Well it would seem that my initial comment was removed. Perhaps miss identified as advertisement as I included links. Oh well, anyhow the power connector is a EIAJ-03 connector. It is a very common connector in Japan as it is specified by the Electronic Industries Association of Japan (EIAJ). The specification recommends certain sizes for specific voltages. Korg uses it on all 9VDC equipment with the exception of guitar pedals. Those using the European IEC standard size and a flipped polarity used in effect pedals before Korg became involved in those products.
@@osiris247 Mine should be arriving tomorrow. I couldn't find a definitive answer and it wasn't listed in the manual. I bought the one for the Volcas, however I suspect that it could be the KA350. I'll report back.
Great video. I think that the SQ64 was mainly designed for modular gear and that it is absolutely perfect for sequencing it as such a lower cost than other modular sequencers. It lays all the steps out in front of you and makes it easy to change them. Anything else is just gravy, IMO. It does some key things at a low price point that you can’t get elsewhere.
You can record sequences by plugging a keyboard or any midi input to the midi in. I haven't tried this yet, but it's something worth trying. I'm not sure if it works with the sequencer's keyboard modes.
Ah yes, I should have mentioned that. I did try it out and it works fine. Generally, when I program sequences I like to program them in anyway - so the SQ-64 works for me!
I ran out of space on my Keystep Pro. I love it but dont need anymore keyboards. I tried Novation Circuit but didnt like the workflow or their software that you have to use with a computer. This has more space for projects and sequences can be chained. I have a Korg Kross 2 and owned other Korg products and think they're pretty good and more reasonably priced than a lot of their competitors. Enjoy!
Nice open back banjo in the background! Do you play clawhammer or two finger style or any kind of old time style? I always thought I was the only person playing two rather odd instruments that are on the opposite side of the spectrum... 😀 Anyways... keep on wigglin' & plunkin' and most of all keep these videos coming... Thanks! 🤩
Ha! Yes! I play clawhammer. I also play fiddle. I often think about how modular music and Old Time has a lot of similarities! Old time just keeps repeating, just like a sequence. I've actually tried sequencing some old time tunes. It's pretty fun! :)
At $129 it's a real steal just as a 3 channel MIDI to CV converter. I ordered mine on Monday and received it today. It's not the original screen protector, and I can see that the manual has been opened before, but the unit is perfect in look and feel. I'm super tempted to order one or two more for sending VCV Rack control signals to my modular and semi-modular gear.
While there are useful features on this sequencer, this piece of gear is a turd and has made me rethink buying anymore KORG gear, which is a shame. This sequencer is the guy you knew in college who squandered all his talent on booze and gambling. A TURD. It was $129 because it has been discontinued because it is a turd.
I watched more tutorials, and while I still believe the UI to be clumsy, the SQ-64 has grown on me. It’s easy to become frustrated with it, BUT it does reward having patience. I retract calling it a turd sequencer.
I asked a question about separating MIDI OUT 1 and 2 to separate Tracks A and B and someone replied "RTFM pages 20-21"..... now I don't feel as stupid not being able to decipher what the info in the manual was trying to teach me! 😅
Thanks. You could use it with the DFAM. I'm not sure I would say it pairs well though... You could control the frequency, but, you wouldn't be able to use the sequencer at all... So it would basically turn the DFAM into just a regular Osc...
I just picked up a DFAM and I use the Sq64 to control the clock. I enjoy using a 16 step pattern on Sq64 and somewhat randomly choose 8 of those steps to control the clock/advance. This adds much needed variation rather than the same 8 steps over and over again. 💚💚💚
great vid! love your personable approach to reflecting on the pros and cons, very helpful. i've been watching so many reviews of this device and I have still yet to see how to enter in notes/pitch per step in a way that you don't have to trigger from midi in or play live. is this possible?
Thanks so much. Yes! You can do that - that's how I program sequences. There's two ways, you can either push the step and use one of the knobs to scroll through notes or you can turn on "keyboard mode" hold the step and press a note on the keyboard. That's my preferred method. It's really easy.
great video! BTW, regarding the button lights being 'not so bright', I found that the buttons are 'much' brighter when the unit is powered directly by a wall wart (or some other non computer-USB manner) than via USB power coming from your computer connection. This makes sense if you think about it since, I think, USB power coming from a computer is just 1A. Regardless... give it a shot and see what I mean!
