Korg actually fixed many problems in the new 2.0 firmware update. You can now quantize steps and they even made the LEDs brighter! Together with the recent price drop, this little box is suddenly looking a whole lot more attractive... (I bought it.)
@@tom.konxompax I just bought. Just started getting back into music production and wanted a nice centerpiece to going dawless. Korg is fire saling this at insane prices absolutely worth the price they are asking for the capabilities
Should i get the SQ 64? I am curious if i can sequence my Electribe ESX, Circuit Mono Station, SparkLE... I have a Volca Keys as well. Would i ve better off with a Quadra Thru Midi Hub going into a Beatstep or Keystep? Thanks so much
@@NeonArtifact Well… you can use all of the above (the Pro versions of the Arturia gear), so it’s up to what kind of a workflow/interface you prefer. Plus your budget and how much desk space you’re willing to sacrifice. I don’t remember if any of your synths have CV ins, so you’ll probably need a MIDI splitter in any case, unless you want to route MIDI via a DAW. The Keystep Pro has both a keyboard and step sequencers, so if you want an all-in-one device, I would perhaps choose that. But it’s also a whole lot bigger and more expensive than the SQ-64, which you can also combine with a keyboard when you need to. What the Beatstep Pro is best at is drums IMO. (I’ve bought and sold it twice… I want to like it, but don’t :-P)
@@Stakkeroid thanks for the response! I actually have CV on the Mono Station and Keystep. I've got the original SQ-1 right now. I was about to buy a Beatstep Pro for 150, but already have the normal version as well as Keystep. Perhaps the SQ-64 without v2.0 firmware and quantization would be best... Why didn't you like the BSP?
Thank you for such a thorough review! Especially given Korg’s barebones manual. Your pointing out the keyboard override setting saved me from having to get a midi merger.
Not only is this a great review, it’s a superb tutorial for what I’d consider a fairly counter-intuitive device. I’ve been scratching my head using mine for weeks because the manual is utter dog shit. It tells you nothing. Thank you for making this, it’s actually made me persevere and not sell it on eBay and I’m now getting decent results.
Ditto here. I still can't figure out the magic key press sequence to get it in the mode to set external clock. I just start pressing pattern/gates then back to global and it shows up.
Been waiting for your review/walk-through of this. You answered many of my questions about it, and how it might/might not work with my system, with regard to what I already have. Insightful as usual. Thank you.
Nick if you revisit this sequencer please comment on the history of firmware updates from your experience. The long term commitment to a product via firmware fixes is really important in this category.
Given how Korg only fixed about 5% of the issues with the electribe firmwares and gave up in it about 5 years ago. I wouldn’t hold my breath for issues on this to be fixed.
You can basically count on Korg having zero effort on their products after the launch. This has been the case for the past 50 years and I dont see them changing in the near future. People will nevertheless buy the latest toybox so why bother.
I guess Im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot the login password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me.
@@ishykashy well if you watch the video it's stated you can power it over USB, it's just not quite as bright (I don't know if that depends on normal USB port vs powered USB hub though). But either way it still uses the horribly unreliable MicroUSB connector..
@@Wagoo I don't mind the MicroUSB connection at all, I have multiple MIDI devices using it without problems...why don't you like it? Yes I know the SQ-64 is bus-powered. I figured that I would need a power adapter for full brightness, but I already have a powered USB hub. I was just wondering if anyone could confirm that a powered USB hub will bypass the need for power adapter here.
Glad I dropped the akai force and went with this. I think sometimes having too much freedom makes creating tunes a chore. This unit made hardware production fun again.
Afaik the pattern sync issues got addressed in the firmware update from a few days ago. Oh btw, the arp apparently is not arp but strum. Nice review, thanks.
I have it. Main issue: in gate mode inactive steps are also lit! I suggest everyone to set 500ma power option. In this way inactive steps are little more easy to discern. Unfortunately this is a great CON, especially in live performance s.
Thanks for showing the pattern chaining function I have struggled to get my head around that. Also there was a bug when you change patterns manually which since the firmware update that has been fixed. Its a great sequencer!!
My one criticism of the SQ-64 was that you couldn't play along on an empty track when a sequence was playing. Well, thanks Nick - you actually RTFM! Thanks for pointing out the "Transpose/Override" option. My happiness is now complete!
I noticed the same issue. I like to play over the sequence to cone up with new ideas but this unit doesn't allow it. Did you find a solution? Thank you
@sonicstate The PATTERN sync issue you show around the 20th minute has been fixed in a firmware upgrade some days ago. Unfortunately they didn't address other issues, like recording quantization, etc.
@@sonicstate good to know (well, not, really). i assumed you were on the old firmware since after a quick check the bug was gone for me, i guess there are still some unfixed cases...
