Brute-Seq: DrumBrute Impact Step Sequencer for REAPER

Brute-Seq is a lightweight ReaScript + ReaImGui tool that brings a classic step-sequencer workflow to REAPER, specifically designed for the Arturia DrumBrute Impact drum machine.

Inspired by Arthur McArthur’s McSequencer, Brute-Seq adds multi-pattern support, accent hits, and improved usability.

Features

Track Auto-Setup

• Automatically creates a track named Sequencer mapped for DrumBrute Impact's 10 drum voices.
• Track name must end with "Sequencer" (e.g., "Drums Sequencer").

Multiple Sequencer Tracks

• Supports multiple sequencer tracks in a project.
• GUI attaches to the selected track named ending in "sequencer".

Pattern-per-Item Workflow

• Each pattern is a standard REAPER MIDI item managed as separate "blocks".
• MIDI notes editable within and outside the sequencer.

Multi-Step Grid Editor

• 16-step (or more) grid per drum voice.
• Left-click: toggle step on/off.
• Shift+click: accented hits (higher velocity).

Real-Time Playhead

• Highlights current step during playback or cursor movement.

Pattern Navigation & Sync

• Pattern selector slider to choose/edit patterns.
• Two looping modes:
  • Loop Pattern: loops current pattern.
  • Loop Song: loops entire sequence.

Pattern Length & Repeats

• Adjustable with sliders:
  • Steps: 1 to 64 steps.
  • Times: repeats pattern content.

Ripple Editing

• Automatically shifts subsequent patterns to avoid overlap.

Pattern Management Buttons

• "+" Add Pattern: New blank pattern.
• "++" Duplicate Pattern: Copies current pattern.
• "–" Delete Pattern: Removes current pattern.

Follow Mode (Jump on Pattern Change)

• Cursor jumps to the start of selected pattern when enabled.

Spacebar Passthrough

• Spacebar starts/stops REAPER playback even when sequencer window is focused.

Installation

Dependencies

• REAPER 7.0+ (tested on v7.39)
• ReaImGui v0.9.3.3+ (required)
• ReaPack (recommended)

Installation via ReaPack

1. Install ReaPack: Download from ReaPack website.
2. Install ReaImGui: Extensions → ReaPack → Browse Packages, search for "ReaImGui", install, and restart REAPER.
3. Add Brute-Seq Repository: Extensions → ReaPack → Import Repository, paste:

   https://github.com/eritiro/brute-seq/raw/main/index.xml
   

4. Install Brute-Seq: Extensions → ReaPack → Browse Packages, search "brute-seq", install.
5. Load Script: Open Action List (Actions → Show Action List), run "Script: brute-seq.lua".

Quick Start

• Launch Brute-Seq via Action List.
• Adds "Sequencer" track if none exists.
• Add patterns: Click "+".
• Edit grid: Left-click toggles notes, Shift-click adds accents.
• Play: Spacebar.
• Adjust pattern length and repeats with sliders.

Customizing Drum Lanes

Configure drum lane mapping:

• GUI: Options → Configure track lanes, edit names and MIDI notes.
• Manual Edit: Directly in brute-seq.lua (less recommended).

Default MIDI mapping:

Kick (36), Snare 1 (37), Snare 2 (38), Tom 1 (43), Tom 2 (47),
Cymbal (49), Cowbell (56), Closed Hat (60), Open Hat (61), FM Drum (64)

Tips & Additional Info

• Live Performance: Useful for improvisation; toggle Follow mode for pattern auditioning.
• Integration: Patterns are regular MIDI items; freely editable in REAPER.
• Accent Implementation: Accented hits use higher MIDI velocity.
• Undo Support: All edits support undo (Ctrl+Z).

License

Brute-Seq is open-source under GPL v3 license. Contributions and feedback are welcome