Beta
Beta
SUBTRX SEQ 01 is a compact Max for Live sequencer for percussive patterns, living grooves and fast ideas. Eight steps, seven independent parameter layers, and controlled randomization give you motion without your pattern losing its character.
From subtle hi-hat variation to complex percussion loops: you decide what changes — and what stays fixed.
No Ableton required: this browser demo reproduces SUBTRX SEQ 01's actual parameter model — seven per-step layers, layer-scoped Randomize/Mutate, step lock and Undo. It's a simplified stand-in for product presentation, doesn't send MIDI, and isn't the real device.
Randomize and Mutate always affect only the selected layer. Locked steps stay unchanged.
A direct 8-step MIDI sequencer for Ableton Live, built with a focus on percussion and controlled variation. Randomize and Mutate always affect only the selected layer. Lock the steps that matter, save your own patterns as presets, and export finished sequences as a Live clip or MIDI file.
Randomness is only musical when you can control it. That's why SUBTRX SEQ 01 never changes your entire pattern without asking. Select NOTE, and Randomize only changes the notes. Select VELOCITY, and rhythm, pitch and every other layer stay untouched.
Mutate lets you evolve an existing pattern step by step. Locked steps stay untouched throughout. That way you keep fixed anchor points while still discovering new variations.
Every step has its own values for note, pulses, gate, velocity, chance, ratchet and delay.
Randomize only ever affects the currently selected layer. You decide which part of the pattern gets regenerated.
Mutate changes only an adjustable portion of the unlocked steps — ideal for variations and breaks.
Fix the elements that carry your groove. Locked steps survive Randomize, Mutate and pitch-range changes.
Pulses, gate modes, velocity, chance, ratchets and step delay — strong for hi-hats, toms, shakers and drum racks.
LOW, MID and HIGH define the range used by NOTE randomize and mutate.
Save your whole pattern including pitch range, randomization settings, color theme and layout.
Create a Live clip, auto-create a new MIDI track, or export a standard MIDI file.
SUBTRX SEQ 01 pairs a compact dark surface with clear states and short paths. Slightly rounded fields, subtle outlines and an unambiguous playhead keep things readable even as your pattern grows more complex.
Choose between four color themes — ACID, ICE, AMBER and ROSE — each in a light and a dark variant. For the NOTE layer you can pick Numbers, reduced Dials, or subtle retro-style Analog knobs.
The top bar adapts too: reorder layers to match your workflow, or hide functions you don't need right now. The musical values are preserved either way.
SUBTRX SEQ 01 can start straight and precise, then turn step by step into a living groove. Adjust velocity for accents, use chance for shifting events, add ratchets, and shift individual hits with delay. A global swing value gives the whole pattern extra character.
If a variation doesn't work out, Undo takes you straight back to the previous state.
Your pattern doesn't have to stay inside the device. SUBTRX SEQ 01 can render 16 pre-computed passes as editable MIDI material:
Chance, ratchets, swing and step delay are all factored into the export — so you can arrange or edit the resulting motion right away.
Build a fixed base pattern, lock kick and snare, and let only velocity, chance or delay mutate. The result stays recognizable while constantly shifting.
Combine pulses, ratchets and varying velocities. A few clicks produce rolls, accents and controlled deviations from the grid.
Use LOW, MID or HIGH for the pitch range you want, randomize the notes, and export the result as MIDI.
| Format | Max for Live MIDI effect (.amxd) |
| Host | Ableton Live with Max for Live |
| Tested with | Ableton Live 12 Suite with Max 9.1.5 on macOS |
| MIDI output | Live clip and standard MIDI file |
| Presets | own portable JSON format |
| Status | Public beta — engine, presets and UI still subject to change |
| Development and design | Max Tebbert |
For other Live, Max and operating-system versions, run your own test before relying on compatibility.
.amxd fileIt's in public beta. The core sequencer engine is stable and usable in real projects, but parameters, presets and parts of the UI may still change before the 1.0 release. Keep a backup of your patterns.
No. The device generates MIDI and is used in front of an instrument, drum rack, or external MIDI target.
Yes. Randomize and Mutate always act on the selected layer only. Other layers stay unchanged.
Yes. Every step can be locked. Locked steps survive randomization and pitch-range changes.
Yes. SAVE AS stores a named preset, including the pattern and your individual interface settings.
Yes. Create a Live clip or export a MIDI file. The result can then be freely edited in Live's MIDI editor.
Yes. First create a clip, then click its colored clip body in Live and press ⌘C. Select an empty MIDI slot and press ⌘V. Alternatively, drag the exported .mid file onto the target track.
No. The workflow is especially geared toward percussion, but works just as well with synths, samplers and external MIDI gear.
The MIDI sequence runs in Max's native scheduler, and design changes don't trigger a recalculation of the pattern. Actual audible latency still depends on audio buffer, instrument, plug-ins, MIDI hardware and system load.
Create percussive sequences, evolve variations with controlled randomness, and turn the result directly into editable MIDI.
SUBTRX SEQ 01
designed by Max Tebbert