Korg SQ-64 -Sonic LAB Review
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2024
- Korg’s first Sequencer since the SQ-1 - which came out the same time as the MS-20 mini and was a simple 8 step analog affair. The SQ-64 is an altogether different beast.
It appears to take it's inspiration from the 3 melodic tracks and a drum track, like Beatstep and Keystep Pro from Arturia, but the way it addresses them is different.
#soniclab #korg #sq64
00:00 overview
02:53 Demo Sequence
03:40 Tracks and MIDI
05:05 Gate probability and ratchet
06:50 More track parameters
08:06 Slides and ratchet types
09:59 Chords, Poly and Arp mode
13:06 Pattern gotchas
14:39 Global settings
16:19 Loop mode
19:33 Pattern switching and chaining
21:49 Controller Mode
22:45 Summary and Price
25:15 Outro playout
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Korg actually fixed many problems in the new 2.0 firmware update. You can now quantize steps and they even made the LEDs brighter! Together with the recent price drop, this little box is suddenly looking a whole lot more attractive... (I bought it.)
where to you change the quantize settings globally? thanks
@@tom.konxompax I just bought. Just started getting back into music production and wanted a nice centerpiece to going dawless. Korg is fire saling this at insane prices absolutely worth the price they are asking for the capabilities
Should i get the SQ 64? I am curious if i can sequence my Electribe ESX, Circuit Mono Station, SparkLE... I have a Volca Keys as well. Would i ve better off with a Quadra Thru Midi Hub going into a Beatstep or Keystep? Thanks so much
@@NeonArtifact Well… you can use all of the above (the Pro versions of the Arturia gear), so it’s up to what kind of a workflow/interface you prefer. Plus your budget and how much desk space you’re willing to sacrifice. I don’t remember if any of your synths have CV ins, so you’ll probably need a MIDI splitter in any case, unless you want to route MIDI via a DAW.
The Keystep Pro has both a keyboard and step sequencers, so if you want an all-in-one device, I would perhaps choose that. But it’s also a whole lot bigger and more expensive than the SQ-64, which you can also combine with a keyboard when you need to. What the Beatstep Pro is best at is drums IMO. (I’ve bought and sold it twice… I want to like it, but don’t :-P)
@@Stakkeroid thanks for the response! I actually have CV on the Mono Station and Keystep. I've got the original SQ-1 right now. I was about to buy a Beatstep Pro for 150, but already have the normal version as well as Keystep. Perhaps the SQ-64 without v2.0 firmware and quantization would be best... Why didn't you like the BSP?
The outro sequence is fantastic. Very different from the usual that you tend to go for. Great review, thanks Nick!
Been waiting for your review/walk-through of this. You answered many of my questions about it, and how it might/might not work with my system, with regard to what I already have. Insightful as usual. Thank you.
Three melodic tracks, drum track, and the bonus drill next door track :D Great review as always, cheers :)
Brilliant...! Thanks for this Nick... !! I had questions, and as usual, you have answers!! 😃
As usual great review. This seems to have some very interesting features and it's great that it has pattern chaining.
Thank you for such a thorough review! Especially given Korg’s barebones manual. Your pointing out the keyboard override setting saved me from having to get a midi merger.
pufff.... wat:_=)?
Nice review, I just ordered one and looks forward to try iy out especially on my multitimbral synths!
i really like all the music in this demo - thanks Nick & sonicstate!
The track you made in the end is really good, Nick.
Nick is a good musician you know.
@@aphexon. Yes I know, been watching for years. Still good to give a compliment once in a while to let them know.
Agreed, that was a really cool tune
@@sheateeley1 What's so funny that you could only madter typing "Lol"?
Agreed
Please Nick do more music, I like your style.
The track at the end was a bliss to my ears.
Yes, that music at the end is great and i am trying to find Nick music...
class. simple as that. the ending track should get a release! thank you Nick
Man, I watched a bunch of reviews of the SQ-64 just before buying it at the deeply discounted price. Your video was the best one by far. You really put it through its paces and made it sound excellent.
Great demo Nick!!
Thanks for showing the pattern chaining function I have struggled to get my head around that. Also there was a bug when you change patterns manually which since the firmware update that has been fixed. Its a great sequencer!!
I’ve been scratching my neck lately waiting to see nick do a review. 😳
Great outro Nick!
Not only is this a great review, it’s a superb tutorial for what I’d consider a fairly counter-intuitive device. I’ve been scratching my head using mine for weeks because the manual is utter dog shit. It tells you nothing. Thank you for making this, it’s actually made me persevere and not sell it on eBay and I’m now getting decent results.
