STEPPER v1.8 Cartridge [CHIPTUNE] for Gameboy Advance, 16-Step Sequencer

Developed by badd10de

STEPPER is a 16-step sequencer for the Game Boy Advance (GBA).

It features an intuitive workflow inspired by Elektron instruments with per-trigger parametrization that allows access to the 4 DMG sound channels in the console (2 square waves channels, 1 custom wave channel and 1 noise channel). Supports 6 banks of 8 patterns that can be queued for live performance.

This project is open source and can be downloaded for free here. If you want to support its development you can also get the playable rom via itch.io (Pay what you want). STEPPER is best run on real hardware but you can try it on emulators, though some can introduce sound bugs. You can also try it out directly in the browser.

Controls

• D-Pad: Moves the cursor.
• Start: Start/Stop the sequence.
• Select: Context dependent mod key. Used for:
• Quick saving the current bank.
• Copy pasting.
• Adjusting notes by octaves.
• Adjusting bpm by multiples of 10.
• B: Toggles channels/triggers and play/pause/stop, switches banks and patterns, activates nudge mode on triggers.
• A: Hold it to adjust trigger parameters.
• L/R: Change trigger notes, parameter values, or BPM.
• Save/Load

STEPPER supports up to 6 banks of 8 patterns each. The current bank is saved by switching banks or selecting the current one in the bank section (If the auto-save option is active). The banks are saved to the SRAM and upon launching STEPPER the last saved state will be loaded. Use “Select + Start” to manually save the current bank.

Full instructions here.

Optionally you can clock sync the GBA ROM ‘STEPPER’ with the Arduinoboy set to nanoloop mode and STEPPER set to Sync: LINK IN (24BPQ)

Pre-flashed and ready to go, this custom cartridge offers everything you need to create beats and melodies.

Support the Creators: $5 from every purchase goes directly to the STEPPER creators.

You can also donate directly to them at their itch page here.