Arturia KeyStep - Controller / Sequencer - Manual (Page 28)

4. CREATING SEQUENCES
KeyStep holds a total of 8 sequences, and each sequence can be up to 64 steps in length.
The sequencer is polyphonic, capable of stacking up to 8 notes per step.
In this chapter we will cover the front panel features, but there are more parameters
available in the MIDI Control Center. You can also save and swap sequences using the MIDI
Control Center, so you’ll want to read chapter 8 [p.42] for more information.
4.1. What’s a step sequencer?
KeyStep can record and play back music data with its step sequencer. Originally popular
in the 1960’s and 70’s, step sequencers have become popular again due to the increased
interest in modular synthesizers.
A step sequencer is usually monophonic ; i.e., it will output only one note at a time. But the
KeyStep sequencer is capable of stacking up to 8 notes per sequence step.
Another way the KeyStep sequencer is more advanced than a traditional step sequencer is
that it lets you to transpose the sequence by playing a key on the keyboard. Most early step
sequencers did not do this; the pitch of each note was set with a knob or a slider.
But as with any sequencer, a step sequencer can free the performer’s hands to adjust
other parameters such as filters, envelope settings or pitch on the target device while the
sequencer keeps looping.
KeyStep allows you to create and carry up to eight unique sequences wherever you go. And
in spite of its streamlined appearance, there are lots of ways to modify your sequences
during a performance. We’ll cover those in this chapter.
23 Arturia - User Manual KeyStep - Creating Sequences