TUBBUTEC Brainstep black

Sequencer Modular Synthesizer from Tubbutec

Tubbutec's Brainstep has the best chance of becoming the brain of your modular system. With just 22 HP, the module combines a sequencer, MIDI interface, modulation generator and sample player under one roof. The high functional density is achieved, among other things, because the CV outputs A and B of the four tracks can be switched individually: Velocity, gate, envelope, LFO or Drum sample are available for selection.

Brainstep has four independent tracks; in sequencer mode, the tracks are organized in patterns. The memory holds 32 patterns, which can be up to 64 steps (4 bars) long. In addition to the note values, various gate lengths including gate delay, accent and slide can be programmed. Here you can clearly see the developer's preference for the old TR/TB sequencers from Roland. The operation and Live features are completely designed for live performance, so you can, for example, program in a new sequence while other sequences are being played in parallel.

If you use the module or parts of it as a MIDI to CV/Gate interface, you can choose between several configurations that allow 4x monophonic, 4-part unison, 2x duophonic or 4-part polyphonic.

Another option for note input only is the arpeggiator available for each track. The seven playback directions also include ORDER, which corresponds to the order in which notes are entered on the keyboard. Gates can be created Euclidean, in which case you simply define the number of Gates and the probability of how often they should appear in the sequence. A cool feature and an effortless way to generate lively patterns.

The module is able to replace various modulation sources such as envelopes and LFOs. To do this, you set up the corresponding CV A/B outputs as a loopable ADSR envelope or (clock-synchronized) LFO and can save the settings directly in the pattern. The CV output of the modulation sources can be done with or without metering by a programmed accent value.

Last but not least, Brainstep is also a sample player. To do this, you define the CV A/B outputs for audio output and assign the samples to the outputs. Additional sample sets (factory and user) can be imported via the MicroSD drive. The sound quality is not hi-fi, but it is more than useful as a musical bonus!

Brainstep offers various sync options (int./ext. clock, MIDI, DIN, USB), making the module easy to integrate into any setup. Due to the extensive MIDI implementation, control via a DAW or a master sequencer is also largely feasible. The four bipolar CV inputs significantly expand the potential, for example, you can modulate the decay phase of the CV-A1 envelope with a function generator or control the octave range of the arpeggiator with a joystick controller.

The sockets on the far left are intended for input and output synchronization with an analogue clock, offer communication via MIDI in both directions and with the master CV/Gate inputs, any analogue equipment (e.g. SH-101) can be used for note input.