This little sequencer is probably the best value for money you can get. It does exactly what it says it will do, and can do even more. Once you get the hang of all the modes, you can actually do some really impressive things. The fully analogue path is also great for sequencing CV as well as audio. Bottom line is if you only need a small number of steps (8x2 or 16x1), this is all the sequencer you will ever need - at a price that is hard to beat.I have used this with a Crave and a 2600 with amazing results. The Crave already has a good sequencer, however using 2 channels meant controlling the LFO and VCO at the same time. With the analogue tuning, the LFO was able to be played as a second oscillator. The 2600 comes to life with the SQ-1. A 2 note bass line, and ... MoreThis little sequencer is probably the best value for money you can get. It does exactly what it says it will do, and can do even more. Once you get the hang of all the modes, you can actually do some really impressive things. The fully analogue path is also great for sequencing CV as well as audio. Bottom line is if you only need a small number of steps (8x2 or 16x1), this is all the sequencer you will ever need - at a price that is hard to beat.I have used this with a Crave and a 2600 with amazing results. The Crave already has a good sequencer, however using 2 channels meant controlling the LFO and VCO at the same time. With the analogue tuning, the LFO was able to be played as a second oscillator. The 2600 comes to life with the SQ-1. A 2 note bass line, and screaming lead played via MIDI is amazing! Basically, get one today - you won't regret it.

Deceptively small but powerful

The Korg SQ-1 is a small but powerful sequencer that brings new sounds and capabilities to your music. It is surprisingly easy to operate and use, and integrated seamlessly into my existing synth gear. It gives numerous playing options, from sequential play (1-8 on the "A" row, then 1-8 on the "B" row), parallel play, alternating play, and random, among others. Each of the 16 steps can be tuned to a specific frequency, and the parameters of each step can be edited. This allows a step to be skipped from the sequence, or kept in the sequence but silenced. Of course the sequence speed is variable, as is the "duty cycle" which determines how long the tone sounds. Coupled with the speed, it makes a big difference in what you actually hear when the sequence is ... MoreThe Korg SQ-1 is a small but powerful sequencer that brings new sounds and capabilities to your music. It is surprisingly easy to operate and use, and integrated seamlessly into my existing synth gear. It gives numerous playing options, from sequential play (1-8 on the "A" row, then 1-8 on the "B" row), parallel play, alternating play, and random, among others. Each of the 16 steps can be tuned to a specific frequency, and the parameters of each step can be edited. This allows a step to be skipped from the sequence, or kept in the sequence but silenced. Of course the sequence speed is variable, as is the "duty cycle" which determines how long the tone sounds. Coupled with the speed, it makes a big difference in what you actually hear when the sequence is played.There are a couple things I would change about the SQ-1: First, the tuning knobs are tiny, it would be nice if they were larger and easier to move with precision. Second, there is no memory capability, so you can spend a long time setting up a sequence but when the unit is powered down, your settings are lost. Third, I would like an AC power supply to run the unit. It has battery capabilities, but I run it via a USB port on my PC.Even so, my experience with the SQ-1 is definitely positive, and I would recommend it to anyone as an inexpensive, powerful entry-level unit into the sequencer arena.

Easy, Fun, Simple

For the price, this device does offer a host of great ways to trigger many analog devices. One great thing is the C/V out jacks which are a serious plus. It is a very basic sequencer but I have looked all over and I believe this is one of the best ones for the price. A basic sequencer can be surprisingly hard to find! The different settings also make this unit better. One the down side however, It would have been nice to have a simple digital screen built in so you could see the notes you input. There are 16 clear knobs to tune each step to your desire, but it would greatly help to be able to see the actual note positions. Personally I would have rather it come with a screen and a simple memory bank like the Volcas and the price be about $$but maybe I'm asking too ... MoreFor the price, this device does offer a host of great ways to trigger many analog devices. One great thing is the C/V out jacks which are a serious plus. It is a very basic sequencer but I have looked all over and I believe this is one of the best ones for the price. A basic sequencer can be surprisingly hard to find! The different settings also make this unit better. One the down side however, It would have been nice to have a simple digital screen built in so you could see the notes you input. There are 16 clear knobs to tune each step to your desire, but it would greatly help to be able to see the actual note positions. Personally I would have rather it come with a screen and a simple memory bank like the Volcas and the price be about $$but maybe I'm asking too much. All around it is a useful device and it is fun to use. It is also cased in a very durable shell which is nice if it gets dropped or falls. Sounds great with my Moog Sub Phatty.

Nice little sequencer!

A perfect addition to the MS-20 with two CV outputs/gates, yet adaptable to many other synthesizers, including digital units. This is possible because of its MIDI (adapter cable included) and USB outputs. There's also sync in/out jacks that can be used to synchronize it with other devices, such as volca units.To touch on some features... I have an MS-20 Mini, so I'll address what applies there where appropriate:- Adjustable voltage (1/2/5/8v). Uses V/Oct at 1/2/5V, and Hz/V at 8V, that latter being what you want to use with the MS-20.- Reversible gate polarity. You'll want this set to negative for the MS-20.- You can vary the pitch of each note directly, or set it to play the closest note for the selected scale (major, minor, etc.).- Can be used in 8 or 16 ... MoreA perfect addition to the MS-20 with two CV outputs/gates, yet adaptable to many other synthesizers, including digital units. This is possible because of its MIDI (adapter cable included) and USB outputs. There's also sync in/out jacks that can be used to synchronize it with other devices, such as volca units.To touch on some features... I have an MS-20 Mini, so I'll address what applies there where appropriate:- Adjustable voltage (1/2/5/8v). Uses V/Oct at 1/2/5V, and Hz/V at 8V, that latter being what you want to use with the MS-20.- Reversible gate polarity. You'll want this set to negative for the MS-20.- You can vary the pitch of each note directly, or set it to play the closest note for the selected scale (major, minor, etc.).- Can be used in 8 or 16 step modes, with a variety of patterns.- Adjustable playback speed- Adjustable note length- When placed in "Step Jump" mode, each button may be held down to continuously play that note, so pitch can be easily be adjusted for each step.- The case is small and unobtrusive, made of steel and built like a tank, just like the MS-20 Mini. It fits perfectly on top of it as well.Bottom line: A nice little sequencer, with a host of features considering its cost. If you have an MS-20 Mini, this is a no-brainer addition.

