Yamaha definitely know how to build things. That’s why they’re so highly esteemed for their wind instruments and guitars. So I’d be surprised if the Seq wasn’t at least more solid and less flexy.
Dude, you have a great voice for narrating. I don’t know why I thought of the Sandlot while listening to this. This is a great comprehensive video, explaining the seqtrak. I pre ordered it, first piece of gear I ever pre ordered.
you can not really compare this 3 devices. The KO is designed as a sampler, not as a fully groovebox . It has no built in synthies, but it has the features a sampler should have (except resampling :-( ). It has beat slicing/chopping and time stretching. The sampling functionality of the seqtrek is very limited. Well, the KO should have some more memory.
They did, in fact, make a perfect sampler. It is called Blackbox! ;) And what a surprise to see my own hands a few seconds into the video. Cool video. I'll hold off on this device for now.
hey one nuance in comparision makes a difference - ko2 has 99bars sequencer, no 99steps, so its much better detail about ko2. tbh my only concern ab seqtrak is number of 8 projects at the same time and 8bars long patterns. beside that its beaufiful thought machine
That’s a good point. Once my Seqtrak arrives I’ll probably do a comparison on some of the finer points of both machines. I just got my replacement KO II so I’ve barely touched it other than to say I really like the workflow right off the bat.
I missed oit on the initial batch of K.O.II’s and by the time they were back in stock, some of the GAS sibsided and I realised I don’t particulary like the 12 pad layout and lack of a more conventional step sequencer, then there was fadergate and I remembered that TE still have not fixed OP-Z bending and double trig issues. I was still on the fence until Yamaha announced the Seqtrak. A much more conventional groovebox in a TE inspired shell. Ordered mine right away.
I ordered one, I like the concept. Yamaha gives you everything you want from one device. You can attach a midi controller to it. Now I have a Syntakt which I'm looking to off load because its sound is so specific and I have great trouble making something that I like.
Yamaha isn't really known as a groove box manufacturer? What about the Yamaha portable sequencer QY-series that were first released in 1990? Those were arguably the first groove boxes. In the late '90s and early '00s with the RM1x and RS7000, they added knobs and a few "dance sound banks" but the sequencers were identical to the QY-series. With the QY series, SU10, RM1x, RS7000, DX200, AN200, and SU200 they have easily manufactured over 14 "groove boxes" aka portable workstations.
I agree that they've had their fair share of machines, and I think they were more of a player at the turn of the century, but I haven't seen much in the last 5 to 10 years. Maybe it's a media thing. Roland seems to get all the press when they release a new groove box and I would say even Korg gets a fair amount too, although not as much. Yamaha seems forgotten unless it's a digital piano of some sort. It could be the algorithms these days too, so maybe it's just that I don't see content from Yamaha as much as others.
Yes, it's probably an algorithmic / media thing. Yamaha also released the Motif/MO series, and most recently the MODX which I wish they'd turn into an RM2x. It's also worth noting that Yamaha also owns Steinberg Cubase etc @@arcticfoxstudios2018
Haven't used it myself, but I believe the OP-Z does have a probability mode as a step component parameter. A big plus with the Z is it has seemingly endless built-in variables that aren't necessarily obvious. Of course the not obvious part is kind of also kind of a minus.
Thanks for the clarification. I don't have an OP-Z and it was a bit of work trying to find information on it due to the number of updates it has had. Yeah, Slate & Ash do a similar thing with their VST software and you have to 'figure out' how to use it. In one sense, it's kind of fun, but then if you don't know the full potential of the software, you could be missing out on a lot.
Was going to say the same. The Yamaha is no doubt an excellent unit, and better in some ways. But OP-Z has crazy 'step components' I think you can add two per step and really mix things up. I have an OP-Z but it hasn't really clicked with me so far, vs the OP-1 Field which I use all the time. That's a different beast though.
@@darwiniandude you can add more, I don’t know what the limit is but from top of the head I would say 5? Which is crazy - never used more thant three. OPZ is for nerds. I have it for years now and still don’t remember how to sample without looking into manual:) But after getting used to it can be played like an instrument - without even looking on the damn thing.
op 1 has lots of weird shit that i love and i can't find anywhere else. its sequencer is great. you can record a differnent sound in each step and nudge it up down. It completely changes the sequence and can have really have great result. the punch effects are also decent. don't think i'd swap it for this
OPZ has many probability modes, they are included in the 'step components'. The form factor of OPZ is also quite unique, not for every use case of course, but the SeqTrak is pretty big in comparison. Not saying it beats the SeqTrak or whatever, just highlighting the point. The Sampler functions on the SeqTrak are quite limited, compared to the OPZ (which is also very limited but much less).
Opz has hands down more capable sequencer (yes it has probability based trigs) and suprisingly - more editable sound engines. Actually the fact that so little parameters is actually editable is the major flaw, which I hope they will adress in the future updates. Now it is more like preset playing box
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 because it is really great. P-locks, step components and the whole track that transposes all other tracks live within musical scale (it guesses scale of your tune). Magic. And with time, you can use it without even looking on the damn thing (not to mention not looking on the app. To me Yamaha is a bit to closed for my liking, but it has a lot of potential, and physical design is superb.
@@wallpurgesnight8209 you are totally missing the point. It is a tool, that help making more interesting tracks. What is the upside of manually programming all those ghost notes or hihats? Add LFO, probability trigs and you are done.
