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What is sequencer.js?

mrdoob/sequencer.js — explained in plain English

Analysis updated 2026-07-27 · repo last pushed 2011-08-03

64JavaScriptAudience · developerComplexity · 2/5DormantSetup · moderate

In one sentence

Sequencer.js is a JavaScript tool for building step-based audio sequences in the browser. It lets developers trigger sounds at timed intervals to create rhythmic music apps, games, or interactive art using code.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((repo))
    What it does
      Plays timed audio steps
      Schedules sound events
      Browser-based sequencing
    Tech stack
      JavaScript
      Web Audio
    Use cases
      Drum machine apps
      Generative music tools
      Browser games audio
      Interactive art
    Audience
      Web developers
      Creative coders
    Status
      Minimal docs
      Explore code to learn

Code map

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filefunction / class

What do people build with it?

USE CASE 1

Build a browser-based drum machine that triggers sounds on a step grid.

USE CASE 2

Create a generative music tool that plays notes at timed intervals.

USE CASE 3

Add tightly synced audio to an interactive web game or art installation.

USE CASE 4

Develop a web app where visuals and beats stay locked together on a timeline.

What is it built with?

JavaScriptWeb Audio API

How does it compare?

mrdoob/sequencer.jscdredfox/workbuddy-skin-studiokiddo-pwn/ffffirefox
Stars646464
LanguageJavaScriptJavaScriptJavaScript
Last pushed2011-08-03
MaintenanceDormant
Setup difficultymoderatemoderatehard
Complexity2/53/55/5
Audiencedevelopergeneralresearcher

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you get it running?

Difficulty · moderate Time to first run · 30min

The README has no documentation, so you must read the source code to understand the API and figure out how to use it.

No license information is provided in the README, so the terms of use are unclear.

So what is it?

Sequencer.js is a JavaScript project meant to act as a sequencer, which in music terms is a tool that plays back notes or sounds in a specific, timed order. The core idea is to give developers a way to build rhythmic, step-based audio directly in the browser using code rather than traditional music software. Based on the name and context, the project likely works by letting you schedule audio events on a timeline, triggering sounds at precise intervals. This is a common need in web-based music apps, games, or interactive art where timing matters and everything runs in JavaScript. A typical sequencer divides time into steps or beats, then fires off whatever sound or action you've assigned to each step. The people who would use this are likely web developers building music-related projects, interactive installations, or browser games where audio needs to stay tightly synced. For example, if you're building a drum machine web app, a generative music tool, or a site where visuals and beats need to stay locked together, something like this handles the timing layer so you can focus on the creative side. The README doesn't go into detail beyond the project name, so there's no documentation available to confirm specific features, usage instructions, or design choices. If you're curious about how to actually implement it, you'd need to explore the code directly to understand the API and what tradeoffs the author made.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1
I want to build a simple browser drum machine using Sequencer.js. Help me set up a basic HTML page that loads the library, creates a 16-step sequence, and triggers a kick drum sound on every fourth step.
Prompt 2
Using Sequencer.js, write a generative music pattern that randomly plays notes from a pentatonic scale at 120 BPM. Include the HTML and JavaScript needed to run it in a browser.
Prompt 3
Help me understand the Sequencer.js API by reading the source code. Walk me through how to schedule audio events, assign sounds to steps, and start or stop playback.
Prompt 4
I'm building an interactive web installation where visuals animate in sync with a beat. Show me how to use Sequencer.js as the timing layer so my visual callbacks fire on each step of the sequence.

Frequently asked questions

What is sequencer.js?

Sequencer.js is a JavaScript tool for building step-based audio sequences in the browser. It lets developers trigger sounds at timed intervals to create rhythmic music apps, games, or interactive art using code.

What language is sequencer.js written in?

Mainly JavaScript. The stack also includes JavaScript, Web Audio API.

Is sequencer.js actively maintained?

Dormant — no commits in 2+ years (last push 2011-08-03).

What license does sequencer.js use?

No license information is provided in the README, so the terms of use are unclear.

How hard is sequencer.js to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated moderate, with roughly 30min to a first successful run.

Who is sequencer.js for?

Mainly developer.

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