Nice little unit..cheap enough to get 2.

I bought 2, so I can run poly-rhythms. That works really well an wouldn't be an option for more expensive sequencers.They sync together perfectly...once you know how to set the time divisions...which isn't in the manual...Default mode has the SQ-1 trying to double the tempo of an incoming clock, so some unpredictable results unless it's fed anything but a continuous steady pulse.In global setup putting the Sequencer Mode knob in positions 4,5 or 6 gives a one step per pulse response which follows any uneven rhythm.Can use a Gate output on one unit into the sync-In of the second.The A and B channels are always locked to the same speed and mode...but I have two SQ-1 which solves that.All button settings are lost on power down (global settings saved) so that ... MoreI bought 2, so I can run poly-rhythms. That works really well an wouldn't be an option for more expensive sequencers.They sync together perfectly...once you know how to set the time divisions...which isn't in the manual...Default mode has the SQ-1 trying to double the tempo of an incoming clock, so some unpredictable results unless it's fed anything but a continuous steady pulse.In global setup putting the Sequencer Mode knob in positions 4,5 or 6 gives a one step per pulse response which follows any uneven rhythm.Can use a Gate output on one unit into the sync-In of the second.The A and B channels are always locked to the same speed and mode...but I have two SQ-1 which solves that.All button settings are lost on power down (global settings saved) so that interesting poly-rhythm needs to be re-entered.Maximum tempo in standalone is rather pedestrian. Can configure things so that unit 2 runs at double speed...but really looking at external clock.(didn't try at audio frequencies...yet...it's digital so there will be aliasing...if it's possible)The knobs are very fiddly, especially when covering 5V...difficult to hit the right semitone when quantised and would even jumped to the next semi-tone a couple of times without being touched..... would make the units difficult to work with in a live situation....and with its metal chassis it looks and feels great, plain practical and brick like...better in real life than in pictures.Lasted a couple of hours or so on supplied batteries, but got a usb plug socket with 3 outputs which will run 2 SQ-1s and a keyboard.

Perfect little sequencer. I have two!

Great little thing especially for the price. It takes up no space and is perfect for live setups - totally brilliant. Very flexible indeed, and certainly no one-trick pony. I did find powering via USB from my laptop introduced a lot of hum to the audio signal, making USB powering impractical via computer, which is a shame. The SQ-1 is a lot less 'musical' than the Arturia Beatstep sequencers, and although I also have the Beatstep in my live setup, it is to the SQ-1 that I turn to for most work. If you want to start fooling round with hardware step sequencers I can think of no better place to start.

Powerful Sequencer

I needed a midi controller for my little phatty and was impressed with how simple it was to get going with just midi notes. I eventually entered the modular world and really began to understand how versatile the sq1 is! I love the intuitive control over the pitch/cv for "feeling out" what sounds good. Random mode in the right hands is structured chaos! I am contemplating mounting it in my modular case.

Review of Korg SQ-1 2 x 8 Analogue Step Sequencer

Have only just tried this and am trying to familiarise myself with hardware sequencers, trying to get away from the pc and laptop dependency. Manual is not detailed enough for beginners like myself. I want to use the SQ1 with vintage analog synth and dirty electronics gear. Until I get hooked up to "Octave Cat" will not be bale to make definitive judgement. Don't just want to use with only Korg gear or sound will become limited in feel. I do like the tidy layout and the strong case. However it could have done with midi in and out sockets rather than breakout. For vintage kit the smaller format jacks will require converters to 1/4 inch and this will result in chain weaknesses.

Superb little sequencer

This is a superb little analogue sequencer that will be great for use with a variety of analogue CV and MIDI kit. It does have its quirks though and a things I would have though that they could have done a bit better. One particular feature missing is a step divider when you use sync in. You will need to manipulate the sync signal to get slower sequences. I also notice that when I switch the sequencer off and back on again that some notes may has shifted a semitone, that is also a bit annoying. Not sure why it does that.But the sequencer is very sturdy, all metal design, very versatile, very easy to operate. I use it with various synthesizers, but predominantly with the ARP Odyssey, and it works very well with that.

korg sq-1

This gadget is very versatile, but remember to connect the usb to your computer!! Direct the DAW midi clock to SQ-1 Control as this is easiest way to sync your work. Drive synths in CV duty mode for unique loops generated by step trigger/ note/ slide/ filter level change in 1/16th steps although be prepared to sample off your audio for these as very difficult to retrieve settings once powered off. Try selecting 3V (linear mode) for filter control instead of 5V to keep oscillators in response range. If you have compatible Korg or other equipment e.g. Roland Analogue Suite, you will not regret purchasing. In a league of it's own!!