@@cubistguitarthat’s presale, after next month it’ll be full price. Inflation is jacking everything anyway. I got digitakt new for 640 around launch, now it’s 900$ msrp.
The visualizer stuff reminds me of the SP-606 and it's V-Link function. It's pretty interesting stuff if you read up on it. On the note of the KO II there was in interview with the co-founder recently where he actually addressed fadergate. He said they have taken care of the issue and are literally thowing KO II's like frisbees against walls to ensure the durability. He also said in the interview that some footage of the process of the KO II being made will be out sometime in the future. You might find it interesting. Also the perfect sampler does exist, it's called the SP 404 MK 2 and any of the new MPCs with the stem feature included. Facts
The OP-Z does have a variable step randomizer which can add similar elements to a song as the Seqtrak's step probability. Also, I love the quick reference to Camera Conspiracies; another one of my favorite UA-cam creators!
I might have to give a Seqtrak some consideration. Have been considering a KOII or Deluge Synthstrom to add samplinging into my setup. Any thoughts on Seqtrak vs SynthStrom?
If you've got the money, I'd go with the Deluge. For the price though, the Seqtrak is very capable and has some nice features like 256 note polyphony. The biggest drawback is the build quality.
2 min in and 2 mistakes i noticed. Battery life for KO2 is almost a full day... no way 5 hrs is correct. Also just the bottom half is pressure sensitive I'm pretty sure is incorrect. Button 4 and 5 have to hit hard for the hi/low pass to be noticeable.
Thanks for the heads up. I should have caught the battery one. I think 5 hours was reported on a number of sites but then users were reporting much higher numbers which is great. I'll have to try out the pressure sensitivity on the keys. Someone had on their channel that they thought it was only the bottom half of the key so I've been only using it that way.
The build quality is the worst thing about the unit. It is fun to use and also sounds great too, so there is a lot to like about it if you are ok with the plastic housing. I should have a review coming out, but it will be several weeks before I finish that video.
They kind of all work well together because the mix of clean and grit ads depth, and then the op-z's main feature isn't music but music video with the ios app, and ipad and video projector you could sync all these to live video and animation.
Great video, though I don't own any of the other two units you mentioned. I had the OP-1 a while ago, but couldn't see the the screen that well. My vision isn't that good. I'm about to order the Seqtrak, and yes, I saw the broken key video yesterday. Hey, good think it doesn't have a screen.
Thanks, glad you liked the video. I'm hoping someone makes a nice stand that will hold the unit and a tablet. That would be a pretty nice set up for this little synth.
Super neat comparaison video ! BUT like every body on YT no ones talking about the ridiculous amount of sample slot and limitations of seqtrack on the sample part . This is actually, the thing thats stopping me for buying this gear ! Cause it actually really appelas to me but the sample part is pretty underworked. Almost a total win. Thanx for this really cool video ^^
Thanks for the compliment. 7 sample slots is very limited. Seems weird if they have 800 MB of sample space, so not sure if that is 7 slots total or 7 slots per project.
The OPZ has a very advanced sequencer, with step components etc that aren't mentioned here at all, also the master track can transpose chords and melodies up and down a set scale. I'd love to know if the Seqtrak can do these things. I don't think the guy who made the video has used the OPZ.
A note on the Unity thing - yamaha’s choice to not use it was likely motivated by the company that owns Unity deciding to demand a HUGE fee for usage. Unless that’s changed, Unity’s gonna go by the wayside
The OP-Z feels kind of toyish to me, like none of the music I make with it ever really seems meaningful, where the Yamaha seems like more of an instrument. That being said, I'm also not a huge fan of the work flow on the Yamaha, just seems slightly confusing to me. If I didn't already have an OP-Z, which I do really like. I'd probably go with the Yamaha though
I've got a SeqTrak, can confirm that button just to the right of the drum sequencer buttons is indeed hit and miss, but not as bad on mine as the one in that clip, just hit it a tiny bit harder and it's fine. Plus that button is in the synth/ sampling section, these 7 buttons are best replaced by an actual midi keyboard, they're nigh-on useless imo.
Those TE devices sound very flat in the low end, which makes them sound more fresh on a quick listen, but gives you less meat to work with. Those official Seqtrak demos show unprocessed audio as far as I can tell, which means the bass dominates and makes things sound dull. Which is disappointing on a quick listen, but means you can shape the sound much more to your needs however you fancy.
We'll have to see. I always thought that the Yamaha sound sets in their keyboards were fantastic. Their workflow and features usually did not match Korg's though, which is why I think Korg has really dominated the synth market since the 90's. I'm excited to pair this up with a good keybed to see how it sounds.
Yamaha had well known problems with their rotary encoders, mainly on the A series samplers. Assume that problem has long gone away 🤞 Because they're tricky to desolder and replace.
I should have put a plus next to that. There are a number of creators reporting really high numbers. I probably got the 5 from TE’s website. Haven’t tested mine yet.
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 so weird that they would grossly under report their own numbers...anyway, cool video! enjoy your KO II, while it has its cons I can't deny that it's tons of fun to use
@@arcticfoxstudios2018TE’s superpower besides fun cool gear is definitely the minimal power consumption. Their stuff always lasts so long without charging or battery replacement. I just don’t have first hand experience with the OB4, but all their other gear runs way longer than comparable competition.
The KO is fun, but it lacks some real basic features, so I can’t recommend it unless you want just a sketchbook type device. Your 404 is leagues better IMO. The Yamaha though has synths and a song mode, so maybe that might be a better compliment. Thanks for watching.
