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1. Tim Cant runs through 5 of the most popular, some might say best, software Drum Machine plugins (VST) money can buy.
2. When I first started producing music, I stick to the native Vst’s of my DAW application just because I never knew I could extend my Vst library with tons of.

What do you do when you’re looking for cool ways to come up with unique bass lines, leads, and melodic motifs?

Use an arpeggiator.

The best arpeggiator VSTs are capable of so much more than just cranking out static, repeating lines.

If you haven’t looked into the capabilities of the current crop of arpeggiators yet, you are in for a treat!

So this post will take a look at some of the best arpeggiator plugins on the market.

Top Arpeggiator VST Plugins

1. Cthulhu by Xfer Records

Demo & Price

Cthulhu comes from the same maker of Serum, that beast of a synth. Likewise, “One Note Becomes Many” is the intriguing tagline that greets you at Cthulhu’s product page, and it does provide an accurate description of the capabilities of this unique plug-in. Is it an arpeggiator, an instrument, or an audio processor? Like the best arpeggiators, Cthulhu is all that and more.

What Cthulhu primarily does is transform inputted chords in many interesting ways. A versatile and easy to use tool, it encourages the creation of chord progressions and musical motifs that you wouldn’t have come up with otherwise.

Specs and useful features

Although Cthulhu does a great job as an arpeggiator, it is first and foremost a chord recorder/player. This function enables you to come up with plenty of interesting chord variations by pressing single keys on your keyboard. You can play chords right into the plug-in or import chords and progressions in MIDI format.

Cthulhu is equally capable as an arpeggiator, enabling you to transform notes and chords that you input into different rhythmic variations. With no less than eight tabs in the step sequencer, you have ample options for reshaping incoming notes. Even single note lines can result in complex and uniquely memorable riffs.

User impressions

You don’t a lot of musical knowledge to come up with complex and musically interesting motifs with Cthulhu. The chord memorization feature alone is well worth the price tag, and having a very capable arp onboard makes it an even better deal.

Literally dozens of interesting variations can spring forth from even the most basic note sequences. Whether as an idea generator or a way to reinvent tired, old melodic motifs, Cthulhu has the power to consistently surprise.

Bottom-line

A chord generator and arp rolled into one, Cthulhu is a powerful creative tool no matter how you look at it. If your creative well has run dry and you need a source of inspiration, this plug-in definitely gets the juices flowing.

2. Kirnu Cream by Arto Vaarala

Demo & Price

Kirnu Cream took the MIDI world by storm when it was released in 2013. The hype and speculation had been building up to a fever pitch for months before then, and the official release proved to be everything that everyone had hoped for and then some. Cascading arpeggios, sequenced patterns, and ear-catching chord memory progression–all these issued forth from the revolutionary plug-in, and there were many options for modulating the results as well.

Cream today remains largely unchanged from its initial version, which is a testament to its design and functional excellence. Whether used for arpeggiators, lead and bass lines, and even beats, Kirnu Cream is pretty much peerless.

Specs and useful features

Cream has several features that make it as suitable as a live instrument as a studio tool. The arpeggiator is what most people will probably be drawn to. But it also has one of the most powerful pattern sequencers around, with excellent chord memory features added to the mix. Pattern data can be selected and manipulated freely, with four tracks and loopable pattern controls. These features give the plug-in a great deal of flexibility for reimagining melodies and musical phrases.

Amazingly, Cream is very easy to learn and put into use. You didn’t have to dig too deeply into its inner workings to come up with cool motifs, although there is considerable power under the hood for more in-depth tweaking.

User impressions

The many opportunities for direct interaction are what most users appreciate the most about Cream. It goes beyond the capabilities of most arpeggiators and pattern sequencers, producing musical and creative results with very little effort. Many users especially like the “arpeggio on note count” feature, which keeps the arpeggiator from starting up until a specific number of notes are played. This feature makes it possible to combine standard melody lines with arps in a musical manner.

Bottom-line

With so much power onboard, you would expect Cream to be difficult to use. While you will have to do a bit of fiddling around to unlock its full potential, this never gets in the way of its sheer power and capability.

3. Thesys by Sugar Bytes

Demo & Price

Sugar Bytes is known for its plug-ins that serve as creative instruments and unique audio and MIDI processors. Thesys is a prime example, covering many of the company’s strengths in an intriguing step sequencer that is also a pretty kick-ass arpeggiator.

