I may not know what I'm talking about, BUT: It would be SO smart and _amazingly KORG_ of KORG to open this up and allow the community cook up custom firmwares. For exposure and legacy, if nothing else. You can feel perfection in this hardware. It is NOT hard to imagine KORG's customers helping this unit become ubiquitous like the Minilogue or Volcas. KORG- I believe that if you allow this access (and keep the price affordable), for years to come, your competition may seldom be observed without a KORG in command.
@Rompler_Rocco companies that discontinue a product without opening it up to be further mended and maintained should be fined for planned obsolescence making E waste. I don’t think we should have to rely on the goodwill of corporations. Think of how much products are being made with crucial materials and massive pollution via factories in unregulated countries that poison their people to make our companies and investors rich while we get products that last for 3 to 10 years before obsolescence by design.
Robin, the Arp is seriously one of the best features - but it should be called Strum! Use it with 2hp Pluck, and think of it like strumming a guitar. It gives you instant chords/polyphony in eurorack. There are very few (any?) sequencers with this functionality - strum chords, into Monsoon/chronoblob/Punk distortion. Try it!
It's not an Arp. And if you have to turn the tempo down to min for it to be useable - what is the point? This instrument has so many features where the developers were just trying to cram things in, instead of thinking of what they are doing and just making the most used features easy. Typical... lost in the details (again). It's a "you get what you paid for" sequencer.
The arp is in the same vein as the strum on the keystep37 (a feature which I enjoy very much). It's just the application of a note summed up into a chord, and strummed, like a guitar or whatever. It *IS* technically an arpeggio, but I think they should have just called it strum so it didn't confuse people. I assume that on a longer gate you can get some beautiful effects.. adding great depth to a monosynth note.
It is so good now. I bought it on sale to use as more midi to cv from my daw, but I really love being able to program 64 steps with all in view. I'm sure they will keep fixing the little issues and one day this will be a favorite sequencer of mine.
Glorious video! I am one of the lucky (or gullible) folks who finally couldn’t say no to an SQ-64 at the current Reverb Korg USA Store price of $129 USD. I am primarily planning on using it for MIDI, lest that deep discount were to become a future fortune spent on all the modules that the CV and Gate outputs could handle. (I do have effects pedals, and also maybe one or two-of many-synths, that can receive the CV and gate, but my brain oddly has not proven “compatible with Eurorack”, despite a proclivity for hardware/DAWless). Cheers!
Thanks for this! Korg makes great products, but their tutorials are...lacking. You have showed me a lot of features I would not have found anywhere else.
V2 is a really welcomed update. I love the quantization option and the drum grid for the D channel is *much* better. I still think chained pattern mode could be made just a little more flexible. And I don't use modular, just volcas, boutiques, and behringers.
One of the great things about the sq-64 is that you can set scales - great for soloing, especially with the pentatonic scales. And you can add your own scales - blues, for example. Also, pattern mode is great - mix and match and sync to the next pattern, bar etc. Then there’s mod and mod variation. The list goes on really.
Humble. Generous. Curious. Honest. Sometimes bemused. This is why I enjoy watching your videos. You really bring yourself into these videos in a way that is very different from a lot of other SynthTubers. Keep being you!
Many thanks for posting, good explanations of its various features, with a twist every now and then. I'm still unraveling some of its more obscure mysteries, but your vids are definitely helping with that process.
The ARP setting would work nicely with Rings or Surface when they are in polyphonic mode. Thanks for the update. It convinced me it could be useful. So, I just got a new one at Reverb for $129.
at the original price and original firmware. I was really disappointed and recommended people away from the SQ-64. I've changed my mind now, and I'd compare it to the KeyStep Pro for those that want some similar basic capabilities but prefer the focus on multitrack sequencer than on a seemingly more versatile keyboard+sequencer of the KeyStep Pro. I think it's for people who like programming old drum machines and groove boxes. For pure MIDI the Electribe 2 or the Model:Cycles/Samples are compelling alternatives and can do some things with MIDI that the SQ-64 cannot.
THANK YOU! This is what I needed to hear at 3:40. I've been working with a new hardware rig run by an SQ64. I do like it a lot and it was a champ during my first live gig in 9 years. But I keep wondering what it's best for and is that for me. And now hearing you say it made me realize my gut instinct to balance monosynths with s polysynth or two uses this the best.
You know Rob what I would like it to do? Automatic Chords variations from. a single note input like the tiny Roland. I am sure the firmware can take it.
Thanks given us another update , I bought one months ago and only used it a few times with my arp 2600 and pro 1 but I think I'll download the new firmware hook my rd-8 and get to jamming and probably watch your video again . Haha thanks
Really great tutorial on V2. I love the note to chord function and will definitely try it out. For synths plugging in to the three section for gate, mod and velocity do I need to set them in global or just plug synth into the jacks?
Niiiiice! Love this review! Any way you can preview the pitch of the note you're programming on step, before pressing play? You know, while in step mode?
This looks like a more logical sequencer to use because having 64 pads I can see exactly where it’s going. I only saw your top row light up as it went through the sequence. Is that because you were in keys mode.? I assume with one of these and my volcas I do not need an Arturia Keystep or any other midi keyboard as everything is there I On the SQ64? One day I will be able to afford the nice synths you have but I have to start somewhere. That demo you did at the beginning was bloody awesome…….very well done….and cool..
Coming back to this again - love the SQ64 - anyone know if there is a way in Pitch recording mode to transpose the keyboard they give you? You get these 16 notes, and i'm so used to being able to transpose that keyboard down to bass for example, or up higher if you want. Is there not a way to do this?
with the Arp .. just after you went to shift and had a setting for half speed could you not use that to slow the arp setting down? I'm actually thinking on getting one for midi chords for my setup.. love the new stuff in V2.10
dont have the sq 64..(first reviews were dissapointing depending on the software issues) but simple question: why not hooking up a small midi keyboard over midi in. that way it may be much easier to play in chords/melodies than over the kryptic scheme of the sequencers key-layout? the update seems to open up this machine quiet a bit though, also prices went down, so i may consider getting one of these sooner.. (or later..:)
Nicely put together review of the SQ64. I’m thinking about getting one, there’s a couple of things niggling away. Was this review done on the latest firmware? How often do they update the firmware?
