The sq08 sequencer by TilmanEhrhorn is not your ordinary MIDI generator. Incorporating two voices that operate and interact with different cycles, this sequencer paints a sonic picture of rhythmic complexity and novelty. It continues Ableton Live's tradition of pushing the boundaries of MIDI sequencing, serving as a dynamic and efficient tool for any electronic music composer.
Each voice in the sq08 has individual pitch, velocity, and length values, giving the user extensive control over the sequence's form and direction. Voice one outlines the main cycle, with events that are evenly divisible and continuously triggered according to the set clock. This main cycle provides the core rhythm, laying the groundwork for the interesting interplay that sq08 brings.
Voice two introduces a sub-cycle, offering an alternative beat count that differs from the main cycle while still being synchronously bound to it. This sub-cycle is maintained as long as the main cycle allows it. At the end of the main cycle, however, the sub-cycle is compulsorily reset with the possibility of the last step being shortened if the two cycles cannot match up without a remainder. This meticulous tempo coordination between the main cycle and the sub-cycle engenders fascinating rhythmic patterns, making each sequence a fresh listen.
The sq08 also excels in automating the subdivisions of the cycles. Users can set up to four consecutive sizes that can change at different intervals, giving a dynamic flair to otherwise static beats. This variation, together with the option of accentuating events differently in groups of two and providing different dynamic courses within their cycle, empowers users to create masterful, intricate beats with minimal input.
This Max for Live device, found on Ableton Live’s 'Help View,' offers further documentation for users who want to dive deeper into its functionality. Minds-on musicians might want to check out the demo video which showcases the sq08 in action https://youtu.be/oO0suc-pj2c.
To understand the full power and potential of the sq08, however, one must experience it first hand. The device is available for download on Tilman Ehrhorn's website https://tilman-ehrhorn.gumroad.com/l/fzrjf, under the AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike license. It was added on July 3, 2024, and is compatible with Ableton Live version 11.3.25 and Max 8.5.8.
A hi-tech toolkit excelling in creativity and innovation, the sq08 is a promising addition to the wide-ranging world of Ableton Live sequencers and MIDI generators. It doesn’t matter if you are dipping your toes into electronic music for the first time or if you’re a seasoned professional; the sq08 promises an alluring rhythmic exploration that is sure to captivate you. Find more information on this dual-voiced polyphonic sequencer and many more innovative offerings on https://maxforlive.com/library/device/10592/sq08
Example Usage
Let's dive into creating a simple dual-voiced melody using the sq08 sequencer in Ableton Live, tailored for beginners looking to explore polyphonic sequencing.
Firstly, ensure that you have Ableton Live 11.3.25 or later and Max for Live 8.5.8 installed. Download the sq08 1.0 device from Tilman Ehrhorn's website and drag the device into a MIDI track.
To start crafting your sequence:
- Set Up the Main Voice: Activate the first voice by toggling it on in the device. Begin by setting the main cycle's length – this determines the number of steps your sequence will have. Let's start with a simple 8-step cycle. Click and drag to adjust the pitch values of each step to create a melody. Remember, this is the backbone of your sequence, so pick notes that form a pleasant progression.
- Adjust Velocity and Length: For added expression, modify the velocity and length of each step in the main voice. This will give dynamic variation and rhythmic texture to your sequence.
- Configure the Second Voice: Activate the second voice by enabling it within the device. Set a different cycle length for this voice. For example, if your main cycle is 8 steps, try a 7-step cycle for the second voice for a polyrhythmic effect. Assign pitch values that complement your main voice – these could be harmonies or counter-melodies.
- Link Both Voices: By design, the second voice's cycle will reset at the end of the main cycle. Notice how the second voice's last step adjusts to align with the main cycle, creating interesting rhythmic variations.
- Dynamic Emphasis: Use the device's functionality to emphasize steps in groups of two, adjusting for different dynamic courses. This can add a unique groove to your sequence.
- Experiment With Subdivisions: Explore the automatic subdivision settings for an evolving sequence. Set intervals at which the cycle sizes change to introduce variation over time.
- Listen and Refine: As your sequence plays, listen carefully. Adjust pitches, dynamics, and rhythms to fine-tune your dual-voiced melody. Each tweak can significantly change the overall feel of the sequence, so experiment until it resonates with you.
- Incorporate Into Your Track: Once satisfied, use the sequencer in context with other instruments in your Ableton Live session. The sq08 sequencer can drive basslines, lead melodies, or even percussive elements depending on the sounds you pair it with.
