MOTM

>>>>
I've always questioned the need to have pots/knobs for every stage 
and row of a sequence. All those knobs and LEDs sure look great, but 
are they really necessary?

It would be much cheaper to build a digital/analogue hybrid with a 
single programmer pot/knob to dial in (or sample from an external 
source) the voltage at each sequence stage. The voltage is then A/D 
converted and stored in memory for later playback 
<<<<

Scott,

You are really talking about a pattern sequencer, a different beast 
than a step sequencer. The two large sequencers that Paul has talked 
about building (MOAS = Mother of All Sequencers, DOMOAS = Daughter of 
Mother of All Sequencers) are both pattern sequencers laid out almost 
exactly as you describe. Except they have BOTH an alpha wheel for 
data entry and a single row of 8 pots for realtime tweaking.

You would really want both types in your sequencer arsenal. I know I 
do.

Moe