In this entry, Tony Grund has a double dose of iPad iSequence info – First, a video tutorial, covering how to select instruments, set up your grid, automate the filters, use the record mode, plus group, paste, and repeat to create some detailed and complex loops for easy export. Second, a comprehensive written review of the application as a whole.
We have lots more iPad app content out – check the TouchOSC video tutorial series and written review, plus write ups on ReBirth-338, the Korg ielectribe, and Looptastic HD.
iSequence
Get it or Forget it: Get it!
Now that the iPad has been around for almost two months, things are starting to get a bit more interesting on the sequencing tip. I recently came across two new sequencing programs made specifically for the iPad, both of which look promising in their own ways, and show a glimpse of things to come, both for those companies, and for what is still possible. The first of these programs I’m going to tackle is iSequence by Beep Street, the same company who brought out Piano Pro when the iPad was first released.
iSequence is what you would think: a sequencer. But unlike, say, the Korg iElectribe, which lets you sequence, but is really more of a drum machine, iSequence allows you to put together full songs, has editing capabilities, and let’s you output MIDI, which is a great addition, and really has some interesting potential for a device like the iPad.
- The Basics -
iSequence is an eight track sequencer. Except that it’s got the potential for much more than eight tracks. Really, the way that Beep Street has implemented sequencing in this program is kind of ingenious. But I’ll get to that in a minute. First, the other features.
Aside from the tracks of sequence data, there are two delay units, which are serially connected to two filters. Cutoff frequency, delay send, and resonance amount are automatable. There is also a mix section with faders, mute, and solo. Panning and instrument volume are set at the instrument level itself, and are not automatable. But this isn’t as much of a problem as you might at first suppose, because of the virtually unlimited amount of instruments at your disposal.
Speaking of instruments, the data input options change depending on what kind of instrument you have selected. For example, if you’re playing a pitched instrument, the input method is a keyboard along the bottom of the screen. However, if you’re programing drum beats, the input switches to drum pads. The pads aren’t labeled with the names of the instruments, but they do have the note numbers on them, so you know which note belongs to which pad.
Although iSequence looks like a traditional sequencer that’s set up by tracks, it’s not. What it really is, is a giant modulation matrix that allows one piece of data to be on each grid. Meaning that if there’s an empty space, you can fill it with any instrument playing any note at any velocity level. The only drawback is that the limit is one note per block, so if you’re making chords you have to use multiple blocks, but is isn’t such a problem, especially for electronic music. But what’s really cool about it is the ability to put a completely different instrument on each grid point of each “track” to create some really interesting textural ideas.
Making a song out of the sequence is a snap. Each loop of sequence is a group, which is shown in the upper left corner. These groups can be copied and pasted, duplicated, repeated, whatever you want to do. The copies can then be edited and changed. This process is easy, and makes the writing process extremely convenient. If you’ve written a few groups that you want to copy, there is a selection option to copy and paste a few groups at a time.
- What I Like -
- Almost unlimited instruments. Because of iSequence’s unique grid setup, it is possible to use many different instruments during one song. It’s not limited to one instrument per track, as most sequencers are. This is a very powerful implementation, and one which I think is really cool. The only other way to really do it would be to allow program changes during a track. I guess that would be possible, and maybe someone is working on it, but this is another, extremely creative way to do it.
- The timing is excellent. One thing I’ve noticed with a lot of sequencers on the iPad is that the timing is off many times. This is not only extremely annoying, but makes programs unusable in a professional situation. Fortunately iSequence’s timing is spot on. Plus, it even has a shuffle mode, which is nice when set at low levels.
- Automation. I wish there was more automation, but what is there is well done. The automation grid that shows up below the main sequencing grid is intuitive and easy to use. I didn’t have to touch the manual at all to figure it out, which means that someone, somewhere is doing something right!
- Exporting options. Probably one of the most powerful features of iSequence is its many exporting options. Not only can you export an audio file of your loop or song, but you can also export a MIDI file of it as well! This is great, because it means that you aren’t stuck with iSequence’s lacking sounds (see below).
- What I Miss -
- More effects. While the delays are good, and easy to set up, they keep us firmly in karaoke land. Well, not really, but I sincerely hope Beep Street plans to add on some reverbs and other effects in the near future.
- The instruments are only so-so. If you like General MIDI, then you’re gonna love the instruments presented here, but if not, then you’re out of luck. To be fair, the main highlight of the program doesn’t seem to be to make finished products, but to create great ideas. Beep Street also offers extra instrument sets. Just to see how these are, I downloaded the extra electronica instrument set and tested it out. This set gives you more angry basses and glitchy synths. It’s a great starting point, but without more synth editing capabilities, the instruments are still going to sound like what they are: samples.
- Final Thoughts -
iSequence is a great program. If you are looking for a scratch pad to capture your ideas everywhere you go, then this is a perfect option. Easy to use, adequate sounds, and the ability to export MIDI mean that, as long as you’ve got your iPad with you, you’re ready to create music.