Remember, the sq08 device is about exploration and interplay between two cyclical patterns. Starting simple will help you grasp the foundational concept, and as you become more confident, you can delve into more complex sequencing techniques to enrich your music compositions.
Exploring Melodic Counterpoints with the sq08 Sequencer:
Imagine creating a hypnotic melodic structure where two distinct lines of melody play off each other. The sq08 Max4Live device is perfect for this experimentation. Let's set up a dual-voiced polyphonic sequence that showcases the interplay between the two linked cycles.
- Load up sq08 in a new MIDI track within Ableton Live. Pair it with two different synthesizers on two separate tracks. Set these synthesizers to receive MIDI from the track hosting sq08, one for each voice.
- Start with the first voice by creating a primary cycle with an 8-step sequence. This will establish the core of our harmonics. Set the pitch for each step to create a pleasing progression, ensuring that the velocity and length complement the tonal quality of the used synthesizer.
- Now move to the second voice section in sq08. Here, let's create a counter-melody by setting a contrasting sequence length, say 5 steps, to introduce polyrhythmic feel. Adjust the subdivision to ensure that it syncs energetically with the first voice. Play with the pitch, velocity, and length settings to contrast or harmonize with the primary cycle.
- Utilize the unique feature where the second voice resets at the end of the main cycle. This means our 5-step sequence will always reconcile with the primary 8-step cycle, leading to a shifting overlap that evolves throughout your composition.
- Engage the automatic subdivision feature for added complexity. Set it to rotate between different cycle sizes at predetermined intervals. This can bring an evolving rhythmic character to your sequence.
- Lastly, group emphasis and dynamic courses are available to shape the expressive quality of the sequence. Dynamically accentuate groups of two, creating a push-and-pull motion that breathes life into your dual-voiced sequence.
- Now, hit play and tweak in real-time. The result is a constantly intertwining melodic sequence that can be the foundation of a track, a transitional section, or a complex layered pattern that can be used to create a unique soundscape.
As you experiment, remember that the sq08 is not only a generator of notes but also a creative partner that helps you explore the rhythmic and melodic possibilities of dual-voice sequencing. The more you familiarize yourself with its functions, the more intricate and captivating your compositions will become.
Further Thoughts
Delving into the capabilities of the sq08 sequencer by TilmanEhrhorn, let's explore how it can be creatively utilized within an Ableton Live session to construct a dual-voiced polyphonic sequence that thrives on evolving patterns and complexity.
First off, we create two instrument tracks in Ableton Live — one for a deep bass synth to serve as our first voice and another with a crisp lead sound for the second voice. Once the sq08 sequencer is loaded on both tracks, set the main cycle on the bass track to 16 steps and the subdivision to a 4/4 rhythm, which creates a solid foundation for our sequence. Interject a subtle groove by accentuating every 3rd step and adding slight velocity variations for a pulsating effect.
Now for the second voice, the real magic begins. Configure the lead synth to follow a shorter cycle, with 12 steps, and set the subdivision to 3/4, crafting a polyrhythmic interplay against the bass. The sq08 will ensure the second voice realigns with the first at the end of the main cycle, creating a hypnotic and ever-changing melodic dance as the lead skips over the bass rhythm in a continuous, but never quite repeating pattern.
Enhance this setup using the automatic subdivision settings to gradually morph the rhythm complexity. Program the sequencer to navigate through subdivisions of 5/4, then 7/4, on the fourth bar, propelling the listener through a dynamic and thought-provoking auditory experience, where the rhythms phase in and out of synchronicity.
To further experiment, capitalize on the group emphasis feature. For the bass voice, emphasize the first step of every 4-step group, while for the lead voice, focus on the second step of a 3-step group. By doing so, we infuse a syncopated accent structure that adds to the overall groove.
As the arrangement progresses, automate parameter changes in the sequencer for each voice, such as pitch variation and note length, to build tension. The bass sequence can gradually open up from a tight, punchy pattern to a more expansive, legato flow. Conversely, the lead might start with longer note values and condense to staccato hits during peak moments to create a strong melodic climax.
To wrap up the composition, design a breakdown where the polyrhythmic interaction is simplified by bringing both voices back to a 4/4 rhythm, offering the listener a familiar resolution before diving back into the intricacy of the dual-voiced sequencing for the finale.
Not only does the sq08 sequencer spark creativity with its intertwined cyclical approach, but it allows for the crafting of complex arrangements that feel organic and constantly evolving. The use of two distinct voices offers a broad palette for expression, making it an exciting addition to any electronic music producer's toolkit.