Ditto here. I still can't figure out the magic key press sequence to get it in the mode to set external clock. I just start pressing pattern/gates then back to global and it shows up.
Awesome outro music Nick!
Given how Korg only fixed about 5% of the issues with the electribe firmwares and gave up in it about 5 years ago. I wouldn’t hold my breath for issues on this to be fixed.
You can basically count on Korg having zero effort on their products after the launch. This has been the case for the past 50 years and I dont see them changing in the near future. People will nevertheless buy the latest toybox so why bother.
@@muhammedalitoya1505 certainly the case with the prologue. A big disappointment.
Still no 64 bit PC editor for the Kronos...
@@skelly790 Yeah c'mon Korg where is the Editor for the SQ-64 ?
I guess Im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a method to get back into an Instagram account..?
I stupidly forgot the login password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me.
Killer Music throughout - Nick really is the Synth GOAT 🐐
Nick if you revisit this sequencer please comment on the history of firmware updates from your experience. The long term commitment to a product via firmware fixes is really important in this category.
What a great device from Korg. The SQ-1 pops up everywhere. So this should do very well.
Still discovering my SQ64! Great review 🙂
Fantastic review, thank you.
Afaik the pattern sync issues got addressed in the firmware update from a few days ago. Oh btw, the arp apparently is not arp but strum. Nice review, thanks.
Great review, as always Nick. Picked one up after Korg started selling these cheap direct on Reverb for $129 US. Hard to pass up at that price!
but do you use it?
Thanks Nick😁🍻
Nice job Nick! Thanks...
Great demo and what a sweet demo track!
Thanks for doing a review on this, really appreciated the demonstration of the arpeggiator function. I can't find any documentation on the set of available scales, there's not much elaboration in the manual. Does it allow for un-quantized pitch sequencing or user defined scales? I would love to be able to use this for microtonal sequencing,
My one criticism of the SQ-64 was that you couldn't play along on an empty track when a sequence was playing. Well, thanks Nick - you actually RTFM! Thanks for pointing out the "Transpose/Override" option. My happiness is now complete!
I noticed the same issue. I like to play over the sequence to cone up with new ideas but this unit doesn't allow it. Did you find a solution? Thank you
Nice vibe at the end.
Glad I dropped the akai force and went with this. I think sometimes having too much freedom makes creating tunes a chore. This unit made hardware production fun again.
We've really gotta push back on this no PSU thing... its such a joke. Yes I already have a PSU - which is in use with the device it came with!
Agreed.. always found it a bit stingy when Korg don't bundle in a PSU.. especially as they like some weird connector. Same story with Monologue
but because it's a no PSU thing, it can share one power source with other small devices.
Is it true that an appropriately powered USB hub will fully power/light the unit, as if it were wall-warted?
@@ishykashy well if you watch the video it's stated you can power it over USB, it's just not quite as bright (I don't know if that depends on normal USB port vs powered USB hub though). But either way it still uses the horribly unreliable MicroUSB connector..
@@Wagoo I don't mind the MicroUSB connection at all, I have multiple MIDI devices using it without problems...why don't you like it? Yes I know the SQ-64 is bus-powered. I figured that I would need a power adapter for full brightness, but I already have a powered USB hub. I was just wondering if anyone could confirm that a powered USB hub will bypass the need for power adapter here.
Nice jam!
I have both this and the Keystep Pro. It's taken longer to get used to the SQ-64 but what I do like is having 64 project spaces. Patterns on top of that makes for a lot of space. I quickly ran out of project space on the KSP and dont like the software. But I find the KSP better at creating new music spontaneously. Like you said, KSP allows all 4 channels to be played and recorded at once. Great video both for instruction and your wonderful tracks!
I have it. Main issue: in gate mode inactive steps are also lit! I suggest everyone to set 500ma power option. In this way inactive steps are little more easy to discern. Unfortunately this is a great CON, especially in live performance s.
Your opening track...was amazing
Thanks Nick
i like all videos u do and do u happen to have any music on bandcamp and elsewhere any ways cheers be safe
So I can not map (copy) notes from a monophonic synthesizer inside sq's 64 operating system and then from there create a chord by the single notes? Thank you very much for the reply, I want to start a dawless setup with a sequence character and sq64 seemed to me as a nice central possessing unit.. I have a korg monologue and some volcas and I am in search of a sequenser to compose music inside it not only play live.
Came in here wanting an SQ 64, but now I want that Pittsburgh machine!
Hey i’ve got a little question for you...
Can you use a Belkin rockstar headphone splitter to mutiply your midi in and outputs? I know it’s a trick that works with the beatstep pro so i’m curious to know if it works also with the sq64.
