GET OLD SCHOOL WITH AN 8-STEP

1

Sequencers have been around for some time and there’s still a lot of love for old school types, even in the world of Eurorack, so we loaded up a Wavefonix 8 step, which is fairly typical of this type of device. A master clock from Pam’s provides tempo but you can tap tempo too, with the clock button.

2

Setting the pitch for each step is done by way of turning the black knob for each step. It can be quite tricky to be totally precise but that’s part of the vibe – plus it gives the opportunity for straying away from semi-tones. Great for vintage horror movie music.

3

Although it’s an 8-step sequencer you can always shorten the step count. Simply flick the switch to reset on the desired last step and the sequence will return to step 1. This is handy for adding variation on the fly. The skip button will also allow variation, missing out a step, but staying in time.

4

You may want to stop the sequence for part of a track but if you are using a master clock you may well need that to continue. Luckily the Wavefonix has a run/stop toggle, so you can independently switch it off without affecting the rest of your patch.

5

Another useful performance feature that this style of sequencer has is the hold function, which acts to repeat a step, in time, for as long as you hold it. This is useful for basslines, where we can hold a note for a big drop. The reset button enables a restart from step 1, without individual toggles.

6

This module has two sequence outputs, which share the settings, except for glide. Having a per-output glide means you can drive to voices differently, getting a crisp precise lead and a nice squelchy bass that share pitch and timing information (other musical options are available).