7

Chapter 23 Ultrabeat 333
The Step Sequencer Principle
The basic idea behind analog step sequencers was to set up a progression of control
voltages, and output these step by step. In early analog sequencers, three control
voltages were usually created per step, in order to drive different parameters. The most
common usage was control of a sound’s pitch, amplitude, and timbre (Cutoff) per step.
The control surface of analog sequencers often contained three rows of knobs or
switches on top of (or beside) each other, each row with 16 steps. Each row had its own
control voltage output, and the parameter it controlled was determined by the control
input (on the synthesizer) it was connected to. A trigger pulse determined the step
tempo. A “running light” (an LED) indicated the current step. This principle helped to
create an electronic music style whose appeal stems from the mesmerizing effect that
repeating patterns can have.
The “running light” programming concept also appeared in later drum computers. The
most well-known representatives of this category being the very popular Roland TR
series drum machines.
The introduction of the MIDI standard and increasing use of personal computers in
music led to a rapid decline in the step sequencer and related technology. More
modern concepts that didn’t adhere to the step and pattern principle came into vogue.
Despite this, step sequencers haven’t disappeared completely. Hardware “groove boxes”
have experienced a renaissance over the last couple of years. Their intuitive nature has
made them a favorite tool for rhythm programming.
Ultrabeat provides an integrated step sequencer of the newest design, that time-warps
the advantages of its analog predecessors to the present day. As part of the “dynamic
duo” with Logic, it raises modern rhythm programming to a new level.
Step Sequencing with Ultrabeat
Ultrabeat’s step sequencer contains 24 patterns—each consisting of 32 steps. You can
play 25 Ultrabeat sounds per step, each sound completely independent of the others.
The Control Surface of the Sequencer
The sequencer is divided into three sections.
• On the left you’ll find the parameters that globally control the pattern and sounds,
independent of the individual steps and patterns. These parameters are known as
the global parameters.
• At the bottom you’ll find the parameters of the currently selected pattern (pattern
parameters).