Great review. Got mine on the same sale and I have very similar thoughts. Tip on the type a trs midi adapter: sweetwater has some made by make noise (I think) that are only $6 each, so I got 3 of them. Does suck about the power adapter, both that and the midi is unacceptable at the price it was first offered at. Anyway besides that I also bought right-angle ts 3.5mm adapters so I can get my patch cables coming up vertically. I’m going to keep chipping away at this thing, but shit like slide, arp, cv out ranges, etc are just so frustrating.
I got to get some of those right angle cables... That's a great idea. I just bought the Volca power supply for $12ish and it works. Some people even say that it makes it brighter, although I didn't notice a huge difference. What have you run into with CV range? I haven't had an issue so far. Curious about that.
With the first firmware, you have a very dim light with USB powered. With a power adapter you got way more bright lights everywhere. I think you don’t see the difference because like you said they updated this with the last firmware… By the way, I have the same issue than FreeThink1984 so I guess he’s still on the first firmware too
Yeah - the more I've used the SQ-64, the more I like it. I have an OXI One and I find the SQ to be so much more approachable and generally gravitate to it over the OXI... Interestingly, it's less than half the cost...
I'm eyeing the Oxi One right now but I'm not sure yet. Basically what I'm looking for is just the hardware-equivalent of the ReDrum-module from Reason. I think the Oxi might be a bit overkill for that. Would the SQ-64 fill that role for far less money?
So I've never used ReDrum, but I just looked it up and the SQ-64 would definitely NOT fill that role. I don't think Oxi is what you are looking for either. if I'm right, ReDrum is a drum machine - these are both sequencers so they don't actually make any sounds they just control other instruments. You might be better off with something like: Arturia Drumbrute Impact Roland TR-8S Elektron Digitakt or Analog Rhythm I have videos for the Drumbrute and Digitakt on my channel - check them out! :) I think that's probably more what you're looking for.
@@braintree56 Thank you very much for the answer, much appreciated! ReDrum is using sample based kits that are easy to create and and plays them as a step-/pattern-sequenzer. It doesn't synthesize sounds itself either. That's what I'm looking for to use mainly for programming beats that are then used in Ableton arrangements. I guess you are right, that I should look more into hardware that is more purely oriented towards drum computers. Drumbrute doesn't play samples, it seems but I will have to dig deeper on the Digitakt and the TR-8S, they look promising. Thanks again!
I found it hard to use and get working at first. 200% update firmware before even trying to use. I can't use the on board keyboard unless I want it to sound all crappy n simple. I'm thinking of just recording MIDI into it via Reason and building some tracks that way for the 3 channels, then adding drums. At least it has soooooo many gates n cv stuff that with my modular setup it's a lot of fun no matter what you have going on.
They made the LEDs brighter in the firmware update. But do you find them too bright now? Hard to tell in a video because they make them seem brighter than they are (I don't have one yet). I hate seering LEDs.
No. This video was made with the latest firmware. In my opinion the lights are still too low, but it's acceptable. I don't think you'll have an issue with it being too bright. :)
@@georgenada6413I’m like you and I have a big issue with that on my KORG MinilogueXD…………. It drives me crazy. The white leds are so bright I can’t read the knobs and buttons names correctly. I was even thinking to open it and paint all the leds with something……. OR MAYBE KORG wants me to wear sunglasses while playing it…!!😩
Does the transpose trick (holding the key) work only in modular CV? I've been trying to do it in Midi - by pressing the key and nothing happens (other than the activation of the pressed note). Please help! Thank you. Also is there and overdub / overrite record mode. Any help much, much appreciate it.
Hey! Yeah, it should work fine over Midi... It might be how your midi settings are configured. I'll try to confirm later but I can't imagine it would be any different. If you just leave it in record mode it would overdub. Hope that helps. Check on you midi settings.
