The sq01 Monophonic Step Sequencer by Tilman Ehrhorn is an innovative and simple tool that provides an effective approach to rhythm creation for all level of Ableton Live users. This versatile sequencer harmoniously integrates simplicity with depth allowing users to dive deep into the complex world of intricate rhythms. Available at Max for Live website at https://maxforlive.com/library/device/10585/sq01.
Crafted with attention to detail, the sq01 sequencer opens up an avenue to design complex rhythmic structure effortlessly while staying within the bounds of usability. Users can decide to sync to the tempo of the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) or set an independent clock as desired. The flexibility to manipulate pitch, velocity, and note length settings further extend the control over the musical creation process.
The sequencer’s main pulse frequency can either be defined by an independent clock or synchronized with the DAW. When synchronized with the host DAW, a grid-based note value serves as the pulse. Furthemore, users can split the pulse into different subdivisions, and the resultant events can be activated individually. An additional feature on sq01 is the provision to assign a probability setting to the active events, truly opening new realms of rhythmic possibility.
This MIDI generator is designed to function as a MIDI FX, allowing multiple instances of the plugin to be used consecutively within the same track to create polyphony. The sq01 1.0 is designed for Ableton Live version 11.3.25 and Max version 8.5.8.
To aid understanding and utilization of the sequencer, comprehensive documentation can be found in the Max for Live device if Ableton Live’s Help View is turned on. The sq01 1.0 sequencer adheres to the AttributionNonCommercialShareAlike license, ensuring its accessibility while still promoting a blend of creativity and legality in musical exploration. It is currently awaiting initial ratings, standing as an unexplored gem ready to be integrated into your Ableton sessions.
Despite its fairly recent addition to the Max for Live database on 3rd July 2024, the sq01 1.0 has yet to receive its first download. You can be among the first to explore and tap into the potential of this powerful sequencing tool. With a friendly user interface and rich in-device help documentation, this sequencer promises to be as much of an educational tool as it is expressive.
For a detailed demonstration of how Sq01 is utilized, a demo video is available at https://youtu.be/SLmV9YUjIIY. This video provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the sequencer, showcasing the potential and capability of this uniquely designed MIDI Generator.
In conclusion, the sq01 1.0 Monophonic Step Sequencer by Tilman Ehrhorn is a valuable asset in any musician's toolkit, encouraging a blend of creativity, and depth for your musical explorations. You can download the plugin from Tilman Ehrhorn's website at https://tilman-ehrhorn.gumroad.com/l/dkzckr. Unlock your rhythmic potential with sq01 today.
Example Usage
Let's dive into your first experience with the sq01 Monophonic Step Sequencer by TilmanEhrhorn, a streamlined tool perfect for crafting basslines or melodic sequences in Ableton Live.
To begin, load the sq01 onto a MIDI track by dragging and dropping it from the Max4Live devices into your session view. Next, create a new MIDI track for your instrument - let's say a basic analog synth sound. Remember, the sq01 will send MIDI notes to this instrument, so make sure the MIDI From routing of the instrument track is set to the track where the sq01 is loaded.
Now, click on the sq01 device on your sequencer track to open its interface. You will see a series of eight steps, which will be your sequencer's pattern. Click in the pitch row to add notes. The vertical position determines the pitch - higher pitches are at the top, and lower pitches at the bottom.
Set the pulse frequency to match your song's tempo by syncing the clock to your DAW host. This means that the sequencer will align with Ableton Live's tempo - it'll start with a 1/16th note grid by default.
To make your sequence interesting, experiment with velocity and note length for each step. Adjusting these parameters will add dynamics and rhythm variation to your pattern.
Now, let's introduce some randomness. The sq01 allows you to set a probability for each step. Click on the row labeled 'probability' and adjust the sliders. A higher setting means there's a greater chance that particular note will play, adding an element of surprise to your sequence.
Once you're happy with your 8-step sequence, press play in Ableton Live. You'll hear your synth come to life with the pattern you've programmed on the sq01 sequencer.
Feel free to duplicate the sq01 device to create polyphonic sequences, or adjust the steps' values in real-time as your track plays, exploring the sequencer's full potential.