It was the latest version of the firmware at the time - the V2 and it took a long time to get it. I don't imagine they will do another, it really depends on the demand.
I got it a few weeks ago, got completely discouraged after trying to update the fiirmware to V2 (too many midi hosts on my PC do it did not work and took me a Tim Shoebridge to figure it out) so mine got out of the box and immediately went to gathering dust duties. Maybe next month...
Yes, there's a weird thing with Korg and Windows MIDI ports - i have a vague recollection of an app that lets you kill ports or something. I had this with a Volca many moons ago.
@@MoltenMusicTech Yes. it's the Korg uninstaller that lets you kill drivers so the Korg can register. In 2023 this should not be happening. Running the uninstaller to get things installed is a bit like pressing Start when you want to shutdown. That's so '95..
Korg has to fix the SQ64 USB ext Midi rec, not working. Sonoma unsupported. Ext clock display fixed at own internal. No Mod options for CCs and only one per track/sub-tracks. The SQ64 Modulations needs to cover Midiloop ext rec fixed. Bastl Midiloop, Midiphy Loopa V4, Squarp Pyramid, Hermod+, Novation Beatstep. All of them has ext midi rec, with multiple modulations options such as ENV syncing, LFO mixing, and limitless for CCs and Korg can not make a single update to address this issue, nor ANYONE single VIDEO showing it is possible. Whilst ALL of the above, has videos showing how easy it is. From a DAW one needs to choose SQ64-SEQ over SQ64 Midi in, Usb ext clock, Midi notes are passed through, but nothing get recorder... Where are you Korg devs??? Please!!! Before we start mass replacing it with smth that works... fix it!!! Sorry Sir to Hijack this nice vids of yours... but it might get upper the to do list of more of us gets concerned... ua-cam.com/video/-dcu_cOZ_RQ/v-deo.html
I'm sorry for the novice question, but I just realized the Dreadbox synths don't have CV outs. How are the three synths and drum machine hooked up to the Korg between it's two MIDI outs? Is there a splitter somewhere?
No problem! To run synths from the Korg via CV they will need a CV IN for pitch and a Gate IN to run an envelope. The Dreadbox monosynths have this, the Nymphes doesn't as it's a polysynth. CV can only do one thing at a time which is why modular is very Mono. Anyway, assuming you want to use MIDI then MIDI has the ability to chain lots of synths together. It can do this primarily using a MIDI THRU port. MIDI uses three ports: MIDI IN takes in data from another source in order to be controlled; MIDI OUT sends out data to control another machine; MIDI THRU sends out whatever is coming into the MIDI IN. So, taking a MIDI sequencer with a single MIDI OUT port, you can plug it into the MIDI IN on synth #1. Then plug the MIDI THRU from synth #1 to the MIDI IN of synth #2 and so on. Each synth can be controlled and sequenced independently by setting each one to a different MIDI channel - there are 16 MIDI channels. This is done on the sequencer track and the synth itself. However, many synths don't have a MIDI THRU! In which case their MIDI OUT can usually perform this function (check manual). However, some synths don't have a MIDI OUT! In which case you can buy a "MIDI THRU BOX" which is a little box with a MIDI IN and a few MIDI OUTs to split the MIDI to different synths. I hope that answers your question :D
This is exacyly what I was looking for. I'm getting back into electronic music after 15 years away and am super into the Korg SQ64. This is super helpful. I may take the plunge today. Thanks.@@MoltenMusicTech
Thank you for this great review Robin! Just got my sq64 so it was really really helpful to watch this and get updated on what this machine can actually do now, got it for a live project and also to enhance the workflow in my studio. Just noticed something that I'm sure you have an answer for, is it possible to record notes in to the sequencer via the usb input? I think I'm sure that only works via midi but I need to ask! Thanks Robin!
I can't say for definite but the USB is MIDI and I'm pretty sure i used it keyboard-to-daw-to-sq64 so i would say that you can play itover USB and therefore record the notes.
I use mine for it's MIDI capabilities, but only because I don't have many modular synths. The MS-1 and SE-02 have some semi-modular components, and with KORG Volcas you can sort of chop the tempo by using gate outputs into the sync, but overall I feel like I'm missing out whenever I watch all of those nice blinking lights on my drum channel.
The answer is yes…I bought one last week and it works as expected. I have to say v2 makes this device a lot more appealing and for $129 on Reverb it’s hard to beat.
When you run arp mode at 1x AND cut the timing to 1/4 you can get better results. Sometime ill run it at half the original tracks tempo if I can get away with it. Then you can actually hear it like you would expect
hey I love your vids and your hilarious delivery. what if you used the time division of the sequencer to get more division on the arp? I have 2 of these and have not figured out much, and your vid really helps a lot. It's shocking how cheep they are selling these now, for such an amazing device.
Also when you plug in an external keyboard it works only when the sequencer is on stop or record mode it doesn't work when it is just on play. It is a bit frustrating 😢
On V1, you could enter the notes into a sequence by holding the step and playing the notes in Keyboard Mode, which much easier than what you demonstrated. You imply that it wasn't able to do that before. (Of course, you can still do it on V2 as well,. Much easier than inputting each note manually like he is doing.) Also, the Keys layout is a lot easier than Isometric for anyone watching this who doesn't own one.
