Digital Step Sequencers are inspired by classic hardware step sequencers that have rows of configurable switches or knobs used to generate repeating musical patterns.
In ancient times the output of the sequencer could be sent to another synthesizer module, such as an oscillator or filter. If you sustained a single note while the step sequencer was active, the changing voltage, when assigned to the frequency of an oscillator, would produce a repeating sequence of changing pitches. Creating these patterns is easier then ever with the upcoming of dedicated DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) which make it now possible to create drums within a heartbeat.