Thesys utilizes the venerable–and still-popular–step-programming paradigm in enabling you to manipulate your music in various interesting ways. Whether for heading off into uncharted musical territory or simply breathing new life into tired, old material, Thesys provides a direct path to creative musical expression.

Specs and useful features

Unlike other plug-ins that lock you into a specific way of working, Thesys lets you work the way you want to work. You could paint in sequences with your mouse, which is a fast and intuitive way of working. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you could input notes from a MIDI keyboard. There is a built-in synthesizer for this purpose, letting you hear inputted notes and the resulting sequence without having to patch in a third-party synth plug-in.

The Randomizer is an especially useful feature, helping you avoid the predictability that often results from step-sequencers and arpeggiators. With this feature, you can come up with interesting variations of your melodic material or head off into wild and wonderful new directions.

The Velocity and Gate Sequencer sections are where you will likely do most of your tweaking. These sections let you finesse riffs and arpeggios into impressive musical phrases without a lot of fiddling around.

User impressions

Thesys delivers far more capabilities than your average arpeggiator plug-in. Users found it to be just as useful live as in a studio setting. This is one plug-in that cranks out more than what you put in, and many users find it a sheer joy for livening up drab MIDI passages.

Bottom-line

Thesys is more than just an arpeggiator or a step sequencer. It is practically a full-blown MIDI workstation, and its sheer power and flexibility will definitely win you over.

4. Consequence by Sugar Bytes

Demo & Price

Consequence is Sugar Bytes’ simpler offering in the arpeggiator category, but it is still pretty capable at transforming inputted notes in interesting new ways. It creates note sequences based on chords that you play in, with numerous options for interpreting the incoming data.

You can load up to three instruments into Consequence, each of which has its own envelope. You can play these instruments via the onboard 32-step sequencer and create very complex rhythms and textures pretty easily. There is even a multi-fx unit onboard for adding extra spice to your creations, and a four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern that helps you keep your grooves locked tight.

Specs and useful features

The chord sequencer is where most of the action takes place. Here, you could store up to 16 chord “snapshots”, and trigger them in any combination you please. The results are never static, with five sequencers enabling you to control various aspects of the groove. There is also a comprehensive modulation section that provides even more options for controlling the three synthesizer parts, the filter, and the FX unit.

As an arpeggiator, Consequence is about as versatile as they come. You can set each of the sequencer steps to “Arp”, “Chord”, “Octave”, or “Tie”, enabling you to go well beyond the capabilities of most arpeggiators. You can even control the play direction in various ways, which lets you create pretty impressive melodies from even the most basic motifs.

User impressions

Consequence strikes many users as a fun and inspirational alternative to most standard arpeggiators. It is especially appealing to those looking for a fresh and creative approach to coming up with melodic ideas. For many users, Consequence has proven value as a songwriting and production tool.

Bottom-line

Like most Sugar Bytes plug-ins, Consequence provides a unique way of working with source material. Even if you already have a well-spec’d arpeggiator in your arsenal, Consequence is still worth adding to the pile for its unique workflow.

5. Audiaire Nuxx

Demo & Price

On paper, Audiaire Nuxx looks pretty intriguing. Billed as a multi-FX processor with an onboard parameter sequencer, it seems like a handy solution for livening up static sounds and sequences. But digging deeper into its features reveals a very capable processing tool that can twist and warp audio in many creative ways.

Useful Features

Audiaire Nuxx essentially lets you modulate up to three parameters of six effects at a time via macro controls. There are 30 effects on-board, including compression, distortion, decimator, chorus, delay, flanger, two flavors of phasers, high, low, and band-pass filters, and more.

Nuxx has a slick and modernistic interface, with all the sections laid out clearly for ease of use. The GUI is scalable and comes with a variety of lane modification tools. The plug-in’s unique interface makes it easy to manipulate sounds quickly and easily and even perform detailed audio editing.

Nuxx can be set up to work as a simple effects unit, with the sequencer bypassed and hidden out of sight. But inputting different values into each step of the sequencer is what truly unlocks the plug-in’s sonic potential. With 27 lanes, independent sequence lengths, step mutes, swing, and probability controls, you have plenty of leeway to mangle your sounds.