I missed out the playing of notes while holding a step completely - it’s an option but needs you to know what the notes are. I found the higher range of notes in iso preferable to having to keep finding the octave up/down in keys mode. There are different ways of doing it which I covered in my original video 😁
Best review on this sexy toy, love to see the laughs u have in the process. Anyone figured anything about the arp? Would be one of the main features I'm interested in and it's really disappointing to see it so unusable. Also u people think would make any sense to get this when owning already a Digitakt? ✌️
I think this is best at sequencing modular - that has nothing to do with the Digitakt so they are very different products. But i wouldnt use it to sequence the Digitakt because it already has a sequencer....
Is anyone else dealing with absolute hell updating this firmware? The Korg system updater is unable to detect my SQ and forums online advise I need to uninstall drivers to make it visible. This true?
The ARP mode seems like it's constrained within the step/gate length? I'm wondering if there's a way to extend the gate length to say, 1/4, 1/2, or whole bar length notes? If that is how it works, it suggests you could place multiple longer gate ARP notes with a pattern, each with their own note pitch selections, for some quite complex ARP programming. Or, it could just be broken like half the features in the first version...
@@MoltenMusicTech yes... perhaps someone who owns one... and has a bunch of synths they can use to test it... and has a YT channel where they can tell us the results... 😜
Nah, I’ve given the arp loads of time and it’s done nothing. I’ve probably done all of he things you suggest, I don’t remember and need to move onto other things. Arp mode is dead to me.
Hi 😊 can you help me please with some problem? I'm sending a clock from abletone to sq 64. I'm trying to understand how to make sq 64 start playing from the first step and not from the step I stopped, bug thanks
I'd love to be able to tell you what to do but I really don't know. I don't really use the SQ64 with MIDI. I can suggest going through the settings, look for MIDI sync and transport control. I think the SQ64 would much rather be the sync master than the follower.
Hello Sir, I bought an SQ64 and wanted to update it to ver 2.3. But low and behold there are no instructions on how to do the upgrade. Wondering if you have any instructions to help me accomplish this. I downloaded the files from Korg but, no instructions to be found. I looked in the manual. I called Korg. I have searched the entire internet and there is no information on how to do the update! You seem to know a lot about the unit! Wonder if you could help me figure it out? =KL= Chicago, IL
The a, b and c inputs for mod, pitch and gate are what I’m referring to for hooking up analog gear. If I just plug the cables in from the external devices will the SQ-64 recognize them without having to change any settings in Global.
analogue gear doesn't "recognise" anything. It just outputs voltage and you can plug that into anything that reacts to voltage. Which settings do you think you need to change?
@@MoltenMusicTech I was in a jam so i just grabbed 1/8 in stereo cables from dollar store works perfect on sq64 mod/pitch/gate to synths. I use them for patching and work also. Not ideal but they work. Let me know maybe talk briefly about in a video. Cheers great videos Robin.
I kind of hate this machine, doing simple things requires a-lot of tapping and menu diving. Im really frustrated because i cant figure out how to use all 64 notes in while im recording . I only have access to all 64 nots in CONTROL mode. Very frustrating.
You’d think so but that just slows the triggering of the note, not the arp which is dependent on tempo. You can slow the tempo right down but then everything else is unusable.
I wish Arturia didn't abandon the keystep pro firmware and address the issue with th CV output being two high by about two tenths of a volt. Sometimes it's a curse having a multi meter and discovering discrepancies in your gear :/
If only my unit would accept the update.... I've plugged my unit into three computers and cannot run the update no matter how many drivers and programs I download 😓
I would love to update my SQ-64, but to do so requires me to spend £2k on a new Mac as my old one won’t run OS11. Therefore, as you say in the intro, I will keep taking it out, struggling with it for a few minutes, then putting it away for a few months. Perhaps if I bought a new one it would have v2.0 installed. Much cheaper than a new pc/Mac I suppose…
@@MoltenMusicTech I don’t know anyone with a pc. However- I’ve just sold a high-value module, and found a good deal on a MacBook. Should do the trick- and I can now look into the Arturia V Collection thingy as I will Have The Power…
I sold my Beatstep Pro - didn't get on with it at all. I have a KeyStep Pro which I like better but the Korg is wonderfully compact and playful. Does that help?
@@MoltenMusicTech Thank you. I'm so new to modular. So gate - is just on /off. Pitch is - various voltage. Is modulation send -various voltage, as well? and by setting the percentage value, you set how much volts you're sending? I guess I'm still confused on how is it different from pitch send, because you can use pitch to modulate anything as well. Is it slower on the attack?Thank you, again.
Yes, you could see gate as the note length, or how long it's held as opposed to trigger which is just a twang or a hit. Pitch output would be set by the notes you put into the sequencer and so correspond to set voltage intervals that represent notes. The Mod output is absolutely the same but is using free running voltage based on something other than pitch so it can be any voltage. In regular modular sequencers the output is free running voltage and can be used for pitch or modulation - you would tend to run it through a quantizer if you wanted to push it into helpful notes. No envelopes or attack is being used here - you would add that via an envelope on a VCA! Modular is a lot :D but keep at it, it does get easier.
i nearly got one of these some time back - nearly a year i think, well wish i had now and likely will, i think it will stop me getting maxed out and wishing evolution would hurry the fuck up and give me an extra arm and hand, its taking ages i haven't even developed a bit of a stump but i do really need 1, so im fairly sure sure this might help out while i wait
I really want to like this thing, but I can't update mine. I prefer more mature operating systems, that have had their exploits found and (hopefully) mended, and although there is absolutely no excuse for choosing to be incompatible with "older" versions of operating systems, Korg has chosen not to allow the SQ-64 to be updated without installing their software ( A giant red flag on its own ), but also, that software/driver is only compatible with the very newest operating systems. There is absolutely no reasonable excuse for them to not have their device be recognized as a generic storage device, let you place the newest file on it, and then select the newest file on the SQ-64's display. The only risk is that the community will develop far better button assignments than they are willing to, and at a faster pace. ...Also, related to the problems you're having with ARP, I'm wondering if it would work the way you wanted it to if you used longer note divisions. If you've selected 16th notes, for example, it may be trying to turn those into 128th notes to fit within the tiny window of time allocated per note. I would love to experiment with this, but - of course - I'm stuck with whatever firmware it came with. This is precisely the kind of problem I didn't want to deal with, when I chose to be as strictly analog as possible. I made an exception in this case, and now I'm burned by that decision, and my opinion of Korg is soured by my very first experience with them.