@@braintree56 Thank you for such a quick reply. Appreciate it. I guess I'm just confused - how would it know the difference between you just trying to press a key /note vs. you trying to transpose a sequence? Somehow I feel like I'm missing a step.
@@braintree56 Oooph ... FINALLY, figured it out. Select Global (make sure all the patterns are De-selected). Press the 7th lid up button from the top ("Keyboard" in display). Then you are presented with various Transpose options and overdub / overrite options. You are right - this is no where to be found in the terrible manual nor the entire Internet .. lol. Your video is the closet to it.
@@braintree56 Thank you. Please do, I bet you got some neat tricks up your sleeve. Also, just noticed firmwear 2.03 is been out. Seems no significant changes?
Can it be used as a real-time MIDI CC to CV converter? It has a modulation mode, but it's not clear to me if I'd have to program the steps and values, or if it will translate an assignable MIDI CC (say CC1 Mod wheel) and send it to one of the mod CV outs in real-time.
There is a "control mode" where you can use it as a Midi controller. You can assign the knobs to different parameters and even set the 64 buttons to send a message... So that would mean yes. The only issue is that I don't believe that you can use the other functions (i.e. the sequencer) if the control mode is active. It just turns it into a controller. I did not test that - if you want to tell me exactly what you want to accomplish I can give it a rundown. (Might even be a good video topic).
@@braintree56 Let me see if I can articulate this... I use a MIDI keyboard controller to play various desktop synths, and some semi-modular (MiniBrute 2S). I use an 8 port MIDI patchbay and a computer. I use a Kenton Pro Solo Mk3, and Crave's assignable CC to CV port for MIDI CC to CV into various modulation points on the semi-modular synths. The CC can be a sustain or expression pedal, mod wheel, or a Bitwig LFO, envelope, arp... modulating a CC that's mapped to a CV. I've been trying to figure out if the SQ-64 can be used as an in-between box that will accept an assignable CC via MIDI (from Bitwig or my controller), and send it to a mod CV out. I'd buy it for $130, if it could function as a MIDI CC to CV converter, but probably wouldn't use it for much else.
@@lib747 Ok. I think I understand. So, for instance, if you have an automated track in your DAW for a CC (like sustain or something), you want to route it to the SQ-64 and have the Sq-64 send a CV message to a piece of gear. Do I have that right? I would think it could do this... But I'll want to confirm if that's what your looking for.
@@braintree56 yes, in essence that is my use case. The important part is to be able to define which MIDI CC message is routed to a CV. If you take a look at the doc for the Kenton Pro Solo 3, it details the process (it's quite good at it), but I'm always looking for more of these.
Real time record is great when there are no notes. It gets hard when there are some because overdubbing do not work on once recorded steps (can't figure, why?). There are few other options to record notes so lets say that it is ok. This product has no luck and that is a shame because it is best in this price. Where can u get 64 step, 3 tracks polyphonic melodic and drum sequencer that can work with your soft, hardware and modular synths and drum machines at once? Best controller for bigger music setup. Aesthetics looks like taken out from Knight Rider TV show.
One question - does AC power still make it brighter after the firmware update or is it now the same either way? I have been running off USB son latest firmware and still seems a bit dim. But is that as bright as it gets?
I just got my Power Adapter and I didn't notice a huge difference in the brightness. Others have reported that it appeared brighter... BTW - there is an option in the global settings to adjust the brightness - I believe it's just the screen though.
I’ve bought it day one. Tried to understand it during one week, I mean, really. Since that time, it never saw again the light of day. I feel bad for this little unfinished gear, but I keep it in his box and inside my closet, praying to have one day A REAL SUPPORT FROM KORG. I love the hardware quality A LOT, but that’s all. This is the only terrible piece of gear I owned and don’t use. I even feel bad for this little guy. SUCH A SHAME
I can see that. I got it when it was on sale for $130... I think it's worth that much. I only really use it as a basic sequencer... Fits for that purpose.
i picked this up for $130, this is my first hardware sequencer that is not already built into the hardware im using but i wanted to finally take the leap to hooking up TD3, EMX1, WerkStatt 01, my modular synth, to my volcas or mpc. Honestly i have been intimated and just been writing random sequences on the hardware themselves. even considering getting a used SQ1 just to get the idea of hooking up everything together. I knew the 64 would eventually be what i need, especially with the 8 separate drum triggers. ill figure it out eventually! You are right though, that manual is crap.
