Straight up MIDI sequencer/editor

Any recommendations?  Looking for something to build arps and rhythm patterns for use in a Roland FA that doesn't involve hoops and head scratches.
 
 

Thanks for the link.  Why not SONAR?  I find it too fiddly to get a simple MIDI file out of it in the format I want. 

I'll check it out.  I've had Reaper for years (and always keep it up to date), but I've not done much MIDI with it beyond VI tracks that stay in Reaper.
 
The task at hand is really small-time, utility type of stuff.
 
Thanks

I saw Anvil in my search, but I *think* I remember not liking it much on a previous tryout.  This really isn't that big of deal.  I just thought I'd ask to see if anybody has a recommendation for something they use.

abacab
Project5, or Reason?

It's been so long I completely forgot - and the P5 icon is staring at me from the task bar - LOL!
 

BobF

abacab
Project5, or Reason?

It's been so long I completely forgot - and the P5 icon is staring at me from the task bar - LOL!
 

LOL! Yup, the straight up MIDI sequencer died with the Amiga ... or lives on, depending on your perspective
 
I think everybody saw the writing on the wall back in the day, that said "audio or die!".  The MIDI tools had to begin incorporating audio sequencing. On the other hand, at the time Acid was ground breaking with their "acidized" audio loops, with their pitch shifting and time stretching of audio.  But even they had to include MIDI in order to become considered a "real" DAW.  But they were too late to the game, which let the competition rush in.  Loop based music would not be where it is today without them.  For example, look at Ableton Live, Reason, and FL Studio.
 
I still think P5 was a cool idea, but if you look at what was going on at the time it was released, it had some pretty stiff competition.  But there is something to be said for a simple, inspiring MIDI workspace to create in.
 
I'm glad that some of the P5 features got absorbed into Sonar.  But at the same time, Sonar can be a complex beast, and unless you have a clear mission to accomplish with it, you can get bogged down with fiddly details. 
 
But for working out new ideas, I would look to a simpler creative environment.