Step sequencers play an important part in how techno came to be and what defines the genre. Techno music is characterized by repeating melodies and rhythms. If you are unaware of this, you may learn more about it here.
As a result, this post will focus on the tools available in Ableton for crafting distinctive sequences. Surprisingly, Ableton’s stock collection has very few such tools. However, thanks to the Max for Live extension and the actual OG’s who code these tools, one now has a variety of really useful tools at their disposal – the majority of them are even free!
ML-185
The sequencer, which is based on the eurorack module “RYK Modular – M185,” is kept simple with 8 steps, which is perfectly sufficient for techno. With the random function, you may get your initial ideas in seconds and continue working from there. Because there is no scale function or the like, this Sequezer excels at producing dissonant bleepy tones. You might very well easily compose musical sequences with a little modification. Because of its simplicity, this sequencer has become a classic, particularly in hypnotic/groovy techno, where it is often utilised – and deservedly so.
Features:
- up to 8 steps
- random notes
- random velocities
- swing
- mappable parameter
MDD Snake
It also is basically a classic by now, because it does everything a step sequencer should be capable of. Unlike the ML-185, you may build up to 16 step sequences here, with various lengths for each parameter, allowing for extremely complicated sequences. You also get a scaling function and three custom sequences that you may map to any Ableton parameter. This thing is a beast, and I use it in all of my Ableton projects, even if it’s only as a modulator to add movement to certain parameters!
Features:
- up to 16 steps
- individual step length per parameter
- randomizing parameters
- swing
- scale function
- mappable parameter
- modulation source
Melodic Steps
If I’m not incorrect, this sequencer is now part of the Creative Extension Pack in Ableton 10, which you can get for free from the Ableton website if you possess the Suite version (highly recommended for those who haven’t already). Melodic Steps is a flexible MIDI sequencer with an easy-to-use interface. The parameters, like the others, can be randomized and even assigned a probability. As with the MDD-Snake, you may choose different step lengths for each parameter separately, allowing for more complex sequences. Scale and swing features are also available. For complex, evolving arp-like rhythms, this sequencer is fantastic.
Features:
- up to 16 steps
- individual step length per parameter
- randomizing parameters
- probability
- swing
- scale
- note lenght
Mono Sequencer
This sequencer’s capabilities are nearly identical to those of the Melodic steps sequencer. However, the difference is that you can switch and save up to 12 different patterns (which you could aswell automate to make incredibly complicated patterns). In addition, the sequencer offers a repeat function that, like all other parameters, allows you to set an independent number of steps.
Features:
- up to 16 steps
- individual step length per parameter
- randomizing parameters
- probability
- swing
- scale
- note lenght
- repeat
- 12 pattern slots
Aicd Sequencer
Although this sequencer is designed on Acid, it may also be used to create other interesting synth lines. You don’t have quite as much freedom with the sequencer in terms of parameter step lengths, but you can build incredibly long sequences of up to 64 steps. Due to the Acid thematic, the synth riffs become considerably more exciting since it spits out the typical ‘acid note glides’. I haven’t quite worked out how to utilize the presets function, but it’s there, with 28 preset spaces that you can potentially keep. My favorite feature of this sequencer is the ability to save created sequences as midi clips. Extremely handy!
Features:
- up to 64 steps
- random pattern creation
- saving pattern as midi clip
- “acid” note glide
