Korg SQ-1

I bought this sequencer to give me the option of a 16 note sequence and to easily link my modular system to my old Korg MS-10. I have not been disappointed.

The options for voltage output are great with different ranges and various selections for quantizing. The choices of sequencer mode I've found I use as a performance control to vary a repeating sequence or create interesting rhythms. I sometimes use it simply as a trigger sequencer and it is quick and easy to get something going. Lots of lovely lights to let you know where you are! Outputs to MIDI as well.

The only downside is the tiny control knobs that I find I often have to reset after the unit has been off, and for that reason alone I have knocked a star off handling. But considering the power in such a small box and that the original Korg SQ-10 now sells for about ten times the cost of this, I suppose that is a compromise I'm willing to make.

I'd highly recommend this as with lots of the new Korg wee boxes it is LOTS of fun!

This was my first sequencer and boy was it fun to tell the MS-20 what to do. It didn't take long to understand the features at all after reading the manual.

Pros:
Very quick to get a tangible sequence going and can simply be linked in a chain and clocked to other hardware.
Power by 9V battery or USB-B.

Cons:
Quite small
No memory so you best record the audio.
Fixed velocity.
The pitch knobs have no reference point which makes it very difficult to set exact pitch for the notes but you can define the scale to keep the notes within the realm of sense. If dissonance is what you want then this might not be a con for you.
When connected to Ableton, I couldn't get it to set to any midi channel but channel 1. Not impossible to work around but still annoying.

Other than that I've heard Korg almost don't profit off of these so fair play to them

This is a compact and efficient sequencer that has become an essential part of my setup, particularly with the Empress Effects Zoia. Unlike the internal sequencers of the Zoia, Beebo, and Mod Dwarf, the SQ-1 allows for more dynamic and spontaneous sequencing while playing my stringed instruments.

Usability: The original knobs on the SQ-1 were a bit small and fiddly for my taste, so I upgraded them with larger, clear knobs that easily slip over the existing ones. This simple modification has significantly improved the usability of the device, making real-time tweaks much easier.

Connectivity: I use a custom Raspberry Pi midi/usb host to bridge the SQ-1 with the Zoia and Keith McMillen SoftStep. This setup ensures smooth connectivity and extends the functionality of the sequencer, allowing for more complex control setups.

Performance: The SQ-1 performs reliably in extended use sessions. It's sturdy, proving to be a dependable part of my musical toolkit.

Overall Satisfaction: I am very satisfied with the SQ-1. It enhances my ability to play and tweak sequences on the fly, offering a level of control that internal sequencers can't match.

I think something like this is a must-have for performers who use devices like the Zoia, though I'd rather this one had better knobs and connectivity. Still, its ability to integrate seamlessly and perform reliably with just a few add-ons makes it an invaluable component of my setup.

I really got to like SQ1. What I like the most is the linear pitch just like it used to be on classic vintage sequencer.

Pitch imperfections (or pitch fluctuations, or micro tuning) is very important aspect of music articulation and I wonder how synth manufacturers cannot grasp it. For example Arturia with their Beatstep, my second sequencer. Now that I got SQ1 I hardly touch it.

Another thing, SQ1 is two channel, a huge advantage in itself.

The only complaint is the programming and the manual. It made me scratch my head more than once, especially setting the clock divisions and gate polarity. Korg should give it more attention and at least provide some more tips and FAQ's.

I was a bit disappointed in this hardware, but it fundamentally does do what it's supposed to do. The hardware itself is well-built, maybe a bit too well-built, it's very bulky and heavy given what it does. The buttons are very satisfying and easy to press.

The only way to really get this thing working with a computer DAW is to set the SQ-1 as the MIDI clock leader and your DAW (like Ableton Live) to follow tempo sent by the SQ-1. Having Live send MIDI clock to the SQ-1 doesn't work and doesn't seem to be supported. Also, having the SQ-1 be the clock leader is very difficult, because the tempo knob goes from like 20-999, so even the smallest touch will result in big BPM shifts. That makes this kind of impractical to use, because let's be honest, most music is in the 80-160 range, not 20-80/160-999.

This is an awesome add on for the ms-20 or any of the korg volcas. You can use it to control the volcas via the midi out and it works great. I also had great results using it attached to my macbook to control soft synths in ableton live.

After setting up the correct voltage and duty cycle for the ms20 its a doddle to use and although limited to C major or C dorian (along with chromatic and linear) its still very flexible and by using tricks like holding the step jump while you change pitch values you can easily set up complex harmonic sequences.

I will definitely buy another to create even more complex patterns.

Brilliant!

The good: It's nice to have a simple grab and go sequencer to quickly hook up to any synth that accepts CV or midi, and the enclosure is quite sturdily built.

The bad: Dialing in notes is fiddly. Tiny knob movements result in missing the note you're going for. The effective sweep range of the knobs seem to be between 7 and 3 o'clock. (Maybe the pots are exponential?) Also, you only get scales (major & minor) in the key of C, which is ok if you're using CV and tuning an oscillator to whatever (or controlling something other than pitch), but can be limiting when using MIDI. The buttons are also pretty smushy, making precision changes difficult, and they tend to bounce, meaning it's easy to accidentally press the button twice in rapid succession.

Even with the negative points, the simplicity, convenience, and low price make the SQ-1 worth picking up.