It's so difficult to review anything these days as hardware and software is released unfinished. Or it gets updates as time goes on, such as the Novation Circuit.
You didn't test the CV voltage. It's been well-dccumented that it's not actually in tune. I've also read that pad assignments for the percussion don't stick. I actually cancelled my pre-order due to all the bugs I read about and saw in videos. Yours has to be the most positive review I've seen, and even you found issues. I don't regret bailing on it. I just got a Digitone and Digitakt instead.
On the upside, I don't think these will be released this year. They keep blowing past their stated release dates and it's still in preorder. My theory is that they have been affected by the chip shortage, that is why they are using inferior DACs (and hense being out of tune) and for whatever reason they won't tell the truth that they don't have the means to make them. My opinion of Korg is not as good as it used to me. I was excited for this, now I don't care if it ever is released.
Great review but I still don't "get" the product. It seems very laborious and inscrutable compared to the Arturias. I can't help feeling the Volca development team would have created a far more user-friendly and engaging product. Lack of transpose from the MIDI input is a fail in 2021. At least Arturia got with it to provide this essential feature that's been asked-for on digital sequencers for decades. I particularly miss it on the Novation Mono Station. I get around it on the MPC One by feeding a Neutron with both MIDI and CV.
I had a BSP and sold it. Just didn’t feel it. Don’t get me wrong. I like Arturia gear and especially their soft synths. I find the SQ-64 more intuitive. BTW, aren’t Nick’s reviews amazing?
Thanks for doing a review on this, really appreciated the demonstration of the arpeggiator function. I can't find any documentation on the set of available scales, there's not much elaboration in the manual. Does it allow for un-quantized pitch sequencing or user defined scales? I would love to be able to use this for microtonal sequencing,
Another fantastic review and demo Nick!! Sure like seeing those MIDI parameters, so important to see if we can control the clock in and program changes. So many sound devices accept program changes, but then don't allow you to turn off their program change, frustrating. I own an Electribe2, and much of the SQ64 sequencing is familiar, except the Electribe does not allow you to turn off quantize, great to see a free play option. Would have liked to see a 128 step for 8 bars, or an 8 measure with any quantize resolution. Measures, with quantize divisions (from zero to 1/64) is still rare today, seems stepping remains popular over pattern sequencing. Patterns are for musicians and steps are for tweakers...I guess???
I have both this and the Keystep Pro. It's taken longer to get used to the SQ-64 but what I do like is having 64 project spaces. Patterns on top of that makes for a lot of space. I quickly ran out of project space on the KSP and dont like the software. But I find the KSP better at creating new music spontaneously. Like you said, KSP allows all 4 channels to be played and recorded at once. Great video both for instruction and your wonderful tracks!
Great video as always. Thank you. I just picked an SQ-64 up the other day, but I'm noticing a serious issue with the loop mode. Tracks B,C and D, don't stay in phase when a loop is released. For some reason Track A will stay in phase. Have you (or any one else here?) come across this issue with theirs? If so, is there a fix?
I owned the SQ-64 and can say it was one of the most frustrating sequencers I have ever used. And Korg's horrible firmware track record with other devices made me get rid of it. First, it's so hard to tell which steps are on and which are off. Did Nick mention this in the video? If not, he needs to. I have never in my life used a sequencer with this level of difficulty in deciphering which steps are on/off. The LEDs when steps are off are slightly dimmer than those on the on-steps. Good luck trying to decipher them when you're jamming. Second, no pattern length on individual drum tracks. Third, the lack of a quantize-all mode is laughable. You have to quantize step by step. If you can live with these things, go for it. Personally, I found this sequencer to be one of the most disappointing I've used because it has great features in a great size but they're eclipsed by the awful LEDs on off-steps and the other issues that I mentioned. I couldn't stand looking at all those red steps for more than a few minutes at a time.
Thanks for the heads up. I was pretty certain to get one, but who needs frustration making music. The Circuit Rhythm might be more intuitive / enjoyable.
@Luke Not as far as I know. Last I heard was this summer. A bummer really with the SQ-64. It looks good and I had hopes for a playful thing. Instead we got hardware Exel..
It should have been a direct clone of the SQ-1 with four times as many steps. The lack of pitch dials is a massive let down. There are other devices that have better sequencers built in for less such as the Behringer crave, the behringer 960, or the monologue. You try using the MIDI with older devices on the SQ-64 it is really frustrating. Also the screen flickers terribly if the MIDI clock, TX, RX and MIDI channels are not set up correctly. CV is not as bad but still takes some time to make sense of. MIDI over 3.5 seems like it is missing some functionality.