Thank you! ✌️
I want that loop mode on all my machines!
Merry Christmas !! So I have a question I need to ask you maybe it’s a 3 part or just a one part question , anyways…I have a monologue, NTS1, teenage engineering PO32, live, logic, tons of DAW and soft synth, and I am buying mottle synths like the castle and volca modular (my volca sample just went to the loony bin it doesn’t work) . Is it overkill to buy the sq64? Will I still have access to the motion tracks ? I don’t want to lose that. I’ve never used an external sequencer this is why I ask. I’m just trying to take my Xmas money and get the most bang for my buck ….thanks mate!!!!
Do you think it pair well with NordDrum2 via its 6 trig inputs?
“Connect drum pads or other signal sources to the Trig Input 1⁄4" jacks. These inputs can be used with a variety of different signals. The sensitivity and the threshold of the inputs can be adjusted with the Inp Sens and Inp Thres parameters..” (NordDrum2 manual)
Great review but I still don't "get" the product. It seems very laborious and inscrutable compared to the Arturias. I can't help feeling the Volca development team would have created a far more user-friendly and engaging product.
Lack of transpose from the MIDI input is a fail in 2021. At least Arturia got with it to provide this essential feature that's been asked-for on digital sequencers for decades. I particularly miss it on the Novation Mono Station. I get around it on the MPC One by feeding a Neutron with both MIDI and CV.
I agree and the Launchpad Pro mk3 has also a nice and more intuitive 4 tracks sequencer!
I had a BSP and sold it. Just didn’t feel it. Don’t get me wrong. I like Arturia gear and especially their soft synths. I find the SQ-64 more intuitive. BTW, aren’t Nick’s reviews amazing?
Lovely Groove
I am not able to delete additional pitch information on a step after accidentally recording more than one pitch, only clearing the whole pattern does the trick. Very strange... There seems to be no way to delete a whole step, turning off the gate keeps the pitch information intact... any ideas?
Great video as always. Thank you. I just picked an SQ-64 up the other day, but I'm noticing a serious issue with the loop mode. Tracks B,C and D, don't stay in phase when a loop is released. For some reason Track A will stay in phase. Have you (or any one else here?) come across this issue with theirs? If so, is there a fix?
What you mean ?
Will you do an updated video of the wonkieness issues if the get addressed by Korg?
@sonicstate The PATTERN sync issue you show around the 20th minute has been fixed in a firmware upgrade some days ago. Unfortunately they didn't address other issues, like recording quantization, etc.
No it wasnt, at least not for me, I upgraded to that firmware before this was shot as I was told that. It is better, but not fixed.
@@sonicstate good to know (well, not, really). i assumed you were on the old firmware since after a quick check the bug was gone for me, i guess there are still some unfixed cases...
It's so difficult to review anything these days as hardware and software is released unfinished. Or it gets updates as time goes on, such as the Novation Circuit.
It fixed mine too
NICE SOUNDS
Thanks for the video! : ) Between Korg SQ-64 and Arturia Beatstep Pro ... which one would you recommend ?
You didn't test the CV voltage. It's been well-dccumented that it's not actually in tune. I've also read that pad assignments for the percussion don't stick. I actually cancelled my pre-order due to all the bugs I read about and saw in videos. Yours has to be the most positive review I've seen, and even you found issues. I don't regret bailing on it. I just got a Digitone and Digitakt instead.
On the upside, I don't think these will be released this year. They keep blowing past their stated release dates and it's still in preorder. My theory is that they have been affected by the chip shortage, that is why they are using inferior DACs (and hense being out of tune) and for whatever reason they won't tell the truth that they don't have the means to make them. My opinion of Korg is not as good as it used to me. I was excited for this, now I don't care if it ever is released.
Should i get the SQ 64? I am curious if i can sequence my Electribe ESX, Circuit Mono Station, SparkLE... I have a Volca Keys as well. Would i ve better off with a Quadra Thru Midi Hub going into a Beatstep or Keystep? Thanks so much
Ordered one when they first appeared in November. Still waiting on delivery.
Me, too. Sweetwater rep said May. We’ll see.
@@josephwright5921 ditto
Wtf thats a long time to wait...
Did you spot the Volca Keys being used as some sort of computer interface in the new‘Loki’ trailer?
Lol. Yep. Felt like the only one that saw it
Thank you nick, great review as always... I think it is a very serious sequencer that needs a little touch up, and I think Korg is more than capable enough to solve those bits and pieces in a firmware update
After the eletribe 2 I will never purchase a korg product expecting an update again..fool me once..
