Hi, people have told me that I need to use a step sequencer. the problem is I don't know what that is, let alone how to use it. Can someone please explain what it is, how to use it, and how I can get to it. That would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

You should check out the CakeTV videos for this. There's also a lot of tutorials on Youtube. Your best resource would be to get Scott's book: Sonar X1 Power.

A step sequencer sequences steps in a beat.

For example, if you break up a 4 bar loop that is in 4/4 time, it will have 16 beats, or steps. You can then use the step sequencer to enter the bass drum on the steps you want it to play, and enter the snare on the steps you want it to play. Then you start the step sequencer and it will play those back at the right time to give you your beat. It's basically a way to map out exactly where each drum hit should land in relation to the time of the beat.

Check out these vids!

http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=2130369

And don't ask anymore questions until you've watched them all.

Just kidding...

Simplest answer...

Instead of a staff, you get a grid, with individual notes/perc on the Y axis and timing (steps) on the X axis. Just plot out your beats.

A1MixMan


A step sequencer sequences steps in a beat. 

I thought mine was the simplest answer?

Yes, check out the videos AND the drums master class is the best step sequencer explaination I have cone across...yes its about drums but you can really see how it works and if you imagine the drum beats are notes you will see the huge potential of this machine.
 
Mick

So, playing Devil's advocate, what's the big deal with the SS compared to entering notes (of any kind) directly into the PRV?

Bristol_Jonesey


So, playing Devil's advocate, what's the big deal with the SS compared to entering notes (of any kind) directly into the PRV?

I was thinking the exact same thing lol! For me it's so much easier recording what I want first and then editing it next (my mistakes). I can't imagine using the Step Sequencer. It would take me ages to create beats in the Sequencer.

Bristol_Jonesey


So, playing Devil's advocate, what's the big deal with the SS compared to entering notes (of any kind) directly into the PRV?

A step sequencer is intended for creating repeating patterns.