked to join that big studio in the sky.
Awesome, I should still be here.
Last edited by Eddy Deegan on Mon Jan 25, 2021 2:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Arpangel wrote:I’ll be using it for arpeggiating and basic sequencing.
That being the case I'd offer up the Synthstrom Deluge for your consideration. I've found it to be excellent for getting basic sequences going. It's very visual. It can do far, far more, of course, but I've not much interest in that direction.
It has USB, MIDI and CV/gate outputs, so it will fit into pretty much any system.
Arpangel wrote:I’ll be using it for arpeggiating and basic sequencing.
That being the case I'd offer up the Synthstrom Deluge for your consideration. I've found it to be excellent for getting basic sequences going. It's very visual. It can do far, far more, of course, but I've not much interest in that direction.
It has USB, MIDI and CV/gate outputs, so it will fit into pretty much any system.
Ouch, that’s expensive, and complicated looking
Yep, it ain't cheap, that's for sure.
I do agree that it looks very complex, and the oodles of special key-presses required to make full use of it's deeper features (synth, sampler, audio recorder, looper...) is not a task for which I've any appetite, but the basic functions are pretty simple. For me that's enough.
What it's trying to do is be the heart of your system. In this respect it is very powerful and very clever, but I don't use it like that. Being able to quickly rattle off note and control sequences is exemplary, though - much simpler than most rack sequencers I've seen.
It has proved invaluable for some Teutonic 70s/80s material I've been called on to recreate.
Last edited by The Elf on Mon Jan 25, 2021 2:08 pm, edited 5 times in total.
Ben Asaro wrote:The Deluge looks absolutely amazing, and it's on my short list should I go with a desktop One Sequencer To Rule The All solution.
I doubt you'll be disappointed, but it does take some patience to learn the button combinations. As soon as I crib one I instantly forget it! I always find a 'Shift' button dismaying and some of the combinations are far from obvious.
It is USB-powered, yet also charges an internal battery, which lasts a very long time. Even the scratchy built-in speaker and microphone are useful from time to time.
But a very capable and powerful device it is indeed. I'm almost embarrassed that my use of it is so basic. As a tester I programmed one of my favourite 80s songs into it - I may publish that at some time, just to show what it can do...
Last edited by The Elf on Mon Jan 25, 2021 5:50 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Arpangel wrote:
I’m coming to New York as soon as this thing is over, spending about a month there, my partner and I, we must meet up, America in general is on my bucket list, and I hope to see it before I’m asked to join that big studio in the sky.
Awesome, I should still be here.
I’m looking forward to it Ben, it will happen, if I’m still here!
I’m incapable of flying, got a real phobia about it, so we’re coming by ship, people tell me seeing New York for the first time is incredible when you sail in.
Last edited by Arpangel on Tue Jan 26, 2021 6:53 am, edited 1 time in total.
I just bought the Lifeforms after much thought, I need it to be in the rack, too many boxes already kicking around.
It does what I want it to do, and at a lower price than any of the competition, got it for £160.