User Impression

Users love the sheer variety of sounds that are possible with Audiaire Nuxx. Although it works well enough as a filter and distortion unit to add warmth to cold digital tracks, it especially excels at creative modulations of the 30 effects processors. A potent sound-design tool, Nuxx is also useful for coming up with fresh and inventive ideas when inspiration runs dry.

Bottom-line

Audiaire Nuxx is a simple but surprisingly powerful audio processing tool. Ideally suited for creative sound design, it is made especially useful by the inclusion of some excellent effects with well-thought-out control over the most important parameters. Its onboard sequencer lets you cook up some outrageous and wacky sounds, from liquid filter burbles and rhythmic delays to wild pitch squeals and grinding distortion, and more. Not your garden-variety arpeggiator, Audiaire Nuxx is a hugely entertaining sound design tool.

Bonus Mention: Numerology 4 Pro by Five12

Info & Price

Numerology is something of a dark horse in the music production world, attracting an almost fanatical army of devotees. But it offers a totally different approach to idea generation, programming, and music production.

You could certainly use Numerology merely as an arpeggiator if you wish, even at this comparatively basic task. But its features makes it more of a complete music production solution than a mere arpeggiator plug-in.

Specs and useful features

Numerology is essentially a modular system, providing several options for sequencing audio, MIDI, and even control voltage (CV) signals. The matrix sequencer is your ticket to arpeggios, although you could certainly use it for more subtly melodic material if that’s what you need.

One of the best things about Numerology is that you can modulate almost any parameter. Like an extremely well-spec’d synthesizer, you can route anything to almost anything else, in this case to compositional parameters.

Bottom-line

Best Sequencer Vst

Numerology is a beast of a plugin. Perhaps it is a bit unfair to lump it in with ‘mere’ arpeggiator plug-ins, but it does such a great job at that role that we simply had to add it to the lineup.

About Arpeggiator VSTs

An arpeggiator is a feature found on many synthesizers, vintage and modern, hardware and software. Often referred to simply as an “arp”, it lets you play a string of notes via a single key press or a single played chord. Even when playing a relatively simple phrase, arpeggiators can produce complex and impressive melodies and repeating motifs.

To learn more about what an arpeggio is, check out this Wikipedia entry.

Arpeggiators typically produce characteristic repetitive motifs that serve as the backbone for countless synth-based tracks. Used on such classic rock tracks as The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” and Pink Floyd’s “On the Run”, it is also the most recognizable element in Donna Summer’s seminal “I Feel Love”.

In its simplest iteration, arpeggiators simply play back the individual notes of a chord in sequence. In older synths, arpeggiators provided the option to play the note sequence from high to low, low to high, and little else. Many modern arpeggiators provide many more options for setting play direction, note length, and more. With some of the arpeggiator plug-ins reviewed above–and some advanced arpeggiators on hardware synths–the results can be far removed from the typical robotic lines of a primitive arpeggiator.

All arpeggiators are able to play back the notes in a held chord. But more advanced arpeggiators can store note patterns, and even chords, providing you with even more options to come up with fresh and inventive parts. Some even allow for layering of different arpeggio patterns, polyrhythms, and random triggering. When you add the capability to modulate the output in many different ways, there is no reason why arpeggiators should simply be relegated to churning out basic, repeating lines.

At the very least, you will want an arpeggiator that gives you a few different options for playing back notes. Extensive modulation options are also good to have, as is the ability to send the note data out as MIDI.

Providing an alternative approach to sequencing inside your DAW, this article lists the best free step sequencers which can be loaded as VST plugins in any capable VST host application.

Most music producers nowadays use the piano roll as their primary tool for sequencing “inside the box”. Free hiphop bass vst. I know I do! But as intuitive and useful as the piano roll is, it is definitely not the only possible method of sequencing your virtual instruments.

Why use a step sequencer instead of the piano roll? The short answer to that question would be – changing your routine. I’m not saying that step sequencers are better than piano rolls or anything like that. The idea is simply to try something new and see how it fits your workflow. In a way, a step sequencer is your perfect companion when programming a synthesizer. It offers a certain amount of flexibility which you won’t find in a basic piano roll and opens lots of room for experimentation.

