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BankStep is a software emulation of hardware bank sequencers found in the big analog synthesizers, that produce control for the sound but not the sound itself. Instead of analog control voltages BankStep produces MIDI (and can make standard MIDI music files). Otherwise, BankStep functionally emulates a big $50,000 bank of hardware sequencers and supporting modules just as it might sit on top of a big Moog analog synthesizer - or your soft synth, MIDI module or sound card.
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The main module in BankStep is the Bank module, which is a 3 or 4 bank knob sequencer of any number of columns up to 48. The Bank module is a "smart" module, with the ability to set sequence start and end points, and to automatically switch direction when the end points are reversed.
There are no dangling patchchords in BankStep. Instead, module inputs (the red and blue buttons) connect to outputs by selecting them from a popup menu of all available outputs. When an input is connected to an output, the input button label indicates the connection.
Browse
the BankStep Online Manual
Printable PDF Manual
Play MIDI files made with BankStep:
STEPbySTEP.mp3
SlapStep.mp3
SmoothStep.mp3
Difference between BankStep and SoftStep
While both BankStep and SoftStep are similar in many ways, they are fundamentally different programs intended to be used in different ways. With BankStep you work with one of the existing module layouts rather than creating modules as you need them. This is less flexible than SoftStep, but it is easier for some to get started with; and because you likely will use the same layouts over and over, you become familiar with them. Also there are fewer modules to learn - only a couple dozen in BankStep vs. nearly 200 in SoftStep.
Comparison of ArtWonk, SoftStep and BankStep
BankStep runs on all Windows operating systems from Windows 95 on. This includes Windows 95, 98, ME, XP, 2000, and NT4. While there are no hard limitations on CPU speed, we recommend 300 MHz or faster for best results. You also need a MIDI compatible sound card or interface. If you can play a .mid file, SoftStep will work. A graphics display of at least 800x600 High Color (16-bit) or True Color is recommended. System memory should be at least the minimum recommended by your version of Windows.
Our software works great with just about any Windows sound card, MIDI driver or device. This includes most sound cards, external MIDI interfaces to hardware synthesizers, and software synthesizers. We have extensively tested for real time coexistence and compatibility with the entire SoundBlaster Live! and Audigy lines of sound cards and most popular popular software synthesizers such as Reaktor, VAZ, ABox,VirSyn Tera, GigaSampler/GigaStudio, Kyma, and Creamware SFP/Pulsar.