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 for Synths I have a Microfreak, so I am missing a proper drum machine and mixer to complete my Dawless setup...but for those, I am thinking of the Drumbrute impact and Zoom L12. So my setup will look like Synth - Microfreak, Sampler - SP404 MK2, Drum Machine - Drumbrute Impact, Mixer& Recorder - Zoom L12. Hopefully I can avoid the gas and stay focused.
Tough choice. The KO II is pretty simple to use so if you want something to make beats quick it's good, but the Seqtrack has more depth to it. The sounds are different too. The Seqtrack is more bread & butter while the KO II is grittier and a bit more LoFi. My Seqtrack finally shipped yesterday, so I'll probably do a hands on comparison video sometime in March or April.
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 So I got the KO-ii, and its great man! But I think I would like to manipulate my sounds a bit more. To make more ambient music, and sample in didjiridoos, binurial beats etc. I am tempted to sell the KO-ii and buy a used op-1.. Hmm...
The OP-1 could be more suited to you if you want to do ambient. Have you checked out the 1010 Blackbox? If you want longer samples and to be able to have more control over changing samples, that's an interesting option, but I think it works best alongside other grooveboxes rather than stand alone.
Amazing! I will check that out, thank you. I actually found a super cool way to do ambient with samples on KO-ii alone! So I am gonna vibe with that one for a bit and master it!😍
I gotta say I have got the op z and the seqtrak and the workflow is completely different the Yamaha has a full blown dx7 shoved in it! All parameters are accessible on the op z without using the companion app I guess this makes the workflow different! The size and feel is also different I mean the op z is half the size and half the width!
I wouldn't say Seqtrak has a "full blown DX7" exactly as it has 12 algorithms to DX7's 32. Maybe it doesn't matter though, as no one really seems to know how to change DX7 synth settings to get to good sounds anyway other than copying down and punching in good settings other people have stumbled onto. I do prefer the Digitone's design enormously to DX7's for trying to get to good sounds, having used both. It's too bad that 40 years after DX7 was made, there doesn't seem to be any help in the Seqtrak manual on how changes in algorithms, operators, and modulation is supposed to actually affect sounds. Maybe Seqtrak engines are not comparable, but I also notice OP-Z has 12 synth engines compared to Seqtrak's 3; this seems like a step down, especially with such a bigger size to work with.
@@TB-wvvvw that is true I didn't check and I own a copy of fm7 the rational didn't cross my mind! I must say I have never mastered fm synthesis but I can say I have never mastered am synthesis either and I still patch both on my modular and experiment.My point is that the seqtrak is a bit different or possibly not a good comparison with op z. But that is my opinion owning both
well done, discovering your channel. Didn´t hear a thing about the "Seqtrack" compared to the KO2. Even the name is already hard to remember. Teenage are really kings in marketing.
For some reason Yamaha is selling it for $599. Everyone else is selling it for $399. Not sure if that is an intro price only or what. $399 is a good deal, $599, not so much.
This only does one drum sound per track = 7 drum tracks/sounds, whereas the OP-Z can do something like 2 note polyphony per drum track, so technically = 8 drum tracks. It can also use 100s of samples/sounds per drum track. This only has one sample track with 7 samples, whereas the OPZ can have around 1000 samples stored, and multiple samples can be used on any of its tracks. The OP-Z can do 8 tracks of monophonic and polyphonic synths and samples, or 8 tracks of multi hit drums, or 8 tracks of samples or any combination you require. The OP-Z has 16 patterns per project, this only appears to have 6. The OP-Z has numerous fully editable synth engines that you can edit on the unit itself, its a proper synth, with a playable 2 Octave keyboard. It even has an option to randomly generate synth sounds by pressing a button. The Seqtrack appears to just have stock fixed preset sounds and needs a keyboard controller in order to play properly. The OP-Z has one of the best and most creatively powerful sequencers going. This clearly hasn’t. 😂 In short - the OP-Z absolutely smokes this thing. The Seqtrack may look a little bit like an OP-Z but its absolutely nowhere near the OP-Z in terms of being a playable instrument, creatively inspiring, it’s overall functionality and the music it can produce. 👍🏻
The seqtrak is way more easy to use and the opz is good but i'd never get either one cause what they both have in common is the bad build quality making them both useless @@shininglevels5453
These devices aren't my cup of tea but I ordered the SeqTrak to play around with. At the pre-order price of $399, it's worth experimenting. At the normal MSRP of $599, it isn’t even worth looking at. Yamaha has plenty of sequencer experience. The QY, RM, and all those sequencers in the MODXs, Montages, MOTIFs, PSR-SX, and other hardware. They just haven't made a small, dedicated groove box in a while. That being said, most of the SeqTrak demos are weak. It could be an indication of things to come or maybe Yamaha just chose some weak creators to demonstrate their product. Time will tell once the product gets into more skilled hands.
Yeah I thought the same exact thing with the price. I saw it for $599 on Yamaha's website and it was a hard pass, but then the video I was watching said $399 and I was like wait a minute, that's actually a great price for this unit. I think most people agree with you on the weak beats point too. I think maybe one out of the 6 or 7 videos I saw was decent.
The OP-Z blows this thing clean out of the water. Superficially, it looks a little bit like an OP-Z (only it’s about 10x bigger), but the OP-Z has waaaaaay more functionality and waaaaaay more powerful features. Outside of its looks, this seems to be far closer to a Novation Circuit.
