> Step by step
1. Getting started with HY-Seq Collection 2 CM
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HY-Seq Collection 2 CM comes in VST and AU formats (AU is Logic Pro X only) for MacOS 10.9 and Windows 7 or higher. First, download the zip file from filesilo.co.uk/computermusic, or grab the folder from the print issue’s DVD. Launch either the Mac or PC installer and choose the formats you want to install.
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HY-Seq Collection 2 CM doesn’t output audio, but instead sends out MIDI to trigger other instruments. Logic Pro X users can load up HY-Seq Collection 2 CM as a MIDI FX plugin straight away, but users of other DAWs will need to route the plugin into another MIDI track’s input. Setup instructions for most popular DAWs can be found in the included PDF manual.
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Once HY-Seq Collection 2 is triggering a softsynth of your choice, hit play in your DAW. The instrument outputs a monophonic MIDI riff at the current Clock rate (between eight bars and 1/64th notes). Each of the 16 vertical columns represents one step in the sequence.
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Click and drag the steps’ vertical sliders (each spanning 12 semitones) and Octave slots (+/-2 octaves) to create a 16-step melodic pattern. If you’re stuck for inspiration, punch a column’s dice button to randomise settings. Note values are displayed in the boxes below.
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Now head to the left-hand Sequencer Control panel, where you can apply global Shuffle and Pitch Shift. Velocity and Gate (ie, note length) values are set globally when Global is toggled, but once flipped to Step mode, these two parameters become adjustable for each sequencer step.
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For more complex rhythmic fun, head to a step’s grid of eight Step Action buttons. Playback can be Divided (/2, /3 or /4), Repeated (x2, x3 or x4), Muted, Skipped, Reversed or Reset. Lock a step to exclude it from randomisation or retriggering; and use a step’s blue Probability slider to decrease the possibility of its playback.
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The Clock Control panel is where you choose the sequencer’s global Clock rate, and flip between regular, triplet and dotted notes. Sequencer playback is synced to your DAW’s playback. Tick Start
Sync to force the sequencer to follow the song position. Punching Re-Start and
Re-Sync will reset and resync playback with a single click.
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Up in the top menu bar, you’ll find useful features such as Undo/Redo, preset Save/Save As and Load, plus a button that folds away the bottom MIDI FX panel. The dropdown menu gives you access to parameter initialisation, window rescaling and more.