Definitely. In fact, I think it's more geared towards Eurorack. The CV outs are great if you want to use it for that. Especially having a trigger out for each of the drum lanes.
works totally fine on Ableton or other daw, you can sequence software synths too. it even have a control mode and editor software to create midi mapable setups to control whatever you want hardware or software
Darn ! I wish I had bumped into a Korg SQ-64 at the price you got yours ! It would have straight up replaced the dirt-cheap Behringer TD-6 that I bought to use as a secondary rhythm sequencer. The TD-6 is cool for the 80 € I paid it, do not get me wrong, but a Korg SQ-64 for around 120 € would have been an even better bargain ! I will definitely look for it here and there, just in case some kind of sale comes up again. Thanks for the informative review.
@@braintree56 Yeah, I saw that too, thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, this price is restricted to the US market. In Europe, the SQ-64 is sold by Reverb at 230 € or more. Still a bit too much for my personal needs.
Meh... You get what you pay for. I've had one since the beginning and have a love/hate relationship. Not a hate relationship due to "missing features". If anything, it has feature overload x100. It has too much shit you will NEVER use and things you use over and over are too f'n obnoxious shift-key BS. And screw the "isomorphic" keyboard. That needs to die. Now. Once I got over the stupidity... I just use it as a quick/dirty sequencer for Eurorack. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Yeah, when I made this video it was priced at $129 - which is what I got it for and I think it's worth that. Definitely agree about the isomorphic mode.
It's brilliant with the latest software - - but it would be hell of a lot better with a descent manual. The current one totally sucks. Yes, the new software lets you play and program in real time with quantisation... I agree the light colour choice is crazy - but again something they could fix in firmware (at least we know there are white and red leds to choose from. A bit of an oversight is they cant give us a green and a blue; but even with thwo colors a better scheme could be used. But at the asking price? It's a no brainer. Built like a tank and is STABLE! (Unlike so many other manufacturers products).
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Well it would seem that my initial comment was removed. Perhaps miss identified as advertisement as I included links. Oh well, anyhow the power connector is a EIAJ-03 connector. It is a very common connector in Japan as it is specified by the Electronic Industries Association of Japan (EIAJ). The specification recommends certain sizes for specific voltages. Korg uses it on all 9VDC equipment with the exception of guitar pedals. Those using the European IEC standard size and a flipped polarity used in effect pedals before Korg became involved in those products.
That's really good info. Makes me feel a little bit better about it! :) I'll have to read more about this. Thanks!
Man I hate they they didn’t use a standard one.
Is it the same one used for the Volca's ?
@@osiris247 I don’t think so because I tried that and it didn’t fit. Super annoying, but not a deal breaker. Just an added expense
@@osiris247 Mine should be arriving tomorrow. I couldn't find a definitive answer and it wasn't listed in the manual. I bought the one for the Volcas, however I suspect that it could be the KA350. I'll report back.
Great video. I think that the SQ64 was mainly designed for modular gear and that it is absolutely perfect for sequencing it as such a lower cost than other modular sequencers. It lays all the steps out in front of you and makes it easy to change them. Anything else is just gravy, IMO. It does some key things at a low price point that you can’t get elsewhere.
Totally agree. That's what I'm planning on using it for and I'm really happy with it. Thanks.
You can record sequences by plugging a keyboard or any midi input to the midi in. I haven't tried this yet, but it's something worth trying. I'm not sure if it works with the sequencer's keyboard modes.
Ah yes, I should have mentioned that. I did try it out and it works fine. Generally, when I program sequences I like to program them in anyway - so the SQ-64 works for me!
I ran out of space on my Keystep Pro. I love it but dont need anymore keyboards. I tried Novation Circuit but didnt like the workflow or their software that you have to use with a computer. This has more space for projects and sequences can be chained. I have a Korg Kross 2 and owned other Korg products and think they're pretty good and more reasonably priced than a lot of their competitors. Enjoy!
