2hp Step (2012–2023)
A deceptively simple 16-step sequencer that turns minimalism into a superpower—until you realize it’s rewiring your brain.
Overview
Patch in a VCO, turn the knobs, and the rhythm locks you in. The 2hp Step is about 2HP wide, barely a sliver of brushed aluminum, and it holds a full 16-step voltage sequencer. It can control pitch, filter cutoff, panning, or any other CV parameter you throw at it. There's no screen, no menu diving, no presets. You get 16 knobs, a clock input, a reset, and a single output. Every turn of a knob changes the sound directly.
The Step was originally released in 2012, early in the Eurorack boom, when builders were still figuring out how much they could pack into tiny spaces. 2hp, founded by engineer Tony Rolando, made its name by showing that small size didn't have to mean small function. The Step was one of the brand's earliest hits because it did one thing well: step sequencing with hands-on control. It wasn't the first 16-step CV sequencer, but it was among the first to fit into 2HP while keeping individual per-step voltage control. That made it a favorite for minimalists, travelers, and anyone with a cramped case.
The Step doesn't color your signal. It's a utility module, not a sound source. Patch it to a filter and it carves rhythmic holes in the sound. Patch it to an oscillator and it plays melodies. Because each step outputs a steady CV voltage, you can also use it to modulate effects depth, LFO rate, or the position of a crossfader in a mixer. It runs on 3.3V logic, so the voltage range is limited compared to some other sequencers (maxing out around 3.3V). That's rarely a dealbreaker in practice. Most oscillators respond fine to that range, especially when transposed via octave switches elsewhere in the patch.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | 2hp |
| Production Years | 2012–2023 |
| Module Width | 2HP |
| Depth | 35mm |
| Current Draw +12V | 20mA |
| Current Draw -12V | 5mA |
| Steps | 16 |
| Step Resolution | 8-bit (256 steps) |
| Output Voltage Range | 0–3.3V |
| Clock Input | Yes, 3.5mm jack |
| Reset Input | Yes, 3.5mm jack |
| Run Input | No |
| Direction Control | No |
| CV Output | 1 (per-step voltage) |
| Gate Output | No |
| Linkable | Yes, via 3.5mm cable to other 2hp sequencers |
| Linkable Modules | Seq, Step, Shift |
| Knobs | 16 precision potentiometers |
| Color | Black anodized aluminum panel with white labels |
| Mounting | Standard Eurorack 3U |
Key Features
The 2HP Miracle: Density Without Sacrifice
At 2HP, space is everything. Most modules at this width are passive attenuators or simple switches. The Step packs 16 individually adjustable voltage outputs into the same footprint. Each potentiometer is surface-mounted, the PCB is tightly layered, and the front panel is stripped of all non-essentials. There's no LED per step, no skip function, no probability. The linking capability is the clever part. With a 3.5mm patch cable, you can daisy-chain multiple 2hp sequencers - Step, Seq, or Shift - into a longer sequence. Two Steps give you 32 steps, three give you 48.
Tactile Precision in a Digital Core
The interface is analog, but the Step runs on a microcontroller with 8-bit resolution per step. Each knob sets a digital value that gets converted to a steady DC voltage. In practice that means very stable sequencing, with no voltage drift, no wobble, no jitter. The trade-off is that the steps aren't infinitely variable. You get 256 discrete voltage levels across the 0-3.3V range. For most musical uses that's plenty, and you won't hear stepping in pitch unless you're doing microtonal work or extreme slow sweeps. The knobs are small but precise, with a smooth taper that makes fine adjustments possible. They're not motorized, so you can't record automation. The Step is meant for twisting knobs on the fly to reshape a sequence mid-performance.
Clock Discipline: No Slack, No Mercy
The Step advances on the rising edge of the clock signal, and it does so with metronomic precision. There's no swing, no humanization, no tap tempo. It responds cleanly and rigidly to incoming pulses. That suits tight, repetitive patterns, especially when synced to a DAW or drum machine. It also means the Step won't forgive sloppy clocks. If your clock source is jittery or inconsistent, the Step will show it immediately. The reset input lets you hard-sync the sequence to a master clock or start point, which matters when chaining multiple sequencers or lining up with other rhythmic elements. There's no run input, though, so you can't start and stop the sequence via gate. You'll need an external switch or logic module to pause playback.
Historical Context
The 2hp Step emerged as Eurorack was moving from boutique curiosity toward mainstream synth culture. In 2012 the format was still relatively niche, but expanding fast. Builders were experimenting with density, trying to see how much functionality could fit into minimal space. 2hp became a pioneer in this movement, not just with the Step but with a whole line of ultra-compact modules. The Step solved a real problem: how to get expressive, per-step control without eating up panel space. Competitors like Doepfer offered more feature-rich sequencers (like the A-155), but they were significantly wider. The Step did less and left room for other modules.
It also arrived as interest in algorithmic and generative music was growing. The Step isn't generative on its own, but it pairs well with modules like the 2hp TM (Turing Machine) or Make Noise Rene. You could use a random source to set the Step's voltages, then tweak them by hand into something musical.
Collectibility & Value
The 2hp Step was discontinued in 2023. 2hp has not officially stated why, and many speculate it was component shortages or a shift toward newer designs. Since then it has become sought-after, especially in full working condition. On the used market, prices range from $180 to $280 depending on condition and seller. Units with clean panels, smooth-turning knobs, and no wobble at the jacks command a premium. The module relies on precision potentiometers, so worn or scratchy knobs are a common issue in heavily used units. These can often be cleaned with contact cleaner, but severe wear may require replacement, which is a delicate job given the tight spacing.
Failures are rare but not unheard of. The most common issue is intermittent output, usually caused by a failing jack or cold solder joint on the power pins. The microcontroller itself is sturdy, and there are no moving parts beyond the knobs, so long-term reliability is generally high. The module is surface-mount and densely packed, though, so repairs require skill and the right tools. DIY fixes are possible, but not beginner-friendly. When buying used, test the module in a system if possible. Check that all 16 steps output a stable voltage, that the clock input responds reliably, and that linking works with another 2hp sequencer. Also inspect the rear of the PCB for signs of rework or corrosion, especially near the power connector.
The Step holds up well in modern systems. Its 3.3V output is slightly lower than the 5V or 8V ranges of some oscillators, but an attenuverter or offset module fixes that easily. Many users treat it as a "subtle" sequencer, good for modulating filter cutoff or pan position, where big voltage swings aren't needed. For melody sequencing, it works best with oscillators that have a wide tuning range or an octave switch.
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