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382 Chapter 24 Ultrabeat
The Step Sequencer
The integrated step sequencer allows all Ultrabeat sounds to be combined in
sequences, based on patterns. Its design and use (step programming input) are based
on analog predecessors. Unlike Ultrabeat’s analog predecessors, however, you can also
program automated changes for nearly every synthesizer parameter!
Dependent on your personal taste and favored musical style, you’ll want to control
Ultrabeat from either the integrated step sequencer or from Logic Express, when
programming rhythms. Combining both sequencers is also possible; they both can be
active at the same time, and are automatically synchronized with each other. The
Logic Express tempo stipulates the tempo of Ultrabeat’s internal step sequencer.
If you are not familiar with the concept of step sequencing, please read the following
brief look back at the early days of sequencing. This will help you understand the
design of Ultrabeat’s step sequencer.
The Step Sequencer Principle
The basic idea behind analog step sequencers was to set up a progression of control
voltages, and output these step by step. In early analog sequencers, three control
voltages were usually created per step, in order to drive different parameters. The most
common usage was control of a sound’s pitch, amplitude, and timbre (cutoff) per step.
The control surface of analog sequencers often contained three rows of knobs or
switches on top of (or beside) each other, each row with 16 steps. Each row had its own
control voltage output, and the parameter it controlled was determined by the control
input (on the synthesizer) it was connected to. A trigger pulse determined the step
tempo. A running light (an LED) indicated the current step. This principle helped to
create an electronic music style whose appeal stems from the mesmerizing effect that
repeating patterns can have.
The running light programming concept also appeared in later drum computers. The
most well-known representatives of this category being the very popular Roland TR
series drum machines.
The introduction of the MIDI standard and increasing use of personal computers in
music led to a rapid decline in the step sequencer and related technology. More
modern concepts that didn’t adhere to the step and pattern principle came into vogue.
Despite this, step sequencers haven’t disappeared completely. Hardware groove boxes
have experienced a renaissance over the last couple of years. Their intuitive nature has
made them a favorite tool for rhythm programming.
Ultrabeat provides an integrated step sequencer of the newest design, that time-warps
the advantages of its analog predecessors to the present day. As part of the “dynamic
duo” with Logic Express, it raises modern rhythm programming to a new level.