New Korg SQ-1 Analog Step Sequencer

DaveKnights · Post by **DaveKnights** » Sat Jan 24, 2015 11:05 am

Hi All,

Can any experts tell me if this new Korg SQ-1 will be worth getting to sequence the Volcas?

http://www.gear4music.com/Keyboards-and ... oCbsvw_wcB

Could it sequence full songs for multiple volcas at the same time (that would be the deal clincher for me)?

volcaPaul · Post by **volcaPaul** » Sat Jan 24, 2015 11:41 am

I'm no expert, but there's no talk of memories, let alone a song mode.

http://www.korg.com/us/products/dj/sq_1/

It reads like it just gives you 2 x 8 steps, which can be chained as a 16 step sequencer or played in various other modes eg having 2 x 8 step sequencers sending 2 parameters at the same time. Within that there are things the volcas have like step jump and active step - but that just alters which of the 16 steps are played. It does have a random mode though.

It looks like it would be a nice creative tool for running an ever-changing bassline.

I can't see a user manual anywhere, but as it lets you control a different device via cv/gate for each bank of 8 steps, it **may** be possible to have it run as 2 x 8 step sequencers outputting on a different midi channel for each of the 2 banks. If so, you could add a midi-splitter and cable the sq-1 into that, and then cable the splitter to 2 volcas.

that's quite a lot of hassle for 2 x 8 step sequencers - you'd need to have a pretty specific requirement for something the sq-1 does (eg random) vs the volca's built in sequencers.

DaveKnights · Post by **DaveKnights** » Sat Jan 24, 2015 3:54 pm

Ah OK, cheers. Have to admit I read it the same but I thought I must be missing something as have seen people raving about this new product. I would like to get some kind of sequencing hub; at the moment I sequence the Beats via midi through a Yamahga QY10 which is laborious, and then use volca sync to the bass and keys.

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Sat Jan 24, 2015 9:19 pm

I'm interested in the SQ-1, but then Arturia announced the Beatstep Pro which looks REALLY interesting as well, and will almost surely give Korg competition here.

jiggityj · Post by **jiggityj** » Sat Jan 24, 2015 11:02 pm

Definitely picking up an SQ-1 for the 2 monotribes.

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Sun Jan 25, 2015 12:46 am

heres a new video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxAiDQLqtPs

chris-korg · Post by **chris-korg** » Sun Jan 25, 2015 1:26 pm

Korg says the SQ-1 has a "Midi-Out with Stereo Jack" - I do suppose that we need to buy a 3,5mm Stereo-Jack to 5pin DIN - MIDI plug.

for example:
http://www.amazon.de/Polig-Stecker-Klin ... pd_cp_ce_0

BUT to my (limited) MIDI-knowledge with this kind of adapter you can only transfer

- MIDI-Clock
- MIDI Start/Stop

Is this correct???

jonkeefe · Post by **jonkeefe** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:34 pm

chris-korg wrote:Korg says the SQ-1 has a "Midi-Out with Stereo Jack" - I do suppose that we need to buy a 3,5mm Stereo-Jack to 5pin DIN - MIDI plug.

for example:
http://www.amazon.de/Polig-Stecker-Klin ... pd_cp_ce_0

BUT to my (limited) MIDI-knowledge with this kind of adapter you can only transfer

- MIDI-Clock
- MIDI Start/Stop

Is this correct???

I've got an Arturia BeatStep that uses this type of jack (and comes with this type of connector). Only three of the five pins are used on DIN5 MIDI connectors, so a tip-ring-sleeve 1/8" stereo jack can transmit any MIDI signal.

chris-korg · Post by **chris-korg** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 7:37 am

Thanx for the Information!!

Is there anywhere a technical drawing of the beatstep connector - I would be very interested how the signal-paths are from the stereo-jack to the MIDI-Pins?

chris-korg · Post by **chris-korg** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 7:45 am

@jiggityj

jiggityj wrote:Definitely picking up an SQ-1 for the 2 monotribes.

have a look at the ehx effect pedals:

I use the ehx pitch fork (brings polyphony) after my monotribe and go from there into the ehx deluxe Memory Boy (synced analogue delay)

In combination with a sequencer at the frontend (I use right now the Doepfer Darktime; sq-1 is already ordered) you can spend hours and hours.....

Scumbaguk · Post by **Scumbaguk** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 1:42 pm

chris-korg wrote:Korg says the SQ-1 has a "Midi-Out with Stereo Jack" - I do suppose that we need to buy a 3,5mm Stereo-Jack to 5pin DIN - MIDI plug.

for example:
http://www.amazon.de/Polig-Stecker-Klin ... pd_cp_ce_0

BUT to my (limited) MIDI-knowledge with this kind of adapter you can only transfer

- MIDI-Clock
- MIDI Start/Stop

Is this correct???

MIDI requires only 3 pins of the 5 on a midi connector. The rest aren't wired up so a stereo jack has everything you need to transmit midi on the tip, ring and sleeve. There is no inherent restriction it just saves space on the device.

(Edit. Sorry I see you're question has already been answered. )

jonkeefe · Post by **jonkeefe** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 3:23 pm

Just grab a multimeter and figure out what's what.

chris-korg · Post by **chris-korg** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 4:33 pm

EXCELLENT!!!

Thank´s a lot

Chris

jiggityj · Post by **jiggityj** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 5:19 pm

chris-korg wrote:@jiggityj

jiggityj wrote:Definitely picking up an SQ-1 for the 2 monotribes.
have a look at the ehx effect pedals:

I use the ehx pitch fork (brings polyphony) after my monotribe and go from there into the ehx deluxe Memory Boy (synced analogue delay)

In combination with a sequencer at the frontend (I use right now the Doepfer Darktime; sq-1 is already ordered) you can spend hours and hours.....

I've actually been looking into these pedals lately especially tbe Memory Toy. Seen that Ombient Berlin School example video where he uses these pedals.

I've bought ModTone pedals specifically for the monotribes before, but wasn't impressed and just used the minikp. Got 2 mini pandoras also for them, but sounded like crap.

chris-korg · Post by **chris-korg** » Wed Jan 28, 2015 8:20 am

Spend "a little bit" more money and buy the deluxe memory boy instead of the memory toy - "tap-tempo" is such a valuable feature!!!
I also have the EHX Cathedreal as well (has also tap tempo) - also very inspiring.

Another suggestion for fattening up the monotribe-sound:
Doepfer A 115 - gives you the fatteness of additional 4 oscillators for just EUR 60.-