Korg definitely is a great sweet spot between quality/price.
Nice open back banjo in the background! Do you play clawhammer or two finger style or any kind of old time style? I always thought I was the only person playing two rather odd instruments that are on the opposite side of the spectrum... 😀
Anyways... keep on wigglin' & plunkin' and most of all keep these videos coming... Thanks! 🤩
Ha! Yes! I play clawhammer. I also play fiddle. I often think about how modular music and Old Time has a lot of similarities! Old time just keeps repeating, just like a sequence. I've actually tried sequencing some old time tunes. It's pretty fun! :)
And that banjo is probably the nicest instrument I own. It's a Rickard made of Walnut.
At $129 it's a real steal just as a 3 channel MIDI to CV converter. I ordered mine on Monday and received it today. It's not the original screen protector, and I can see that the manual has been opened before, but the unit is perfect in look and feel. I'm super tempted to order one or two more for sending VCV Rack control signals to my modular and semi-modular gear.
Absolutely! The $129 price point makes it absolutely worth it. The more I use it the more I like it too. It's a solid piece of gear.
I have read Zen koans that were more transparent than that manual.
While there are useful features on this sequencer, this piece of gear is a turd and has made me rethink buying anymore KORG gear, which is a shame.
This sequencer is the guy you knew in college who squandered all his talent on booze and gambling.
A TURD.
It was $129 because it has been discontinued because it is a turd.
Ha! Yeah... The manual is probably the worst part of this thing...
I watched more tutorials, and while I still believe the UI to be clumsy, the SQ-64 has grown on me.
It’s easy to become frustrated with it, BUT it does reward having patience.
I retract calling it a turd sequencer.
I asked a question about separating MIDI OUT 1 and 2 to separate Tracks A and B and someone replied "RTFM pages 20-21"..... now I don't feel as stupid not being able to decipher what the info in the manual was trying to teach me! 😅
Great vid! Would this be useful to pair with the dfam? Love your dfam vids btw. Very helpful!
Thanks. You could use it with the DFAM. I'm not sure I would say it pairs well though... You could control the frequency, but, you wouldn't be able to use the sequencer at all... So it would basically turn the DFAM into just a regular Osc...
I just picked up a DFAM and I use the Sq64 to control the clock. I enjoy using a 16 step pattern on Sq64 and somewhat randomly choose 8 of those steps to control the clock/advance. This adds much needed variation rather than the same 8 steps over and over again. 💚💚💚
The power adapter is the standard one for the Monologue. I assume that's why they went that way.
Makes sense! I think it's the same one for the Volca's as well.
great vid! love your personable approach to reflecting on the pros and cons, very helpful. i've been watching so many reviews of this device and I have still yet to see how to enter in notes/pitch per step in a way that you don't have to trigger from midi in or play live. is this possible?
Thanks so much. Yes! You can do that - that's how I program sequences. There's two ways, you can either push the step and use one of the knobs to scroll through notes or you can turn on "keyboard mode" hold the step and press a note on the keyboard. That's my preferred method. It's really easy.
great video! BTW, regarding the button lights being 'not so bright', I found that the buttons are 'much' brighter when the unit is powered directly by a wall wart (or some other non computer-USB manner) than via USB power coming from your computer connection. This makes sense if you think about it since, I think, USB power coming from a computer is just 1A. Regardless... give it a shot and see what I mean!
My power supply is arriving Monday! That's great news.
@@braintree56 could you please share the link where you bought yours?
@@ThePrincipledAntagonist reverb.com/p/korg-sq64-polyphonic-sequencer
Great review. Got mine on the same sale and I have very similar thoughts. Tip on the type a trs midi adapter: sweetwater has some made by make noise (I think) that are only $6 each, so I got 3 of them. Does suck about the power adapter, both that and the midi is unacceptable at the price it was first offered at.
Anyway besides that I also bought right-angle ts 3.5mm adapters so I can get my patch cables coming up vertically.
