Hi again Łukasz / @Borsook,
thanks for reading my “elaborate”.
However, a possible replacement of Cubase’s integrated StepDesigner (-Ref. 1-) and Beat Designer (-Ref. 2-) wasn’t really my point, but rather the possible extension of Cubase’s current functionality by optionally using some nicely thought-out (and readily accessible) VST plug-ins, as additional creative tools.
In addition, any readers of this thread who currently might only have access to Cubase Elements, but not to Cubase Pro or Artist, couldn’t use either one of these two integrated step sequencers anyway - but they can make use of third party VST step sequencers.
One older integrated sequencer (for slicing + re-assembling audio material within a beat-related grid) that used to come with (up to) Cubase Artist / Pro / Nuendo 11 was the brilliant virtual instrument LoopMash 2.0. Sadly, this one became discontinued upon release of Cubase Artist / Pro / Nuendo 12. Only LoopMash FX are still part of Cubase Artist / Pro / Nuendo 12 and 13.
(-Ref. 3-)
I’d even like to add the (not really necessary) side note that Cubase’s main MIDI sequencer, the Key Editor (+ some practical / relevant note resolution choices + snap grid) could always also serve as an almost limitless and highly flexible step sequencer (although it’s so much more than just “some” step sequencer). (-Ref. 4-)
Then also @Johnny_Moneto has made his very good point by mentioning the very capable Drum Editor. (-Ref. 5-)
Finally, the full version of GrooveAgent 5 contains the quite useful Pattern Editor, which has obvious similarities to a (drum / percussion) step sequencer. (-Ref. 6-)
And for those who have access to either the HALion Sonic 7 Collection, or to HALion 7 (full version), or to the Absolute Collection 6, there’s another step sequencing environment, a *.vstsound sub-instrument named B-Box. (-Ref. 7-)
The amazing thing with Cubase - at least as I can see it - is its often organic connections between all functional sections including the main VST instruments, so that a creative task can often be tackled from different perspectives.
Of course Steinberg could give their Cubase Artist / Pro / Nuendo integrated Beat Designer at least some functional overhaul, but then I guess that any serious inquiry should at least take into consideration all of the already existing step sequencing options, features and concepts.
Best wishes,
Markus
→ References:
Summary
(-1-) Cubase Artist / Pro 13 only
StepDesigner
(-2-) Cubase Artist / Pro 13 only
Beat Designer
(-3-) LoopMash 2.0 (discontinued after Cubase Artist / Pro / Nuendo 11)
LoopMash
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Nuendo 12 Bring back LoopMash VST Instrument not just LoopMash FX - #4 by MixMike
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Cubase 11 - Version features comparison (Aug 26, 2021, archived)
Compare the versions of Cubase | Steinberg
(-4-) Cubase Elements / Artist / Pro 13
Key Editor
(-5-) Cubase Elements / Artist / Pro 13
Drum Editor
(-6-) GrooveAgent 5.x (full version only) / Acoustic Agent
Pattern Editor
(-7-) B-Box - HALion 7 (full), HALion Sonic 7 Collection, Absolute Collection 6
Pattern Page
[ edit: typos, addendum, readability ]