It's a digital device and so perhaps you need to accept that it requires a digital connection and function to update it. It's not uncommon to have a piece of software that runs an update. It was quick and painless. Maybe take it to a friends house who has a recent computer. While I respect you for sticking to your guns, dodging red flags and that (those pesky synth makers messing with us) I can't quite sympathise with the predicament you place yourself in - but i live on the edge, you know. And with the ARP - nah, it's the same whatever and hasn't been updated so it's the perfect thing for you to investigate. Let me know if you discover anything useful in there.
@@MoltenMusicTech I think you mean to say that it is a software-driven device, which is the source of all the problems that I - and even you, in your videos on it - have had. I've yet to find a problem in the digital hardware, but the product was released with half-baked software, after misallocating development resources into attempting to locking the user out of it. By releasing it before the software was fully developed, they're forcing the user into an undisclosed data harvesting scheme, one way or another, and I don't consent to that. Physically, it's what I wanted, and maybe a little too feature-rich, reminding me that I'm probably going to simply use it as an example for building my own software-free digital-only (meaning hardware-only, in this case) version.
Why not go to a friend, or a neighbor with a newer computer? Or install new OS on a separate hard drive partition for service purposes? Maybe virtual machine could do too.
@@omimakarenko5091 Your workaround suggestions are high-quality and helpful. I will end up updating my SQ-64 one way or another, but I still consider it a very poorly developed product, and my search for "a sequencer that I like, or build one myself" continues. There's a guy that works at the local car parts store with music notes tattooed on his face. I'll ask him if he is into that sort of thing, and give it to him, if he wants it. That's probably the "update" most suitable for this product.
Thank you so much for this Robin 🎉 I’ve been on the fence and the price right now is compelling. 😊
The SQ-64 goes well with the volca FM/FM2 ;-D
I am enjoying mine so far, one month in.
I got it for about $120. Totally worth it. The update fixed a lot of things
I may not know what I'm talking about, BUT:
It would be SO smart and _amazingly KORG_ of KORG to open this up and allow the community cook up custom firmwares.
For exposure and legacy, if nothing else.
You can feel perfection in this hardware.
It is NOT hard to imagine KORG's customers helping this unit become ubiquitous like the Minilogue or Volcas.
KORG- I believe that if you allow this access (and keep the price affordable), for years to come, your competition may seldom be observed without a KORG in command.
@Rompler_Rocco companies that discontinue a product without opening it up to be further mended and maintained should be fined for planned obsolescence making E waste. I don’t think we should have to rely on the goodwill of corporations. Think of how much products are being made with crucial materials and massive pollution via factories in unregulated countries that poison their people to make our companies and investors rich while we get products that last for 3 to 10 years before obsolescence by design.
V2 is a blessing ! Hope they keep the updates rolling. I love mine
Incredible video! If I watch it 10 more times, I might figure out how to use mine 😅
Robin, the Arp is seriously one of the best features - but it should be called Strum! Use it with 2hp Pluck, and think of it like strumming a guitar. It gives you instant chords/polyphony in eurorack. There are very few (any?) sequencers with this functionality - strum chords, into Monsoon/chronoblob/Punk distortion. Try it!
Great tip
Chords should improve greatly, with chords variations. I agree it is one of the best features that has a ton of room for improvement.
It's not an Arp. And if you have to turn the tempo down to min for it to be useable - what is the point? This instrument has so many features where the developers were just trying to cram things in, instead of thinking of what they are doing and just making the most used features easy. Typical... lost in the details (again). It's a "you get what you paid for" sequencer.
Agreed. The strum used on a monosynth is fantastic. Keystep37 has one, too. One of its best features in my opinion.
So much better. Let's hope v3 makes the arp function more useful.
Great to see you back Robin, hope you had a good Christmas!
The arp is in the same vein as the strum on the keystep37 (a feature which I enjoy very much). It's just the application of a note summed up into a chord, and strummed, like a guitar or whatever.
It *IS* technically an arpeggio, but I think they should have just called it strum so it didn't confuse people.
I assume that on a longer gate you can get some beautiful effects.. adding great depth to a monosynth note.
It is so good now. I bought it on sale to use as more midi to cv from my daw, but I really love being able to program 64 steps with all in view. I'm sure they will keep fixing the little issues and one day this will be a favorite sequencer of mine.
Glorious video! I am one of the lucky (or gullible) folks who finally couldn’t say no to an SQ-64 at the current Reverb Korg USA Store price of $129 USD. I am primarily planning on using it for MIDI, lest that deep discount were to become a future fortune spent on all the modules that the CV and Gate outputs could handle. (I do have effects pedals, and also maybe one or two-of many-synths, that can receive the CV and gate, but my brain oddly has not proven “compatible with Eurorack”, despite a proclivity for hardware/DAWless). Cheers!
Yeah I don’t have a distinct need for it but the $129 price got me too.
More great deals from Korg for the US only. 😞
Thanks for this! Korg makes great products, but their tutorials are...lacking. You have showed me a lot of features I would not have found anywhere else.
thats hilarious I just bought this thing last month and have been thinking the same thing. Still useful.
Jeesh!!! Thank you Robin I was going mad trying to change the sub track for recording! Nowhere in the manuel-you ledge 🙌
Great video... as you would say, "Ace". I learned a ton and you really helped with this 2.0 version of the SQ64. Great job.
