HY-Plugins has released HY-SEQ16, a versatile 16-step sequencer in VST plugin format for Windows. The basic version of the plugin is available for free download, whereas the paid version of the plugin (called FREE HY-SEQ16x3 and priced at $28) includes several advanced features.
We’ve praised HY-Plugins so much on BPB that you probably know what to expect from this top notch developer by now. For what it’s worth, our roundup of the best freeware VST plugins released in 2016 features not one, but two HY-Plugins releases. And judging by this latest HY-Plugins freebie, something similar will probably happen in our 2017 roundup.
See also: FREE Step Sequencer VST Plugins!HY-SEQ16x3 is easily the best freeware step sequencer around. It’s a 16-step sequencer with note, velocity, gate, mute, randomize and probability controls for each step. Other cool features include global randomization for the entire sequence (with separate randomize buttons for note values, velocity, gate, etc.), sequence playback direction (forward, backward, bounce and random), sequence length and start step, as well as the global scale setting.
The plugin is stable and well optimized, something that’s to be expected when it comes to HY-Plugins software by now. Another aspect worth mentioning is the user interface which is clean, easy to use and fully resizable. In addition, HY-SEQ16 features a built-in preset manager, undo/redo functionality (very useful if you do a lot of randomizing), and MIDI channel selection. It loads as an instrument plugin and should be easy to set up in most modern DAWs. Last but not least, a simple “manual installation” version of the download package is available, in case you prefer barebone DLL files as opposed to automated EXE installers.
Now, all of the functionality mentioned above (and shown in our demo video) comes with the free version of HY-SEQ16. The paid version comes with three sequencer units (hence the name HY-SEQ16x3) and two LFO units. Needless to say, the versatility offered by the commercial version of the plugin is absolutely insane. Whether you need a sequencer for triggering multiple instruments, or a sequencing powerhouse for building evolving synth sequences and polyrhythms, you can’t go wrong with paying the extra $28 for the advanced HY-SEQ16x3 version.
When it comes to freeware plugins, 2017 seems to be off to a good start. Let’s hope that this trend will continue with the months to come.
HY-SEQ16 is available for free download via HY-Plugins (8.36 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin format for Windows).
11 Comments
p0ly
onDoesn’t stable! IL Minihost is often crashing with v1.0. No problems with other plugins.
p0ly
onah, and any chance to get this background wave video anywhere? Per Mail or so? :)
JoeHF
onSweet, sweet interface–as expected from HY… and scalable to boot. But is there a swing/shuffle slider somewhere? (What an ungrateful, demanding arse I am.)
marti garaughty
onLooks like tons of potential for the price!
Andrei
onIn Cubase it hasn’t turned out to connect…
Esol
onGreat sequencer! Was doing a jam last night. Might just pick up the commercial version. :)
Tomislav Zlatic
onIt’s one of the best sequencers around (the free version). Haven’t tested the paid version yet, but it looks amazing.
Liam
onMaybe I’m doing this wrong but when i open this in FL it shows as a synth. Is it supposed to be like that and if so how do I use it. Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I’m just starting out in music production so I’d appreciate any help.
Esol
onYou need to add ‘MIDIOUT’ and set the Input/output to 1 or whatever number you have on HY-SEQ.
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks for the info!
ThePresent
onAlas, this method does not work in Cubase 6.5