What is the problem?
After creating a Song with useful Patterns I start the STEP and then click forward to get to the next Pattern and so on etc. However, song structure often repeats with a composition such as;
intro/verse(P1)/chorus(P2)/verse(P1)/chorus(P2)/break(P3)/verse(P1)/chorus(P2)/outro(P4).
So I have to jump around and click to change between these Patterns. It’s messy and complicated when trying to play lead and control other devices as well. The STEP is an intelligent device that just needs a new ‘Auto Song’ feature where these problems can be solved. See below…
What should this feature achieve?
Firstly (automate PLAYs sequencing);
I have created a song and have multuple patterns ready and wating to use. What I want to do is automatically play (Auto Song) this sequence of patterns in an unbroken sequence, and hands free.
Pattern 1 x3, Pattern 2 x4, Pattern 3 x1, Pattern 5 x3, Pattern 2 x4, Pattern 3 x1, Pattern 6 x5 (aka: a simple intro, verse, chorus, outro). I would like the PLAY to select my patterns in this order and repeat the patterns for the number times I select. Effectively the STEP can act as a session drummer in this manner.
Secondly (control multiple PLAYs);
I would like to use 2x PLAYs in series and set one of them as the master in a master/slave configuration. When I press play on the master I would like the second PLAY to begin playing in time with the master’s timing. This would allow me to have 8 voices to use for depth.
Thirdly (conduct PLAYs instruments);
If we can automate song patterns as suggested above then it would also be advantageous to have silence patterns. Why silent Patterns? At different points within a composition instruments can be brought in for dramatic effect or to bridge different parts of the whole composition. During the sequence there may be long or short silences where these Tracks are either playing or waiting to be played i.e. adding some attack during chorus sections etc.
All of these would allow the PLAY to become a more effective accompaniment to a lone musician trying to produce something meaningful. This automation would also aid live work, if a drummer can’t be found the STEP can assist during live sets.
Are there any workarounds?
I can’t find any workarounds. The STEP is a great little device, it’s just missing something that would make it much more useful to a musician trying to manage multiple instruments/pedals/sequencers etc.
By adding an AutoSong feature that is able to chain togther Patterns into a Song structure, you will be making a BIG difference to how this device can be used.
By adding Blank Patterns you will extend how instruments can be used or silenced within a longer automated sequence.
By adding provision for multiple STEPs to work together you will be further extending how useful these little sequenced drum machines can be.
Any links to related discussions?
I wrongly created this request within the STEP forum. ADMIN can delete this if this request is posted successfully. Sorry about that, it’s been a long time since I’ve been on a forum. I don’t do social media.
Any references to other products?
–