V2 is a really welcomed update. I love the quantization option and the drum grid for the D channel is *much* better. I still think chained pattern mode could be made just a little more flexible. And I don't use modular, just volcas, boutiques, and behringers.
Great review!!! I think that while they’re at the current price, it’s a no brainer. Great value. Built like a tank
Yeah I just bought one and I was shocked to see it on reverb from Korg outlet for 129
One of the great things about the sq-64 is that you can set scales - great for soloing, especially with the pentatonic scales. And you can add your own scales - blues, for example.
Also, pattern mode is great - mix and match and sync to the next pattern, bar etc.
Then there’s mod and mod variation.
The list goes on really.
Do you know how many scales come loaded?
Can you use user scales like in a keystep 37? I love that.
Isomorphic keyboard for the fail.
you have the most sympathetic reviews mr Robin , carry on
Thank you
I'm always here for the shirts, but I have to say the reviews are sweet too!
still waiting on different pattern lengths for individual drum tracks though... apart from that. yes. it's a joy to create with!
Humble. Generous. Curious. Honest. Sometimes bemused. This is why I enjoy watching your videos. You really bring yourself into these videos in a way that is very different from a lot of other SynthTubers. Keep being you!
Thanks! I appreciate the comment.
Many thanks for posting, good explanations of its various features, with a twist every now and then. I'm still unraveling some of its more obscure mysteries, but your vids are definitely helping with that process.
Great video Robin. Tempted by the SQ, but man, does that Erebus sound sweeeeet!
Cheers, Robin! That was fun, too! Love your enthusiasm for this cool box!
Thanks for reviewing this updated version
Great review and demo. The added features sold it for me
This is the brain for any analog/digital/software synths and drums. Big thx to KORG for this update. I have my faith back.
The ARP setting would work nicely with Rings or Surface when they are in polyphonic mode. Thanks for the update. It convinced me it could be useful. So, I just got a new one at Reverb for $129.
I bought a second one. For that price, you can get a few and link them up. Great value.
Thanks man for the tip, I just picked up one myself
Now I'll get it out of the box, update the firmware, and start using this thing! Thanks bro.
Very informative! Thanks! The problem is this thing has given me GAS for a drum machine.
at the original price and original firmware. I was really disappointed and recommended people away from the SQ-64. I've changed my mind now, and I'd compare it to the KeyStep Pro for those that want some similar basic capabilities but prefer the focus on multitrack sequencer than on a seemingly more versatile keyboard+sequencer of the KeyStep Pro. I think it's for people who like programming old drum machines and groove boxes. For pure MIDI the Electribe 2 or the Model:Cycles/Samples are compelling alternatives and can do some things with MIDI that the SQ-64 cannot.
Ooh, love that fill option on the trigger section, that would usually take up one or more modules to get that semi randomness.
THANK YOU! This is what I needed to hear at 3:40. I've been working with a new hardware rig run by an SQ64. I do like it a lot and it was a champ during my first live gig in 9 years. But I keep wondering what it's best for and is that for me. And now hearing you say it made me realize my gut instinct to balance monosynths with s polysynth or two uses this the best.
Thanks for this, the update is great. They came so close to making a great product but the arp is hilariously useless
Super Thank You, always a pleasure to watch all your videos.
You know Rob what I would like it to do? Automatic Chords variations from. a single note input like the tiny Roland. I am sure the firmware can take it.
A very enticing review. Now I want one!
Brilliant review of the new controller (yes, I know, not new, but 2.0 makes it so much more yummy) thank you❤
Thanks given us another update , I bought one months ago and only used it a few times with my arp 2600 and pro 1 but I think I'll download the new firmware hook my rd-8 and get to jamming and probably watch your video again . Haha thanks
Really great tutorial on V2. I love the note to chord function and will definitely try it out. For synths plugging in to the three section for gate, mod and velocity do I need to set them in global or just plug synth into the jacks?
Not sure what you're asking me - could you elaborate?
Niiiiice! Love this review! Any way you can preview the pitch of the note you're programming on step, before pressing play? You know, while in step mode?
Maybe a stupid question...but will any of my saved projects be erased if I do this update? Thanks! Great video btw!
I’m glad this got an update because I was so excited about it before but it was just meh. I look forward to to trying it again in the future!
This looks like a more logical sequencer to use because having 64 pads I can see exactly where it’s going. I only saw your top row light up as it went through the sequence. Is that because you were in keys mode.?
I assume with one of these and my volcas I do not need an Arturia Keystep or any other midi keyboard as everything is there I
On the SQ64?
One day I will be able to afford the nice synths you have but I have to start somewhere.
That demo you did at the beginning was bloody awesome…….very well done….and cool..
I'm usually using only 16 steps :D
Coming back to this again - love the SQ64 - anyone know if there is a way in Pitch recording mode to transpose the keyboard they give you? You get these 16 notes, and i'm so used to being able to transpose that keyboard down to bass for example, or up higher if you want. Is there not a way to do this?
with the Arp .. just after you went to shift and had a setting for half speed could you not use that to slow the arp setting down? I'm actually thinking on getting one for midi chords for my setup.. love the new stuff in V2.10
I tiny bit, but it's still more of a strum than an arp.
dont have the sq 64..(first reviews were dissapointing depending on the software issues)
but simple question:
why not hooking up a small midi keyboard over midi in.
that way it may be much easier to play in chords/melodies than over the kryptic scheme of the sequencers key-layout?
the update seems to open up this machine quiet a bit though,
also prices went down, so i may consider getting one of these sooner.. (or later..:)
Sure, add a keyboard, no problem 😉
Nicely put together review of the SQ64. I’m thinking about getting one, there’s a couple of things niggling away. Was this review done on the latest firmware? How often do they update the firmware?
It was the latest version of the firmware at the time - the V2 and it took a long time to get it. I don't imagine they will do another, it really depends on the demand.
