Frap Tools USTA

The Frap Tools USTA is a sublime four channel CV sequencer that’s capable of producing a stunning variety of non-linear sequences and musical phrases, thanks to the way it handles step time independently of incoming clock pulses.

USTA’s front panel is made up for 16 push rotary encoders, which serve multiple duties depending on the state the module is in, they can handle pitch, note length, handle ratcheting, tie sequence programs together, mute steps and much more. These individual segments are dubbed stages, the stages form a pattern.

Since USTA handles voltage levels and time “levels” independently, the length of a sequence is not defined by the incoming clock pulses, sure it can be sync’d to clock but a 16 note sequence can set up to last a lot longer than 16 steps, meaning compound time signatures, complex polyrhythm’s and wonderful evolving melodies can be dialled in with ease.

Each track can run at a total independent division or multiplication of the master clock, or can be totally free running and derive it’s tempo internally, for more unusual and interesting results.

As previously mentioned, USTA handles four simultaneous tracks of control voltage and gates, with each channel producing two CVs and two Gates, it’s able to produces raw, un-quantized voltages or finely tuned quantised voltages with a vast selection of scales and root notes.

With a full suite of performance tools on hand, with a stunning, beautifully clear UI and a tonne of external CV routing options to enhance and modify your patterns, USTA is probably the finest sequencer available in the euro format today.