May I ask why you want to move the sequencer inside your rack? Is it purely the form factor?
Yes, I feel i'll prefer it in amongst the dedicated drum modules.. playability..erganomics..
On paper, the Beatstep Pro has somewhat the same functionality as the Erica Synths Drum sequencer (I believe difference being that Drum Sequencer has a few more tracks and accents while Beatstep Pro has two cv/velo/gate sequencer which you could also use for accents of course), while costing 1/4th of the price of the Erica Synths one. Also the workflow seems quite similar.
Just curious.
Beatstep is great, don't get me wrong, and great value... Plus you get 2 x sequencers built into it.
But, I have found that while I once thought 8 x outs would be more than enough, I've now used them all & want more; the others have 16.
I also feel the 4x4 grid vs the row of 16 pads will allow me to be quicker & better at programming on the fly..
Besides a drum sequencer where you'd program your own sequences, I find the Mutable Instruments Grids (or any of its clones) usefull to have as interesting accents or some extra background voices. Also it's really easy to dial in snare fills and funky hihat patterns. Grids is also not too expensive so maybe it's nice to have besides a dedicated drum sequencer.
Good shout, just looked at this & for future it could be a welcome next addition.
1 thing the SWT16 seems to have that the Erica doesn't is to be able to add fills on the fly..