Thursday, October 3, 2013

A Beginners Guide To FL Studio Step Sequencer



Step sequencing comes from the authentic analog sequencers that used a rigid grid to play patterns. These patterns might be combined with each other to make longer sequences. This approach of pattern creation is still in use at this time and is constructed into most beat machines, groove boxes, sequencers and beat making software package. The way it can be setup is uncomplicated. Originally, you had 8 steps and each and every step was 1/8th of a measure. Now, we have additional advanced step sequencers that let you decide on from eight measures, 16 measures, 32 steps, or even 64 measures. Certainly, every single step represents either 1/16th, 1/32, or 1/64th, of a measure.

Now, you also have the 1/8T and 1/16T and occasionally 1/32T. The T only usually means triplets. So, in 1/8T each and every quarter note is divided into three. In 1/16T, each and every 8th note is divided into 3. So in 1/8T, in place of counting to 4 like you'd inside a 1/4 time signature, you would just count to 3. Like this… 1,2,3…1,two,3. This really is frequently utilized in jazz and blues fashion music to make a "swing".


With 1/16T, as an alternative to counting 1,two,3,4…2,2,three,4…,3,two,3,four, it will go like 1-e-and-ah-2-e-and-ah-3-e-and-ah… and so on. this really is often utilised in hip hop to make a swung really feel. Often they could switch from 1/16 to 1/16T and this produces a really cool impact. If you are step sequencing, it truly is a major plus to know these standard concepts. You will be in a position to think about your music with more understanding. Having said that, From time to time with step sequencing, you can just get started filling in blocks and come up with anything really exciting and unique.


Step sequencing is an simple strategy to generate quick patterns with out having to be concerned about having the notes you played suitable on time. The quantization just isn't needed because that you are functioning using a straight grid. It also offers you a nice visual of the patterns and as you continue utilizing the step sequencer, you may quickly find out the basics to drum counting. You learn the snare frequently goes on the two and four, the bass drum commonly goes on the 1 plus the 3 in a standard 4/4 count.


The only damaging point about step sequencing is the fact that it creates a mechanical feeling to your music. Due to the fact every one of the notes will be quantized right towards the grid, that leaves no space for groove. The groove may be the human swing or human touch to a rythm. You just cant get it with step sequencing unless of course you apply groove settings and use strategic methods to system your pattern.

The stock quantize settings offer some variations of swing that you can tweak to your liking by adjusting the parameters in the quantize window, and a lot of times I will just zoom in as far as I can and manually make minute adjustments to the placement of the notes to achieve some swing.

The difference in timing between a very mechanical 1-2-3-4 beat and some swing isn't very much. Usually a 1/16th note or less change in placement. But you have to know which notes to change. The notes that are NOT on the downbeats are the ones that give you the swing rhythm.

If you aren't getting what you want, make a drum pattern in the SS with the swing to your liking, then duplicate that pattern, send the duplicate to the piano roll, and jump back and forth between the 2 making adjustments to the piano roll pattern until they sound the same or what you are looking for. After you know what you are looking for, it becomes easier to do it again.

No comments:

Post a Comment