hi all, using Step Sequencer how do you create multiple loops (i.e. with different patterns for verse, chorus, bridge) within the same song? Maybe this is easier than I think, I just haven't grasped it yet. :) Any help or tutorials are appreciated. -ryan

Put the now time where you want the new pattern to start, click on the relevant track/lane and open a new step sequencer window in the same way you did to create the first pattern. Or simply right-click where you want the new pattern to start then select view/step sequencer on the drop-down menu.

A quick way to program variations in patterns is to drag out a pattern in a track then split the dragged out pattern. Right click on the separated pattern and select "unlink step sequencer clips".

This unlinked clip will be a copy of the original that you can now edit without affecting the original clip.

thanks. I assume I *do not* have to create a new instance of Session Drummer then? I can just use the same SD kit for the different sequence?

No, no need to load another instance of SD (or any other synth). The MIDI routing is handled by the MIDI track's in and out, not by the step sequencer (or the MIDI "part" of an instrument track if you're using an instrument track rather than separate MIDI and audio tracks).

Well, OK, you can alter channels and all sorts of stuff within the step sequencer, but one thing at a time :-)

Really the step sequencer is just an alternative way of programming MIDI to the piano roll view or the staff view. Each method has strengths and weaknesses depending on what you're doing and what working methods you find suit you. 

The step sequencer it's excellent at handling the kind of stuff that "old fashioned" hardware sequencers are/were used for, drums being the "classic" example, or synth lines that sound "automated", if you see what I mean. 

One useful trick is that you can convert step sequencer clips to MIDI clips and back again if you need to.

One caution - if you're using time signatures that aren't "something/4" it can be a bit quirky/buggy. Such time sigs generally aren't straightforward in a hardware step sequencer either though, so I suppose it's being "true to form" in a way.

A final tip -  if you've not already done this, go into preferences and set the MIDI buffer to longer than the default 250ms (e.g. to 500). This makes the step sequencer far happier, especially if you're inputting while it's running (it can kind of fall over its own feet sometimes). If it does start glitching, stop Sonar and reset the MIDI engine (one of the icons under the clock in the control bar).

thanks that is most helpful. One last question: How does one return to the original sequence in the same song. Say returning to the verse section after a chorus? -Ryan

The way I do it is simply to copy the verse and paste it in after the chorus, repeat as necessary.

The matrix view is probably useable for this kind of thing as well, but it's not something I've used much (it was very limited in its abilities prior to X2) so can't really comment.

  oh I forgot, one last question... Is it possible to put fills in between sections with the Step Sequencer?