FR11 - Arp 1601 sequencer interface

S2400 Feature Requests
1

Feature Request #11 - Arp 1601 sequencer (free tuning)[1]

topics: sequencer, microtuning

Function: Arp 1601 sequencer style interface

  • Programming melodic mono sequences per track with an Arp 1601 style interface (max 2x 8 steps); set tuning of each step with faders (free tuning)

Pretext, context (optional reading)

I am absolutely happy that the S2400 allows basically free tuning, also in multimode (10 cent increments, IIRC) and per slider. Since there is already a TR-sequencer, I thought: why not an Arp 1601 sequencer - that makes complete use of the sliders and free tuning already available? This would open the S2400 to very classic and intense EBM (DAF sound especially) which relies heavily on microtuning and is absolutely easy to setup with an Arp 1601 (all sliders down, then every second slider up - tuned by ear, then transposing the whole sequence in kind of a chord progression style). I know, this would be more of a super gimmick feature. However, didn’t want to leave it unproposed :slight_smile:

Suggestions UI

  • make use of current slider views
  • select to be edited 8 steps of a 2x 8 step pattern for example with << and >>
  • 1601 should be just an interface;
    • note and all other values written to pattern as usual

Suggestions UX, features

  • apart from basic settings, these features would be great:
    • reset (set sequence duration to any number of steps)
      • if set so, let sequence (like 5 steps) freely run with rest of the pattern
        • for technical reasons (if necessary like when recording the sequence to pattern) simply cut of at end of pattern (pattern length in bars determines)
    • 8x tuning; 8x other parameter (like filter, velocity, or envelope)
      • (extension: 8x tuning; other parameter 1; other parameter 2; …; other parameter 8)
    • sequence transposition sequence (or live)
      • either programmed in a third window (transposition track or sequence) or
      • possibility to record sequence including transpositions and maybe live fader changes live to pattern with
        • external midi keyboard or
        • per pads (preprogrammed selection of transpose values - also with option for free tuning)
    • step modes:
      • off
      • tie
      • legato
      • slide
    • external clock sync
      • e.g. clock signal input via one of the audio sample inputs
    • set duration of steps (cycle)
      • 16th triplets (12 notes in 1/2 bar at 4/4)
      • 16th (16 notes per bar in 4/4)
      • 8th triplets (12 notes per bar in 4/4)
      • 8th (8 notes per bar in 4/4)
      • …
      • easier and musically more useful would be:
        • option to set time quantisation (-> step length) as a division of a bar by any integer, including odd numbers like: 5 steps/bar etc. (N steps/bar; step length = bar/N)

What would be gained?

  • Intuitive and expressive free-pitch sequencing outside the rigid Western scale
  • Immediate access to raw, microtonal or atonal techniques
  • Simple entry point to classic EBM-style programming (e.g. DAF, early industrial)
  • Gateway to broader rhythmic/microtonal traditions with minimal theoretical knowledge

Sources

  1. numbering only for personal reference, no suggestion of priority or the like ↩︎

1 Like