Fraktor by LDM Design

Most step sequencers treat each step as a single event—one note, one velocity, one pitch. FRAKTOR explodes this limitation by giving each step up to 16 subdivisions, with independent control over velocity, pitch offset, octave offset, and probability for every single subdivision. The result is a sequencer capable of generating complex, evolving patterns that would take hours to program manually in traditional sequencers.

This MaxforLive step sequencer features six independent sequences, each with up to 16 steps, each step subdivided up to 16 times. Add four different randomization methods, per-subdivision parameter control, random subdivision mode (where step division counts change each cycle), and global swing, and you have a sequencer that balances precise control with creative unpredictability. Whether you’re programming intricate polyrhythmic patterns, generating evolving melodic sequences, or creating chaotic experimental textures, FRAKTOR’s subdivision architecture opens up creative possibilities impossible with conventional step sequencers.

Overview & Subdivision Architecture

Traditional step sequencers give you 16 steps, each triggering once when the sequencer reaches that position. FRAKTOR’s fundamental innovation is subdivision. Each of those 16 steps can contain up to 16 subdivisions, each firing independently with its own parameters. Step 1 might have 4 subdivisions (playing four notes), Step 2 might have 7 subdivisions, Step 3 could have a single subdivision, and so on.

This creates rhythmic complexity that would require multiple traditional sequencers running in parallel. A single FRAKTOR sequence can output everything from simple quarter notes to rapid 64th-note flurries, with the subdivision count changing step-by-step. Set one step to a single hit, the next to 8 rapid-fire triggers, then back to 2 subdivisions—the rhythmic variation is enormous.

Even more powerful: each subdivision has independent control over velocity, pitch offset, octave offset, variation amount, and probability. You’re not just subdividing steps into equal hits—you’re programming complex micro-patterns within each step that can differ dramatically from each other.

Six Independent Sequences

FRAKTOR provides six completely independent sequences, each operating simultaneously. Sequence 1 might trigger kick drums with simple subdivision patterns. Sequence 2 could handle hi-hats with complex, rapidly subdivided steps. Sequence 3 might play bass notes with pitch offsets creating melodic patterns. Sequences 4-6 could trigger percussion, melodic elements, or experimental sounds.

Each sequence has its own speed control, allowing polyrhythmic complexity where different sequences run at different rates. One sequence moves at 1x speed while another runs at 2x or 0.5x, creating interlocking rhythms that drift in and out of phase. Combined with per-sequence randomization controls, the six sequences can generate everything from tightly locked grooves to loosely related polyrhythmic chaos.

Multi-Level Pitch Control

FRAKTOR offers pitch control at three distinct levels: per track, per step, and per subdivision. This hierarchical approach gives you unprecedented control over melodic content.

Per-Track Pitch sets the base note for the entire sequence. Choose a root pitch, and the sequence plays variations around that foundation. Change the per-track pitch, and the entire melodic content transposes accordingly.

Per-Step Pitch lets each of the 16 steps play a different pitch. Program a chord progression by setting different pitches for each step, or create melodic patterns where each step represents a different scale degree. This level works like a traditional melodic step sequencer.

Per-Subdivision Pitch Offset is where FRAKTOR gets really interesting. Each subdivision within a step can have its own pitch offset (in semitones) and octave offset. A step might have its first subdivision at the root pitch, second subdivision +3 semitones, third subdivision +7 semitones, fourth subdivision -5 semitones. You’re essentially programming micro-melodies within each step that play out as the subdivisions trigger.

This multi-level approach means you can create arpeggios, chord patterns, melodic runs, and complex harmonic content all from a single sequence. The combination of step pitch (setting harmonic movement) and subdivision offsets (creating arpeggiation and melodic detail) produces results far beyond what typical step sequencers can achieve.

Random Subdivision Mode

Set any step to Random Subdivision Mode, and the number of subdivisions for that step changes every time the sequence plays through. One cycle might subdivide that step into 4 hits, the next cycle into 11 hits, then 2 hits, then 9 hits—completely unpredictable subdivision counts within your specified maximum.

This creates evolving rhythmic patterns that never repeat the same way twice. Combined with the velocity function (which sets relative velocity from first to last subdivision), random subdivision mode produces organic, human-feeling variation. One pass might have sparse hits, the next might be a rapid flurry of notes, all from the same step configuration.

The velocity function is particularly clever in random subdivision mode. Set it to ramp from loud to soft, and regardless of how many subdivisions the random mode generates, they’ll always start loud and end soft, maintaining musical coherence even as the subdivision count varies wildly.

Four Randomization Methods

FRAKTOR includes four different randomization approaches for adding controlled chaos to your sequences. Rather than binary random on/off switches, these methods provide slider-based control where you dial in exactly how much randomization affects playback.

The randomization slider next to each sequence determines how often the sequencer plays the “wrong” step. At 0%, the sequence plays through left-to-right as programmed. Increase the slider, and occasionally the sequencer jumps to an unexpected step. Push it to maximum, and playback becomes completely chaotic, jumping unpredictably through steps rather than following the programmed order.

