Ordered mine in December. Still waiting in February for delivery. This is the best review I have seen. Much better than loopop which is just confusing mumbo jumbo.
For whatever reason, this is the first piece of gear I have ever purchased that was not immediately intuitive to me, I have had it for about a week and have absolutely no idea what I’m doing, this is the only review that has helped answer any of my questions but most importantly has convinced me I need to take the plunge into modular, I’m guessing that’s where this sequence really shines
Yeah, I think so - it's not immediately straight forward. I plan to do another video soon of the new firmware and see how much easier things have got :D
I hope you read this comment, honestly. I have to say, you remind me of an old best friend, mixed with a healthy dose of chemistry professor, and a healing scoop of wacky physicist... Anyway, you really have a way with stoking the flames in my heart and mind for analog synthesis and the beauty it can capture on this planet... I just love and appreciate your work, friend. Thanks for doing what you do. I hope this means something to you.
Hi again Robin! Thanks for a useful and informative video about this little box. I was very interested in this when it was announced a few weeks ago (I'm a bit of a Korg fan-boy - I own 7 bits of their kit) and could easily see it finding a place in my set-up, if I hadn't just bought an MPC One, which I am still in the process of learning! As an owner of a BSP, I totally understand your frustrations with that and could immediately see how much more intuitive the SQ64 is in comparisson. A fantastic job, once again.
So I've got a lot of sequencers already like the Electribe EMX and SX, Novation Circuit and Mono Station, and a Volca Keys. Would it be worth it to upgrade to this? I've already got a keystep, beatstep, and the original SQ-1 as controllers, but this thing looks so tempting with all the options. It's like a portable Ableton grid with Deluge features and Pocket Operator copy + paste, step editing, etc. I suppose a Beatstep Pro would work, but this has tracks and lanes similar to Elektron gear. Any ideas on what I should do? Perhaps something like the RK-008 or something like the Circuit Tracks for the MIDI sequencing and 0-Coast for the CV? I'm so overwhelmed it's unreal lol... plz help
When in CONTROL mode (30:06), do running sequences keep running as normal? The manual doesn't specify. It'd be useful, for example, to control synth parameters in real-time while it plays the sequence. Thanks, and thanks for the review!
Hey buddy, I have read through the manual, it does say triplets, but none about quantizations, chords, delays... but apart from that may be included in a future firm. update (...) what is it playing ABC in polyphonic mode? Can you transpose all ABC as a single midi clip or something?? Really cool device...! I love your vids, Shines is bright! Do I see a 2500 module over there second row far right or is it a mine allucination???
I believe the keyboard mode is actually "Isomorphic" (not "isometric"). Isomorphic means "having the same shape", and in relation to keyboard layout, means that intervals (and therefore also chords) have the same shape everywhere. That said, if its also only showing notes from a single scale, I think it it can't be really isomorphic - e.g the shape for major 3rd would also be the same shape for a minor 3rd, depending where you play it - not that this is a bad thing at all. I personally think (in-scale) isomorphic layouts are amazing as a learning tool, and soon become very intuitive to use. Ableton's Push 2 has a similar mode, and its a lot of fun to use, and accessible to complete novices too.
Thanks for the review. One question - can it record to the modulation lane in real time? ie. By hitting record and twisting the parameter knob? Or does it have to be entered on a step by step basis?
Is "Fill" as in drum fill amount (as in: control the amount of Tommy Lee) and MIDI is all channels summed, so youre hearing MIDI drum notes superimposed with all other channels
I've seen several reviewers talking about the ARP Mode mystery, and I'm sure KORG can explain their idea - or I hope they can. But in reality, why would one have an ARP mode on a push-button sequencer? It's easy to press the buttons you want, if you know know what a chord is, one just selects those chord notes in your sequence, and loop it. From what I saw - on the various reviews - ARP functions on each step. And as the saying goes, "There's the rub!". If your sequence is slow enough, it's the equivalent of having each step in 32nds or 64ths, which at todays 80 beats per minute isn't going to work. So, from what you show us, it seems KORG should maybe think this mode over and either solve it, or dump it and add as an example .... a latch mode for the SHIFT key even! Great review, thanks.
What they are probably aiming for is what you get on Black Sequencer (see my review) where the arp-per-step acts like a ratchet but throws notes it related to a chosen scale.
