Stochas
System :
Win32
Win64
OSX
Linux
Format :
VST
AU
Stochas is a probabilistic polyrhythmic step sequencer / chord generator.
Stochas is at it’s core a step sequencer, which means it generates MIDI notes. As such it does not generate any sound of it’s own but can be used to sequence other plugins and/or hardware synthesizers. Although it can be used for basic step sequencing, it’s main function is to provide randomness to the step sequencing process. It does this in a few ways:
Stochas is at it’s core a step sequencer, which means it generates MIDI notes. As such it does not generate any sound of it’s own but can be used to sequence other plugins and/or hardware synthesizers. Although it can be used for basic step sequencing, it’s main function is to provide randomness to the step sequencing process. It does this in a few ways:
- Randomly determine whether a note should be played or not (create more dynamic and varied drum patterns).
- Randomly choose between two or more notes to play at a specific time (create random or semi-random melodic or drum lines).
- Add slight timing randomness to notes so that they play slightly before or after their position.
- Add randomness to velocity and length of notes.
- Suitable for both drum and melodic programming.
- Live performance features - Most features can be controlled by MIDI so that you can mute/unmute layers, switch patterns, change timing, transpose notes, etc.
- Polyrhythms - Create up to 4 simultaneous layers with different time signature, playback speed and/or number of steps per layer.
- Patterns - switch between patterns during playback for more variety.
- Timing - Parts can be played at eg half-time or double-time, etc
- Groove and humanization - Steps can be individually shifted off the grid. Basic swing can be applied, as well as grooves. Grooves can be imported from MIDI files.
- Chords - quickly select and add chords to your sequence.
- Note customization - Select which MIDI notes are visible in your grid, and even customize the names (useful for drumkits). These customizations can be imported/exported. In addition you can select from standard scales to make it easy to program in melodies.
- Chain mode allows procedural programming (e.g. “if this note plays/doesn’t play then always/never play this other note”).
- Record incoming MIDI to the grid.
- Themable interface.
Zero MT
(5/5)
Mar 05 2026
This one is a Zero MT [Must Have]. The piano roll itself is very nice to have (especially if, like me you compose in a patchbay-like environment that doesn't have a native piano roll editor). The learning curve isn't steep, but it's a bit steeper than it needs to be (keep revisiting the Settings and Options, you can typically get it to do what you need it to do (e.g. show more columns, rows, etc.) but it is not as intuitive as it could be). Still it's worth your time. You can control (AND add randomness too) many elements, including the very rare option of "branching"... i.e. patterns that start off the same, but then randomly branch into one of any number of variants. Your experimentation will be rewarded here! Don't make the assumption that there is something sequential that you can't do, you probably can. Also if things like key changes or transpositions (for which sequencers like Stochas aren't ideal) are needed, you can easily add some simple downstream midi effects, keeping all the complexity wrapped in Stochas and moving the simple things like transpostions into simpler utilities that will play nicely downstream.
FredfromJupiter
(5/5)
Nov 25 2024
A king among Kings! I sequence almost everything through this including the drums. All I wish for is MORE, more tracks, more steps, more of everything!
farmar
(5/5)
Oct 16 2023
Absolutely fantastic and crucial to my creation process. My daw didnt have a sequencer and this solved it plus added a human feel with the features.
Eel
(5/5)
Oct 18 2022
Fantastic!
Dr Tonka
(5/5)
Mar 14 2022
Another great VST. This thing will slice and dice your MIDI using a variety of stochastic (i.e., probability based) systems and choices. A really great way to make complex rhythms and melodic messes. This isn't a Required VST (like Dexed or Tyrell) but it is an extremely useful one for those who need this kind of chaos in their music.
OBYONETAOPY
(5/5)
Apr 20 2021
This thing is GREAT..... it can do complex stuff, thanks to the developper, and THIS VST3 works fine in VSTHOST..... it's one of my favorite sequencer so far... I think I have all the free sequencers on the market, but this one is the easiest to use, and low CPU usage... it's a win
Johnnnn
(4/5)
Apr 05 2021
Stochastic sequencing throws up things you don't expect. These types of sequencers are often best used on the less important instruments in a mix, and can be a bit too unpredictable for use on the main rhythm. This is a great plugin, my DAW (Ableton), doesn't have stochastic sequencing, so this is useful for me. Thank you developer.
Don
(3/5)
Mar 28 2021
Does what most Daws do
PSY-LION
(5/5)
Mar 01 2021
Great tool!!!
audioonlinux
(5/5)
Feb 27 2021
Very good, thanks for the Linux version XD
Codesound
(5/5)
Feb 27 2021
Beautiful!!! Thanks for the Linux version!
TehCarterPSpartan
(5/5)
Feb 27 2021
New plugin!