Most if not all the problems you mentioned were addressed with the firmware upgrade. There are things I don't love but 64 project slots is one thing I needed. I didn't need another keyboard. This unit is 1/2 the price of Keystep Pro which I also have.
Merry Christmas !! So I have a question I need to ask you maybe it’s a 3 part or just a one part question , anyways…I have a monologue, NTS1, teenage engineering PO32, live, logic, tons of DAW and soft synth, and I am buying mottle synths like the castle and volca modular (my volca sample just went to the loony bin it doesn’t work) . Is it overkill to buy the sq64? Will I still have access to the motion tracks ? I don’t want to lose that. I’ve never used an external sequencer this is why I ask. I’m just trying to take my Xmas money and get the most bang for my buck ….thanks mate!!!!
insane how impossible a product (and expensive) something like this was but a few years ago. doepfer made some great trigger rack sequencers but $$ and I think discontinued from lack of interest. what riches, what times these are.
Thank you nick, great review as always... I think it is a very serious sequencer that needs a little touch up, and I think Korg is more than capable enough to solve those bits and pieces in a firmware update
Had a little play with one today and it feels like a hardware version of old Fruity Loops. I'll wait and see if they do a bigger version (or maybe an addon slave unit with just the pads?) or update it to have more tracks with a shift function. 4 tracks just isn't enough.
Another problem to deal with: type A, type B, more different connector cables to get lost. Why don't they just STICK WITH THE TRUSTY OLD 5 PIN TRADITIONAL MIDI CONNECTOR? I've been using MIDI since its inception and these connectors NEVER failed me. Never ever.
They'd probably argue that the unit would have to be thicker (like why they got rid of headphone jacks on mobile phones), but who tf cares if it's a bit thicker? It's not like I'm trying to cram these in my pocket or stack them in storage as efficiently as possible.
Should i get the SQ 64? I am curious if i can sequence my Electribe ESX, Circuit Mono Station, SparkLE... I have a Volca Keys as well. Would i ve better off with a Quadra Thru Midi Hub going into a Beatstep or Keystep? Thanks so much
Will the midi adapters for the microfreak work? Just asking because I bought a sq-64 used and it didn't come with the midi adapters but I have the adapters for the Arturia Microfreak
Do you think it pair well with NordDrum2 via its 6 trig inputs? “Connect drum pads or other signal sources to the Trig Input 1⁄4" jacks. These inputs can be used with a variety of different signals. The sensitivity and the threshold of the inputs can be adjusted with the Inp Sens and Inp Thres parameters..” (NordDrum2 manual)
Man, I watched a bunch of reviews of the SQ-64 just before buying it at the deeply discounted price. Your video was the best one by far. You really put it through its paces and made it sound excellent.
How is the precision of the CV after a power cycle? One frustration I had with the SQ1 is that in order to change global settings, a power cycle was required. And even if the rest of your gear was still powered, the CV outs of the SQ1 would often shift significantly, so you’d have to go back and trim the voltages.
CV is constant across reboots, at least in my unit. Anyway it looks like it's about 0.05V off all the time, fortunately you can adjust it with a negative offset in GLOBAL settings. Speaking of, you don't need a power cycle to change any setting.
I've been enjoying mine, but i'd LOVE a firmware update that allows automatically quantizing to the grid so i don't have to be worried about my sloppy keyboard skills
Hey i’ve got a little question for you... Can you use a Belkin rockstar headphone splitter to mutiply your midi in and outputs? I know it’s a trick that works with the beatstep pro so i’m curious to know if it works also with the sq64. Thank you! ✌️
Did I understand correctly that it isn't possible to transpose tracks using external midi, e. g. by sending a note/command from DAW or keyboard? I'm trying to get this thing integrated to my Bitwig setup to sync/start/stop/transpose etc., but the manual is not very helpful.
I think Korg got hit by the chip shortage and they are not able to make them. I don't think they will be released this year. I don't know why Korg won't provide an explanation but it seems highly unusual to release a product and then not make it available. By the time they finally release it it'll be forgotten.
@@JDLesemajeste That may be true...but it shouldn't be, for something of that form. It is a useful tool, not a fun new synth. I have been depressed, by both Korg's silence, and the ensuing mixed messages from everyone else. Thanks for adding that, JD.
So I can not map (copy) notes from a monophonic synthesizer inside sq's 64 operating system and then from there create a chord by the single notes? Thank you very much for the reply, I want to start a dawless setup with a sequence character and sq64 seemed to me as a nice central possessing unit.. I have a korg monologue and some volcas and I am in search of a sequenser to compose music inside it not only play live.
Seems ok but for this price you could buy a Model:Samples which can act as a pretty comparable midi sequencer, plus you get all of the internal sound capability.
