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Steinberg Sequel 3: now with plug-in support.

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Steinberg has released Sequel 3, a new version of its entry-level music making software.

The package sits underneath the Cubase range, offering a friendlier interface and an easier workflow. However, version 3 adds several features that look set to make Sequel significantly more flexible.

First up, Steinberg has finally added VST support, opening the door to the use of third-party plug-ins. Its omission in past versions has always been something of a mystery, but at least it's finally here. UPDATE: It seems that only VST 3 plug-ins are supported, which does limit compatibility somewhat.

What's more, Steinberg's own HALion Sonic SE workstation and VST Amp Rack SE come included.

Other new features include the Beat Page, which is powered by the Groove Agent One 'drum station' and is designed to help you with your beat creation, and a performance mode that assigns different sections of your song to trigger pads.

Finally, Sequel now detects the tempo of imported MP3 files, making it easier for you to go about the process of reworking them.

Sequel 3 is available now from the Steinberg online shop and costs £67.76. The update from Sequel 2 costs £25.40. Read on for the official press release.

Steinberg Sequel 3 press release

Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH today released Sequel 3. Designed to meet the needs of entry-level computer music enthusiasts, Sequel 3 is an easy-to-use music software application for recording, editing and mixing. Its instruments and effects, plus the included arranging and performance features, turn Windows and Mac computers into streamlined production studios that cater ideally to the user's degree of sophistication.

For anyone interested in getting to know the ropes of computer music production, Sequel 3 is the ideal tool to start out on this endeavor. Providing versatility through its feature set and high-quality content as well as intuitiveness owing to its one-window design make Sequel 3 the all-in-one solution for songwriters, composers and producers of different music styles.

"With Sequel 3, we're providing a powerful audio and MIDI sequencer that makes creating music an intuitive and enjoyable experience. Offered at a price point affordable for everyone, Sequel 3 adds many editing tools, effects and content to both its timeline-based recording and pattern-based performance modes. Plugging into Sequel with your keyboard, mic or guitar lets you start jamming within minutes," commented Matthias Quellmann, Steinberg's product marketing manager for Sequel.

Sequel 3 includes more than 5,000 high-quality loops and sounds of various music styles, which are easily accessible through Steinberg's acclaimed MediaBay media management tool. With an additional 500+ workstation sounds, the HALion Sonic SE plug-in nicely rounds out the quality content included in Sequel.

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