Thanks, glad you liked the video. It’s pretty crazy how many different groove boxes there are on the market right now. I’ll probably do a full review of the Seqtrack once mine is delivered, so I can make some more comparisons then.
The paradox is that everyone wants to have „dawless“ setups but the answer to your question is that a laptop with a daw and a pad controller like the Mpd 218 is the closest to a „perfect sampler“ than any of the other sampler devices in existence till now. When it comes to build quality , the Sp 404 mk2 build quality is so much better than any device shown in this video that it hurts. Unfortunately having tried it i send it back. The interview of Dj Shadow makes more and more sense to me tbh. I quote: "I got the newest MPC and I lasted about a day and a half. When you know what the possibilities are now and you try to go back in time, it doesn't work"
Yeah, for $100 more you can get the 404 and have a bombproof unit with much higher quality controls. I've thought about cancelling my order and getting a 404, but it has other drawbacks...no perfect sampler.
It should be better than the OPZ, that's a 4 plus year old product. my OPZ is fine. No bend and the sequencer legit af. If I didn't have it I'd consider the Yamaha tho. ko 2 is a suped up pocket operator, silly to compare in my opinion.
Cigarette with filter look and 20+ buttons on the side are joke. Engine is nice, as well as software support. Why Yamaha trolled users so much when they could make rm2x and blow up the market. Looks like case was designed by chatgpt
@@juliansvidal after 5 years with OP-Z I have a right to claim that LOL at least that was not play. If you need to hold device on a table just to press play, as you see all the presenters do, I just simply skip device even with other good solutions over OP-Z or else. Not for me.
This video is full of misinformation, especially with regards to the OP-Z. 6 voice polyphony? 🤣 Not quite! It’s more like at least 19 voice polyphony. 348 sounds?!?!? Where does that number even come from?!?!? It can hold about 1000 samples and has something like 12 different proper synth engines that are easily editable on the unit itself, without an app and can be played live on the OP-Z’s 2 octave keyboard,as well as sequenced, automated etc. And all the synth engines and sampling can be combined and used across the various banks and tracks however you want too! Sample time 12secs? That’s per bank. There are 10 banks per track. Counting how many faders and knobs it has in comparison to the Seqtrack?!?!? WTF!?!! 🤣 This video.......brought to you by Yamaha! 🤣
Yamaha definitely know how to build things. That’s why they’re so highly esteemed for their wind instruments and guitars. So I’d be surprised if the Seq wasn’t at least more solid and less flexy.
I have friends with Yamaha guitars and basses and they are great instruments. They just don't get the press that Fender and Gibson do.
Imagine making a comparison of video on hardware you do not own or use.
Unfortunately everyone is trying to get on the "Free Gear" train
Dude, you have a great voice for narrating. I don’t know why I thought of the Sandlot while listening to this. This is a great comprehensive video, explaining the seqtrak. I pre ordered it, first piece of gear I ever pre ordered.
Thanks, I ordered one too. Sandlot is a great movie. “You’re killing me smalls!”
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 haha absolutely classic!!
So glad seqtrak came out. Ep133 with it's 1fx per project was rather from a toys category. Yamaha is a real groovebox with a very intuitive interface.
you can not really compare this 3 devices. The KO is designed as a sampler, not as a fully groovebox . It has no built in synthies, but it has the features a sampler should have (except resampling :-( ). It has beat slicing/chopping and time stretching. The sampling functionality of the seqtrek is very limited. Well, the KO should have some more memory.
They did, in fact, make a perfect sampler. It is called Blackbox! ;)
And what a surprise to see my own hands a few seconds into the video.
Cool video. I'll hold off on this device for now.
Ha, look at that, it is your hands! That was a nice groove too BTW. Glad you liked the video.
hey one nuance in comparision makes a difference - ko2 has 99bars sequencer, no 99steps, so its much better detail about ko2. tbh my only concern ab seqtrak is number of 8 projects at the same time and 8bars long patterns. beside that its beaufiful thought machine
That’s a good point. Once my Seqtrak arrives I’ll probably do a comparison on some of the finer points of both machines. I just got my replacement KO II so I’ve barely touched it other than to say I really like the workflow right off the bat.
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 personally i think ko2 and seqtrak could make really good duo, complement each other in some points and having similiar vibes
That's what I'm hoping for! :)
I missed oit on the initial batch of K.O.II’s and by the time they were back in stock, some of the GAS sibsided and I realised I don’t particulary like the 12 pad layout and lack of a more conventional step sequencer, then there was fadergate and I remembered that TE still have not fixed OP-Z bending and double trig issues. I was still on the fence until Yamaha announced the Seqtrak. A much more conventional groovebox in a TE inspired shell. Ordered mine right away.
Yeah, I’m excited to get mine. The integration with the app looks really good and having a Yamaha sound set from the Motif is a plus too.
I ordered one, I like the concept. Yamaha gives you everything you want from one device. You can attach a midi controller to it. Now I have a Syntakt which I'm looking to off load because its sound is so specific and I have great trouble making something that I like.
Yeah, I think having the drums plus two synth and a sample layer attached to full sized MIDI keyboard will be pretty excellent.
Yamaha isn't really known as a groove box manufacturer? What about the Yamaha portable sequencer QY-series that were first released in 1990? Those were arguably the first groove boxes. In the late '90s and early '00s with the RM1x and RS7000, they added knobs and a few "dance sound banks" but the sequencers were identical to the QY-series. With the QY series, SU10, RM1x, RS7000, DX200, AN200, and SU200 they have easily manufactured over 14 "groove boxes" aka portable workstations.