For example, let’s say you’re using a step sequencer to create a new synthesizer riff. You’re also in the mood to experiment and thinking about programming a new synthesizer patch. After you input some notes for the initial sequence, a step sequencer lets you loop certain parts of that sequence, change the loop points, change the note length on the go, skip a number of steps, make the sequence go faster, make it go slower, randomize the sequence, etc. While a piano roll relies mostly on the paint tool and copy/paste commands, a step sequencer allows you to treat your riff almost as a synthesizer patch. You can really go crazy with it and sometimes even doing something by accident can lead to a great new musical idea.

One thing a piano roll can’t do is control your virtual effects. Certain step sequencers can do this by sending different MIDI CC values to your effect plugin of choice. This way you can turn your favorite filter into a step filter, or turn a simple volume fader into a trance gate effect.

Before we move on the the list of freeware step sequencers, a word of advice. You’ll need a VST host capable of loading plugins which output MIDI data. Not every VST host can do this! When it comes to freeware, MuLab Free is my favorite host in this category. For more freeware VST host applications, take a look at our host directory. For more freeware VST plugins, visit the main page.

Read on for a list of the finest freeware step sequencer plugins, as well as an in-depth look at my favorite ones from the bunch. Enjoy your stay and please share this article if you find it useful. It really helps BPB grow!

Also see:Free Arpeggiator VST Plugins

Free Step Sequencers

The step sequencers are listed in alphabetic order. Follow the links for screenshots and official download locations for each plugin:

• Agr by Max Brezhestovski(Windows)
• Apollo by Meesha(Windows)
• BallSequencer by UplandToys(Windows)
• Blip2000 by WOK(Windows)
• hypercyclic by mucoder(Mac, Windows)
• Logic Pro Basic Step Sequencer by Alex Aliferis(Logic Pro X) *
• MIDI-bar by Dr midiK(Windows)
• MIQU 01/16 by Klangmanipulation(Windows)
• MSQ-32 by B.Serrano(Windows)
• My First Step Sequencer by ndc Plugs(Windows)
• Nova3 by tonecarver(Windows)
• RPS-1 by contralogic(Windows)
• Sequencer Baby V2 by jnif(Reaper) **
• Series by xoxos(Windows)
• sklepseq by atomix1040(Windows)
• Stepbeater by Saffleck(Windows)
• StepChild by Subminimal(Windows)
• Step Machine by Rozzer(Windows)

* Logic Pro Basic Step Sequencer is a script for Logic Pro X. It runs as a standard MIDI effect. Installation instructions are included in the download.

** Sequencer Baby V2 is a JS plugin for Cockos Reaper. Best free vst comp. The thread linked above contains installation instructions and tips.

Top Sequencer Vst Plugins Download

Step Machine by Rozzer

I’ve spent an awful lot of time playing around with Step Machine, so I’ll mention it here first. This neat freeware step sequencer VST plugin was developed by Rory (aka Rozzer), a professional musician and sound designer who currently works for FXpansion and runs Boxed Ear.

The clean layout and intuitive interface make Step Machine a good candidate for your first step sequencer plugin. All the basic features are there, including a handful of extra goodies. The pitch is controlled using a large tone matrix and a smaller step sequencer which controls the octave of each step. Additional controls include velocity, gate, glide, and two user assignable MIDI CC parameters.

Most of the values can be randomized, which is a welcome feature when you’re in the mood for a synthesizer jam. Step Machine also offers transpose via MIDI and supports changing the speed in relation to the host’s tempo. My only gripe with the plugin is that the usual controls for parameter reset don’t work. Each parameter has to be reset by hand, which isn’t really the best option in terms of workflow.

Step Machine works flawlessly in my MuLab setup, however the developer has noted that the plugin misbehaves in certain hosts. Give it a proper test before using in any important projects.

Pros: Clean interface, good basic features, randomization, optional MIDI CC.

Cons: Worfklow isn’t perfect, still in beta, instability in certain hosts.

Blip2000 by WOK

If you’re looking for a simple matrix sequencer to trigger your virtual instruments then Blip2000 will probably suit your needs perfectly. Inspired by hardware matrix sequencers such as the Tenori On, this freeware plugin by WOK offers a streamlined set of features in a nice and stable package.

Blip2000 by WOK.

