Phrasebox is a phrase arpeggiator that lets you craft expressive sequences from MIDI chords.
Phrasebox is a phrase arpeggiator that gives you control over the playback like never before. With its DAW-like piano roll you can create expressive, layered melodies, which aren't constrained to a fixed grid like traditional step arpeggiators.
The notes you play in are mapped onto the notes in the editor, with each row selecting a note based on rules applied. You can select notes based on pitch order, timing, velocity, or randomly, as well as creating static notes with a fixed pitch. You can have as many rows as you want, each with additional rules applied, such as adding a transpose or outputting on a different MIDI channel.
The feature-rich editor allows for the complex editing of phrases, with options such as repeated notes and individual row lengths with repeats. Phrases can be any length, in any time signature, and can be looped continuously or as a one-shot. The controller editor can edit any number of automation lanes, with multi-channel output and complex curve shapes.
Phrasebox also features a lock-to-key option, so that your transposed notes are never out of key. In addition, it has many different types of playback trigger modes.
Features
Phrase Arpeggiation
Phrasebox is an arpeggiator turned up to 11. It takes your incoming notes, but instead of just outputting a static pattern it maps them onto rows in the editor based on rules you define.
This approach lets you create complex phrases from simple MIDI chords, and creating new sections and variations is as easy as changing the notes you play in.
DAW-Like Control
Phrasebox isn't like traditional step sequencers or arpeggiators that are limited to fixed steps - you have full control over the timing and length of notes as if you were in your DAW's piano roll.
Alongside velocity controls, you can also adjust each note's transposition and the probability that the note will play. These controls can be set into 'range-mode', allowing for variations during the playback of phrases.
Freeform Editing
A phrase can have any length, from a tiny blip to a full song. The grid has multiple options, and can have a different time signature for each phrase.
The editor can be panned and zoomed, and there are multiple features for editing notes. Alongside features such as reversing and legato, there are a selection of custom tools, such as a pencil and brush mode.
Expandability
Phrases can have any number of rows with different rules applied. This approach allows you to have multiple rows using the same input note, but outputting with different transpose values and MIDI channels.
The rows can be reordered, renamed, and recoloured for better organisation of the editor. Phrases and controller lanes can also be renamed to help with organisation.
Controller Editing
Alongside note patterns, you can also send multi-channel MIDI controller data. With as many controller lanes as you need, you can design everything from piano parts using the hold pedal, to automated synth filters and pitch bends to make the perfect melody line.
Loops and Repeats
Phrases can be set to loop forever, never, or a set number of times. Additionally, each row can have its own loop points, allowing polyrhythms or easier repeated notes. Notes also have the ability to repeat, either in sync with playback, or split into an equal number of repeats.
Phrasebox 2 Beta Information
Please note that Phrasebox 2 is currently in Beta.
This version is only available for owners of version one. If you own version 1, you can find the downloads and license in your User Area.
Although we aim to avoid any breaking changes in the release, there may be updates which may slightly affect loading in the final release version.
For any issues or feedback, please drop an email to beta@venomode.com.
Download
Latest Version - 0.7.7
No downloads available
System Requirements
- Windows 10+ / MacOS 10.13+ / Ubuntu 22.04+
- 64 Bit VST2 / VST3 / AU / AAX DAW*
- Dual Core CPU / Apple M1
*MIDI plugins require a host that can support MIDI routing. Garageband, Reason, and Maschine don't have this functionality and are not compatible with Phrasebox 2.