Introduction: Mono 8Bit Step Sequencer

About: I love microcontrollers, programming, and music ;)

I was looking to "mimic" the TR-909, into the simplest form capable. All step sequencers I watch centers around a module I don't have like a TFT Screen or some shield, or simply lack the real structure of a drum sequencer. So I decided to make my own one.

Audio is handled by the PCM library and a 16x2 LCD display screen for showing info and states of patterns.

Check Fritzing diagrams on the project page

The Screen is very common and cheap, you can find clones of the HD44780 driver and the character romset A00. If you manage to find the romset A02 you can print even more friendly characters on the screen.

It uses a 100Ω resistor on the audio output because if not, it makes the screen flicker, and I read somewhere that is recommended.

The step stores a number for each sample in the list

  1. Nothing
  2. Kick
  3. Snare
  4. Hat
  5. Ride

A multidimensional array with 4 rows and 16 columns is used to handle a full 4/4 basic pattern.

Buttons actions (pause mode) :

  • Play
  • Move Left
  • Move Right
  • Bank Up
  • Bank Down
  • Change pattern instrument (it cycles)

Buttons actions (pause mode) :

  • Stop
  • Play Kick instead
  • Play Snare
  • Play Hat
  • Play Ride
  • Bank Repeat ON/OFF


Supplies

  • Arduino UNO R3 or Compatible
  • 6 Buttons
  • 2 10kΩ Potentiometer (one for LCD Brightness)
  • HD44780 LCD Screen 16x2
  • 1 100Ω Resistor
  • Audio Jack or Small speaker
  • Jump Wires
  • Solderless Breadboard

Step 1: Code

Download the full source code.