Toneworks
Catalyst €79
Bored of programming via the piano roll? Try jazzing up your riffs with this inventive step sequencer that can host VST instruments
Danish company Toneworks brings a fresh take on the humble step sequencer with its first product release, Catalyst. It’s a flexible programming tool with a 32-step sequencer, harmonizer, and arpeggiator. However, its unique trick is the ability to host VST or AU instrument plugins, thus saving time with MIDI routing headaches. You can also sequence synth parameters directly in the plugin, leading to some complex and intricate-sounding patterns.
The first thing to do when you load Catalyst, is to scan your plugin folder for VST/AU instruments. Once fully scanned, you can select the Synth Plugin page and choose an instrument from the list. We opened an instance of u-he’s Diva, which filled the lower portion of the GUI and didn’t quite fit our screen. Thankfully you can resize the GUI, from 40% to 150%.