I agree that they've had their fair share of machines, and I think they were more of a player at the turn of the century, but I haven't seen much in the last 5 to 10 years. Maybe it's a media thing. Roland seems to get all the press when they release a new groove box and I would say even Korg gets a fair amount too, although not as much. Yamaha seems forgotten unless it's a digital piano of some sort. It could be the algorithms these days too, so maybe it's just that I don't see content from Yamaha as much as others.
Yes, it's probably an algorithmic / media thing. Yamaha also released the Motif/MO series, and most recently the MODX which I wish they'd turn into an RM2x. It's also worth noting that Yamaha also owns Steinberg Cubase etc @@arcticfoxstudios2018
I own the EP-133 KO MKII and the OP-1 Field. I agree with you about the sounds on the SeqTrak. Pretty vanilla.
Haven't used it myself, but I believe the OP-Z does have a probability mode as a step component parameter. A big plus with the Z is it has seemingly endless built-in variables that aren't necessarily obvious. Of course the not obvious part is kind of also kind of a minus.
Thanks for the clarification. I don't have an OP-Z and it was a bit of work trying to find information on it due to the number of updates it has had.
Yeah, Slate & Ash do a similar thing with their VST software and you have to 'figure out' how to use it. In one sense, it's kind of fun, but then if you don't know the full potential of the software, you could be missing out on a lot.
Yes it does. Actually it has very advanced sequencer, probably one of the best in the market.
Was going to say the same. The Yamaha is no doubt an excellent unit, and better in some ways. But OP-Z has crazy 'step components' I think you can add two per step and really mix things up. I have an OP-Z but it hasn't really clicked with me so far, vs the OP-1 Field which I use all the time. That's a different beast though.
@@darwiniandude you can add more, I don’t know what the limit is but from top of the head I would say 5? Which is crazy - never used more thant three. OPZ is for nerds. I have it for years now and still don’t remember how to sample without looking into manual:) But after getting used to it can be played like an instrument - without even looking on the damn thing.
Probability= the one finger solo = just have AI write your stuff.
Just arrived today. I did well for waiting for the right device. Quality video.
Thanks, glad you liked it. I'm still waiting for mine even though I ordered on day 1.
op 1 has lots of weird shit that i love and i can't find anywhere else. its sequencer is great. you can record a differnent sound in each step and nudge it up down. It completely changes the sequence and can have really have great result. the punch effects are also decent. don't think i'd swap it for this
The Su 700 is legit sampler.
A lot of those older groove boxes actually look pretty cool.
OPZ has many probability modes, they are included in the 'step components'. The form factor of OPZ is also quite unique, not for every use case of course, but the SeqTrak is pretty big in comparison. Not saying it beats the SeqTrak or whatever, just highlighting the point. The Sampler functions on the SeqTrak are quite limited, compared to the OPZ (which is also very limited but much less).
Thanks
Yeah, there's portable and then there's super portable.
Opz has hands down more capable sequencer (yes it has probability based trigs) and suprisingly - more editable sound engines. Actually the fact that so little parameters is actually editable is the major flaw, which I hope they will adress in the future updates. Now it is more like preset playing box
I hear a lot of people rave about the OP-Z's sequencer actually.
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 because it is really great. P-locks, step components and the whole track that transposes all other tracks live within musical scale (it guesses scale of your tune). Magic. And with time, you can use it without even looking on the damn thing (not to mention not looking on the app. To me Yamaha is a bit to closed for my liking, but it has a lot of potential, and physical design is superb.
Yeah the uncreative & lazy absolutely adore probability... Just have an AI write stuff in that case... Why?
@@wallpurgesnight8209 you are totally missing the point. It is a tool, that help making more interesting tracks. What is the upside of manually programming all those ghost notes or hihats? Add LFO, probability trigs and you are done.
We need Casey to start reviewing samplers 😂
Listening to this brought me joy
Glad you liked it!
Seqtrak is actually $599 according to Yamaha official site, not $399
US retailers everywhere are advertising $399 when I google
newyears code got it for 360$ @@cubistguitar
Nice - that's a deal!
@@cubistguitarthat’s presale, after next month it’ll be full price. Inflation is jacking everything anyway. I got digitakt new for 640 around launch, now it’s 900$ msrp.
The visualizer stuff reminds me of the SP-606 and it's V-Link function. It's pretty interesting stuff if you read up on it. On the note of the KO II there was in interview with the co-founder recently where he actually addressed fadergate. He said they have taken care of the issue and are literally thowing KO II's like frisbees against walls to ensure the durability. He also said in the interview that some footage of the process of the KO II being made will be out sometime in the future. You might find it interesting. Also the perfect sampler does exist, it's called the SP 404 MK 2 and any of the new MPCs with the stem feature included. Facts
I read about that interview. My replacement unit had a small foam wrap on the fader shaft so they must have came up with a fix for the shipping issue.
The OP-Z does have a variable step randomizer which can add similar elements to a song as the Seqtrak's step probability.
Also, I love the quick reference to Camera Conspiracies; another one of my favorite UA-cam creators!
Good to know on the OP-Z. Yeah, I like CC's dry humor, he's pretty funny.
Opz was ahead of it’s time…it’s not fair to compare
Well, it only took 6 years for someone to make somewhat of a clone.