@@MoltenMusicTech Good point. Actually, what would be really brilliant, although maybe a bit difficult to do, would be a comparison of various sequencers to see the ins and outs (ex: Pittsburgh Modular KB-1, MakeNoise 0-Cntrl, Erica Synths Black Sequencer ). BTW, I loved your demonstration/review of the Black Sequencer. I'd love one, but I'd have to buy a case to put it in, which would double the price. And, although the KORG isn't perfect, it is a stand alone product. I'd also like to get my hands on a Pittsburgh Modular KB-1, but I think they're out of production since quite some time.
I am not able to delete additional pitch information on a step after accidentally recording more than one pitch, only clearing the whole pattern does the trick. Very strange... There seems to be no way to delete a whole step, turning off the gate keeps the pitch information intact... any ideas?
Excelent video, Robin! I'm planning on buy one of this, I wonder if some of the issues like the arp mode or others have been fixed in any update... What do you know about this? Would still be a good purchase? Again, thanks for your videos!
Thanks! It's had no updates at all that I'm aware of so the issues remain. It can be really good once you get the hang of it within its limitations. Really smart looking machine though.
@@MoltenMusicTech There was a Version 1.01 in 03/2021 and a version 1.10 in 12/2021, both with the text "fixed minor bugs", on the Korg d/l page of the SQ-64.
So much to like with this...but were you able to get that Arpeggiator to work properly? Or was there a fix...because if that doesn’t work at least It’s sadly a dealbreaker for me.
Can you change the number of step per sub-track on Drums or is the Step count for the entire track D only? I want to program polyrhythm/meter for, let's say, just the hihat while the rest remains in the good old 16 step fashion.
I think for that you should check out the Moffenzeef Pocket Clock-it semi-generative sequencer. I’m thinking of getting SQ-64...and I may add the pocket clock-it if I find the Korg isn’t enough on the poly-rhythmic side.
Hi. I've got a question. I have studied the SQ's "user manual" but can't find an answer. I've been looking for a sequencer that has a polyphonic reaction to chord based transpose demands from a keyboard. In other words: What happens if you play a chord in transpose mode? Will it then create a polyphonic(ly mirrored) sequence accordingly or wil it only pick up the root / lowest / highest note or whatever of the played chord?
It's almost like the Korg engineers have no clue about how arpeggiators are supposed to work. Sad. Hopefully Korg will bring out a firmware release that implements ARP mode properly.
Thanks for the overview. The way it handles parameters for long gates as ties is extremely clunky I find. Also no way to see 4 drum channels at the same time is a major omission IMHO. I really love the form factor though.
Yeah, it's not out for a month or two and talking to Loopop he reckons there's some work needed on the firmware and he's sent a list of suggestions to Korg - so these things may improve. I forgot to mention the slightly easier Gate Tie function where you hold the Gate button and then set a range of tied notes. It's lovely and could get better.
I don't know if you can help here or not, I've just received an SQ64 and can't get it to talk to any of my synths. I've set channel A to midi channel 1 and turned all of the others 'off', I've set my synth to channel 1 also, and have a cable going out of Midi Out 1 and into my midi port on my synth. When using the keyboard mode on the sequencer, I get nothing. As you mentioned, the manual is pretty much useless. Any ideas?
I would start off with a sequence rather than trying to play anything. Just dial in a few notes and have that spinning around. And then explore the settings. If you can plug it into a computer and run it into a DAW and you'll be able to see if the MIDI is happening or not. Some things just need time and perseverance.
@@MoltenMusicTech Turns out I was using midi type B adapters and I need type A. had no idea this was a thing, I thought they were just all the same. Hopefully this will help others experiencing the same issue.
The Launchpad feels tied to Ableton and is best suited to that environment. Otherwise do you want an integrated keyboard? I've found all the variation possibilities in the SQ-64 to be really good - not something i found in the Keystep Pro.
The Launchpad Pro Mk3 sequencer is standalone with some options to be used in DAWs, but it's much more intuitive, fast and flexible. I think the UI of the SQ64 is one of the worst I saw. Ok there's no CV but any MIDI to CV converter will do the job. And if you want to control other midi synths, you have polyphonic aftertouch, program changes, CC sliders etc
Experimentation is the greatest teacher , Acid House was originally made via experimentation , because the manual was only in Japanese or in terribly English. I my memory is correct. there is a interview DJ Pierre explaining it.
