Midi Sequencers Or Audio Sequencers? Everything You Need Before Choosing The Right Sequencer In 2022

The heart of your Music Production Studio is a sequencer. So, when deciding which sequencer to use, you want to make sure you make the right choice. With Midi Sequencer and Audio Sequencer prices ranging from $99 to $3500 USD, you want to make sure you make the right choice. You don’t want to pay for features you don’t want, but you also don’t want to be without features you require.

We have divided the possible sequencers into three major categories. All-in-one sequencer and loop-based software for professionals. We should be able to match you with the appropriate DAW based on your previous experience and projected future musical goals.

Professional Solutions

Pro Tools

Pro Tools – Pro Tools is widely regarded as the most professional and advanced sequencer on the market. There are three types of Pro Tools. Pro Tools HD, Pro Tools LE, and Pro Tools Free are all available. Yes, you did hear the word “free.” Digidesign, the creators of Pro Tools, provides a stripped-down free version of their software to allow users to test it. Fortunately, if your sequencer requirements are modest, you may be able to meet them by using this product. Although Pro Tools is a midi and audio sequencer, its true strength is in audio recording, which is as stable as a rock. Pro Tools is not comparable to VST and employs its own plug-in format known as RTAS (software adapters are available). RTAS plug-ins, which are typically associated with higher quality and a higher price tag, are becoming more common on the market today, but they are still not as widely available as VST’s.

If you buy an HD or LE system, it comes with a Pro Tools compatible hardware setup that you’ll need to run the programme. These pieces of hardware will vary depending on the product you order and the size of your studio. Pro Tools, for example, includes a laptop solution with their LD set called the MBox, which is a simple USB breakout box. On the other end of the spectrum, Pro Tools HD can include rackmount hardware with up to ten ins and ten outs. What you require will be heavily influenced by the hardware you require to connect to your sequencer.

• So Who Needs Pro Tools?

If you’re working with a lot of hardware, such as keyboards, drum machines, and effects units, Pro Tools HD is a good choice. If your setup is primarily software-based, the high price tag that comes with Pro Tools HD may not be such a wise sequencer solution. With their MBox product, the Pro Tools LD package can be purchased for as little as $500 USD. This is an excellent mobile product that can be used wherever you go on the road. All Pro Tools systems are comparable with Windows and Mac, but it appears that the majority of Pro Tools users have their setup on a Mac.

Cubase

Cubase is the first of the big three sequencers, dating back to the Atari days. But a lot has changed since then. Cubase has proven to be a true multi-purpose sequencer production suite. Steinberg, the creators of Cubase, provided music producers with the option of using virtual instruments instead of hardware with Cubase VST. The VST plug-in format is now the most widely used of all plug-in formats. As a result, one has unquestionably the most options in terms of which products to incorporate into the sequencer package. Although Cubase SX and SL include a few VST instruments and plug-in effects, they are not as good as Pro Tools or Logic plug-ins. As a result, you will almost certainly need to purchase some additional products. Cubase truly combines audio and midi sequencing, and its audio engine is extremely sophisticated.

Cubase includes a number of sequencer packages. There are numerous packages available that are based on Cubase SX and SL and will fit your budget. Cubase SL is essentially a stripped-down version of Cubase SX, but it is a very appealing option for the majority of users. Cubase SE, a Cubase sequencer package from Steinberg, is available for as little as $99 USD. This entry-level sequencer is based on the base engine and is a great place to start, especially because it is upgradeable to SL and SX.

• So Why Cubase?

When it comes to virtual instruments, Cubase is without a doubt the most integrated sequencer. Cubase is the sequencer if you use a lot of VST plug-ins as well as audio recording and hardware. It can be difficult to choose between all of their different sequencer packages, but we will always look after you. So…

Logic Audio

Emagic, the original Logic Audio developers, recently sold their company to Apple. Logic Audio was no longer supported on Windows after that date. So, if you’re a Windows user, you can stop reading now because Logic isn’t available for PC. If you own a Mac, Logic is an excellent sequencer to have. Logic Audio is a truly classy product, with many features that are similar to those found in other true professional sequencers. The learning curve for their slightly different way of organ zing their arrangement can be fairly steep, but once you get it, the programme is extremely smooth and it becomes a very efficient way of producing music. Logic does not support VST either, and their primary new plug-in format is Audio Units, which Apple developed for OSX. The included plug-ins are actually quite good, both in terms of sound quality and design. For intermediate to professional producers, Logic is quickly becoming a standard sequencer.

Logic is available in two versions: Logic Pro and Logic Express. The difference between the two products, like all other sequencer packages with different pricing structures, is fewer included plugins and a limitation on the number of audio and midi tracks that are available.

• Why Logic Audio

If you are producing music on a Mac and are looking for self-contained or loop-based production suites, you should seriously consider Logic Pro or Logic Express.

Self-Contained Production Programs

So, what exactly do self-contained production programmes imply? This primarily means that there is no need to purchase additional hardware or plug-ins in order to create the music you desire. Everything you need is right out of the box in these production suites.

Reason 2.5

Since its release on the market more than three years ago, Reason has sparked a lot of interest. Since then, they’ve added three major upgrades and are now releasing Reason 2.5. What reason does is bring about simplicity. Rather than having a shell for your sequencer and then adding third-party products to create your music, Reason combines instruments, effects, and a sequencer into a single package that resembles rack mount hardware. Reason includes two synthesisers, a drum machine, a sampler, a mixing unit, and a slew of effects units. Furthermore, Reason can be controlled using a variety of midi controllers, such as keyboards, buttons, or knobs. Although Reason does not support plug-in formats, most major sequencers include re-wire, which allows you to patch Reason through your other sequencer completely in sync. This is a fantastic feature if you want to use Reasons instruments and plug-ins but not the sequencer functions.

Reason 2.5 and Reason Adapted, a scaled-down version, are currently available. Unfortunately, Reason adapted can only be purchased in conjunction with other products and cannot be purchased separately. Currently, if you purchase DigiDesign’s Pro Tools, you will receive a version of Reason Adapted. Isn’t that a good deal?

• Why Reason

Reason has evolved into a serious production tool, and while it is an all-in-one production suite, it can also be used as an effective sound synthesis tool with the ability to use Reason Rewire. Reasons’ most important feature is most likely its simplicity. There is very little programming or setup required, allowing you to spend more time creating music.