The latest release from Woodman’s Immaculate Maple Syrup Studio introduces a new step sequencer that’s capable of controlling up to four instruments at a time.
Available as a standalone App and plug-in for both macOS and iOS/iPad OS systems, WoodPecker 1.0 essentially bundles four step sequencers into a single interface. Each sequencer can contain up to 64 steps with four Variations, resulting in a maximum of 256 steps per sequencer, and all four channels can be set to transmit data to a different MIDI channel. There’s a whole host of parameters that can be set on a per-step basis, including velocity, random note probability (which can also be limited to a set scale), nine different ratcheting patterns and more.
Key Features
- Each sequencer can set its own number of steps and step duration.
- Each sequencer has four Variations, which can have different values for all step parameters.
- Variations can be selected manually or from any step.
- Sequencers can be started manually, by DAW transport, by MIDI RT Play, by keyboard note input and when inserted as audio effect by audio input triggering.
- BPM can be set manually, by tapping, by the DAW or by the MIDI RT clock.
- WoodPecker can also send the MIDI Clock and Midi RT play start/stop messages.
- Midi V2 mode sends UMP messages given higher precision.
- Resync mode restarts at step 1 after a number of bars (compensates for random or odd timings).
- MIDI can be sent to the DAW and/or directly to the OS (allowing a plug-in to address external instruments).
- Standalone App supports MIDI over Bluetooth.
Compatibility
WoodPecker 1.0 is supported on Macs running macOS (no minimum version specified). It is also available as an iPhone/iPad App and AUv3 plug-in, where it requires iOS 12 / iPad OS 12 or later.
Pricing & Availability
WoodPecker 1.0 is available now, priced at £34.99 including VAT.
