B-Step Sequencer
 Main user interface of B-Step Sequencer 2 | |
| Developer(s) | Monoplugs |
|---|---|
| Initial release | December 23, 2013 |
| Stable release | 2.0.2
/ October 29, 2014 |
| Written in | C++ |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS (iPad), Android, Raspbian (Raspberry Pi) |
| Type | Music sequencer |
| License | Trialware |
| Website | surge-synth-team |
B-Step Sequencer is a multitrack software MIDI step sequencer that is available as either a standalone application or in audio plug-in format (VST and Audio Units). Primarily used to create melodical sequences to trigger soft or hardware synthesizer, whether in a studio environment or live on stage, it has a user interface based on pattern and TR music sequencers.
History[edit]
The first version of B-Step Sequencer (1.0), developed by the German company Monoplugs, was released in December 2013 for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. In March 2014 Monoplugs released the B-Step Sequencer for iPad, providing the same functionality as for desktop computers. Version 2.0 was released in October 2014 with two new supported platforms: Android and Raspbian (Raspberry Pi).
Features[edit]
B-Step Sequencer has a long list of features, including full MIDI and MIDI beat clock sync support, Sequencer Ratcheting, shuffle (swing), monophonic and polyphonic note playback modes.
User Interface[edit]
The user interface, which looks clean and is contrast rich, is designed for live performances without any need for a deep menu hierarchy. It shows all the important settings on the main interface and features drag and drop to copy settings on the fly.
Specification[edit]
- 16 steps per track
- 4 tracks per pattern
- 16 patterns
- playback of up to 4 patterns at the same time
- 5x MIDI out for synthesizer control
- sends and receives MIDI CC (trainable)
- 2x MIDI in and out for Novation Launchpad controllers
- 1x MIDI in and out for trainable MIDI controllers
- MIDI THRU (optional)
- MIDI beat clock thru (optional)
- 1x MIDI in for MIDI beat clock sync
Editions[edit]
Standalone[edit]
B-Step Sequencer Standalone currently runs with recent versions of Windows (WinMM MIDI), Mac OS X (Core MIDI), Linux (ALSA MIDI), iPad (Core MIDI), Android (MIDI via USB) and Raspberry Pi (ALSA MIDI).
VST Plug-in[edit]
As a VST plug-in B-Step Sequencer can be used in well-known VST hosts like Ableton Live, Cubase, Bitwig, REAPER or Renoise. The VST version is available for 32-bit and native 64-bit CPU architectures on Linux, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X.
Audio Units Plug-in[edit]
On Mac OS X B-Step Sequencer can be run as an Audio Units plug-in in Audio Units hosts like Logic Pro.
Versions[edit]
B-Step Sequencer is available as either a trial (demo) or a commercial version. The trial version excludes saving of user projects and is time limited to 30 minutes. After application restart or unloading it in the plug-in host it is possible to use it again for 30 minutes. The commercial version is not time limited and it has the project save feature available.
Support[edit]
Support for B-Step Sequencer is provided through a HTML user manual. Users may also register for the official Monoplugs forum or contact Monoplugs directly.
References[edit]
- "B-Step Sequencer 2 Pro – A deep sequencer from Monoplugs." Review by iOS MARS, November 12, 2014.
- "B-Step Sequencer v.2 – MonoPlugs announce new version of step-based MIDI sequencer for iOS." Preview by MUSIC APP BLOG, August 11, 2014.
- ""it's bigger on the inside": Monoplugs B-Step Sequencer" Review by SynMag Nr.45, middle of July 2014
- "B-Step Sequencer iPad App" Review by Synth Universe, June 10, 2014