Korg SQ-1 CV Step Sequencer and Sync Box
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Sync up all your analog and digital synths, and build beats with this 16-step sequencer. The SQ-1 plugs into your MS-20, Volca, CV gear, MIDI gear and more!
Overview
When the classic MS-20 analog synthesizer appeared in 1978, it had a trusted partner in the SQ-10 step sequencer. Now, after 30 years, the MS-20 has been reborn as the MS-20 mini, and the SQ-10 has evolved into the more modern SQ-1.
The SQ-1 is a compact step sequencer with 2 x 8 steps. Its wealth of connection jacks allows it to be connected to the MS-20 and a variety of other synthesizers. Vintage analog synths or the latest compact synths can be controlled from this single unit. You can also switch between a variety of synthesizer modes and use the step buttons to create performances overflowing with spontaneity, just as when using a volca unit.
Liberate yourself from the numerically-bound parameter editing that's typical on a DAW; you'll enjoy truly musical inspiration as you train your ears and concentrate on what your fingertips are doing. Don't miss the experience of music that's driven by your instinct.
- Connect and control the MS-20 and many other types of equipment
- A variety of sequencer modes
- Step edit buttons inherited from the volca, providing excellent improvisatory possibilities
- Sturdy and compact body, with battery operation
As a connector, the SQ-1 provides two CV/GATE OUT channels, the standard MIDI OUT and USB MIDI, littleBits out (to connect to the littleBits synth kit by littleBits Electronics Inc.), plus the SYNC IN/OUT channel that allows you to connect to the volca series and monotribe. Compact and complete with all the functions you need, the SQ-1 is the ideal hardware sequencer.
* V/Oct supported for 1V, 2V, and 5V; Hz/V supported for 8V.
"Active Step" lets you skip steps mid-way through a sequence, and "Step Jump" lets you instantly play just the step that you press, producing irregular rhythms or effects that are reminiscent of short loops. "Slide" produces an effect in which steps are connected smoothly; using this to control a synth bass is an easy way for anyone to generate an acid sound. Sequence step resolution is selectable as quarter notes.
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The SQ-1 is a compact step sequencer with 2 x 8 steps. Its wealth of connection jacks allows it to be connected to the MS-20 and a variety of other synthesizers. Vintage analog synths or the latest compact synths can be controlled from this single unit. You can also switch between a variety of synthesizer modes and use the step buttons to create performances overflowing with spontaneity, just as when using a volca unit.
Liberate yourself from the numerically-bound parameter editing that's typical on a DAW; you'll enjoy truly musical inspiration as you train your ears and concentrate on what your fingertips are doing. Don't miss the experience of music that's driven by your instinct.
- Connect and control the MS-20 and many other types of equipment
- A variety of sequencer modes
- Step edit buttons inherited from the volca, providing excellent improvisatory possibilities
- Sturdy and compact body, with battery operation
Connect and control the MS-20 and many other types of equipment
Rather than the commonly used V/Oct standard, the CV design of the MS-20 always used the Hz/V standard that provides excellent pitch stability limiting the step sequencers that are able to correctly control the MS-20. As a descendant of the SQ-10, the SQ-1 supports… read more the Hz/V standard, enabling it to perfectly control the MS-20 or MS-20 mini. It goes without saying the V/Oct standard is also supported, and the voltage level of the CV output (*) and polarity of the GATE output can be specified as appropriate for the device you've connected. This versatility will enable you to control a wide variety of other synthesizers as well.As a connector, the SQ-1 provides two CV/GATE OUT channels, the standard MIDI OUT and USB MIDI, littleBits out (to connect to the littleBits synth kit by littleBits Electronics Inc.), plus the SYNC IN/OUT channel that allows you to connect to the volca series and monotribe. Compact and complete with all the functions you need, the SQ-1 is the ideal hardware sequencer.
* V/Oct supported for 1V, 2V, and 5V; Hz/V supported for 8V.
Versatile sequencer modes
The SQ-1 provides two channels (A and B) of 8-step sequencer that can operate consecutively, or be used in a variety of other modes. For example, you can run A and B following each other to function as a 16-step sequencer, ignore the order and make the steps play randomly, or use A and B to control different parameters as they run in parallel. From simple sequences to complex changes, you can choose from a variety of modes to suit your needs.Step buttons inherited from the Volca provide excellent improvisatory possibilities
The 2 x 8 step buttons can be used in the usual way to turn notes on/off, but you can also use the MODE button to switch their function, opening up powerful possibilities such as letting you "perform" the sequence itself, as on a Volca unit."Active Step" lets you skip steps mid-way through a sequence, and "Step Jump" lets you instantly play just the step that you press, producing irregular rhythms or effects that are reminiscent of short loops. "Slide" produces an effect in which steps are connected smoothly; using this to control a synth bass is an easy way for anyone to generate an acid sound. Sequence step resolution is selectable as quarter notes.
