ASM explorer arpeggiator/sequencer query

[rggillespie]

Hi, I'm very much at the novice end of the synth learning curve and I'm loving my explorer but it doesn't seem to have a sequencer though it has an arpeggiator. I thought that was another word for a sequencer, but it doesn't seem quite the same. The only other synth I've used was a korg microkorg and I used its step sequencer, does the explorer have the same ability? Or is there something that can connect to the explorer to allow me to use its sounds to create flowing bass lines?

[Hugh Robjohns]

...I'm loving my explorer but it doesn't seem to have a sequencer though it has an arpeggiator. I thought that was another word for a sequencer, but it doesn't seem quite the same.

No, they are very different things. A sequencer has to be programmed to play each specific note at a specific time. Often a sequencer can be used to control other things too, like filter levels, etc. The number of notes it can play depends on the design, but 16, 32, or 64 are common, with options to loop etc. Mostly, sequencers are external units connected to the synth via gate/CV or midi. Once programmed a sequencer can be made to play/stop/pause like a tape machine, and be synced to an external clock.

An arpeggiator — included in the Hydrasynth — can't be programmed as such. It just plays the notes you hold down in various selectable sequences (up, down, up+down, random, etc). It can be synced to an external clock.

In the hydrasynth there's also a phrase mode where it plays one of 64 preset musical phrases. So not a real sequencer... but a bit like a pre-programmed sequencer.

You can buy an external sequencer and connect that to the hydrasynth. I sometimes use a Korg SQ1 which has two 8-step sequences (they can be chained for 16 steps). Its big brother, the SQ64 offers 64 steps... and there are countless other sequencers and 'grooveboxes' available from other brands. Peruse your favoured music store product catalogue....

[ajay_m]

Although not truly a sequencer, each of the 5 modulators on the HS has a 64 step envelope allowing them to act in many ways as simple sequencers. For example someone has done a pretty close emulation of the vcs3 sequence from pink Floyd's Dark Side (on the run) for the hydrasynth.

[rggillespie]

Many thanks for the info and clarification, there really is an amazing amount packed into the explorer. I think a simple sequencer will be all I need but I'll look into the phrase mode first that might suffice.