Hello. Getting a SQ64 soon, this helps, thanks! What is that adapter you have plugged into Midi out 1? Is it to convert Midi type A to B and vice versa? If yes, where did you find it? Thanks!
I notice that there is no clock in or out. Pardon my ignorance, but would it be possible to use one of the drum outs as a clock to sync up things like a Metropolix or Melodicer?
Hi Molten, is it possible to change the length of the 16 sub-tracks of the drum track individually so that correct polyrythms are possible? For example: Drum track 1 full 16 steps, drum track 2 only 12 steps, drum track 3 only 8 steps, etc.?
Actually you say something interesting (in the conclusion section) about how it gives you a similar experience/feel of 'tweaking' modules. And, I noticed that there is a definite similarity to the MakeNoise 0-Cntrl. Also of interest (I think), is that I notice MakeNoise often use the Korg SQ-1 in their videos, which shows they also like using the Korg systems too. I'll be curious to see some 0-Coast + Korg SQ-64 videos! Thanks for the nice demo, very interesting.
@@walrtbstudios5430 Nice, I'll be interested to see that, especially if you show the 0-CNTRL and the SQ-64. I have a SQ-64 arriving tomorrow, so I'll be experimenting away on that shortly, although I also have a few more things that I'll be running into (or is that out of) it.
@@cardboardmusic Having now got all four tracks playing beautifully together, I would advise caution if using the two midi outs- you have to go turn the other tracks off midi in Global or everything sings from the same sheet. Of course, you can avoid that by having (at least) three synths that take cv and gate in...
@@niloben659 Four I think- major, minor, major pentatonic and equal temperament. Of course, the last gives you all the other scales too, with a little work!
Hi Molten, thanks for the overview. Any word on Dinsync support for Roland nutters? I did see the clock IO does have clock dividers but correct me if I'm wrong. Also I'd like to know how the pattern launching and chaining works to create some sort of structure. None of the demos show how projects work but maybe it's still being worked on. Cheers.
Yeah, i haven't' got that far yet into projects. Not sure what info you need for Dinsync - it has sync in/out options for 4, 12, 24 and 48 ppqn - does that help?
@@MoltenMusicTech That's analog sync and those are some fine options, thanks very much for that. Dinsync should be handled by the midi port however. In the beatstep pro you can assign midi out 2 to transmit Dinsync24 for vintage Roland machines, so maybe it's in the midi port config or midi clock out config. Cheers, very kind of you to check.
Nice review Robin. Shame it doesn't have just one dedicated row of 16 knobs for entering pitches/CV to whatever track is currently being edited, - personally I prefer the organic, physical experience of using an analog sequencer unquantized, and then shape the notes after the happy accidents have occurred. That said, I'm sure Korg will sell thousands of these, and I hope they do. Again, great demo Robin, thanks.
I honestly didn't understand how to connect the sq64 to any synth, it's not clear to me, and I can't find any information online. what is the connection scheme for playing with a synth such as a minilogue?
The superfast arpeggiator - I'm fairly certain that the design team working on this thought of the way the minilogue xd wants you to use its 16 step sequencer in 1/1 bar speed and use arpeggios on top. That way, it can use the sequencer for chord progressions, and then add arpeggios within those chord progressions. Not quite sure why they restricted it to being only useable this way though...
@@alfiedotwtf No, it has not. The SQ-64 has been completely abandoned - the last time I tried to use it I also ran into desync bugs. I now have a Hapax, it arrived yesterday, and will probably never use the SQ-64 again. So done with it, and with Korg for that matter.
@@jodo985 Yeah, looks like my pessimism wasn't entirely appropriate. Step input in particular looks to be a very useful thing, also copy pasting of notes. The Hapax is much better suited to what I want in a sequencer, but it looks like now I can at least look into selling my SQ-64 without a bad conscience 😄
Looks like my comment didn't get saved. Anyway, this is a cool sequencer. I love my SQ-1. That said, I got a 64 Pixels Noodlebox and it has a great number of these features in an even smaller box (and up to 128 steps). Not quite as many outs and no mods out. Maybe when I feel the need to add to that one, I'll pick up this one. They'd probaby complement each other really well.
You can shift each note off the beat by as much as you want so yes, probably. I'm planning to do another video very soon to check out the questions people ask.
A step in the right direction (sorry!) for sequencer fans.. but do the MIDI drum parts have velocity? Dynamics are part of the charm of rhythm parts for me.
