Transform
Variations
Isolate a specific feel within a genre or subgenre
Character menus set a direction, but Variations help you explore the nuances of that direction. Pick a spot on the pad (or hook it up to a joystick) and make adjustments to the pacing, cadence, and density of the Character you've crafted.
Why it matters
While seed can create massive changes in sound, it's not cognizant of details or intent. Variations provide a much more controllable way to adjust the finer points of a sound.
Think of it like
The menus define a neighborhood. The pad helps you walk the streets (whereas Seed teleports you).