Remember, music creation is about experimentation, so play around with the sq01 Monophonic Step Sequencer, and have fun watching your music take on a new life!
In this intermediate usage example, we'll explore how to create a dynamic bass line using the sq01 step sequencer by Tilman Ehrhorn within an Ableton Live session. The goal is to use sq01's unique rhythm generation capabilities to inject some unpredictability and excitement into your track.
First, we’ll load the sq01 device onto a new MIDI track. This track should have a monophonic bass synthesizer to ensure compatibility with the monophonic nature of the sq01 sequencer.
Next, we'll program a basic 16-step sequence in sq01 as a starting point. Adjust the pitch for each step to outline a simple bass progression. Don't worry about velocity or note length yet; the initial focus is on creating a solid melodic foundation.
Once the basic sequence is set, tweak the velocity settings for each step to add dynamic variation. For example, accentuate the first and the eleventh step to create a more pronounced groove.
Now, let’s introduce some rhythmical complexity. Set the main pulse of sq01 to sync with the host DAW by selecting a note value that corresponds with the current tempo of your track—let's say we choose an eighth note. Next, utilize the subdivision feature to split certain steps into quicker notes; for instance, divide the seventh and fifteenth steps into sixteenth notes. Activate only a couple of the subdivisions to keep the groove from becoming too crowded.
To add an element of unpredictability, apply probability settings to some of the steps. Perhaps you could set a 50% chance that the third and the twelfth steps will trigger, adding occasional variation to the sequence.
To expand the soundscape, chain a second instance of sq01 after the first, but this time focus on creating accents and fills that complement the first sequence. Remember to keep the second instance in its default monophonic mode to maintain a coherent overall sound.
Finally, automate some parameters of the sq01 device over time. You can modulate the note length of the sixth and the fourteenth steps to create swelling movements or automate the probability values to increase the chance of certain notes triggering during build-ups in your track.
Remember that with the sq01, you can save your newly created sequences as presets for later use or to quickly try out your patterns on different synth sounds. Experiment widely and combine these techniques to infuse your bass lines with life and intricacy.
Further Thoughts
In today's article, we're diving deep into the capabilities of the sq01 monophonic step sequencer by TilmanEhrhorn, uncovering the power of probability and subdivision for creating intricate and evolving patterns within an Ableton Live session. Let's construct a complex rhythmic pattern using multiple instances of sq01, driving a monophonic bass synthesizer to craft a dynamic and grooving bassline.
First, drop sq01 onto a MIDI track and load up your favorite monophonic bass synth. Set the sequencer's main pulse to synchronize with Ableton Live's clock at a sixteenth note rate, providing a fast-paced grid for our sequence. On the first instance of the sq01, create a basic 8-step sequence with varied velocities to give the bassline an organic feel. Here, we'll introduce a 50% probability to the 5th and 7th steps, instilling a hint of unpredictability.
Next, to add complexity, group the first instance of sq01 and create a parallel chain within the group. Add a second instance of sq01 to this new chain. On this instance, change the pulse subdivision to accentuate the off-beat by setting up a dotted eight-note rhythm. Here, concentrate on steps that were left static in the first sequence, ensuring that they now carry higher probabilities and alternate note lengths, thereby accentuating the groove.
To further expand our sonic palette, introduce a third chain with another instance of sq01, this time using a triplet feel to clash against the straight rhythms from the first two instances. Program accentuated steps at less frequent intervals and high probabilities, creating moments of syncopation that surprise and delight the listener.
Add automation to the pitch settings across different steps and instances to introduce melodic movement. You can make this especially interesting by automating slight detunings on certain steps to introduce microtonal fluctuations, adding a modern, edgy character to the bassline.
Layering these instances not only creates polyrhythms but also allows you to explore the interactions between different rhythmic structures. Use Live's Session View to record this evolving sequence for an extended period, capturing the interplay between probability and subdivision, resulting in a bassline that is never static.
Remember that due to the monophonic nature of the sequences, you'll need to avoid note overlaps within each sq01 instance. By thoughtfully crafting the interaction between these sequences, we end up with a complex and captivating bassline that breathes life into our track, showcasing the versatility of the sq01 sequencer as an inspirational tool in electronic music composition.