I got it a few weeks ago, got completely discouraged after trying to update the fiirmware to V2 (too many midi hosts on my PC do it did not work and took me a Tim Shoebridge to figure it out) so mine got out of the box and immediately went to gathering dust duties. Maybe next month...
Yes, there's a weird thing with Korg and Windows MIDI ports - i have a vague recollection of an app that lets you kill ports or something. I had this with a Volca many moons ago.
@@MoltenMusicTech Yes. it's the Korg uninstaller that lets you kill drivers so the Korg can register. In 2023 this should not be happening. Running the uninstaller to get things installed is a bit like pressing Start when you want to shutdown. That's so '95..
Korg has to fix the SQ64 USB ext Midi rec, not working. Sonoma unsupported. Ext clock display fixed at own internal. No Mod options for CCs and only one per track/sub-tracks.
The SQ64 Modulations needs to cover Midiloop ext rec fixed. Bastl Midiloop, Midiphy Loopa V4, Squarp Pyramid, Hermod+, Novation Beatstep. All of them has ext midi rec, with multiple modulations options such as ENV syncing, LFO mixing, and limitless for CCs and Korg can not make a single update to address this issue, nor ANYONE single VIDEO showing it is possible. Whilst ALL of the above, has videos showing how easy it is. From a DAW one needs to choose SQ64-SEQ over SQ64 Midi in, Usb ext clock, Midi notes are passed through, but nothing get recorder... Where are you Korg devs??? Please!!! Before we start mass replacing it with smth that works... fix it!!! Sorry Sir to Hijack this nice vids of yours... but it might get upper the to do list of more of us gets concerned...
ua-cam.com/video/-dcu_cOZ_RQ/v-deo.html
Sure, fair enough, no worries - from my point of view I'm not using it with MIDI so i've not hit upon any of these sorts of issues.
I'm sorry for the novice question, but I just realized the Dreadbox synths don't have CV outs. How are the three synths and drum machine hooked up to the Korg between it's two MIDI outs? Is there a splitter somewhere?
No problem! To run synths from the Korg via CV they will need a CV IN for pitch and a Gate IN to run an envelope. The Dreadbox monosynths have this, the Nymphes doesn't as it's a polysynth. CV can only do one thing at a time which is why modular is very Mono. Anyway, assuming you want to use MIDI then MIDI has the ability to chain lots of synths together. It can do this primarily using a MIDI THRU port. MIDI uses three ports: MIDI IN takes in data from another source in order to be controlled; MIDI OUT sends out data to control another machine; MIDI THRU sends out whatever is coming into the MIDI IN. So, taking a MIDI sequencer with a single MIDI OUT port, you can plug it into the MIDI IN on synth #1. Then plug the MIDI THRU from synth #1 to the MIDI IN of synth #2 and so on. Each synth can be controlled and sequenced independently by setting each one to a different MIDI channel - there are 16 MIDI channels. This is done on the sequencer track and the synth itself. However, many synths don't have a MIDI THRU! In which case their MIDI OUT can usually perform this function (check manual). However, some synths don't have a MIDI OUT! In which case you can buy a "MIDI THRU BOX" which is a little box with a MIDI IN and a few MIDI OUTs to split the MIDI to different synths.
I hope that answers your question :D
This is exacyly what I was looking for. I'm getting back into electronic music after 15 years away and am super into the Korg SQ64. This is super helpful. I may take the plunge today. Thanks.@@MoltenMusicTech
If I couldn't get an Oxi One I would go for this over anything else, the size and performability are great
Robin, about the arp. If you had a longer chord (not a stab on a single step), would it still do the arp this fast?
Yep, you get just one run of blips, tied or sustained, it’s the same
Is there a way to prolong a note across multiple steps/16ths? I think that is the key to get the arp to work given what you have shown!
You can tie notes across all steps and no that doesn’t help.
@@MoltenMusicTech how do you do this
Thank you for this great review Robin! Just got my sq64 so it was really really helpful to watch this and get updated on what this machine can actually do now, got it for a live project and also to enhance the workflow in my studio. Just noticed something that I'm sure you have an answer for, is it possible to record notes in to the sequencer via the usb input? I think I'm sure that only works via midi but I need to ask!
Thanks Robin!
I can't say for definite but the USB is MIDI and I'm pretty sure i used it keyboard-to-daw-to-sq64 so i would say that you can play itover USB and therefore record the notes.
I use mine for it's MIDI capabilities, but only because I don't have many modular synths. The MS-1 and SE-02 have some semi-modular components, and with KORG Volcas you can sort of chop the tempo by using gate outputs into the sync, but overall I feel like I'm missing out whenever I watch all of those nice blinking lights on my drum channel.
Can you step record from a keyboard or do you have to use that impossible to figure out keyboard?
The answer is yes…I bought one last week and it works as expected. I have to say v2 makes this device a lot more appealing and for $129 on Reverb it’s hard to beat.
When you run arp mode at 1x AND cut the timing to 1/4 you can get better results. Sometime ill run it at half the original tracks tempo if I can get away with it. Then you can actually hear it like you would expect
hey I love your vids and your hilarious delivery. what if you used the time division of the sequencer to get more division on the arp? I have 2 of these and have not figured out much, and your vid really helps a lot. It's shocking how cheep they are selling these now, for such an amazing device.
Hey, thanks! At best the arp is a sort of strum and we shouldn’t be wasting our time trying to work around it - it’s not a usable arpeggiation.
This device is so stylish yet confusing. Looks very useful for programming full tracks. Still is it more frustrating than fun..?
Also when you plug in an external keyboard it works only when the sequencer is on stop or record mode it doesn't work when it is just on play. It is a bit frustrating 😢
Does it have euclydian sequencer? That would be great to create gates with specific rules.
I don't believe so, no
Thank you for doing this update!! I've been waiting for this!!