@@sonicstate Yeah you can, but they should still supply the consumer the actual plug though as it's not always the best option to use usb. I think it's cheaping out on the consumers, I'm noticing it's not just Korg either these days.
@@danpreston564 As Nick says, it powers over USB, so you can use a USB wall wart for standalone. And with 2A output on the USB adapter, full brightness. Ableton Push is similar. It's a bit dim powered over USB from a computer, but it does work fine. However, that's probably more 'forgivable' than the SQ-64 here, since Push isn't a standalone unit - has no Midi Outs, let alone cv/gate/mod. But to avoid the inevitable outrage comments on the internet, easy solution, Korg offer two flavours, one with AC adapter plus cables, one without. €10 or €15 of a diff. See it then as a consumer-friendly, eco-conscious cost saving on the customer, rather than as it comes across, a cost-cutting move by a corporation.
I understand the difference between a pattern sequencer like this and a linear seguencer like the Roland MC 50, and they are cool for different uses but I wish there was some kind of hibrid, I like the approach of "playing" the sequencer, in real time but there are passages that need to be free of a pattern. Like having two different sequencers in one. Like combining an Arturia beatsep pro with an Alesis MTT 8
@@soulSaysHi apologies .... I am in europe, where we have the month and day the other way to the states... so 9th of April was the release date of the firmware update :)
320 € and no power supply and no midi adapters? Glad you're looking out for the beginner musician who might not have all that stuff in a bin somewhere. I think I'll take a Beatstep instead. Has all the leads packed in and is a hundred bucks cheaper.
Is it worth it for beginners? (hava experience in electronic music but in mixing) Can i use it properly with no other device? (no other expensive effects or that huge orange device in the video)
This will only sequence notes or drums, it doesnt supply any audio - you will need to plug it into other devices to sequence them and make sound. So probably not a beginners device if you dont have any other gear (If I am understanding you correctly)
I like korg products and it looks nice but taking into account the issues that have been reported with it (specially the voltage tunning issue) and that korg's update policy is a shame compared to arturia's....don't think is a wise purchase.
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?
hi sonic i found another bug with this, if you assign the drum channel parts ie d sub tracks a midi channel for example d2 midi channel 2 when switched off it doesnt retain this setting and reverts to channel 10 i cant resolve this problem which is fustrating also it has awful timing doesnt keepmom time with the smallest sequences
Why in 2021, companies still make sequencers with so few tracks? I could understand 20 years ago, but today one would expect at least 16 tracks, one per midi channel. The Pyramid is still the king of the hill at this point
Yamaha did the QY300 in '94 with 16 tracks. Then 2 years later the QY-700 had 32 tracks. The Squarp makes this Korg look like an expensive plastic abacus. 4 is woefully inadequate.
@@EnochDark yeah, I have an rm1x too.. Fun thing but about half of the buttons are hard work on it. Not been brave enough to take apart and fix it yet because it's a pig to do. Been using it as a glorified sound module because of that.
@@Gainn yeah, mine has a faded out screen and a dislodged disk drive... i think the buttons are okay but i know what you mean after causing permanent damage to my right thumb using an old QY-70. :/
you say it feels solid, but of all my smaller controllers this is the one i fear dropping the most due to the shear weight of the darn thing given it's tiny size. I doubt something this heavy would survive a drop. considering a bumper for that innevitable moment.
It is such a brilliant concept, but as it is at the moment, this thing is so frustrating. It really feels like Korg released it unfinished, and I lost hours feeling stupid, just to find out that the stuff I was trying to do does not work. Here are a few examples of dead ends I hit. With a few of them I am still not sure if it is just me, but after a while I gave up on trying to find out and played with my Digitakt instead. Here it goes: - You can't delete data on a per-step basis - You can't move/reposition data on a per-step basis (apart from the offset of +/- half a step) - You can't create/edit polyphony without recording chords first - You can't play along to your sequence while it is running (both in keyboard mode and external midi), unless recording is active - The arpeggiator is a joke. You can only arpeggiate on a per-step basis, which is cool for weird sounds but there should be a "normal" arp funcion as well. - You also CAN'T RECORD MIDI on track C! And I feel like I forgot some. It is sad, because I wanted to use this as the centerpiece for my setup since it easily connects midi and cv. I really can't understand how this was released in this state and how it can be that there is still no update and fix. So.. Don't buy one yet. Or maybe ever, considering Korg's bugfix record. edit: Nick addresses the play along and track C recording issues in the "global settings" part of the video. There is a simple way around it, yay! Just change keyboard mode from transpose to override.
I just buy it and someone nher emake me 2 midi adapter type a and type b but if I connect midi it doesn't work. I tried to menu diving or read the menu but I found nothing. Is that possible the trs midi adapter are bouild wrong or there is something to change in the menu? Thank you