For all the bass-heads and electronic music makers out there, Best Sequencer is here. I always felt GarageBand (and even Logic to some degree or other) should have a very basic, grid-based drum sequencer and now it does. By International Finance Desk. November 2, 2017. Beat makers can tap into a new Beat Sequencer instrument inspired by classic drum machines. IFM Correspondent. Apple is announcing a major update to GarageBand for iOS that provides even more creative options for making music on iPhone and iPad. The update introduces a new GarageBand Sound.
The Beat (or Step) Sequencer, introduced in GarageBand iOS versions 2.3, provides another method of creating rhythmic drum patterns, which some may find more practical than using the virtual acoustic drums or drum machine to manually play and record drum patterns.
In the first video (above) by The Sound Test Room, the Beat Sequencer is discussed and demonstrated in detail on an iPad, displaying its features and capabilities.
Contents and Timestamps below:
- Getting Started –00:00
- Changing/Selecting Drum Kit – 00:46
- Adjusting Velocity – 01:19
- Note Repeat – 02:01
- Chance – 02:50
- Looping – 04:03
- Preset Pattrens / Settings –05:38
- Customising The Drum kit – 08:57
- Recording To Timeline –11:44
- Looping a 64 Step Pattern – 12:33
The second video by Pete Johns (below), gives an informative overview of the Beat Sequencer, demonstrated on the iPhone. Although the Beat Sequencer is pretty much the same on the iPhone and iPad with just some layout differences, this video compliments the video above and provides further information and clarification.
Introduced as part of GarageBand iOS’ 2.3 update, the Beat Sequencer is one of the App’s most underrated features.
Packing in all the functionality of a traditional digital drum sequencer while staying true to GarageBand’s ‘pick up and play’ approach to its touch instrument interface, The Beat Sequencer is not only a super powerful way to build a rythm track, it’s also great fun to use.
In typical GarageBand style, it’s incredibly easy to dive in and create some interesting and usable sounds right away. Scratch below the surface however and you’ll find some robust customization options available.
You’re able to select from several different types of kit and then input/delete hits on parts of said kit with a single touch.
When it comes to fine tuning your pattern, you can adjust the pattern length, step division, playback mode and swing parameter.
Garageband Mac Beat Sequencer
There are also a ton of preset grooves that you can use as a starting point.
Step Sequencer Garageband Ipad
In this video tutorial I take you through the Beat Sequencer’s interface and features;