Korg - SQ-1 Compact Analogue 2x8 Step Sequencer

Product Information

The 2 x 8 step buttons can be used in the usual way to turn notes on/off, but you can also use the MODE button to switch their function, opening up powerful possibilities such as letting you "perform" the sequence itself, as on a volca unit. Company takes no responsibility for any loss including but not limited to loss of data, financial loss, or personal loss) that might arise from the use of, or the inability to use, the manual library or the specified software. Korg warrants that the Licensed Program when properly used will provide the facilities and functions as described in the accompanying documentation but does not warrant that the operation of the Licensed Program will be uninterrupted or error-free.

All references to the Licensed Program shall mean the object code only of the program(s) comprising the Licensed Program. As a connector, the SQ-1 provides two CV/GATE OUT channels, the standard MIDI OUT and USB MIDI, littleBits out (to connect to the littleBits synth kit by littleBits Electronics Inc.), plus the SYNC IN/OUT channel that allows you to connect to the volca series and monotribe. Compact and complete with all the functions you need, the SQ-1 is the ideal hardware sequencer. All things considered, the SQ-1's power really impresses for the money, though it misses swing and song mode, plus there's no apparent way to transpose or store favourite sequences currently (all software updateable hopefully).

When the classic MS-20 analog synthesizer appeared in 1978, it had a trusted partner in the SQ-10 step sequencer. Now, after thirty years, the MS-20 has been reborn as the MS-20 mini, and the SQ-10 has evolved into the more modern SQ-1. The license created by this agreement is personal to you and you may not assign or otherwise transfer your rights or obligations under this agreement without the prior written consent of Korg. It doesn’t even stop there as there are plenty of other features that I haven’t had the space to go into, such as the polyrhythms, ability to play your sequences in quarter notes, triplets and more. Suffice it to say this is a solidly built, comprehensive sequencer that is both musical and very intuitive. I love this method, which is reminiscent of using something like a Novation launchpad. If it’s lit you know you will be in key. There are all the usual suspects when it comes to scale choice but I couldn’t find a way to save my own custom scales. A small omission maybe but one that I hope can be fixed in a firmware update.

Korg reserves the right to make modifications to the Licensed Program and to the support services set out in clause 7 of this agreement (referred to in this agreement as “the Services”) without prior notification to you. A little later I discovered that it is possible to access VCO2’s frequency in (almost) isolation, despite the loss of the dedicated CV input. It’s not clear from the manual, but when FM is active, the ‘Freq’ input (which ordinarily affects both VCOs) only affects VCO2. Now you can pipe in an LFO or other modulation source without disturbing the pitch of VCO1, although CV received at the main input still drives both in parallel. Contents of owner’s manuals and content as found on korg.com may differ. Information on korg.com may be updated as necessary based on changes to the product specification, operating system, included contents, and so on. Additionally, owner’s manuals may be updated to reflect these and other changes with updated production of the product. Korg provides no warranty in relation to any Third Party Software supplied and all warranties whether express or implied as to the condition, quality, performance, merchantability or fitness for purpose of the Third Party Software or any part of the same are (in so far as may be permitted by law) hereby excluded. MusicRadar verdict: An intuitive and very musical bit of gear and one that should stand the test of time. Now, where did we park the Trans-Am? The web saysYou can also set the CV output voltages (1V, 2V, 5V V/Oct or 8V Hz/V options) for interfacing with different equipment by holding function and specific step buttons, so even more eclectic CV/Gate gear is accommodated. Please be aware that this service may be modified or terminated at any time by the Company without specific notice. If supplied in conjunction with any Korg instrument or equipment, such Third Party Software shall only relate to the non-essential functions of such instrument or equipment.