Korg’s SQ-64

[Dryjoy]

As for the Chain mode, it seems most odd and definitely clumsy. Again, for those of you with an MPC, you'll understand this as the song mode, you can select you patterns and assign them to pads (again associated to each lane A - D). However, again there seems to be a lack of options, or maybe there's something I don't understand. A simple task such as making a sequence chain such as A1 > A1 > A2 > A1 seems impossible (as far as I've worked out). You can only have A1 > A2 > A1 > A2 ..... etc.

I was just looking around the web for other people's experiences with the SQ 64. I've had mine a couple of weeks, and so far I like it. The manual, as has been commonly observed, is pretty terrible though, and I've not explored all the features yet.

I thought I'd just chime in here though, as it seems possible to chain sequences in any order you like in 'Chain' mode. I haven't had a problem with something like A1 > A1 > A2 > A1, that seems to work fine for me.

[joesh]

Hi Dryjoy

You may well be right, I did wonder if I had a problem with the firmware - the unit seemed to have a few odd reactions, as I mentioned the range mode, which wouldn't release with the 'suggested' two clicks on any of the notes in the selected range (maybe you could try this and see if it work every time for you).

Although I really liked the CV/Gate access, unfortunately I found the menu diving, and nob twisting* (for note changes in particular), didn't really suit me, and so I have to admit I sent it back with the idea that I'd wait to see if they updated anything in a new/later firmware.

* = Although it's another topic, I thought I'd add in that the nob twiddling is also one of the infuriating things that DS synths use for their sequences. I find that I prefer either the keyboard input method, or the grid method, where notes are changed (in realtime) instantly, and not via increments.

[EarJuice]

I had soooo many issues getting mine to do anything and unless I want random note mess, twisting knobs to input note values is just....crap (so I need to connect a controller). Since the firmware update it all just started coming together to the point I now plan to use it as my main hub to control a dawless live setup with modular and MIDI hardware. I am just starting to work it out though. If you haven't yet updated the firmware then do so asap.

I just wish I knew how to setup the MIDI outputs as the manual was hopeless. Trying to get that to work took forever and so many failures. If someone can explain the setup with global settings and MIDI channels for tracks then please add it. Still don't know what TX and RX mean.

What I do like is that as a hybrid system you can get the sq to play MIDI while also sending out cv gates to modular. It's like having a pamulas new workout as you can use the CV for allllll sorts of things with modular so it's not just for a drum mchine.

Trs MIDI cables not coming with the system is horrible. Those things can be expensive. Most are type A like Korg uses but I think Arturia and Electron use type B so you will need a type a out to a MIDI cord to a type B to make it work for some devices.

Best way to do things would be to make MIDI out 1 your splitter channel to go to Tracks A B C and then MIDI out 2 for track D as samplers and drum machines take up MIDI channels 1 to 10 or simliar so it will make it simpler.

I currently have it playing modular system only with Track C for oscilator pitch and gate, Track A for drum/bass pitch and a lot of other cv outputs going to envelopes, lfos and other things to make oscilator and drum machine more interesting (modular is a bit different).

Don't give up on the unit though. One day it just came together. I could make sounds into music and had fun using loops and timing changes and on the fly changes.

Final setup plan is for small modular system with its own smaller sequncers clocked off Korg. Then using Track D for MIDI sampler while also using the cv for modular stuff as well as extra drum type stuff. Also have channel 8 empty for triggering 2hp splice (beat repeater) or simliar live by adding a gate when needed.

MIDI for Tracks A to C but also using cv for gates n stuff. Then change around hardware from 303, wavestate, volcas, vocoder, etc. Also use Korg for clock to use J6 chord sequencer to send info and other stuff. I now have mixers to do it all. With Aux for effects and Boss 202 looper. Of course I won't use it all together. But I should be able to have many things connected up so using them is just a power button away.

[The Elf]

Still don't know what TX and RX mean.

TX = Transmit; RX = Receive

[John Stafford]

I'm glad things have improved. I have an SQ-1 and a Doepfer Dark Time, and I think the SQ-64 (working well) would be a great addition.

[Richard Benn]

Apologies for reviving an old thread.

Would anyone who has an SQ-64 be able to explain a bit more about how chain mode works and what the limitations are?

I'm currently using the sequencer on my Launchpad MkIII which is proving limiting when it comes to chaining patterns together to make more complex arrangements - you can only select a consecutive range of patterns to loop continuously. I'm looking at the SQ-64 as a possible alternative.

I did read the user guide but ended up more confused than when I started. If chain mode is mentioned in YouTube videos, it is only in passing.

Many thanks.

Richard