I might have to give a Seqtrak some consideration. Have been considering a KOII or Deluge Synthstrom to add samplinging into my setup. Any thoughts on Seqtrak vs SynthStrom?
If you've got the money, I'd go with the Deluge. For the price though, the Seqtrak is very capable and has some nice features like 256 note polyphony. The biggest drawback is the build quality.
2 min in and 2 mistakes i noticed. Battery life for KO2 is almost a full day... no way 5 hrs is correct. Also just the bottom half is pressure sensitive I'm pretty sure is incorrect. Button 4 and 5 have to hit hard for the hi/low pass to be noticeable.
Thanks for the heads up. I should have caught the battery one. I think 5 hours was reported on a number of sites but then users were reporting much higher numbers which is great.
I'll have to try out the pressure sensitivity on the keys. Someone had on their channel that they thought it was only the bottom half of the key so I've been only using it that way.
How are you getting on with the seqtrak build quality? Its the only thing holding me back
The build quality is the worst thing about the unit. It is fun to use and also sounds great too, so there is a lot to like about it if you are ok with the plastic housing.
I should have a review coming out, but it will be several weeks before I finish that video.
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 cool thanks, have you experienced any of the issues with the triggers failing?
Towards the end I thought I actually accidentally switched to watching Camera Conspiracy. 😆
LOL!
They kind of all work well together because the mix of clean and grit ads depth, and then the op-z's main feature isn't music but music video with the ios app, and ipad and video projector you could sync all these to live video and animation.
Yeah, that's the beauty of owning multiple instruments like this is being able to mix and match sounds. Thanks for watching.
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 but yeah to pick just one the yamaha has the most stuff, I am also betting with the app one can add grit on the yamaha.
Great video, though I don't own any of the other two units you mentioned. I had the OP-1 a while ago, but couldn't see the the screen that well. My vision isn't that good. I'm about to order the Seqtrak, and yes, I saw the broken key video yesterday. Hey, good think it doesn't have a screen.
Thanks, glad you liked the video. I'm hoping someone makes a nice stand that will hold the unit and a tablet. That would be a pretty nice set up for this little synth.
Super neat comparaison video ! BUT like every body on YT no ones talking about the ridiculous amount of sample slot and limitations of seqtrack on the sample part . This is actually, the thing thats stopping me for buying this gear ! Cause it actually really appelas to me but the sample part is pretty underworked. Almost a total win. Thanx for this really cool video ^^
Thanks for the compliment. 7 sample slots is very limited. Seems weird if they have 800 MB of sample space, so not sure if that is 7 slots total or 7 slots per project.
Thanks! This video got a lot info!! I worry about build quality too, hope it will be solid
Yeah, I ran across that sticky video almost by accident, so hopefully it's an isolated case. Thanks for watching!
The OPZ has a very advanced sequencer, with step components etc that aren't mentioned here at all, also the master track can transpose chords and melodies up and down a set scale. I'd love to know if the Seqtrak can do these things. I don't think the guy who made the video has used the OPZ.
A note on the Unity thing - yamaha’s choice to not use it was likely motivated by the company that owns Unity deciding to demand a HUGE fee for usage. Unless that’s changed, Unity’s gonna go by the wayside
Ahhh, good to know & thanks for the comment. Yeah, you've gotta be realistic with fees. Charge too much and people go elsewhere.
Seqtrak the same price as TE KO II in the UK
The OP-Z feels kind of toyish to me, like none of the music I make with it ever really seems meaningful, where the Yamaha seems like more of an instrument. That being said, I'm also not a huge fan of the work flow on the Yamaha, just seems slightly confusing to me. If I didn't already have an OP-Z, which I do really like. I'd probably go with the Yamaha though
Roland Verselab MV-1 is criminally underrated, imho wins on all fronts except no battery but can be powered by usb
That's one groove box that doesn't get a lot of press, even though it has a ton of features.
I've got a SeqTrak, can confirm that button just to the right of the drum sequencer buttons is indeed hit and miss, but not as bad on mine as the one in that clip, just hit it a tiny bit harder and it's fine. Plus that button is in the synth/ sampling section, these 7 buttons are best replaced by an actual midi keyboard, they're nigh-on useless imo.
Well that's not so cool, but good to know. Thanks for the info.
Super Video without having the gear - I miss a line out on my SEQTRAK
Yeah, I love the form factor of these portable units, but not having full 1/4" outs is a bit of a pain.
the KO II made me get a mpc.
Those TE devices sound very flat in the low end, which makes them sound more fresh on a quick listen, but gives you less meat to work with. Those official Seqtrak demos show unprocessed audio as far as I can tell, which means the bass dominates and makes things sound dull. Which is disappointing on a quick listen, but means you can shape the sound much more to your needs however you fancy.
We'll have to see. I always thought that the Yamaha sound sets in their keyboards were fantastic. Their workflow and features usually did not match Korg's though, which is why I think Korg has really dominated the synth market since the 90's. I'm excited to pair this up with a good keybed to see how it sounds.
Yamaha had well known problems with their rotary encoders, mainly on the A series samplers. Assume that problem has long gone away 🤞
Because they're tricky to desolder and replace.
The sticky key issue video is a bit concerning but hopefully it’s only a small number of units.
no way is the battery life of the KO II only 5 hours...while it doesn't have an internal battery, you definitely get 20+ hours off four AAA batteries
I should have put a plus next to that. There are a number of creators reporting really high numbers. I probably got the 5 from TE’s website. Haven’t tested mine yet.