This approach is more musically useful than traditional random modes because you control the amount of chaos. Keep it low (10-20%) for occasional glitches and surprises that add life to otherwise predictable patterns. Push it medium (40-60%) for semi-random playback that retains some sense of the underlying sequence. Max it out (100%) for complete unpredictability when you want pure generative randomness.

Combined with per-subdivision probability controls (where individual subdivisions have their own likelihood of triggering), you get layered randomization—both the step order and whether specific subdivisions trigger can vary independently, creating incredibly complex variation from simple programming.

Velocity Control & Variation

Each subdivision has independent velocity control, letting you program dynamic micro-patterns within steps. A step might have its first subdivision at velocity 100, second at 60, third at 90, fourth at 40—creating accent patterns and dynamic variation impossible with per-step velocity alone.

The velocity function in random subdivision mode automatically distributes velocity across however many subdivisions are generated. Set it to ramp from high to low, and a step with 4 subdivisions will have velocities gradually decreasing, while the same step with 12 subdivisions will spread that same velocity curve across more hits. This ensures musical coherence regardless of subdivision count.

Variation amounts per subdivision add yet another layer of dynamic control, introducing controlled randomness to velocity values so patterns never sound robotic or mechanically repeated.

Probability at Multiple Levels

FRAKTOR implements probability at both step level and subdivision level. Step probability determines whether an entire step triggers. Subdivision probability determines whether individual subdivisions within that step fire. This layered probability creates incredibly nuanced variation.

A step might have 100% probability (always triggers) but its subdivisions might have varying probabilities—first subdivision 100%, second 70%, third 40%, fourth 30%. The step always plays, but which subdivisions actually fire varies, creating patterns that feel alive and responsive rather than mechanically looped.

This multi-level probability approach is perfect for drum programming where you want certain hits (like kicks) to always play while others (like ghost notes or hi-hat variations) appear sporadically, or for melodic sequences where main notes are consistent but passing tones and embellishments vary.

Global Swing

Global Swing applies groove timing across all six sequences simultaneously, shifting alternate subdivisions for shuffle feels. Even with FRAKTOR’s complex subdivision architecture, swing ensures everything locks together with consistent groove. This is essential for keeping polyrhythmic patterns feeling coherent rather than chaotic.

Creative Applications

Polyrhythmic Drum Programming: Use multiple sequences for different drum elements, each with different subdivision patterns and speeds. Create interlocking rhythms impossible to program manually.

Evolving Melodic Sequences: Combine per-step pitch control with per-subdivision offsets to create arpeggios and melodic patterns that evolve as different subdivisions trigger. Add probability for variation that keeps sequences fresh through infinite repetitions.

Generative Composition: Push randomization high, enable random subdivision mode, and let FRAKTOR generate unpredictable yet musical patterns. Perfect for ambient, experimental, or generative music where evolution is more important than precise repetition.

Complex Percussion Patterns: Use subdivision variation to create realistic drum patterns with ghost notes, flams, and dynamic accents. Per-subdivision velocity and probability create human-feeling groove that never sounds quantized.

Bass Pattern Evolution: Program bass sequences where pitch changes per step (harmonic progression) while subdivisions add rhythmic interest and melodic embellishment through pitch offsets. The bass line stays harmonically consistent while rhythmic detail varies.

How to Use

Insert FRAKTOR as a MIDI effect before any instrument in Ableton Live. Start with a single sequence, programming step count and basic subdivision patterns. Add velocity variation, then explore pitch controls at step and subdivision levels. Enable random subdivision mode on selected steps for evolving patterns.

Add more sequences as your pattern grows, assigning each to different notes or instruments. Use the speed controls to create polyrhythmic relationships between sequences. Dial in randomization amounts for controlled chaos, and adjust probability settings for variation that keeps patterns interesting through repetition.

All parameters are fully mappable to Push, MIDI controllers, or automation. Automate subdivision counts for patterns that build in complexity, modulate randomization amounts for sections that become more or less chaotic, or map speed controls to expression for live performance tempo manipulation.

Ideal For

Electronic producers creating complex rhythmic patterns beyond typical step sequencer capabilities. Experimental musicians exploring generative composition and controlled randomness. Drum programmers seeking realistic, human-feeling patterns with dynamic variation. Modular synth enthusiasts who want Eurorack-style subdivision sequencing in Ableton. Anyone frustrated by the limitations of traditional 16-step sequencers who needs deeper control over every parameter at every level.

What’s Included

• FRAKTOR MaxforLive MIDI effect device with 6 independent sequences
• Full parameter mapping for Push and MIDI controllers
• Compatible with Ableton Live 11 & 12 (Standard with MaxforLive or Suite)

Requirements

• Ableton Live 11 Standard with MaxforLive installed, or Ableton Live 11/12 Suite
• Mac or Windows operating system

FRAKTOR by LDM Design reimagines what step sequencers can be. Subdivision architecture with up to 16 divisions per step, multi-level pitch control, four randomization methods, and per-subdivision parameter control create a sequencer capable of generating complex, evolving patterns that would take hours to program manually elsewhere.

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