What is BlueARP plugin
BlueARP is a programmable pattern arpeggiator with a step-sequencer approach.
Since 2012 it had long journey from a basic pattern arp into a flexible MIDI engine capable of creating trance/EDM arpeggios, melodic bass lines that follow chords, drum patterns and fills, guitar picking and strumming patterns (with chuck articulation), and more.
BlueARP doesn't make music for you - it helps you create your own. You define the pattern. BlueARP executes it with precision and control.
It is free to use in both commercial and non-commercial projects,
with no feature limitations, ads, or “pro” versions. Donations are welcome, but entirely optional.
BlueARP was initially designed with electronic music in mind (Trance, House, and similar styles). It still excels at fast “trancey” arpeggios, rhythmic bass lines, gated pads, and classic step sequencing.
Over time, however, it has grown beyond its initial purpose. New operation modes — such as drum sequencing and guitar strumming — extend it into different types of pattern programming. Each mode introduces its own logic and parameters, effectively turning BlueARP into a different tool depending on the task, while keeping common logic like pattern chains and chain variations.
The interface may look intimidating at first and takes a bit of time to learn, but most users find it logical and efficient once they get familiar with it.
BlueARP is a MIDI plugin, so instead of making sounds it generates MIDI messages that should be routed to either software or hardware synth in any DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), check the manual on the details on how to do this.
If you prefer watching videos over reading the manual, here’s the most comprehensive 1-hout long video manual for BlueARP
Support and Discussion
The latest version and manuals are in the Download section:
In 2012 BlueARP plugin was released to the public here:
https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=361311
This is still the main place to post questions, feedback. I announce all the releases there as well.
Specifications
BlueARP is available as VST, VST3 and AU MIDI-FX plugin for Windows and macOS.
Compatibility info
Formats: VST plugin 64-bit, AU MIDI-FX 64-bit (for Logic Pro X)
OS: OSX (10.13 or later, tested on 10.13 and 15.7.4), Windows 10 or higher (in theory should work in Windows 7, but never tested)
PS. If you need a 32 bit version for Windows XP, let me know, I can still compile it
Key features
- 4 operation modes: arpeggiator, fixed arp, drum sequencer and guitar strum;
each operation mode has its own approach to sequencing, like the guitar strum is specifically for guitar strumming and picking patterns; - Up to 64 steps per pattern;
- Up to 128 programs per bank;
- “Chains” feature to chain patterns together into longer «super-patterns»;
- “Chain variations” feature to make chains additionally depend on pre-defined conditions like chord change, velocity change, etc.;
- Ability to switch chains on the fly with real-time input quantization;
- 128 factory patterns to start with, separate factory banks for arpeggiator, drum sequencer and guitar strum operation modes;
- Intuitive matrix editor to program patterns quickly;
- Almost all controls can be automated;
- Up to 5 input keys in a chord;
- Real-time input keys quantization;
- Chord recognition with ability to derive scale from the detected chord;
- Input range filtering for keyboard-split performances;
- Separate settings for octave and semitone per step transpose;
- Configurable color schemes (skins);
- Sizeable GUI;
Demonstration videos
Here are a few performance videos driven by BlueARP plugin
Last but not least, this the on-stage performance powered by BlueARP plugin: