SQ Sequencer by AG-KW

Flexible MIDI Step Sequencing for REAPER

The RNDM Sequencer by AG-KW is a versatile MIDI step sequencer in JSFX format for REAPER. It combines intuitive operation with flexible pattern creation, independent parameter lanes, multiple sequencing directions and musical scale quantization.

At its core are seven independently editable parameter lanes. Each lane has its own step length and playback direction. This allows different pattern cycles to be combined, creating complex rhythmic and melodic structures.

The graphical user interface features a clear colour-coded layout, scalable design and direct mouse-based editing.

FEATURES

1. ACTIVE STEPS – Global Step Control

The Active Steps row defines which steps are enabled within the global sequencer range.

• Enable or disable individual steps with a left-click.
• Set the global sequence end with a right-click.
• Automatically extend the global sequence range when activating a step beyond the current end.
• Inactive steps are visually dimmed across all parameter lanes.
• Global Active Steps determine where MIDI notes can be triggered.

2. SEVEN INDEPENDENT PARAMETER LANES

The sequencer features seven individually editable parameter lanes:

PITCH

• Per-step pitch control.
• Range: -24 to +24 semitones.
• Scale quantization in combination with the Octave lane.

OCTAVE

• Octave shifting from -3 to +3 octaves.
• Bipolar display with zero at the centre.
• Independently editable from PITCH.

VELOCITY

• Individual MIDI velocity per step.
• Range: 1–127.

LENGTH

• Individual note length per step.
• Default value: 74.
• Range: 1–200%.

RATCHET

• Multiple MIDI triggers within a single step.
• Adjustable from 1 to 8 repetitions.

CONDITION

• Dedicated parameter lane with values from 0 to 8.
• Editing and value storage are implemented.
• Trigger-condition evaluation is not yet implemented.

TIME SHIFT

• Dedicated parameter lane with values from -50 to +50.
• Editing and value storage are implemented.
• MIDI event timing offsets are not yet implemented.

3. INDEPENDENT LANE LENGTHS

Each parameter lane can have its own individual step length.

Example:

• PITCH: 3 steps
• OCTAVE: 5 steps
• VELOCITY: 8 steps
• LENGTH: 4 steps

Each lane runs independently through its assigned length and then repeats cyclically. This makes it possible to combine patterns with different cycle lengths.

• Set an individual lane length with a right-click on the desired final step.
• Automatically extend only the lane currently being edited.
• Intermediate steps remain unchanged.
• Individual lane lengths are independent of the global sequencer end.

4. SEQUENCER DIRECTIONS

Five playback directions are available for both the global sequencer and each individual lane:

• Forward – Plays steps in ascending order.
• Backward – Plays steps in descending order.
• Alternate – Alternates between forward and backward.
• Snake – Reverses direction on successive cycles.
• Random – Selects steps randomly.

Global and individual lane directions can be combined freely.

5. SCALE & ROOT NOTE

Pitch and Octave values can be quantized to a selected musical scale.

Available scales:

• Chromatic
• Major
• Minor
• Dorian
• Lydian
• Harmonic Minor
• Harmonic Major
• Pentatonic Major
• Pentatonic Minor
• Melodic Minor
• Atonal

The root note can additionally be selected chromatically from C to B.

• Chromatic is the default setting.
• Quantization is applied to the combined Pitch and Octave values.
• Stored step values remain unchanged when switching scales.
• Atonal and Chromatic both use all twelve pitch classes.

6. GLOBAL SEQUENCER CONTROLS

Global settings determine the overall sequencer behaviour.

Step Count

• 8 or 16 steps.

Global Direction

• Forward, Backward, Alternate, Snake and Random.

Clock / Rate

• 1/32
• 1/16T
• 1/16
• 1/8T
• 1/8
• 1/4T
• 1/4
• 1/2T
• 1/2
• 1/1

Swing

• Continuously adjustable from 0 to 75%.

MIDI Channel

• Select MIDI channels 1–16.
• Additional ALL mode for output on all 16 MIDI channels.

7. RANDOM & RESET

Several functions are available for quick variations and new pattern ideas:

• Global Random: randomizes all seven parameter lanes.
• Individual Random button for each lane.
• Individual Reset for each lane.
• Random values are generated within each parameter’s respective range.

8. INTERACTIVE GUI

The interface is designed for fast and direct editing.

• Edit values by left-clicking and dragging vertically.
• Relative editing: a simple click does not change the existing value.
• Dragging remains locked to the originally selected step and lane, even when the mouse leaves the cell.
• Right-click to set an individual lane length.
• Colour-coded parameter lanes.
• Visual bar representation of step values.
• Highlighted playhead.
• Individually collapse or expand LENGTH, RATCHET, CONDITION and TIME SHIFT.
• PITCH, OCTAVE and VELOCITY remain permanently visible.
• Scalable plugin interface.

9. MIDI & TRANSPORT

• Automatic synchronization with the REAPER transport.
• No separate start/stop button required.
• MIDI note generation based on active steps and parameter lanes.
• Ratchet and Swing support.
• MIDI Thru: incoming MIDI data is passed through to the output.
• Output on a selected MIDI channel or across all 16 channels.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

• Name: SQ Sequencer by AG-KW
• Version: 1.3.2
• Format: JSFX
• Host: REAPER
• Type: MIDI Step Sequencer
• Developer: AG-KW
• Website: https://ag-kw.de

OPEN SOURCE PROJECT

The SQ Sequencer by AG-KW is being made available as an open-source project for the REAPER community.

The goal is to provide a flexible and freely accessible way to create and edit MIDI sequences directly within REAPER.

Feedback, bug reports, feature requests and ideas for future improvements are very welcome.

Download our RNDM Sequencer JSFX Plugin