Korg - SQ-64 Polyphonic Step Sequencer + Software Bundle

Product Information

A powerful and compact step sequencer, SQ-64 combines intuitive functionality with deep editing capabilities giving you seamless control over your software and hardware setup. Mono and Chord (or polyphonic) are self‑explanatory, but switch it to arpeggiator and something sounds immediately wrong. The process feels rather convoluted and seems to involve too many confusing button combinations, which achieve not quite what you were hoping for. So even though in the global settings it expresses the range is 5 (to 10) volts, it's actually moving from -5 to + 5 volts over the course of the mod range. In Gate mode you choose the length of the sequence up to 64 steps and turn the steps on and off with a press.

It is unfortunate that bright mode (2A) is essentially useless, but I’m satisfied that dim mode (500mA) is usable.

The OLED Display is crystal clear, bright and visible from any angle, so you can have access to all the information you need no matter whether you are making music at home, in the studio or playing live! The DRUM track outputs can be fine-tuned to match the polarity and voltage of your connected device(s).

With its 64 step pad Matrix, Crystal clear OLED display, sturdy and elegant aluminium body, a wealth of connections and a variety of modes and features, the SQ-64 will become the central piece of your music studio providing total and seamless control over all your instruments so you can focus on what matters most; your music! There’s also the keyboard mode mentioned earlier but I think the best option is ISO mode, where the top row of tracks shows the pattern, the lower three tracks then light up in ISO fashion, depending on the scale you have chosen for your project. Despite its wide array of features, controls and connections, the SQ-64 is just 18mm thick (38mm including the knobs and rubber legs) and is housed in a highly portable and elegant yet robust solid aluminium body that will provide years of reliable service.

You also get Sync in and Out on mini jacks, for hooking up to Volca's and other sync supporting devices. Most purchases from business sellers are protected by the Consumer Contract Regulations 2013 which give you the right to cancel the purchase within 14 days after the day you receive the item.

You can set the timing division for each track to 1/32, 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 and then Triplets if you wish. It appears to take it's inspiration from the 3 melodic tracks and a drum track, like Beatstep and Keystep Pro from Arturia, but the way it addresses the steps and tracks is different. SQ64 may have been lacking at launch, but the updates they did to it over the last couple years made this one of the best, most versatile pieces of CV-generating gear that exists.I think velocity sensitivity on the buttons/pads is the only obvious thing missing, and adding a MIDI keyboard controller would quickly sort that out. Dedicated buttons for mod, pitch and gate channels keep things nice and simple, without much in the way of button acrobatics. i got some strange clockissues too on the syncout, it's powered with PSU but also connected via usb to my DAW (for controller events and receiving clocks).