Audio Vitamins have today announced that they give up the development of its creative random powered MIDI step sequencer plugin Stochas. Instead of new updates, the developer decided to releases the plugin (initial $50) as an open-source project and thus it becomes a free plugin for PC & Mac. It’s sad to hear that they stop it but also good that they do not let the plugin die. Better an open-source project with big support by the community than a complete disappearance.
Stochas is a MIDI step sequencer plugin that features a big amount of randomization goodies that makes every sequences more lively and exciting. Almost everything can be randomized and not only the whole piece but also only in a certain area of the sequence. For example, you can random specific notes in a sequence, random the note start times, velocity, length, and more.
Stochas allows you to create up to four layers /up to eight patterns with different time signatures, playback speed, and number of steps per layer. Here is the official statement of Audio Vitamins:
The original idea sprang from a JSFX plugin (Reaper plugin) created by Andrew called Stochasticizer which allowed semi-random sequencing of melodic and drum lines. Andrew was contacted by Dave who suggested creating a plugin that would work on any DAW. The two worked together to design the product which was released a few months later.
Due to lack of time to devote to marketing a commercial product, in 2020, it was decided to release the software as open-source in the hope that it would be useful to music producers around the world.
Features
- Cross platform MIDI sequencer surfaced as a VST/AU/etc. plugin
- Allows random selection of designated notes in a sequence (random or semi-random melodic lines)
- Allows random triggering of notes (more dynamic and varied drum patterns)
- Adjust randomness of note start times for more humanized playback
- Adjust randomness of note velocity and length
- Fully MIDI-programmable interface for live performance. Mute/unmute layers, change patterns, time signature, etc. on the fly via MIDI.
- Chain mode allows procedural programming (eg “if this note plays/doesn’t play then always/never play this other note”)
- Adjust note start time to move sequence “off the grid”, as well as note length.
- Record incoming midi to grid
- Use Chord mode to quickly add chords to the sequence
- Select from preset scales, or customize notes in grid along with note names. Save/load note names from file
- Add swing or groove. Import groove from MIDI files
- Create up to four layers with differing time signature, playback speed and/or number of steps per layer
- Create up to eight patterns
On the whole, it sounds like a plugin that you have to try. Since it is now free with no time limit or extra registration, all the more.
Audio Vitamins Stochas is now open source and available as a free download for Windows and Mac (VST/AU). The source is available in a GitHub repository.
More information: Stochas