I’m going to keep chipping away at this thing, but shit like slide, arp, cv out ranges, etc are just so frustrating.
I got to get some of those right angle cables... That's a great idea. I just bought the Volca power supply for $12ish and it works. Some people even say that it makes it brighter, although I didn't notice a huge difference. What have you run into with CV range? I haven't had an issue so far. Curious about that.
With the first firmware, you have a very dim light with USB powered.
With a power adapter you got way more bright lights everywhere.
I think you don’t see the difference because like you said they updated this with the last firmware…
By the way, I have the same issue than FreeThink1984 so I guess he’s still on the first firmware too
I have two of these units. When it are the brains of a dawless setup, the SQ64 works pretty well. I prefer making music on this to the Circuit Tracks.
Yeah - the more I've used the SQ-64, the more I like it. I have an OXI One and I find the SQ to be so much more approachable and generally gravitate to it over the OXI... Interestingly, it's less than half the cost...
@@braintree56 I also appreciate that the workflow of the SQ64 appeals to a particular kind of person. I just happen to be that type. :-D
I'm eyeing the Oxi One right now but I'm not sure yet. Basically what I'm looking for is just the hardware-equivalent of the ReDrum-module from Reason. I think the Oxi might be a bit overkill for that. Would the SQ-64 fill that role for far less money?
So I've never used ReDrum, but I just looked it up and the SQ-64 would definitely NOT fill that role. I don't think Oxi is what you are looking for either. if I'm right, ReDrum is a drum machine - these are both sequencers so they don't actually make any sounds they just control other instruments.
You might be better off with something like:
Arturia Drumbrute Impact
Roland TR-8S
Elektron Digitakt or Analog Rhythm
I have videos for the Drumbrute and Digitakt on my channel - check them out! :) I think that's probably more what you're looking for.
@@braintree56 Thank you very much for the answer, much appreciated! ReDrum is using sample based kits that are easy to create and and plays them as a step-/pattern-sequenzer. It doesn't synthesize sounds itself either. That's what I'm looking for to use mainly for programming beats that are then used in Ableton arrangements. I guess you are right, that I should look more into hardware that is more purely oriented towards drum computers. Drumbrute doesn't play samples, it seems but I will have to dig deeper on the Digitakt and the TR-8S, they look promising. Thanks again!
@@felixfox8810 Oh yeah, if you want something that is going to play samples, the Digitakt would be great. I have a whole tutorial series on it.
Sold my keystep pro, wondering if I might like this
I haven't used the Keystep pro very much. I hear they are similar to this, without the keys obviously.
I found it hard to use and get working at first. 200% update firmware before even trying to use. I can't use the on board keyboard unless I want it to sound all crappy n simple. I'm thinking of just recording MIDI into it via Reason and building some tracks that way for the 3 channels, then adding drums. At least it has soooooo many gates n cv stuff that with my modular setup it's a lot of fun no matter what you have going on.
They made the LEDs brighter in the firmware update. But do you find them too bright now? Hard to tell in a video because they make them seem brighter than they are (I don't have one yet). I hate seering LEDs.
No. This video was made with the latest firmware. In my opinion the lights are still too low, but it's acceptable. I don't think you'll have an issue with it being too bright. :)
@@braintree56 Cool. Thank you!
@@georgenada6413I’m like you and I have a big issue with that on my KORG MinilogueXD………….
It drives me crazy. The white leds are so bright I can’t read the knobs and buttons names correctly.
I was even thinking to open it and paint all the leds with something…….
OR MAYBE KORG wants me to wear sunglasses while playing it…!!😩
Does the transpose trick (holding the key) work only in modular CV? I've been trying to do it in Midi - by pressing the key and nothing happens (other than the activation of the pressed note). Please help! Thank you. Also is there and overdub / overrite record mode. Any help much, much appreciate it.
Hey! Yeah, it should work fine over Midi... It might be how your midi settings are configured. I'll try to confirm later but I can't imagine it would be any different. If you just leave it in record mode it would overdub. Hope that helps. Check on you midi settings.