On V1, you could enter the notes into a sequence by holding the step and playing the notes in Keyboard Mode, which much easier than what you demonstrated. You imply that it wasn't able to do that before. (Of course, you can still do it on V2 as well,. Much easier than inputting each note manually like he is doing.)
Also, the Keys layout is a lot easier than Isometric for anyone watching this who doesn't own one.
I missed out the playing of notes while holding a step completely - it’s an option but needs you to know what the notes are. I found the higher range of notes in iso preferable to having to keep finding the octave up/down in keys mode. There are different ways of doing it which I covered in my original video 😁
Fyi, quick tapping shift twice gives you the shift hold mode!!
Best review on this sexy toy, love to see the laughs u have in the process. Anyone figured anything about the arp? Would be one of the main features I'm interested in and it's really disappointing to see it so unusable. Also u people think would make any sense to get this when owning already a Digitakt? ✌️
I think this is best at sequencing modular - that has nothing to do with the Digitakt so they are very different products. But i wouldnt use it to sequence the Digitakt because it already has a sequencer....
@@MoltenMusicTech got it, thanks!
Is anyone else dealing with absolute hell updating this firmware? The Korg system updater is unable to detect my SQ and forums online advise I need to uninstall drivers to make it visible. This true?
Next, please do OXI one review
The ARP mode seems like it's constrained within the step/gate length? I'm wondering if there's a way to extend the gate length to say, 1/4, 1/2, or whole bar length notes?
If that is how it works, it suggests you could place multiple longer gate ARP notes with a pattern, each with their own note pitch selections, for some quite complex ARP programming.
Or, it could just be broken like half the features in the first version...
Dunno, someone should try it
@@MoltenMusicTech yes... perhaps someone who owns one... and has a bunch of synths they can use to test it... and has a YT channel where they can tell us the results... 😜
Nah, I’ve given the arp loads of time and it’s done nothing. I’ve probably done all of he things you suggest, I don’t remember and need to move onto other things. Arp mode is dead to me.
Could you do an update on how to use the modulation lane? Seems really tedious to enter mod values, as it seems they need to be done per-step?
Yep, that's it, it's a bit tedious. But then if you stick all that modulation in what are you going to do with your hands during playback?
for the arp mode you need to slow the timing down of the track to use it.
yeah...... and no :D
I wish I can hear what I’m playing while the sequence is running but not recording. Why is that the case?
I'm not sure what you mean - can you try explaining a bit more?
Hi 😊 can you help me please with some problem? I'm sending a clock from abletone to sq 64. I'm trying to understand how to make sq 64 start playing from the first step and not from the step I stopped, bug thanks
Are you using midi clock or analogue clock?
Midi clock
I'd love to be able to tell you what to do but I really don't know. I don't really use the SQ64 with MIDI. I can suggest going through the settings, look for MIDI sync and transport control. I think the SQ64 would much rather be the sync master than the follower.
Thank you, I'm really happy to receive an answer from you and in general I really like hearing things you bring up
Hello Sir, I bought an SQ64 and wanted to update it to ver 2.3. But low and behold there are no instructions on how to do the upgrade. Wondering if you have any instructions to help me accomplish this. I downloaded the files from Korg but, no instructions to be found. I looked in the manual. I called Korg. I have searched the entire internet and there is no information on how to do the update! You seem to know a lot about the unit! Wonder if you could help me figure it out?
=KL=
Chicago, IL
Yes, there’s a pdf with all the instructions in the installer zip file. Just download it www.korg.com/us/support/download/software/0/872/4737/
The a, b and c inputs for mod, pitch and gate are what I’m referring to for hooking up analog gear. If I just plug the cables in from the external devices will the SQ-64 recognize them without having to change any settings in Global.
analogue gear doesn't "recognise" anything. It just outputs voltage and you can plug that into anything that reacts to voltage. Which settings do you think you need to change?
It's looks v good! But I still think the Oxi One is a better buy!
Is there any way to see the tempo without changing the tempo?
Congratulations Robin. You’ve turned your modular setup into an Electribe.😀
Arp should be 'strum.' Needs a proper arp. Could be useful for guitar patches in its current form.
How do you update the firmware?
I can't find tutorial 🤷🏿♂️
There's a pdf in the installer file you download - www.korg.com/us/support/download/software/0/872/4737/
Is it possible to copy a 16 step sequence in the top row down to the other 3 rows ?
not that i can recall
Hello! Did you ever try the arp function with tied notes?
Yes, it’s still rubbish
Sorry! I tried it myself just after! Thanks for responding!!@@MoltenMusicTech
Only thing that can make this thing worth using is for them to open up the firmware and let me rebuild it.
So this is the sequencer that you use with the Taiga looks like more damage to the bank balance 😬
what module is making the drum sounds at 27:50? thanks
I don't really remember but it looks like it could be the Modbap Trinity
The Arp is what is called a strum ;)
Brain fart question time, sync connections use TRS (stereo) cables and mod/pitch/gate and drums use TS (mono) cables. Correct?
No, it’s all mono except midi which uses there stereo minijack
@@MoltenMusicTech I was in a jam so i just grabbed 1/8 in stereo cables from dollar store works perfect on sq64 mod/pitch/gate to synths. I use them for patching and work also. Not ideal but they work. Let me know maybe talk briefly about in a video. Cheers great videos Robin.
Could the arp mode work if the chord notes were longer?
Nope
Try tying the notes together when using the arp feature. Might make it useful
yep, tried that and nope
@@MoltenMusicTech ah dang I came here with the same hypothesis. bummer.👎
I kind of hate this machine, doing simple things requires a-lot of tapping and menu diving. Im really frustrated because i cant figure out how to use all 64 notes in while im recording . I only have access to all 64 nots in CONTROL mode. Very frustrating.
dream sequence
Wouldn’t changing the timing of a track in arp mode slow it down enough to be a bit more useful?
