Textquencer is a text-based MIDI sequencer. Each letter's alphabetical index is mapped to the note in the scale you are working.
For example in C-major scale,
Letter A (index = 1) is Note C (first note in the scale)
Letter B (index = 2) is Note D (second note in the scale)
Letter C (index = 3) is Note E (third note in the scale)
Letter H (index = 8) is Note C but an octave higher
and so on.
You can create custom character mapping for emojis, punctuation, symbols or any letters in any language. A custom character can mapped to
- A specific MIDI note or,
- A specific note in the scale like the first note in the scale, the third note in the scale etc.
Unless a character is custom mapped, a letter in English alphabet or a number, it will be a rest in the sequencer.
Also, you can randomise the velocity and gate lengths in each step if you want,
You can enable it on the settings menu and set a randomization min-max range.
Please note that Textquencer is a MIDI app. The standalone version has an optional internal synth where you can enable or disable on the settings menu. The AUv3 plugin requires an audio app for output. For the AUv3 functionality, it needs to be hosted within an app such as AUM, Loopy Pro, Cubasis, Logic Pro, Nanostudio, Drambo, or apeMatrix.
I can find a lot of use for this app. The octave range needs to be set carefully so each letter gives you a note on a particular instrument - the note range of the instrument needs to be taken into account. For me, setting the rate accurately was difficult and time consuming until I set the knob control to horizontal and vertical. Being able to randomise the rate would be very useful. The gate randomisation needs to be used carefully or you are left with a piece with what seems like too many rests and too little flow.