@@braintree56 Thank you for such a quick reply. Appreciate it. I guess I'm just confused - how would it know the difference between you just trying to press a key /note vs. you trying to transpose a sequence? Somehow I feel like I'm missing a step.
@@braintree56 Oooph ... FINALLY, figured it out. Select Global (make sure all the patterns are De-selected). Press the 7th lid up button from the top ("Keyboard" in display). Then you are presented with various Transpose options and overdub / overrite options. You are right - this is no where to be found in the terrible manual nor the entire Internet .. lol. Your video is the closet to it.
@@bigdebbie6265 Awesome! Glad you found it!!! I need to do an updated video on this thing. :)
@@braintree56 Thank you. Please do, I bet you got some neat tricks up your sleeve. Also, just noticed firmwear 2.03 is been out. Seems no significant changes?
Is there a list of scales and chords? I’m currently using my electribe2 as a sequencer and it’s loaded with scales. Super tempted to buy this
You can have everything quantized to particular scales. Yes! For chords, you will need to program them in manually I believe.
I think you can see them via the editor. You can also define your own scales - blues, pentatonic etc.
Can it be used as a real-time MIDI CC to CV converter? It has a modulation mode, but it's not clear to me if I'd have to program the steps and values, or if it will translate an assignable MIDI CC (say CC1 Mod wheel) and send it to one of the mod CV outs in real-time.
There is a "control mode" where you can use it as a Midi controller. You can assign the knobs to different parameters and even set the 64 buttons to send a message... So that would mean yes. The only issue is that I don't believe that you can use the other functions (i.e. the sequencer) if the control mode is active. It just turns it into a controller. I did not test that - if you want to tell me exactly what you want to accomplish I can give it a rundown. (Might even be a good video topic).
@@braintree56 Let me see if I can articulate this... I use a MIDI keyboard controller to play various desktop synths, and some semi-modular (MiniBrute 2S). I use an 8 port MIDI patchbay and a computer. I use a Kenton Pro Solo Mk3, and Crave's assignable CC to CV port for MIDI CC to CV into various modulation points on the semi-modular synths. The CC can be a sustain or expression pedal, mod wheel, or a Bitwig LFO, envelope, arp... modulating a CC that's mapped to a CV.
I've been trying to figure out if the SQ-64 can be used as an in-between box that will accept an assignable CC via MIDI (from Bitwig or my controller), and send it to a mod CV out. I'd buy it for $130, if it could function as a MIDI CC to CV converter, but probably wouldn't use it for much else.
@@lib747 Ok. I think I understand. So, for instance, if you have an automated track in your DAW for a CC (like sustain or something), you want to route it to the SQ-64 and have the Sq-64 send a CV message to a piece of gear. Do I have that right? I would think it could do this... But I'll want to confirm if that's what your looking for.
@@braintree56 yes, in essence that is my use case. The important part is to be able to define which MIDI CC message is routed to a CV. If you take a look at the doc for the Kenton Pro Solo 3, it details the process (it's quite good at it), but I'm always looking for more of these.
@@lib747 Ok! I'll check it out a little later and see what I can come up with.
Would getting two solve some of the problems/limitations of using different features simultaneously?
Most likely. However I didn't test it as I only have one...
Real time record is great when there are no notes. It gets hard when there are some because overdubbing do not work on once recorded steps (can't figure, why?). There are few other options to record notes so lets say that it is ok. This product has no luck and that is a shame because it is best in this price. Where can u get 64 step, 3 tracks polyphonic melodic and drum sequencer that can work with your soft, hardware and modular synths and drum machines at once? Best controller for bigger music setup. Aesthetics looks like taken out from Knight Rider TV show.
You're totally right about Knight Rider - I hadn't noticed that! It's definitely great for a modular setup. It's growing on me the more I use it.
One question - does AC power still make it brighter after the firmware update or is it now the same either way? I have been running off USB son latest firmware and still seems a bit dim. But is that as bright as it gets?
Mine should be arriving tomorrow. I'll report back! :)
I just got my Power Adapter and I didn't notice a huge difference in the brightness. Others have reported that it appeared brighter... BTW - there is an option in the global settings to adjust the brightness - I believe it's just the screen though.
