Sequencers, also known as music or audio sequencers, are devices or software applications that record, edit, or play back music. The process requires handing both performance and note information through different forms.
Sequencers: Classifications
They can have several classifications. One of them refers to the way it handles data. Within it, they divide into MIDI data on MIDI sequencers, CV/Gate on analogs, automation data for mixing automation on DAWs, and audio data on audio ones.
In addition, they can fall under another categorization: loop-based music software, phrase sampler, a digital audio workstation, beat slicing, and tracker.
Firstly, in loop-based music software, the pitch/time manipulation allows the user to operate audio samples with MIDI data. Secondly, in a phrase sampler, users can remix or compose tracks by sampling long pieces of a song and then rearranging the parts on grooveboxes. Thirdly, DAWs allow the user to record, edit, and playback digital audio. Fourthly, beat slicing users limit a drum loop sample by slicing beats and then rearranging them on samplers. In last place, trackers permit users to insert sample players into the software music sequencer.
Types
There are several types of sequencers, including realtime, analog, step, and software ones. To begin with, realtimes record musical notes in real-time. Then they playback these musical notes with a specific tempo, quantization, and pitch. These edit mixes with a punch in and punch out features. Moreover, analogs play the musical notes determined by knobs and sliders. Experts commonly use them to create minimalistic phrases. In addition, step sequencers enable users to enter each musical note without a specific timing. As a result, they can alter each musical note further on. Software sequencers offer functionality features. Finally, when using software sequencers, users control the device by using a MIDI controller or a graphical interface.
