Sugar Bytes

Reviews | Sugar Bytes Thesys
104
M
ost modern DAWs are
well-equipped in the
sequencing department,
and usually offer a
decent range of real and step-time
recording features.
While this is usually enough for
most applications there are times when
some of us reminisce about the
creative applications of analogue-style
step sequencing. The main difference
between this and its DAW-based cousin
is in the ability to tweak patterns in
real-time and experiment with unusual
loop lengths.
The possibilities become even more
interesting when you explore
multi-track step sequencing, which at
its best allows you to generate pitch,
velocity and modulation information
from a set of simple repeating
sequences with different loop lengths.
In this case, with only a basic starting
point it is possible to produce long,
ever-evolving music sequences with
only a little effort.
Although some DAWs are better
equipped than others in this
department, Sugar Bytes clearly think
there is room for improvement, and
with this in mind have produced
Thesys, an advanced step sequencer to
use within the comfort of you own DAW
environment.
Natural sequence
Thesys is a modern and fully
customisable variant of the original
analogue step sequence concept, with
a single window interface. It has fi ve
distinct, variable loop, 32-step
sequences at its core. The fi rst three of
these have a fi xed routing to pitch,
velocity and gate time (note length)
respectively. Values can be changed by
grabbing and moving the numerous
value sliders or with your scroll wheel.
The number of steps is easily
altered by dragging the vertical slider
above each sequence window. It is also
possible to specify the direction and
interval of travel, reset, copy and paste,
shift and randomise whole sequences.
The pitch sequencer has a step-
recording mode for playing in
sequences from your MIDI keyboard
and a scale selector that restricts the
notes to one of many possible scales or
modes (based on the Root Key value).
There is also Lock button per step for
freezing the current value.
The fourth step window is home to
the Performance sequencer, which is
in fact fi ve sequencers in one. Each
row offers per step control over Octave,
Pitch Bend (with twenty pre-confi gured
shapes), Chord (for polyphonic
sequencing), note Roll and sequence
randomisation of a vast range of other
control parameters.
Performance control
Modulation, the fi nal sequence
window, is devoted to all kinds of MIDI
CC control. Using the left-hand
drop-down menu it is possible to
confi gure the step-by-step control of up
to eight modulation tracks. This brings
us to another feature of Thesys – the
built-in synth. The Modulation tracks
can also control a number of
pre-confi gured targets in this simple,
but useful sound generator.
As if all this weren’t enough,
sequences can be altered on the fl y
using a series of buttons in the Action
Section. These include slowing down,
re-triggering and looping, and may also
be triggered from the Keyboard Control
Section. This is the last piece of the
live-performance jigsaw, allowing
enormous control over pattern
selection, pitch and playback
parameters all from the different keys
of your MIDI controller.
Ultimately, while not cheap, I found
Thesys a detailed, well-built and
enjoyable plug-in to use, and one that I
will defi nitely turn to again. You’ll need
to spend some time with this software
to get the most out of it, but the results
should be well worth the effort.
WHAT IS IT?
An advanced step-time
MIDI sequencer plug-in
with real-time
performance control
capability
CONTACT
Who: Sugar Bytes
Web: sugar-bytes.de
HIGHLIGHTS
1 Performance sequencer
window
2 Random button is an
instant ideas generator
3 Live control capabilities
Sugar Bytes
Thesys | €99
Bruce Aisher takes a peak at Sugar Bytes new
advanced step sequencer plug-in, and wonders if it
could add sweetness to your DAW…
VERDICT
STABILITY
❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚
VALUE
❚❚❚❚❚❚❚
EASE OF USE
❚❚❚❚❚❚❚
VERSATILITY
❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚
RESULTS
❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚
Well worth taking for a test-drive,
especially if you’re looking for
something to spur your creativity.
ON THE DVD
SPECS
Sequencer Control
includes: Pitch, Velocity,
Gate Time, Octave,
Pitchbend, Chord, Retrigger,
Randomisation and
Modulation
Action Section features:
Gatetime, Velo Gate, Looper,
Slowdown, Retrigger,
Halftime, Octave Up, Mute
Also: Internal synthesizer,
Instant keyboard control for
Transpose, Pattern Select,
Action Section, Random and
Mutate functions for each
sequencer, Individual
trigger and sync options
and Swing function
System Requirements
PC: Windows XP and higher,
VST or AU plug-in
compatible host software,
1GHz, 128MB RAM
Mac: Mac OS X 10.4.0 or
higher, VST or AU plug-in
compatible host software,
1GHz, 128MB RAM
NOTE: A workaround is
required for sending MIDI
with the AU plug-in
FMU219.rev_sbytes 104 11/9/09 3:43:40 pm