I’ve bought it day one.
Tried to understand it during one week, I mean, really.
Since that time, it never saw again the light of day. I feel bad for this little unfinished gear, but I keep it in his box and inside my closet, praying to have one day A REAL SUPPORT FROM KORG.
I love the hardware quality A LOT, but that’s all.
This is the only terrible piece of gear I owned and don’t use.
I even feel bad for this little guy.
SUCH A SHAME
I can see that. I got it when it was on sale for $130... I think it's worth that much. I only really use it as a basic sequencer... Fits for that purpose.
Your microphone is messing up, you sound really quiet in some parts of the video.
Thanks for the feedback. I'll go back and listen again.
i picked this up for $130, this is my first hardware sequencer that is not already built into the hardware im using but i wanted to finally take the leap to hooking up TD3, EMX1, WerkStatt 01, my modular synth, to my volcas or mpc. Honestly i have been intimated and just been writing random sequences on the hardware themselves. even considering getting a used SQ1 just to get the idea of hooking up everything together. I knew the 64 would eventually be what i need, especially with the 8 separate drum triggers. ill figure it out eventually! You are right though, that manual is crap.
Totally! I might do an in-depth tutorial on this thing now that I've got the hang of it. Once you wrap your brain around it, it starts to make sense.
How to connect with live 2?
Unfortunately, I don't have Live 2... :(
Double tap the shift makes it latch...
Interesting! Does this make the transposition latch or just the shift button? I'll have to try it later.
It seems like this is more geared towards hardware setups than Ableton for example.
Definitely. In fact, I think it's more geared towards Eurorack. The CV outs are great if you want to use it for that. Especially having a trigger out for each of the drum lanes.
works totally fine on Ableton or other daw, you can sequence software synths too. it even have a control mode and editor software to create midi mapable setups to control whatever you want hardware or software
Check Toraiz squid dude....
Thanks for the suggestion - I'll check it out!
There is a firmware update.
I made this review after doing the firmware update (the one from 10/18/22)
Sorry bro. My bad.👍
@@SpikesStudio3 No worries! It's a good suggestion! :)
Darn ! I wish I had bumped into a Korg SQ-64 at the price you got yours ! It would have straight up replaced the dirt-cheap Behringer TD-6 that I bought to use as a secondary rhythm sequencer. The TD-6 is cool for the 80 € I paid it, do not get me wrong, but a Korg SQ-64 for around 120 € would have been an even better bargain !
I will definitely look for it here and there, just in case some kind of sale comes up again. Thanks for the informative review.
It's still $130 brand new from the Korg Outlet Warehouse... reverb.com/p/korg-sq64-polyphonic-sequencer
@@braintree56 Yeah, I saw that too, thanks for the tip. Unfortunately, this price is restricted to the US market. In Europe, the SQ-64 is sold by Reverb at 230 € or more. Still a bit too much for my personal needs.
next time maybe less focus on your face and more on the actual tool. constructive feedback
Thanks
Meh... You get what you pay for. I've had one since the beginning and have a love/hate relationship. Not a hate relationship due to "missing features". If anything, it has feature overload x100. It has too much shit you will NEVER use and things you use over and over are too f'n obnoxious shift-key BS. And screw the "isomorphic" keyboard. That needs to die. Now. Once I got over the stupidity... I just use it as a quick/dirty sequencer for Eurorack. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Yeah, when I made this video it was priced at $129 - which is what I got it for and I think it's worth that. Definitely agree about the isomorphic mode.
It's brilliant with the latest software - - but it would be hell of a lot better with a descent manual. The current one totally sucks.
Yes, the new software lets you play and program in real time with quantisation...
I agree the light colour choice is crazy - but again something they could fix in firmware (at least we know there are white and red leds to choose from. A bit of an oversight is they cant give us a green and a blue; but even with thwo colors a better scheme could be used.
But at the asking price? It's a no brainer. Built like a tank and is STABLE! (Unlike so many other manufacturers products).
Yep, couldn't agree more. I like mine more and more the more I get familiar with it. $130 is the right price though...