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 so weird that they would grossly under report their own numbers...anyway, cool video! enjoy your KO II, while it has its cons I can't deny that it's tons of fun to use
@@arcticfoxstudios2018TE’s superpower besides fun cool gear is definitely the minimal power consumption. Their stuff always lasts so long without charging or battery replacement. I just don’t have first hand experience with the OB4, but all their other gear runs way longer than comparable competition.
I have a beautiful SP404 MK2...I don't know why I have gas for the Yamaha and the KO.
The KO is fun, but it lacks some real basic features, so I can’t recommend it unless you want just a sketchbook type device. Your 404 is leagues better IMO. The Yamaha though has synths and a song mode, so maybe that might be a better compliment. Thanks for watching.
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 for Synths I have a Microfreak, so I am missing a proper drum machine and mixer to complete my Dawless setup...but for those, I am thinking of the Drumbrute impact and Zoom L12. So my setup will look like Synth - Microfreak, Sampler - SP404 MK2, Drum Machine - Drumbrute Impact, Mixer& Recorder - Zoom L12. Hopefully I can avoid the gas and stay focused.
Oh man! Should I go for KO-ii or seqtrack, I am new in hardware music
Tough choice. The KO II is pretty simple to use so if you want something to make beats quick it's good, but the Seqtrack has more depth to it. The sounds are different too. The Seqtrack is more bread & butter while the KO II is grittier and a bit more LoFi. My Seqtrack finally shipped yesterday, so I'll probably do a hands on comparison video sometime in March or April.
@@arcticfoxstudios2018 So I got the KO-ii, and its great man!
But I think I would like to manipulate my sounds a bit more.
To make more ambient music, and sample in didjiridoos, binurial beats etc.
I am tempted to sell the KO-ii and buy a used op-1..
Hmm...
The OP-1 could be more suited to you if you want to do ambient. Have you checked out the 1010 Blackbox? If you want longer samples and to be able to have more control over changing samples, that's an interesting option, but I think it works best alongside other grooveboxes rather than stand alone.
Amazing! I will check that out, thank you. I actually found a super cool way to do ambient with samples on KO-ii alone! So I am gonna vibe with that one for a bit and master it!😍
I gotta say I have got the op z and the seqtrak and the workflow is completely different the Yamaha has a full blown dx7 shoved in it! All parameters are accessible on the op z without using the companion app I guess this makes the workflow different! The size and feel is also different I mean the op z is half the size and half the width!
I wouldn't say Seqtrak has a "full blown DX7" exactly as it has 12 algorithms to DX7's 32. Maybe it doesn't matter though, as no one really seems to know how to change DX7 synth settings to get to good sounds anyway other than copying down and punching in good settings other people have stumbled onto. I do prefer the Digitone's design enormously to DX7's for trying to get to good sounds, having used both. It's too bad that 40 years after DX7 was made, there doesn't seem to be any help in the Seqtrak manual on how changes in algorithms, operators, and modulation is supposed to actually affect sounds. Maybe Seqtrak engines are not comparable, but I also notice OP-Z has 12 synth engines compared to Seqtrak's 3; this seems like a step down, especially with such a bigger size to work with.
@@TB-wvvvw that is true I didn't check and I own a copy of fm7 the rational didn't cross my mind! I must say I have never mastered fm synthesis but I can say I have never mastered am synthesis either and I still patch both on my modular and experiment.My point is that the seqtrak is a bit different or possibly not a good comparison with op z. But that is my opinion owning both
Yamaha app uses Unity too
well done, discovering your channel. Didn´t hear a thing about the "Seqtrack" compared to the KO2. Even the name is already hard to remember. Teenage are really kings in marketing.
Thanks & yes, TE excel in the marketing department.
Marketing is for the weak & easily manipulated.
Marketing is for the weak & easily manipulated.
Marketing is for the weak & easily manipulated.
don't know why everyone is saying it's $399 but on their website it's been saying $599 for over a week
For some reason Yamaha is selling it for $599. Everyone else is selling it for $399. Not sure if that is an intro price only or what. $399 is a good deal, $599, not so much.
399 is pre-order price.
6:03 Cat piano sound FTW? 😸🎹
Camera conspiracies huh? We are among connoisseurs i see.
Yes, love his videos. Perhaps someday he will find the perfect camera.
opz only has 8 tracks
This only does one drum sound per track = 7 drum tracks/sounds, whereas the OP-Z can do something like 2 note polyphony per drum track, so technically = 8 drum tracks. It can also use 100s of samples/sounds per drum track.
This only has one sample track with 7 samples, whereas the OPZ can have around 1000 samples stored, and multiple samples can be used on any of its tracks. The OP-Z can do 8 tracks of monophonic and polyphonic synths and samples, or 8 tracks of multi hit drums, or 8 tracks of samples or any combination you require. The OP-Z has 16 patterns per project, this only appears to have 6.
The OP-Z has numerous fully editable synth engines that you can edit on the unit itself, its a proper synth, with a playable 2 Octave keyboard. It even has an option to randomly generate synth sounds by pressing a button. The Seqtrack appears to just have stock fixed preset sounds and needs a keyboard controller in order to play properly.
