Qtractor and step sequencer plugins

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Hi,

I have a question about using a MIDI step sequencer.

For example:

I create a MIDI track. First, I load the step sequencer plugin, e.g., B-Step or X42 Step Sequencer 8x8, and then a sound generator that should be controlled by the step sequencer, such as SynthV1. I can select steps in the step sequencer and then hear the corresponding result from the controlled SynthV1.

Now for my question: When I arm the MIDI track and try to record, the recording starts, but nothing is recorded. How do I do it correctly so that the notes from the step sequencer are recorded in the new MIDI clip in the MIDI track in the Qtractor arranger?

When I used ReDrum in Reason many years ago, you could simply click "copy pattern to track" :-)

Now, I'm pressing record, but nothing happens.

As a second question: The x42 step sequencer has a "sync to host" button, but when you press it, it stops running, or at least nothing changes on the interface and no sound comes from synthv1. Does anyone know anything about this? There are no tutorials or a proper user manual. Unfortunately, there aren't any good tutorials for b-step either.

Thank you!
Cheers!

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You need to create a MIDI output-only bus called SendPattern and another MIDI input-only bus called ReturnPattern. In the connections settings, connect the output of one to the input of the other.

Assign the input bus to the track containing the pattern generator. Leave the output as MIDI Master bus to avoid unwanted loops (I've tested it and none occur, but it's better to be safe than sorry).

From the track, create an aux send MIDI to SendPattern. Now the track send and receives the signal and you can record it.

There will be a slight latency. Nothing that selecting everything and repositioning, or quantizing, can't fix (if it's really necessary).

I'm not familiar with pattern plugins. I know that installing carla.lv2 includes a plugin similar to the one you mentioned, but more basic and with some bugs, though functional.

This method is also useful for any other type of filter, MIDI generator, or virtual controller plugin.

Forget the previous method; although it works, it also creates a loop and can cause problems.

Safe method:

You need to create a MIDI output-only bus called SendPattern and another MIDI input-only bus called ReturnPattern. In the connections settings, connect the output of one to the input of the other.

SequencerPatternPlugin and MIDI aux send to the SendPattern bus are insert in a dedicated "MIDI Pattern Generator Track". This has the Master MIDI bus as its input and output.

"Instrument MIDI tracks" have the ReceivePattern MIDI bus as their input and the Master MIDI bus as their output. These tracks receive the signal to be played back or recorded.

X42 Step Sequencer definitely doesn't work correctly in host mode.

"Midi Pattern" is very basic, has bugs, and is awkward to use.

Stochas is complex, but it seems to do the basics intuitively and without bugs; I've barely tested it:
https://github.com/surge-synthesizer/stochas

There are more possible workflows; just make sure there are no loops (feedback, coupling).

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