The GUI features a large 16×16 matrix which is used to control the pitch, playback settings, and global controls for note length and velocity. The button labeled CLR resets the tone matrix. Maximum sequence length is 16 steps. The plugin can output notes to any MIDI channel, which is a good feature to have when working in a live setup. This way you can easily switch between different instruments on the go.

Having the ability to control velocity or any other MIDI parameter using the tone matrix would have been an awesome addition, but unfortunately this isn’t the case. On the other hand, I like the fact that Blip2000https://oublt.over-blog.com/2020/10/free-download-postman-for-mac.html. is capable of playing the sequence regardless of the playback state of the host application.

Blip2000 is free to download and use, however a nag screen will show up every time you launch the plugin. Donate to the developer to register the plugin and remove the nag screen. If you like this plugin, you should also take a look at it’s smaller sibling Blip1000 by the same developer. It comes with a smaller tone matrix, but offers some cool additional features like shuffle and MIDI learn.

Pros: Polyphonic, easy to use, runs smooth in most hosts.

Cons: Lacks advanced features, nag screen on startup (donationware).

MIQU 01/16 by Klangmanipulation

Like a quad-core processor surrounded by pocket calculators, MIQU 01/16 stands out from the freeware step sequencer crowd in terms of complexity. Klangmanipulation has created a step sequencing monster, offering so many features that you’ll definitely need to take some time and learn how to use this plugin properly.

The included user manual in PDF format is definitely a good place to start. It is well written and describes the functionality behind each component of the plugin. MIQU 01/16 features eight sequencers (pitch, octave, slide, velocity, pan, and three editable by the user), up to 16 steps per sequence with different play modes (forward, bounce, random, etc.), three MIDI LFOs, and loads of other goodies.

The plugin also comes with a built-in bassline synthesizer which you can use to create those classic acid bass riffs. Of course, the MIDI output allows you to control virtually any software instrument or effect in your DAW.

Definitely not for the faint of heart, this plugin offers almost everything one would need from a step sequencer. The provided demo video which shows MIQU 01/16 in action can offer you a good starting point when dealing with this plugin for the first time.

Pros: Sequencing geek’s dream come true, loads of features, user manual.

Cons: Can be overwhelming, interface looks confusing.

What about Mac?

Unfortunately, it seems like there aren’t any freeware step sequencer plugin for Mac. Although that totally sucks, here are a couple of cheap solutions for the Mac crew. Logic Pro X users can download the step sequencer script which is included in the main list.

OR-1m is a neat step sequencer for Mac which can be purchased for $24.95 via Orwell Digital. It is a 16 step sequencer with per step control for velocity, pitch and note duration. For a quick overview of the features, take a look at the official demo video.

b-step is a streamlined step sequencer designed for improvisation and live use. The plugin is priced at €19.99 and a free 30 minute demo version is available for download on the developer’s website. Watch the demo video to see the plugin in action.

Videos To Inspire

Here’s an example of the amazing music you can create by sequencing two simple Korg Monotribe synthesizers and passing them through a delay effect. The video is a great watch if you’re trying to get that classic Berlin School sound of the 70s. An interesting synthesizer riff and a bit of delay can really go a long way.

No sequencer related article can go without mentioning Pink Floyd and their famous On The Run synthesizer riff. In the video below, Roger Waters and David Gilmour explain how they used the Synthi A analogue synthesizer to create the iconic riff. Search for “on the run synthesizer” on YouTube and you’ll get dozens of videos in which people recreate this riff on different synthesizers. Click here to see an Alesis Ion getting pretty close to the original sound.

Finally, here’s a little sequencing jam with Moog Sub Phatty and the Q960 step sequencer. This is one of my favorite methods of jamming with a synthesizer. Hook it up to a step sequencer, play a sequence and tweak those knobs! It’s always a good idea to record sessions such as this one and cut out your favorite loops later on. You can often create enough material for a couple of tracks during one session.

Final Words

An article about freeware step sequencers has been requested numerous times by multiple readers and I would like to thank Suleiman and V’ger from Reaper Forums and BPB readers Arkmabat and UserFX for helping me gather the materials for writing this article.

To anyone reading this, your comments are more than welcome! Let me know what you think about the listed step sequencers and feel free to post your own suggestions in the comments section below. Finally please share this article if you find it informative. Thanks for reading!