The OP-Z has one of the best and most creatively powerful sequencers going. This clearly hasn’t. 😂
In short - the OP-Z absolutely smokes this thing. The Seqtrack may look a little bit like an OP-Z but its absolutely nowhere near the OP-Z in terms of being a playable instrument, creatively inspiring, it’s overall functionality and the music it can produce. 👍🏻
The seqtrak is way more easy to use and the opz is good but i'd never get either one cause what they both have in common is the bad build quality making them both useless @@shininglevels5453
These devices aren't my cup of tea but I ordered the SeqTrak to play around with. At the pre-order price of $399, it's worth experimenting. At the normal MSRP of $599, it isn’t even worth looking at.
Yamaha has plenty of sequencer experience. The QY, RM, and all those sequencers in the MODXs, Montages, MOTIFs, PSR-SX, and other hardware. They just haven't made a small, dedicated groove box in a while. That being said, most of the SeqTrak demos are weak. It could be an indication of things to come or maybe Yamaha just chose some weak creators to demonstrate their product. Time will tell once the product gets into more skilled hands.
Yeah I thought the same exact thing with the price. I saw it for $599 on Yamaha's website and it was a hard pass, but then the video I was watching said $399 and I was like wait a minute, that's actually a great price for this unit. I think most people agree with you on the weak beats point too. I think maybe one out of the 6 or 7 videos I saw was decent.
Ko 2 crushes it I can’t put mine down sent the Yamaha back after three days it was pos and only made “vanilla pos “ type beats
good comparison and nice cut. nice done
Thanks! 👍
MPC ONE ?
Much better sequencer/sampler, but also $300 more too.
Unity🤣 Someone didnÄt get the memo
Nice comparison video! Would love to see update after you receive your unit :)
Thanks. I probably will do one. Just hoping I don't have to wait a whole month for mine to arrive.
The OP-Z blows this thing clean out of the water. Superficially, it looks a little bit like an OP-Z (only it’s about 10x bigger), but the OP-Z has waaaaaay more functionality and waaaaaay more powerful features. Outside of its looks, this seems to be far closer to a Novation Circuit.
Great comparison! Please do a similar with Seqtrack and Model Samples / Model Cycles (and also Syntakt?)
Thanks, glad you liked the video. It’s pretty crazy how many different groove boxes there are on the market right now. I’ll probably do a full review of the Seqtrack once mine is delivered, so I can make some more comparisons then.
With the new Stem system, Akai beats all of them. I have PO-133, and it does the job for 100.-Usd.
Yeah, the MPC is a workhorse for sure. If you don't use a DAW at all, that's probably one of the best boxes on the market for a do it all system.
Superb 💗💗👌👌
Thanks 🤗
FTE 100%
Akai MPC is the PERFECT SAMPLER!!!
If I ever spent over $1K on a sampler, it would be either the MPC or the Deluge.
The paradox is that everyone wants to have „dawless“ setups but the answer to your question is that a laptop with a daw and a pad controller like the Mpd 218 is the closest to a „perfect sampler“ than any of the other sampler devices in existence till now.
When it comes to build quality , the Sp 404 mk2 build quality is so much better than any device shown in this video that it hurts. Unfortunately having tried it i send it back. The interview of Dj Shadow makes more and more sense to me tbh. I quote: "I got the newest MPC and I lasted about a day and a half. When you know what the possibilities are now and you try to go back in time, it doesn't work"
Yeah, for $100 more you can get the 404 and have a bombproof unit with much higher quality controls. I've thought about cancelling my order and getting a 404, but it has other drawbacks...no perfect sampler.
The SP IS perfect ... Lol
If it's perfect for you, then that's what matters!
"if the KO and the OPZ had a baby...", you don't know what you are talking about
It should be better than the OPZ, that's a 4 plus year old product. my OPZ is fine. No bend and the sequencer legit af. If I didn't have it I'd consider the Yamaha tho. ko 2 is a suped up pocket operator, silly to compare in my opinion.
Cigarette with filter look and 20+ buttons on the side are joke. Engine is nice, as well as software support. Why Yamaha trolled users so much when they could make rm2x and blow up the market. Looks like case was designed by chatgpt
I just stick with OP-Z. Play button on a side of Yamaha is a blasphemy. KOII is back to store, but was cool in inspiriting department.
Lol what
Omg the play button is on side 😩😩. Such a silly thing to say, just press the damn button!
@@juliansvidal after 5 years with OP-Z I have a right to claim that LOL at least that was not play. If you need to hold device on a table just to press play, as you see all the presenters do, I just simply skip device even with other good solutions over OP-Z or else. Not for me.
Do your hands not work when you rotate them ?
@@juliansvidal play it couple weeks and we can talk :)
OP-Z does have probability
Thanks - good to know.
LOL every content creator ignoring Sonicware.
They've got some cools stuff and the SMPLTREK may be an even closer match to the Seqtrak.
This video is full of misinformation, especially with regards to the OP-Z. 6 voice polyphony? 🤣 Not quite! It’s more like at least 19 voice polyphony. 348 sounds?!?!? Where does that number even come from?!?!? It can hold about 1000 samples and has something like 12 different proper synth engines that are easily editable on the unit itself, without an app and can be played live on the OP-Z’s 2 octave keyboard,as well as sequenced, automated etc. And all the synth engines and sampling can be combined and used across the various banks and tracks however you want too! Sample time 12secs? That’s per bank. There are 10 banks per track. Counting how many faders and knobs it has in comparison to the Seqtrack?!?!? WTF!?!! 🤣
This video.......brought to you by Yamaha! 🤣
Koala
OMG that’s awesome! Let’s connect?