I have still seen a lot of complaints about lack of updates and for it not keeping tempo or syncing with other clocks properly..any have these issues ?
I know this is old video but I was hoping your still answering questions. I have a SQ-1 but according to Kong they don't have a fix for the USB driver for Windows 10. Do you have a solution or work around to obtain a driver that would allow windows to recognize the SQ-1? I purchased it over a month ago and it is useless without the driver, no way to sync it to my DAW. Thanks for any advice.
Hi Harold. I’m even later to this party but in regards to Korgs absolutely abysmal MIDI driver make sure you have the latest from Korgs website and then check out Tim Shoebridge here on RU-vid. He has an excellent video on getting the Korg Devices to show in windows.
Don't buy the Beatstep Pro if you want to use the drum trigger outs to trigger the Disting EX SD 6 Triggers. It sends out a signal thats way too hot for the Disting to handle.
@@jodo985 Yep, I run 6 trigger outs on the BSP through 6 Koma attenuator cables, but its a right pain in the arse. The sliders on the cables have very little travel and are tricky to set up. The cables aren't cheap either,
I know this is old, but it was on sale for $250 US, and I ordered one; because nobody has the Rene available right now... I was looking at the Muxslicer and binary from Erica.... Can you have too many sequencers??/. Thanks robin!!
Looks like each project can have 16 patterns (of each up to 64 steps). And you can perform or chain the patterns. Looks like what I am looking for. Check out Pattern mode and Chain mode in the manual.
I'm very much a beginner in synths, having a Minilogue XD, a digital recorder and not much else. Could I run the Minilogue into this and use it as a 64 step sequencer? Anything more difficult than that makes my brain hurt :-)
I’m having an issue with this sequencer and I’m not certain that it’s something that can be fixed. Someone let me know if this just isn’t one of its capabilities… I have a keyboard plugged into the SQ to control the two synthesizers with MIDI… While I can control the pitch and the gate and play both synths with my keyboard just fine, I cannot use my pitch bend or mod wheels and I’m forced to modulate with the knobs on the synths. If I understand correctly, you cannot automatically record modulation data into the sequencer live, and that’s okay, but I’d still like to be able to use my pitch and mod wheels just for playing without actively using the sequencer. It’s almost like the SQ is not passing that MIDI signal onto the synth at all and I can’t get it to go through. It doesn’t seem right that it’s able to send key presses and not mod wheel activity when all of these signals are enabled on the controller. I can’t find a solution online anywhere as there’s not a lot of resources on this unit to begin with.
I haven't tried this myself, however, if you check into the MIDI Implimentation document (download from the SQ-64 page) it says it doesn't recognise or transmit pitch bend. It does do modulation though. But I think what you're after is MIDI Thru and by default you have MIDI Outs which is not the same thing. If you want to play through the SQ-64 then you need to dig into the Global settings where you can enable MIDI Thru for MIDI Out 2. That is as close as you're going to get to what you want to do. The SQ-64 is very sophisticated when it comes to MIDI - although you might find the librarian editor software useful. Hope that helps.
@@MoltenMusicTech As a matter of fact this fixed EVERYTHING since the synth I had in OUT2 was the one I needed the wheels for. I'm getting Pitch and Mod signals now. The thing is, I thought I had tried this already to no avail, but I guess I missed it. Thanks!
thanks Robin!great video...can u help me setting up the midi out?im going crazy....tried all possible cable types and setting...but still no midi out!!(tested with blodelf, machinedrum and volca keys, only sync out is working!...also usb driver problem to solve) i can't understand if it's my unit that is faulty..or its me incapable of making the midi out work :/ hope you can help!!i think you are the one! :)
It's always going to be the MIDI TRS adapter. Korg takes the other one from almost everyone else - Type A. I had to use one of the weird small IK Multimedia ones through an adapter to make it the right size - it's the only Type A ones I had. I have loads of Arturia and Novation ones but none of them work. So yeah, check that first :D
yeah i saw your little adapter in video and was asking myself what is that :D, i got some type A and B from amazon...doesn't work...yeah also tested the arturia one.i'll try some other adapers if i find the right one.thank you very mutch Robin!!
