Superbooth 24: Tubbutec Brainstep is a new, powerful multi-track sequencer module with a built-in sample player, modulation, MIDI interface, and more.
Good news from Tubbutec. The new Brainstep multi-track sequencer for Eurorack is available now for 470,58€ + shipping.
Article From May 11, 2024
With the MC-2oh2 upgrade, Tobias from Tubbutec has breathed new life into the Roland MC-202, including a new digital engine that hosts an upgraded sequencer, modulation, etc.
At Superbooth 24, Tubbutec is presenting the Brainstep, a new Eurorack sequencer hub that brings parts of the MC-20H2 engine into Eurorack.
Tubbutec Brainstep
Brainstep is a new 4-track sequencer module for Eurorack. But stop; it’s more than just a sequencer; it’s an arpeggiator, modulation engine, sample player, and more—a true creative hub for your rack. The modules have four tracks; each can host one of these features.
Let’s start with the main feature. Brainstep is a 22HP Eurorack sequencer with four independent tracks. Each track can host up to 24 patterns with a maximum of 64 steps. Notes have four per-step modifiers to trigger accents, portamento, or tie. Four gate lengths and probability per step are also available.
The sequencer engine also gives you seven directions to explore, including smart random modes and a song mode. Also, part of the module is an arpeggiator that covers a range of several octaves and comes with seven inspiring modes (order, Euclidean rhythm, etc.).
Then, you can flip the tracks into modulators at any time. Each channel can produce four envelopes and two LFOs, giving you 16 envelopes and eight LFOs. That’s pretty impressive, and the modulators are feature-rich.
The ADSR envelopes have loop modes to turn them into pseudo-LFOs. Plus, you can set an accent per step. The LFOs, on the other side, are wide-range, have multiple waveforms, are free-running or in sync, and have an S&H mode.
4-track sequencing, arpeggiator, and 16 envelopes/8 LFOs are not enough. Okay, I have for you a drum sample mode. In this, you can turn the channels into drum samplers with various sample kits to choose from.
Alternatively, you can load your own samples. Also, here, you have per-step modifiers, including accent, double-speed, half-speed, reverse, and gate length.
Connectivity
The Tubbutec Brainstep’s inputs and outputs are just as feature-rich. It hosts MIDI input and outputs on TRS-MIDI and USB-C MIDI, the latter of which supports both host and device. Further, there are four bipolar CV inputs that you can freely map to various parameters like the envelopes, LFOs, etc.
Each track provides a 1V/oct pitch output and two CV (A/B) outputs. Multiple clocking options (internal, external, MIDI, etc.) give you a lot of flexibility. Every clock also includes a swing generator, and per track, you also get a clock divider.
Moreover, Tubbutec Brainstep has microtonal support with the ability to load scale/tuning from a microSD card. On the latter, you can also load an save complete sets.
Tubbutech Brainstep First Impression
At first glance, an exciting sequencer brain for the Eurorack. I’m curious how easy it is to operate and how much it will cost. Tobias has not yet announced anything about this.
Tubbutec Brainstep availability and price TBA. Tubbutec will have a booth (Z130) at Superbooth 24.
More information here: Tubbutec
Very curious to see it in action. Looks like a fun, powerful and compact sequencer. I love the micro keyboard built in!