SHAKE IT ALL ABOUT

1

There are a few standard sequencer features and almost all of them will share a few basics. First up will be pitch. A pitch output is necessary for the sequencer to tell your audio source which notes to play. This could be a CV patch point, as in the image, done internally (for a desktop synth) or via MIDI.

2

The next most common feature is the gate or trigger. These send a signal to launch an event, often the start of a note or drum. Often they’re teamed with VCAs/envelopes to control note volume. Triggers are a point in time (perfect for drums), whereas gates can stay open for a set time.

3

Many sequencers also feature an output for modulation. Commonly this is a CV output, where a controlled variable voltage can be sent to another device. The obvious example is using a mod wheel or an XY pad to adjust an attribute of some secondary gear, like adjusting an LFO effect’s intensity.

4

Sequencers exist to make life easier and counter restrictions on step count, so often have a clock and reset button. The clock button lets you play each step when it fits your performance. The reset button takes you back to the first step. Both useful for straying outside strict bounds.