Arpeggiator
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An arpeggiator is a tool/feature available in some hardware synthesizers and also in software form, which allows the user to play alternating notes or chords automatically based on input, most often from a MIDI controller. This creates an electronically created arpeggio. Arpeggiation is also available in some sequencer software and virtual instruments.
Arpeggiators range from simple preset up-and-down patterns to complex and user controllable patterns. These patterns are particularly popular in dance music such as techno, but actually date back to the earliest of analog synthesizers. It is particularly powerful to record the patterns as MIDI data into a sequencer and edit the notes to taste.
Arpeggiators are also available in more sophisticated forms such as the [Interactive Phrase Synthesizer] (ISP for short) feature in Steinberg's Cubase software sequencer programs. Many enhanced options are available for the tweaker with the ISP feature allowing the programming of complex chords and patterns. Some products such as the E-mu [Xtreme Lead-1] synthesizer allow multiple simultaneous arpeggiators to work all the same time. This can be a mind-boggling experience. Other keyboards like the [Kawai K5000] synthesizer have a load of presets with all types of variations.
An arpeggiator is a lot of fun to play with and can inspire some truly original ideas, not to mention the ability to enable musicians of all skill levels to play some complex patterns that may even be impossible to accomplish without the aid of arpeggiation.
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