03:23 I've been listening to Music For The Masses -era Depeche Mode a bit lately, too
Will the midi adapters for the microfreak work? Just asking because I bought a sq-64 used and it didn't come with the midi adapters but I have the adapters for the Arturia Microfreak
Can u use an external keyboard to insert notes or chords in step mode?
How is the precision of the CV after a power cycle? One frustration I had with the SQ1 is that in order to change global settings, a power cycle was required. And even if the rest of your gear was still powered, the CV outs of the SQ1 would often shift significantly, so you’d have to go back and trim the voltages.
CV is constant across reboots, at least in my unit. Anyway it looks like it's about 0.05V off all the time, fortunately you can adjust it with a negative offset in GLOBAL settings. Speaking of, you don't need a power cycle to change any setting.
Another fantastic review and demo Nick!! Sure like seeing those MIDI parameters, so important to see if we can control the clock in and program changes. So many sound devices accept program changes, but then don't allow you to turn off their program change, frustrating. I own an Electribe2, and much of the SQ64 sequencing is familiar, except the Electribe does not allow you to turn off quantize, great to see a free play option. Would have liked to see a 128 step for 8 bars, or an 8 measure with any quantize resolution. Measures, with quantize divisions (from zero to 1/64) is still rare today, seems stepping remains popular over pattern sequencing. Patterns are for musicians and steps are for tweakers...I guess???
Thanks 💡😁✌
can this be used as a midi usb classic controller/sequencer for ableton drum racks???
beatstep pro and akai mpd232 could
Of course
Do they have the same Korg fitting and power as the old volcas?
yes - look up "korg KA350"
You will probably be able to quantize in the editor?
anyone tried to pair sq64 with volca modular? can't find any substacial info.
If I have for example korg monologue which is a monophonic synth can I create chords from sq64?
Nope. Not if your instrument cant play chords.
Also it is not a full on step sequencer like the SQ-1 is. It feels like they have cut corners every time I have tried to use it.
At minute 6:03 I hear a glitch on the note. Does this happen often ?
I just buy it and someone nher emake me 2 midi adapter type a and type b but if I connect midi it doesn't work. I tried to menu diving or read the menu but I found nothing. Is that possible the trs midi adapter are bouild wrong or there is something to change in the menu? Thank you
you need type a to make it work
insane how impossible a product (and expensive) something like this was but a few years ago. doepfer made some great trigger rack sequencers but $$ and I think discontinued from lack of interest. what riches, what times these are.
certainly beats messing with the old RM1x
You're comparing a sequencer made in China to a hand made sequencer in a country that doesn't have questionable labor practices.
hi sonic i found another bug with this, if you assign the drum channel parts ie d sub tracks a midi channel for example d2 midi channel 2 when switched off it doesnt retain this setting and reverts to channel 10 i cant resolve this problem which is fustrating also it has awful timing doesnt keepmom time with the smallest sequences
It needs quantize and transpose, and a price cut if it's not including a power supply or adapters
Well, they added quantize and transpose, and they are going for a lower price usual now, so dang I guess I manifested something
Really interesting to see how many music youtubers use the 1010music Bluebox for mixing and recording these days.
I understand the difference between a pattern sequencer like this and a linear seguencer like the Roland MC 50, and they are cool for different uses but I wish there was some kind of hibrid, I like the approach of "playing" the sequencer, in real time but there are passages that need to be free of a pattern. Like having two different sequencers in one. Like combining an Arturia beatsep pro with an Alesis MTT 8
Take a look at the uno synth pro desktop. I just bought a Korg 64 but the uno synth has a sequencer on it too but can only play one sequence at a time
The beat at 2:51 is too good! Then it just gets better. Great demo!
Thanks for the cool detailed review. And also for supporting Ukraine!
that pittsburgh modular sounds huge!
That demo track was killer.
Nick Batt-nice guy, synth wizard, and nemesis of my wallet.
Sounds a bit like an LCD soundsystem track minus the lice drummer.
Another problem to deal with: type A, type B, more different connector cables to get lost. Why don't they just STICK WITH THE TRUSTY OLD 5 PIN TRADITIONAL MIDI CONNECTOR? I've been using MIDI since its inception and these connectors NEVER failed me. Never ever.
They'd probably argue that the unit would have to be thicker (like why they got rid of headphone jacks on mobile phones), but who tf cares if it's a bit thicker? It's not like I'm trying to cram these in my pocket or stack them in storage as efficiently as possible.
Also I'm waiting for quantization option on the sq 64
Had a little play with one today and it feels like a hardware version of old Fruity Loops.
I'll wait and see if they do a bigger version (or maybe an addon slave unit with just the pads?) or update it to have more tracks with a shift function.
