B-Step Sequencer

{{Infobox software

| name = B-Step Sequencer

| title = B-Step Sequencer

| logo =

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| screenshot = B-Step Sequencer 2.png

| caption = Main user interface of B-Step Sequencer 2

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| developer = Monoplugs

| released = {{Start date and age|2013|12|23}}

| discontinued =

| latest release version = 2.0.2

| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2014|10|29}}

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| programming language = C++

| operating system = Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS (iPad), Android, Raspbian (Raspberry Pi)

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| genre = Music sequencer

| license = Trialware

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| website = {{URL|https://surge-synth-team.org/b-step/}}

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B-Step Sequencer is a multitrack software MIDI step sequencer that is available as either a standalone application or in audio plug-in format (VST and Audio Units). Primarily used to create melodical sequences to trigger soft or hardware synthesizer, whether in a studio environment or live on stage, it has a user interface based on pattern and TR music sequencers.

History

The first version of B-Step Sequencer (1.0), developed by the German company Monoplugs, was released in December 2013 for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. In March 2014 Monoplugs released the B-Step Sequencer for iPad, providing the same functionality as for desktop computers. Version 2.0 was released in October 2014 with two new supported platforms: Android and Raspbian (Raspberry Pi).

Features

B-Step Sequencer has a long list of features, including full MIDI and MIDI beat clock sync support, Sequencer Ratcheting, shuffle (swing), monophonic and polyphonic note playback modes.

= User Interface =

The user interface, which looks clean and is contrast rich, is designed for live performances without any need for a deep menu hierarchy. It shows all the important settings on the main interface and features drag and drop to copy settings on the fly.

= Specification =

  • 16 steps per track
  • 4 tracks per pattern
  • 16 patterns
  • playback of up to 4 patterns at the same time
  • 5x MIDI out for synthesizer control
  • sends and receives MIDI CC (trainable)
  • 2x MIDI in and out for Novation Launchpad controllers
  • 1x MIDI in and out for trainable MIDI controllers
  • MIDI THRU (optional)
  • MIDI beat clock thru (optional)
  • 1x MIDI in for MIDI beat clock sync

Editions

= Standalone =

B-Step Sequencer Standalone currently runs with recent versions of Windows (WinMM MIDI), Mac OS X (Core MIDI), Linux (ALSA MIDI), iPad (Core MIDI), Android (MIDI via USB) and Raspberry Pi (ALSA MIDI).

= VST Plug-in =

As a VST plug-in B-Step Sequencer can be used in well-known VST hosts like Ableton Live, Cubase, Bitwig, REAPER or Renoise. The VST version is available for 32-bit and native 64-bit CPU architectures on Linux, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X.

= Audio Units Plug-in =

On Mac OS X B-Step Sequencer can be run as an Audio Units plug-in in Audio Units hosts like Logic Pro.

Versions

B-Step Sequencer is available as either a trial (demo) or a commercial version. The trial version excludes saving of user projects and is time limited to 30 minutes. After application restart or unloading it in the plug-in host it is possible to use it again for 30 minutes. The commercial version is not time limited and it has the project save feature available.

Support

Support for B-Step Sequencer is provided through a HTML user manual. Users may also register for the official Monoplugs forum or contact Monoplugs directly.

References

{{reflist}}

  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20150227101616/http://main.iosmars.com/2014/12/21/elastic-drums-app-review-the-new-synth-drum-app-from-oliver-greschke-and-mom-instruments/ "B-Step Sequencer 2 Pro – A deep sequencer from Monoplugs."] Review by iOS MARS, November 12, 2014.
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20150512121325/http://www.musicappblog.com/b-step-sequencer-v2/ "B-Step Sequencer v.2 – MonoPlugs announce new version of step-based MIDI sequencer for iOS."] Preview by MUSIC APP BLOG, August 11, 2014.
  • [http://www.synmag.de/27/ ""it's bigger on the inside": Monoplugs B-Step Sequencer"] Review by SynMag Nr.45, middle of July 2014
  • [http://synthuniverse.com/b-step-ipad-app/ "B-Step Sequencer iPad App"] Review by Synth Universe, June 10, 2014