Preserving Visual Notation Systems for Classic Step Sequencers
A digital archive dedicated to the step-sequence patterns of iconic drum machines and synthesizers from the early 1980s
How Preservation Works
Two ways to participate in saving electronic music history
Save Your Own Patterns
Document your sequences using the community's visual notation system. Protect your creative work from hardware failure and memory loss.
- •Create permanent backups
- •Share your sequences with the global community
- •Contribute to a living archive for future generations
Discover Iconic Sequences
Coming SoonAccess recreations of legendary acid basslines and drum patterns that shaped electronic music history.
- •Explore patterns from classic acid house and techno tracks
- •Learn the sequences that defined entire genres
- •View cultural context, track info, and artist stories
Supported Devices
Bass Line synthesizer (1981-1984). The sound of acid house.
Drumatix (1981-1984).
TB-303's rhythm companion.
Rhythm Composer (1980-1983).
The legendary booming kick that defined hip-hop.
Rhythm Composer (1983-1984).
The heartbeat of techno.
More Than Just Backup
These machines changed music forever, but their memory is fragile. Hardware failure, time, and accidents mean creative work can vanish instantly.
The visual notation system emerged organically from bedroom producers sharing sequences on forums and in magazines. It's a grassroots preservation effort that deserves a permanent home.
By archiving these patterns, we're documenting an entire musical language—one that shaped acid house, techno, electro, and countless other genres.
Join the Preservation Effort
Whether you're backing up your studio work or transcribing historical patterns, every contribution strengthens this archive. Help ensure that this knowledge remains accessible for future generations of musicians, researchers, and enthusiasts.
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