You’d think so but that just slows the triggering of the note, not the arp which is dependent on tempo. You can slow the tempo right down but then everything else is unusable.
@@MoltenMusicTech Ah, thanks for clearing that up. I guess in the end it’s just a unique feature for this machine : )
I wish Arturia didn't abandon the keystep pro firmware and address the issue with th CV output being two high by about two tenths of a volt.
Sometimes it's a curse having a multi meter and discovering discrepancies in your gear :/
along other bs that happens with it as well
0.2V??? That's a huge interval...
@@GeorgeLocke Yeah, it's bad, middle C I believe was 1.2v as apposed to straight 1v if I remember correctly.
I didn’t know one could do a firmware update in a turd.
And now I do.
Great video. “Not intuitive” is an understatement.
If only my unit would accept the update.... I've plugged my unit into three computers and cannot run the update no matter how many drivers and programs I download 😓
I would love to update my SQ-64, but to do so requires me to spend £2k on a new Mac as my old one won’t run OS11. Therefore, as you say in the intro, I will keep taking it out, struggling with it for a few minutes, then putting it away for a few months.
Perhaps if I bought a new one it would have v2.0 installed. Much cheaper than a new pc/Mac I suppose…
Or ask a friend who has a pc?
@@MoltenMusicTech I don’t know anyone with a pc. However- I’ve just sold a high-value module, and found a good deal on a MacBook. Should do the trick- and I can now look into the Arturia V Collection thingy as I will Have The Power…
This versus a beat step pro any thoughts
I sold my Beatstep Pro - didn't get on with it at all. I have a KeyStep Pro which I like better but the Korg is wonderfully compact and playful. Does that help?
Can anyone please explain to me what the Mod CV output is for? Thank you!
It's for sending modulation - it could be velocity information, could be whatever you want
@@MoltenMusicTech Thank you. I'm so new to modular. So gate - is just on /off. Pitch is - various voltage. Is modulation send -various voltage, as well? and by setting the percentage value, you set how much volts you're sending? I guess I'm still confused on how is it different from pitch send, because you can use pitch to modulate anything as well. Is it slower on the attack?Thank you, again.
Yes, you could see gate as the note length, or how long it's held as opposed to trigger which is just a twang or a hit. Pitch output would be set by the notes you put into the sequencer and so correspond to set voltage intervals that represent notes. The Mod output is absolutely the same but is using free running voltage based on something other than pitch so it can be any voltage. In regular modular sequencers the output is free running voltage and can be used for pitch or modulation - you would tend to run it through a quantizer if you wanted to push it into helpful notes. No envelopes or attack is being used here - you would add that via an envelope on a VCA! Modular is a lot :D but keep at it, it does get easier.
i nearly got one of these some time back - nearly a year i think, well wish i had now and likely will, i think it will stop me getting maxed out and wishing evolution would hurry the fuck up and give me an extra arm and hand, its taking ages i haven't even developed a bit of a stump but i do really need 1, so im fairly sure sure this might help out while i wait
Can it do glide per step CV?
I don't remember, sorry - but probably
I really want to like this thing, but I can't update mine. I prefer more mature operating systems, that have had their exploits found and (hopefully) mended, and although there is absolutely no excuse for choosing to be incompatible with "older" versions of operating systems, Korg has chosen not to allow the SQ-64 to be updated without installing their software ( A giant red flag on its own ), but also, that software/driver is only compatible with the very newest operating systems. There is absolutely no reasonable excuse for them to not have their device be recognized as a generic storage device, let you place the newest file on it, and then select the newest file on the SQ-64's display. The only risk is that the community will develop far better button assignments than they are willing to, and at a faster pace.
...Also, related to the problems you're having with ARP, I'm wondering if it would work the way you wanted it to if you used longer note divisions. If you've selected 16th notes, for example, it may be trying to turn those into 128th notes to fit within the tiny window of time allocated per note. I would love to experiment with this, but - of course - I'm stuck with whatever firmware it came with. This is precisely the kind of problem I didn't want to deal with, when I chose to be as strictly analog as possible. I made an exception in this case, and now I'm burned by that decision, and my opinion of Korg is soured by my very first experience with them.
It's a digital device and so perhaps you need to accept that it requires a digital connection and function to update it. It's not uncommon to have a piece of software that runs an update. It was quick and painless. Maybe take it to a friends house who has a recent computer. While I respect you for sticking to your guns, dodging red flags and that (those pesky synth makers messing with us) I can't quite sympathise with the predicament you place yourself in - but i live on the edge, you know.
And with the ARP - nah, it's the same whatever and hasn't been updated so it's the perfect thing for you to investigate. Let me know if you discover anything useful in there.
@@MoltenMusicTech I think you mean to say that it is a software-driven device, which is the source of all the problems that I - and even you, in your videos on it - have had. I've yet to find a problem in the digital hardware, but the product was released with half-baked software, after misallocating development resources into attempting to locking the user out of it.
By releasing it before the software was fully developed, they're forcing the user into an undisclosed data harvesting scheme, one way or another, and I don't consent to that.
Physically, it's what I wanted, and maybe a little too feature-rich, reminding me that I'm probably going to simply use it as an example for building my own software-free digital-only (meaning hardware-only, in this case) version.
Ok then
Why not go to a friend, or a neighbor with a newer computer? Or install new OS on a separate hard drive partition for service purposes? Maybe virtual machine could do too.
@@omimakarenko5091 Your workaround suggestions are high-quality and helpful. I will end up updating my SQ-64 one way or another, but I still consider it a very poorly developed product, and my search for "a sequencer that I like, or build one myself" continues. There's a guy that works at the local car parts store with music notes tattooed on his face. I'll ask him if he is into that sort of thing, and give it to him, if he wants it. That's probably the "update" most suitable for this product.