Sturdy and compact body, with battery operation
Packed with carefully selected functionality, the SQ-1 features a compact and very sturdy sheet-metal body. Placed beside the MS-20 series, you'll notice a sense of solidity that gives the impression they were manufactured in the same era. The unit can operate on two AA batteries or on USB bus power.Specs
- Sequencer mode: ALTERNATE, ORDER, PARALLEL TURN, PARALLEL ORDER, CV/DUTY, CV/SLIDE, CV/DUTY RADOM, RANDOM
- Step mode: GATE ON/OFF, ACTIVE STEP, SLIDE, STEP JUMP
- Sequence step resolution: quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes
- CV OUT pitch: Linear, Minor, Major, Chromatic
- CV OUT voltage: 1V, 2V, 5V (Oct) 8V (/V)
- GATE OUT polarity: + (positive polarity), -(negative polarity)
- SYNC IN/OUT polarity: + (rise), - (fall)
- Connectors:
-- littleBits OUT jack (mini monaural phone jack)
-- OUT (MIDI OUT) jack (mini stereo phone jack)
-- CV - A OUT - GATE jack (mini monaural phone jack, CV OUT : Output level 1V, 2V, 5V, 8[Hz/V], GATE OUT: output level 10V)
-- CV - BOUT - GATE jack (mini monaural phone jack, CV OUT : Oput level 1V, 2V, 5V, 8[Hz/V], GATE OUT: output level 10V)
-- IN - SYNC - OUT jack (mini monaural phone jack, SYNC IN: Max input level 20V, SYNC OUT: Outlput level 5V)
-- USB jack (type B, USB MIDI
- Power supply: Two AA batteries (alkaline batteries recommended), or USB power
- Battery life: approximately 5 hours (when using alkaline batteries)
- Dimension (W x D x H): 93 x 84 x 63 mm/7.60" x 3.31" x 2.48"
- Weight: 641 g/1.41 lbs.
- Included items: Two AA batteries for checking operation, mini plug - DIN cable)
- Options: Patch cable MS-CABLE-18
* Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.
- Step mode: GATE ON/OFF, ACTIVE STEP, SLIDE, STEP JUMP
- Sequence step resolution: quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes
- CV OUT pitch: Linear, Minor, Major, Chromatic
- CV OUT voltage: 1V, 2V, 5V (Oct) 8V (/V)
- GATE OUT polarity: + (positive polarity), -(negative polarity)
- SYNC IN/OUT polarity: + (rise), - (fall)
- Connectors:
-- littleBits OUT jack (mini monaural phone jack)
-- OUT (MIDI OUT) jack (mini stereo phone jack)
-- CV - A OUT - GATE jack (mini monaural phone jack, CV OUT : Output level 1V, 2V, 5V, 8[Hz/V], GATE OUT: output level 10V)
-- CV - BOUT - GATE jack (mini monaural phone jack, CV OUT : Oput level 1V, 2V, 5V, 8[Hz/V], GATE OUT: output level 10V)
-- IN - SYNC - OUT jack (mini monaural phone jack, SYNC IN: Max input level 20V, SYNC OUT: Outlput level 5V)
-- USB jack (type B, USB MIDI
- Power supply: Two AA batteries (alkaline batteries recommended), or USB power
- Battery life: approximately 5 hours (when using alkaline batteries)
- Dimension (W x D x H): 93 x 84 x 63 mm/7.60" x 3.31" x 2.48"
- Weight: 641 g/1.41 lbs.
- Included items: Two AA batteries for checking operation, mini plug - DIN cable)
- Options: Patch cable MS-CABLE-18
* Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.
- Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
- Base Item
- Shipping Weight: 2 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 4 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): SQ1
- Blemished
- Shipping Weight: 2 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 4 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): SQ1
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
(1 ratings)
Submitted July 3, 2023 by a customer from gmail.com
"Super Fun & Creative CV/MIDI Sequencer"
The Korg SQ-1 is a very powerful addition to any CV or MIDI setup. I have used it both ways. The SQ-1 is versatile with one or two lanes of control with up to 8-steps when using two lanes and up to 16-steps when using one lane. With CV, I have controlled a Behringer Cat via two of its CV inputs with both lanes of the SQ-1 at different loop lengths. This way you get sequences that really evolve and develop. I also used the SQ-1 over USB MIDI with Ableton to record MIDI notes for my plug-ins. This worked decently well and was very cool for generating sequences that I could modify in real time with knob tweaks. However, I couldn't get the SQ-1 to respond to the clock and start messages of Ableton. So I had to start the record function in Ableton and independently start the sequencer of the SQ-1 after that. I also decided to manually reshape the overall length of the MIDI sequence, as the clock was different between the SQ-1 & Ableton, to line up the SQ-1's recorded MIDI to Ableton's grid. Definitely a different way of working from sequencing MIDI notes in a DAW's piano roll. Highly recommended for sequences you won't be able to get any other way.
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