Sequencer Guide
Complete guide to programming custom rhythm patterns in FlowBeats sequencer
Last updated: 2026-03-21
The sequencer is the core editing tool of the rhythm feature, allowing you to intuitively program rhythm patterns through a visual grid.
Interface Layout
Grid Structure
- Horizontal (Columns): Timeline, grouped by measures, each column represents a beat position
- Vertical (Rows): Sound tracks, each row represents an independent sound
- Cell States:
- Empty = Off (silent)
- Filled = On (triggers sound)
Track Overview
Each sound kit contains 3 tracks with different rhythm roles:
| Role | Description | Sound Example (Drum Kit) |
|---|---|---|
| Beat | Downbeat, main rhythm | Kick drum |
| Accent | Backbeat, emphasis | Snare drum |
| Fill | Decoration, continuous hits | Hi-hat |
Voice sound kit contains 2 tracks:
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Male | Male voice counting |
| Female | Female voice counting |
Grid Size
Grid columns are determined by time signature and subdivision:
Total Cells = Time Signature Top × Subdivision Value
| Time Sig | Subdivision | Total Cells |
|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | Quarter | 4 |
| 4/4 | Eighth | 8 |
| 4/4 | Triplet | 12 |
| 4/4 | Sixteenth | 16 |
| 3/4 | Eighth | 6 |
Editing Operations
Toggle Beats
Tap any cell to toggle its on/off state:
- Lit = Triggers sound at this position
- Dim = Silent at this position
Preview Sounds
Tap the track name on the left (e.g., "Beat") to preview that track's sound before programming.
Playback Indicator
During playback, the current beat column has a neon border highlight, and the playhead automatically moves to the current beat position.
Playback Settings
Tap the Settings button (gear icon) on the right side of the sequencer to adjust:
Follow Playback
- On: Grid auto-scrolls during playback to always show current position
- Off: Free to browse any position without auto-scrolling
Use case: Enable for large grids to easily track current position.
Latency Compensation
Adjusts audio-visual sync to resolve delay between what you see and hear:
- Playhead appears before sound → Increase compensation
- Playhead appears after sound → Decrease compensation
- Range: 0 - 1000 milliseconds
:::note Latency is mainly caused by audio output hardware. Physical devices typically need ~400ms compensation, while simulators usually need 0ms. :::
Programming Tips
Basic 4/4 Beat
Most common rock/pop rhythm:
Beat: X . . . X . . .
Accent: . . X . . . X .
Fill: X X X X X X X X
Syncopated Rhythm
Create syncopation by adding accents on weak beats:
Beat: X . . . X . . .
Accent: . X . X . X . X
Fill: . . . . . . . .
Shuffle Groove
Use triplet subdivision, trigger only on positions 1 and 3:
Beat: X . . X . . X . . X . .
Accent: . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fill: X . X X . X X . X X . X
16th Note Intensive Rhythm
Suitable for metal/high-speed styles:
Beat: X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Accent: . . X . . . X . . . X . . . X .
Fill: X . X . X . X . X . X . X . X .
FAQ
Q: How do I quickly clear a track?
Long-press the track name to quickly clear all beats on that track.
Q: Why does my rhythm change when switching sound kits?
Different sound kits may have different track configurations (e.g., Drum Kit has 3 tracks vs Voice has 2 tracks). When switching, the app preserves what can be mapped.
Q: How can I make my rhythm feel more "alive"?
- Avoid filling all tracks completely; leave breathing room
- Use sparser patterns on the Fill track
- Try different subdivision types (e.g., triplet vs eighth)
Q: I can't see the current position during playback?
Make sure "Follow Playback" is enabled, or manually scroll to the current playback position.