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Overview of Step Sequencer in Logic Pro for Mac

Step Sequencer is inspired by classic hardware step sequencers that have rows of configurable switches or knobs used to generate repeating musical patterns. In Step Sequencer, you create patterns by editing multifunctional steps in the step grid.

Each row controls either a sound (which can be a drum kit piece, a note on an instrument, a range of notes, or a chord degree) or an automation parameter (letting you create automation changes over time in the pattern).

Each step represents a definable length of musical time—by default, steps are of equal length, but you can change the length for individual rows or steps. You can adjust a wide range of parameters for individual steps, including velocity, pitch, and gate time. In addition you can edit pattern and row settings, including pattern length, row loop start and end points, playback position, and rotation.

Step Sequencer appears in the Editors working area below the Tracks area. The Step Sequencer interface includes the following:

Figure. The Step Sequencer user interface, showing the step grid, row headers, menu bar, and Pattern Browser.

Pattern regions and pattern cells

Step Sequencer patterns are contained in pattern regions (in the Tracks area) and pattern cells (in the Live Loops grid). Pattern regions and cells are used primarily on MIDI-based (software instrument and external instrument) tracks. Pattern regions (but not pattern cells) can also be used on audio tracks to automate effect and channel strip parameters. A project can contain any number of pattern regions or cells.

Each pattern region or cell functions as an independent step sequencer, with its own pattern, configuration, and settings. You can copy and move pattern regions like other regions in the Tracks area. Pattern cells can be copied, moved, triggered, and queued like other Live Loops cells. You can modify pattern region and cell parameters in the Region inspector or Cell inspector, respectively.

All pattern, row, and step settings, as well as Step Sequencer view settings, are stored with the pattern. You can also save a pattern as a template, which contains all the current settings except for the step values, so you can use it as a starting point for creating new patterns.

Patterns can include two types of rows:

  • Note rows: Generate MIDI note events (for each active step). By default, all notes in a note row have the same pitch, but you can change the pitch for individual steps using the Note and Octave edit modes. When Step Sequencer is following the Chord track or region chords, the note rows show chord degrees. See Chords and pitch in Step Sequencer.

  • Automation rows: Generate stepped automation events for an automatable parameter. You can assign an automation row to any automatable parameter, including MIDI continuous controller (CC) parameters, channel strip controls, plug-in parameters, and Smart Controls.

Each row can have its own length, step rate, playback mode, and start offset, among other settings. Step Sequencer features pattern length options suitable for 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, and 7/8 time signatures, allowing for different time signatures and multiple bar patterns.

You can add rows to a pattern manually or using Learn mode. When Learn mode is active, rows are added when you play notes for which no row exists, or when you manipulate an automation parameter for which no row exists. Using Learn (Assign) mode, you can reassign existing note rows to match incoming note events, or reassign automation rows to match automation parameters.

See Pattern creation basics and Change the musical length of a pattern.

Edit modes

Using edit modes, you can control different attributes of the note or event triggered by a step. Some edit modes apply to only one row type, and others are common to both types. For note rows, you can change the velocity, pitch, gate time, number of note repetitions in a step, and other attributes. For automation rows, you can change the value of the automated parameter. Edit modes common to both row types include skipping and tying steps, changing the loop start and end points, and changing the step rate.

Edit Mode selector in the Step Sequencer menu bar.

You select the edit mode for all rows in the pattern using the Edit Mode selector in the Step Sequencer menu bar. You can also view and edit multiple edit modes per row using subrows. Rows always match the edit mode selected in the Edit Mode selector, while you can choose any unused edit mode for a subrow. You can add and delete subrows as needed.

See Use Step Sequencer edit modes.

Step Sequencer row and subrows, each with a different edit mode.

Download the guides:

Logic Pro User Guide: PDF

Logic Pro Instruments: PDF

Logic Pro Effects: PDF

Control Surfaces Support Guide: PDF

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