Eddy, how are you powering yours?
Just wondering if powering from usb from a computer is working for you, if you do it that way?
Korg’s SQ-64
Re: Korg’s SQ-64
-
- Guest
Re: Korg’s SQ-64
[ACCOUNT DELETED] wrote:Eddy, how are you powering yours?
Just wondering if powering from usb from a computer is working for you, if you do it that way?
I'm using a standalone plugin adaptor to provide USB power. I've not connected it to a computer as one of the attractions of a hardware sequencer for me is the ability to work with a bunch of my synths without needing to power up the PC.
As a quick test I just plugged it into one of the powered USB 3 hubs connected to my DAW and it boots up just fine from there. I've not used any USB MIDI/data features as of yet though.
Last edited by Eddy Deegan on Wed Feb 24, 2021 4:07 am, edited 3 times in total.
-
- Eddy Deegan
Moderator -
Posts: 9677 Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2004 12:00 am
Location: Brighton & Hove, UK
Contact:
Re: Korg’s SQ-64
Thanks for testing that for me Eddy, thinking of getting one here and I would route the midi over usb. Good to know it runs off the computer.
-
- Guest
Re: Korg’s SQ-64
Interested to read your take on the Korg SQ64. I've had one for a few days now and although I'm enjoying using it, there are a few things that aren't working so well, or aren't correctly explained (as you already mentioned) in Korg's always totally useless user manual. Here's a few thoughts from my side to add to your comments:
Firstly I have on odd 'glitch' getting out of the range loop mode. Normally, to put everyone in the picture, when you select a range, the SQ64 loops between those two points, and, to exit you just push twice on any key in the loop to release it. However, in my case it doesn't always work. Sometimes I have to push several times, even more on occasions. This is clearly a firmware/software problem as when I use the select mode (where you can pick out individual steps to loop), then a soft double tap, on any of the keys in the loop, immediately release the loop and it returns to running as normal.
Another feature, which I find most odd, or not well explained is the sequencer modes - Project, Pattern and Chain. Project is simple enough and does what it says, save the whole project. However, Pattern (which saves each lane A - D) individually can be a bit tricky. I've managed to save the patterns of one project, no problem. However, on a more recent project the patterns wouldn't save correctly on one lane. In fact, the sequence even changed octave, which is little strange. I eventually found a way to work around it, but clearly this isn't meant to happen.
BTW, Pattern mode is almost the same system as an Akai MPC's sequence mode. You press a pad (that has your pattern on it) and it moves to that next pattern. However, each lane has it's own pattern, and they're not really synced. You have some options (Sequence, Bar, Beat), but not really useful ones like on an MPC such as Wait and Mute or more simply the pattern moves in sync.
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.
On the plus side, I saw some people asking about running the unit using the USB via your computer. This works fine, and I've used this to record at the same time too, no problems - you just need to do a bit of menu diving in the Global settings to point your machine in the right direction. I've also run the SQ64 using MIDI out to a Prophet REV2, whilst using the CV/GATE ports to modular units and it all seems to work fine. I would say, that as yet, I haven't managed to get the unit to send velocity messages via MIDI, but I haven't spent hours on that, so maybe there's something I haven't seen. I also haven't tried playing my REV2 polyphonically into the SQ64 - although I'll try later today.
Lastly, if Korg ever reads these forums, I'd say a lot of these problems could just be sorted out by having a proper manual. If the manual was written correctly grammatically, it would help a lot (and I'm multi lingual, so I did check several languages to see if things were better explained elsewhere). If, again, they could provide some proper tutorials either written or video, which would certainly clear up some of the misunderstandings.
Firstly I have on odd 'glitch' getting out of the range loop mode. Normally, to put everyone in the picture, when you select a range, the SQ64 loops between those two points, and, to exit you just push twice on any key in the loop to release it. However, in my case it doesn't always work. Sometimes I have to push several times, even more on occasions. This is clearly a firmware/software problem as when I use the select mode (where you can pick out individual steps to loop), then a soft double tap, on any of the keys in the loop, immediately release the loop and it returns to running as normal.
Another feature, which I find most odd, or not well explained is the sequencer modes - Project, Pattern and Chain. Project is simple enough and does what it says, save the whole project. However, Pattern (which saves each lane A - D) individually can be a bit tricky. I've managed to save the patterns of one project, no problem. However, on a more recent project the patterns wouldn't save correctly on one lane. In fact, the sequence even changed octave, which is little strange. I eventually found a way to work around it, but clearly this isn't meant to happen.
BTW, Pattern mode is almost the same system as an Akai MPC's sequence mode. You press a pad (that has your pattern on it) and it moves to that next pattern. However, each lane has it's own pattern, and they're not really synced. You have some options (Sequence, Bar, Beat), but not really useful ones like on an MPC such as Wait and Mute or more simply the pattern moves in sync.
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.
On the plus side, I saw some people asking about running the unit using the USB via your computer. This works fine, and I've used this to record at the same time too, no problems - you just need to do a bit of menu diving in the Global settings to point your machine in the right direction. I've also run the SQ64 using MIDI out to a Prophet REV2, whilst using the CV/GATE ports to modular units and it all seems to work fine. I would say, that as yet, I haven't managed to get the unit to send velocity messages via MIDI, but I haven't spent hours on that, so maybe there's something I haven't seen. I also haven't tried playing my REV2 polyphonically into the SQ64 - although I'll try later today.
Lastly, if Korg ever reads these forums, I'd say a lot of these problems could just be sorted out by having a proper manual. If the manual was written correctly grammatically, it would help a lot (and I'm multi lingual, so I did check several languages to see if things were better explained elsewhere). If, again, they could provide some proper tutorials either written or video, which would certainly clear up some of the misunderstandings.
Re: Korg’s SQ-64
joesh wrote:
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.
Re: Korg’s SQ-64
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.
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.
Re: Korg’s SQ-64
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.
Re: Korg’s SQ-64
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.
-
- John Stafford
Regular - Posts: 167 Joined: Sat Jun 27, 2020 8:51 am Location: Ireland
Re: Korg’s SQ-64
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
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
-
- Richard Benn
Poster - Posts: 25 Joined: Tue Jan 02, 2018 5:22 pm