@@MoltenMusicTech i resolved building my own cable following a guy here on utub!!the unit is ok...the problem was the cable as you told!spent 50e in adapters and none worked for me (yes...type A also!!), so i cut 2 and made the correct connection. ...korg could include a shitty 3dollar cable, especially if it's a unique adapter for them gear!!
you are always ahead man...i would get a fm2....but korg deluded me...yes...im deluded for this cheap not included accessory!!it's not working, using the same adapter we talk before?very weird things :(
I actually liked how the 'fill' worked (USB, MIDI, perc), but not CV, which I felt REALLY added a nice flare to what was playing. If that is not a glitch, it definitely should be a no-brainer option, as to selecting routing (choices). Given that I am intimately familiar with Korgs manuals, I suspect the setting (menu) just may have eluded you at this time. Very cool tool. TY
Seems like this would just annoy me in different ways compared to the BSP. Don't get me wrong there are some great features easily available that I am really missing (rotate being a very big thing for me), but then there are tons of Korg idiosincrasies and a far too compressed user interface and as usual with all external digital sequencers no Reset trigger input.
deja vu....... offsets - it did seems to record from the pads unquantised using the offsets on each note. There were scales but i didn't notice any fine tuning options.
I bought a Beat Step Pro with my own money and ended up selling it because I didn't like the workflow. I definitely prefer this and if I needed a desktop sequencer then yes I would spend my own money on it.
I can’t put my finger on it but something still doesn’t feel right about it. I used to get excited by the idea of a randomization function, and that fill function, and I’d definitely rather have it than not, BUT something feels not too exciting in practice. Maybe Sequencers just aren’t my thing, or maybe I’m just to lazy to program and chain patterns and everything, but I guess I want something that feels more improvisational? Haha I just realized that’s why the random and fill functions are there. But those things are just a knob to turn, I guess I just wish there was a way to influence your sequences in a more personalized and natural in the moment type of way. Something to be said about playing guitar in a group and being able to change instantly. I don’t know I’m rambling. Currently about to dive into modular and looking for something to be the nervous system to my brain for my gear. This comes closer than anything else but still not sold. Great review though! Looks like a lot of fun. But just doesn’t check the box I was hoping for.
Good rambles! I know exactly what you mean. I’m a guitarist and I want to write indie punk songs on modular, but it’s different. You don’t have the same level of control as you do an instrument. What you’re doing is influencing a machine, you are shaping outcomes which are not always instant but can also take you places you never would have got to alone. It’s actually quite dangerous and that’s definitely more punk than I realise.
@@MoltenMusicTech definitely love the point of view of more influencing or interacting with something and guiding it. I already feel that way with my standalone synths and I’m sure it’s more so with modular. I’m inexperienced for sure and haven’t used every type of gear, but I am always looking for that line between ultra-programmy and the machine doing all the work. Curious what your opinions on the SOMA Labs gear would be. To me they maybe come the closest to achieving this bizarre medium between total randomness and tedious deliberate note punctuation. Although I only have the Lyra 8 and still have trouble with it. Pulsar 23 seems like a dream but way beyond my price range. And maybe similar things can be achieved through modules and I just haven’t figured that out yet. Hoping to dip my toe in. And your videos have already helped me a bit. Just completed my first basic diy build and I owe the end of a two month procrastination period to your video alone. So thanks! Keep making videos and thanks for the response!
Well well well... There was more detail on how to actually work the damn’ thing in the first ten minutes than I got from either reading the manual or repeatedly watching the £00p0p video. I should have saved myself days and days of frustration by coming here first, should I not? Moral of the story- always trust a chap with a grey beard (says a chap with a grey beard...) Oh, and subbed. My desk is slowly becoming more and more modular, and you seem to have the right attitude...
The arpeggio: maybe try to use a long note/gate and see if that works better;) Seems like this might stand up to the mythical circlon. Korg and Roland manuals are the worst!
@@KelvinHemas I think it's simply missing the time divisions that you find on other parameters - the SQ64 is not released until January so this is a pre-release firmware I'm using.
Ports on top would have looked ugly. although, 90° plugs may have looked cool. In the end, dust would get in those ports and really muck up the works. Think Robin Think!😂
the reason why all thosse wires dont come out of the top? because like your set-up, it looks like crap!!!! i wish some one would get anolog out of there buts and make a 4-8 track sequencer with just midi only!!!
15:56 here is were i realized this was not for me . ..... i like the keystep pro workflow much better .... arturia should take some design tips from this .. the lights on the outputs are great
