Wavefonix R2R DAC £35 and 8-Step Sequencer £179

Rob Redman asks if you’re only eight steps away from heaven with this set of deceptively simple modules

Astep sequencer is one of those modules that anybody can use in their modular setup, whether it’s for complex multi-channel beats like the Black Sequencer, or a performance-based one like Metropolix; but, for many, the classic 8-step is just the right balance of size and ability. The 8-Step Sequencer from Wavefonix is one such module; great-feeling knobs and buttons, with easy-to-read labeling and an intuitive interface.

The toggle switches feel great too, with a positive click to confirm position changes. The LEDs are bright enough for daytime, without being retina-burning in darkness.

Actually programming a sequence is a simple case of inputting a clock and setting each steps note. Each channel of the eight has an LED to show which is active on playback and a toggle for run, skip and rest which do exactly as labelled.

This sequencer has some very useful additions which take it a step above other similar items. First up is a through-patchpoint, making it easy to chain whatever other events-based modules you have.

Then there are two outputs, two glide controls, as well as the usual pitch and gate and trigger jacks, essentially giving this the ability to run different voices without the need for buffered mults. A reset and hold jack add to the ease of controlling sequences via a modular brain (something like Pam’s New Workout for example).

Manual buttons for rest, hold and clock, round off the manual controls. If you need a more conventional sequencer with a smattering of options, this might be the one for you.

Digital/analogue converters are one of those utility modules that you might only buy when you find you have a specific need for it and the R2R could be overlooked because of that. However, it offers far more than you might think. Yes, it passively converts your signals to analogue using a series of jacks, each with a different resistance, feeding to an output which is in itself useful but step back to think about it and it can do far more. Most summing mixers offer little in the way of versatility but save valuable hp. The R2R however can be used for this, where each of the eight inputs has a different value, meaning you can do a very basic bit of levels mixing by choosing the appropriate jack (from 1-128). It’s basic but very useful.

Using a similar thought process, the R2R can be put into service as a stepped variable mult or attenuator, where the input can be fed through any of the eight channels to provide a variety of output levels.