MidiStep vs LevLr

MidiStep is a powerful and inspirational polyphonic step sequencer, and a dream for lovers of complex rhythms and generative music creation tools. The program uses sophisticated, user-controlled randomization to generate notes with a variety of parameters, including note values, note length, chords, patterns, velocity, gate, dividers, repeats, swing, and many more. You have complete control over what, when, and how much is randomized on a step-by-step basis. You can easily create patterns that have little to no variation, patterns that maintain a recognizable pattern but have some degree of variations to the notes, velocity, etc., all the way to patterns with extreme randomness with every pass – the degree of randomization is completely under your control for every parameter and for every step of a pattern. Features include per-step polyphonic chord playback, variable step sequence lengths for all parameters such as pitch, octave, velocity, note duration, beat divisions etc, and the capability to create multiple patterns which can be linked together in various ways. MidiStep also features 8 additional modulation lanes with independent play speeds. These can be used to automate parameters within your favourite synths. MidiStep uses sophisticated randomization settings for note values, note lengths, velocity, gate, dividers, repeats, swing, pitch bend and modulation. In addition, by setting different cycle lengths, step skips, step repeats, jumps, rewinds, cursor positions, pattern jumps, octave shifts, and many other parameters, you can create an infinite number of non-repeating sequences. The degree and types of randomizations for each of these parameters is up to you! Aleatoric music, also known as chance music, allows you to create patterns and entire compositions with user-controlled randomisation. The word 'aleatory' is derived from the Latin word 'alea' meaning dice. MidiStep allows you to turn on/off randomisation on a stepwise basis for almost all parameters, set the percent probability that the randomisation will occur, set min/max values, set exactly which parameters will be randomized, etc. The exact realization of the music will vary with each pass of the sequence, resulting in unique and captivating aleatoric renditions. All randomization controls can be modified in real-time. Features include: •Each of the 16 sequences can have unlimited types and degrees of randomness that you control. •8 independent sequencer lanes: Notes, Chords, Octaves, Velocity, Gate, Divider, Repeat, Delay. •8 independent Modulation sequencer lanes. •16 Patterns and 4 types of pattern switching, independent for each pattern. •Up to 16 steps per pattern, 16 patterns, and 16 cycles per pattern for a maximum sequence length of 4096 notes. •Independent sequencer length (1–16 steps) for each of the 16 lanes. •A Master step cursor independent of all other lanes. •Independent randomization parameters for each of the 16 lanes, with probability, min/max values, default values, skips, repeats, etc. •Unlimited variety of sequences, from slight variation to wildly different sequences on every pass. •126 scales and 126 chords – in every key, along with a scale and chord editor for you to create your own. •Chord complexity for 2–8 note chords, with notes specified or randomly generated. •Chord Articulation options – Block chords, Strum up/down, Arp up/down – with accent, length, speed, and random note order parameters. •Master lane and Chord lane previews. •Pattern Creator - automatic melody, chord, bass and drum backing. •Auto-scroll chord lane. •7-octave range for notes and chords (from C1–C8), with static and random octave offsets. •11 note lengths – from 1/32 note to 4 full measures, plus ties across notes, rests, repeated notes, and delays. •Two types of Swing with adjustable offset. •Humanize settings for note velocity and note timing. •Transposition of sequences using a keyboard – mono for single notes, and poly for chords.

LevLr Compressor / limiter Plugin (AUv3) LevLr is an audio effect plugin that can run standalone, or in any AU compatible host application such as Logic or GarageBand. Overview The LevLr "leveller" is a super simple dynamics processor with just two modes and two controls. If you find tinkering with compression ratios, makeup gain and attack / decay times, confusing or time-consuming, you might like to give LevLr a try, especially as it's free! Parameters Active - Toggles the effect On or Off. Mode - Changes between Comp (compressor) and Limit (limiter) mode. Typically you would use Comp on an individual track, and Limit on a master output. In - Determines how hard you drive the compression "circuit". As you increase the gain, the compression effect will become more obvious, with an overall increase in perceived volume and "weight". Out - Allows you to reduce the output in cases where you have the desired amount of compression, but the track is now too dominant in your mix. You generally don't need to adjust this unless your In setting is more than about 6dB. With so few controls, it's pretty easy to dial-in LevLr to taste, but it also has three very simple presets to get you going: Default - a general-purpose Comp setting that can help a track sit in the mix a bit better. Track Compressor - this is heavier / more obvious compression, with a little gain compensation. Master Limiter - this can work well on a master bus and makes everything seem LOUDER! That's pretty much all there is to it, but for the technically minded... The In value is basically the compression threshold, so for example 6dB means compression will kick-in somewhere around the -6dB level. The compression ratios used are 4:1 and 12:1 for Comp and Limit mode respectively. Automatic gain compensation is applied internally depending on the threshold and ratio. The attack time is extremely fast (close to 0ms) meaning that LevLr should handle just about anything you can throw at it without exceeding 0dB at its output. Please do take a look at my other AudioUnits on the App Store if you can spare the time. Supporting paid apps allows me to release free ones as a little thankyou from time to time. For more info and support please visit: www.waverley-instruments.com/robjackson