4 tracks just isn't enough.
ahh "Hearts Beats" I hear you ;)
Will it sync to smpte or mtc?
I owned the SQ-64 and can say it was one of the most frustrating sequencers I have ever used. And Korg's horrible firmware track record with other devices made me get rid of it. First, it's so hard to tell which steps are on and which are off. Did Nick mention this in the video? If not, he needs to. I have never in my life used a sequencer with this level of difficulty in deciphering which steps are on/off. The LEDs when steps are off are slightly dimmer than those on the on-steps. Good luck trying to decipher them when you're jamming. Second, no pattern length on individual drum tracks. Third, the lack of a quantize-all mode is laughable. You have to quantize step by step. If you can live with these things, go for it. Personally, I found this sequencer to be one of the most disappointing I've used because it has great features in a great size but they're eclipsed by the awful LEDs on off-steps and the other issues that I mentioned. I couldn't stand looking at all those red steps for more than a few minutes at a time.
@Chaim Krause They show up on Reverb once in a while. If you filter Reverb for "sold listings", you'll see a bunch that have sold on there.
Thanks for the heads up. I was pretty certain to get one, but who needs frustration making music. The Circuit Rhythm might be more intuitive / enjoyable.
@Luke Not as far as I know. Last I heard was this summer. A bummer really with the SQ-64. It looks good and I had hopes for a playful thing. Instead we got hardware Exel..
It should have been a direct clone of the SQ-1 with four times as many steps. The lack of pitch dials is a massive let down. There are other devices that have better sequencers built in for less such as the Behringer crave, the behringer 960, or the monologue. You try using the MIDI with older devices on the SQ-64 it is really frustrating. Also the screen flickers terribly if the MIDI clock, TX, RX and MIDI channels are not set up correctly. CV is not as bad but still takes some time to make sense of. MIDI over 3.5 seems like it is missing some functionality.
Most if not all the problems you mentioned were addressed with the firmware upgrade. There are things I don't love but 64 project slots is one thing I needed. I didn't need another keyboard. This unit is 1/2 the price of Keystep Pro which I also have.
Huh, they stuck with the weird "arp" since the november loopop preview. Bit surprised.
you say it feels solid, but of all my smaller controllers this is the one i fear dropping the most due to the shear weight of the darn thing given it's tiny size. I doubt something this heavy would survive a drop. considering a bumper for that innevitable moment.
The difference in LED brightness between GATE On and OFF is so minimal - makes it hard for my poor old eyes. Just LED ON or OFF would be better.....or use the white LED at low intensity for the OFF steps
Just a heads up - there is a firmware update available from Korg Support as of 9/4/21
Who wants to wait til September?
@@soulSaysHi apologies .... I am in europe, where we have the month and day the other way to the states... so 9th of April was the release date of the firmware update :)
Mine is still on preorder since December. Timing of this is weird. Was this a "soft release" situation? I thought Korg was a large company.
I think Korg got hit by the chip shortage and they are not able to make them. I don't think they will be released this year. I don't know why Korg won't provide an explanation but it seems highly unusual to release a product and then not make it available. By the time they finally release it it'll be forgotten.
@@JDLesemajeste That may be true...but it shouldn't be, for something of that form. It is a useful tool, not a fun new synth. I have been depressed, by both Korg's silence, and the ensuing mixed messages from everyone else. Thanks for adding that, JD.
How long does an OLED live?
Still hoping for something that will sequence midi program changes per step in hardware without going all the way to Elektron land
I have this SQ and it is unfinshed in some way. Not intuitive, not tested enough. For me, main things missing are - quananization, global loop mode (for editing steps in gate/pitch/mood while looping), normal ARP, selecting range of steps in gate/pitch/mood (now i am limited in number of fingers avilible) and , last but not least, overdubing live that will not give me depression and will sound as played. I have bought SQ-64 beacuse of its potential, i just hope it is not wasted. There is workaround for quantanize steps and normal ARP - keystep works ok. But is it "ok" Korg?
It have take a while but it is. Firmware 2.0.
What's it like with the old ms20?
It _should_ work as it has a Hz/V setting
Seems ok but for this price you could buy a Model:Samples which can act as a pretty comparable midi sequencer, plus you get all of the internal sound capability.
or for just 300 more... polyend tracker?
I've been enjoying mine, but i'd LOVE a firmware update that allows automatically quantizing to the grid so i don't have to be worried about my sloppy keyboard skills
Apparently the bad pitch CV calibration just affected one unit from a synthtuber.
@@autoy ah glad to hear! haven't tested mine
good luck , in my experience, Korg doesn't care about improving their products once their out there. See microsampler, electribes..