step sequencer vs daw

[ghostwhistler]

Is there any virtue using a step sequencer vst over a DAW (reaper, in my case)?

Some of my softsynths have a step sequencer (repro 1 for example), but i just pla the notes into my daw and do it that way. Perhaps I'm missing something

[vurt]

the one within the synths, can often be sent to modulate other parameters than note pitch.
this can be useful for adding movement to a pad for example, or increasing/decreasing delay time in time or whatever...

[THE INTRANCER]

Depends on the particular synth and what it allows you to do but step sequencers / arpeggiators in synths typically allow you to save presets that you can quickly find and load in other tracks you create in the future, not just in the DAW you use now but other DAWs too. It's more practical than relying on individual song tracks. Many modern synths have complex assignable modulation systems and how the step / arp features are integrated can determine how the synth sounds to the finest of detail and complexity and with having a GUI dedicated to it, you can have an overview that's independent of what you are looking at in note editor or clip view of the DAWs editor.

I've actually been designing and building step / arpeggiators for over ten years now, many examples can be found on my site. Viewable from the 'Inspire' menu.

[ghostwhistler]

Depends on the particular synth and what it allows you to do but step sequencers / arpeggiators in synths typically allow you to save presets that you can quickly find and load in other tracks you create in the future, not just in the DAW you use now but other DAWs too. It's more practical than relying on individual song tracks. Many modern synths have complex assignable modulation systems and how the step / arp features are integrated can determine how the synth sounds to the finest of detail and complexity and with having a GUI dedicated to it, you can have an overview that's independent of what you are looking at in note editor or clip view of the DAWs editor.

I've actually been designing and building step / arpeggiators for over ten years now, many examples can be found on my site. Viewable from the 'Inspire' menu.

Not every softsynth i have has a sequencer, most don't. But I do have my DAW and so is there any advantage to using a dedicated step sequencer in my DAW since that's wherer I'm composing

[THE INTRANCER]

Depends on the particular synth and what it allows you to do but step sequencers / arpeggiators in synths typically allow you to save presets that you can quickly find and load in other tracks you create in the future, not just in the DAW you use now but other DAWs too. It's more practical than relying on individual song tracks. Many modern synths have complex assignable modulation systems and how the step / arp features are integrated can determine how the synth sounds to the finest of detail and complexity and with having a GUI dedicated to it, you can have an overview that's independent of what you are looking at in note editor or clip view of the DAWs editor.

I've actually been designing and building step / arpeggiators for over ten years now, many examples can be found on my site. Viewable from the 'Inspire' menu.

Not every softsynth i have has a sequencer, most don't. But I do have my DAW and so is there any advantage to using a dedicated step sequencer in my DAW since that's wherer I'm composing

If you don't have an external keyboard, which has a step / arpeggiator sequencer that outputs midi note data to the DAW you are using or prefer not to use, then using a dedicated software variety such as Cream by Kirnu - https://www.kirnuarp.com/cream is an option for synths that don't have one on a per track by track song basis. It's not quite as, elegant or integrated a solution as what a VST with a step / arpeggiator built-in provides as you need to set up the midi port and select the VST itself to be routed to the destination synth you want to drive, but it gives you control of the synth without one and probably surpasses what the DAW may provide you with. Given that it's Reaper, then it's probably the best option you have if you don't want to jump ship to a DAW that provides the basics for that type of thing. Dedicated VSTs like the one above will typically stretch beyond the basics but ultimately it comes down to how comfortable you are in using and setting up these dedicated tools.

All my external hardware synths for the past 25 years have had an arpeggiator built into them, and software synths with them have supplemented the creativity that they have provided. When it comes to creating music, it's partly about workflow so setting up go-betweens that disrupt that are things I avoid.

[pdxindy]

Is there any virtue using a step sequencer vst over a DAW (reaper, in my case)?

Some of my softsynths have a step sequencer (repro 1 for example), but i just pla the notes into my daw and do it that way. Perhaps I'm missing something

Logic's Step Sequencer is excellent. If Logic were my main DAW, I would use it a lot. A lot of step sequencers in DAW's I don't find so great to use cause they don't exist as clips on the timeline like in Logic.

I regularly use the sequencers in my Electron boxes. Because they are so well integrated with the sound engine of the device. They are fast and creative and lead to results I would not get in the DAW.

[vurt]

actually, ive just realised it's you asking this!!!
yes, use step sequencers. preferably ones that can run free from daw tempo. tangerine dream right there!!

lots of sequencers, weaving a back drop for them to noodle on keys over.

[eLawnMust]

Too bad Phrazor went bye-bye...That was a quality sequencer as standalone & VSTi...

[HOTF]

I find step sequencer more inspiring than the piano roll for the type of music I make. I think they just feel more natural for looped based music (techno in my case). I can try weird intervals and pattern I would probably not come up with on a piano roll.

[enCiphered]

There are many softsynths with excellent built-in step sequencers but only a handful of them do support midi-out. Without midi-out there is no way to export the sequences to your DAW, to add variation throughout the entire track.

So, if you don´t have any of those who support midi-out you can still use plugins with dedicated step sequencers.
My recommendations are Stepic and HY-sequencers. They cover a lot of ground and are incredible for creative use.

[syntonica]

To play the devil's avocado here, I've never cared much for step sequencers in instruments used for notes. It kind of ribs p ruins the preset for me. I like the sound, but that sequence is all wrong! Then I have to disable it or edit it or just plain find another preset. I almost always already have a figure/sequence/motif in mind when I'm looking for a preset. Repeated one to four bar sequences in your DAW are better to look at than single bar long notes that trigger a sequence you have to dig in to see, especially if you need variations.

Otherwise, they are a godsend for tempo-based modulations.

If your composing style is based on old hardware step sequencers, then this may not apply to you!

[jlgrimes11]

Is there any virtue using a step sequencer vst over a DAW (reaper, in my case)?

Some of my softsynths have a step sequencer (repro 1 for example), but i just pla the notes into my daw and do it that way. Perhaps I'm missing something

Somewhat different purposes.

A DAW piano is usually for detailed editing of midi. And some write songs with nothing but a piano roll. And a piano roll usually have more tools for creating a more Humanized performance.

Step Sequencers have more varied purposes. Some are geared for quickly creating patterns. Others are more for modulation. Others are more for experimentation of creating patterns you probably wouldn't create in a Piano Roll. That said you might not necessarily need one but Others are geared for working with modular setups with CV.

[pekbro]

I like step sequencers and piano rolls, tho I'm not overly good at using them. I can play a keyboard well, far better than I can program a sequencer or draw out notes on a piano roll. Still, I love step sequencers and spend a lot of time using them poorly.

[milesdeem]

My recommendations are Stepic and HY-sequencers. They cover a lot of ground and are incredible for creative use.

I'm wondering how these compare or which is the better option overall. I was planning on getting HY-seq but have just been seeing Stepic pop up recently. Looks interesting but not a lot of info out there about it aside from "hype" style youtube videos, and no demo option.

[pekbro]

FYI: You can still get the B-step sequencer from monoplugs for free. Tho its no longer developed. Its a nice sequencer, that i liked enough to buy when it was still new.