The art of arpeggiators is the following: also known as arps, they are a simple audio sequencing tool that involves a basic real-time sequencer. Arpeggiators are available on some hardware synths and software instruments. They allow the user to automatically go through a sequence of notes based on the player’s input. In addition, arps are capable of taking chords as input and turning them into an arpeggio. These music tools automate the sequencing aspect of a specific sound by offering the user total control over the parameters of each note in the sequence. And they have been around since the first hardware synthesizers appeared.
The Art of Arpeggiators and MIDI
You employ the design of arpeggiators with software instruments. Moreover, you can also use themas MIDI effects with MIDI keyboards and modules. Arps produce and process MIDI events, so they won’t work on audio tracks. If the user bounces or renders a synth part as an audio file, the sound doesn’t arpeggiate.
General Notes on this Art
A typical arpeggiator has several controls which allow the user to modify the order and speed in which to play the notes. Some allow you to sustain the pattern even if the player no longer holds down the keys. An arpeggiator permits the user to step through the notes upwards, downwards, or in random order. Some more advanced versions might even allow the user to create a more complex sequence of notes or play several arpeggios at once.
Where is the Art of Arpeggiators?
You can frequently find arpeggiators in sequencing software. This type of software allows the user to convert a held note or chord into an arpeggio. Some sequencers are full phase sequencers, which allows the user to trigger complex, multi-track blocks of sequenced data from a keyboard or input device.
The arpeggiator’s job is to generate note patterns, so it is possible to use a synthesizer feature automation combined with arpeggiated sequences. This trick is frequent in many producers and in several music genres. A traditional arpeggiator takes a held chord and breaks it into single notes playing in a specific pattern. Keep in mind, though, that any variation on this can turn a sound from arpeggiation to sequencing.
