if you are interested in buying one you should use my affiliate links, you support the channel regardless of what you buy (most, not that surprisingly, buy cables!) EU: thmn.to/thoprod/583998?offid=1&affid=623 US: sweetwater.sjv.io/xkD4Ak US: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VHSEdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fyamaha-seqtrak.html UK: tidd.ly/3SnBitw
Where can I download the Yamaha original demo projects ? I 've delete the original demo project in Seqtrack I ve try to re-install the app, but nothing. thank
@@unduloid Well, not from me, but yes, there are a couple more good ones now. I think the first to appear were all about how this was the OP-1 crusher and that's just so completely untrue that the reviewers rushed off in the wrong direction. First tell me what it does and how difficult it is to use: don't play me one bad beat and expect me to be impressed!
Thank you for the detailed review of the Yamaha SEQTRAK. I’m considering purchasing it, and this video has been incredibly helpful. Great content as always!
Thanks for your great review! One big advantage of hooking up a midi keyboard is the ability of playing velocity sensitive notes. The keys on the SEQTRAK are not (yet) velocity sensitive. I will use the SEQTRAK with an additional midi keyboard as a potent rompler to accompany my SP 404. In my opinion the AWM2 synth engine works great with own samples and gives you plenty of opportunities to individualize the SEQTRAK with your own sounds and samples.
thanks so much. I've got one pre-ordered here in the US and everything I see online is getting me really excited for it. I've never had this type of instrument so I suspect it'll take a lot to get it figured out, but it seems very capable!
Very interesting. Looks like quite a powerful little box. Probably goes in my wish list 😊. Would love to see how it stacks up against my beloved mc 101 and how well it works with a daw. Oh and probably how it compares to the OC-Z. In the meantime I’ve gone and ordered a Behringer JT 4000 to very affordaby scratch that new gear itch 😊
Can you do a short on how you actually sequence external gear on the SeqTrak? Really like how you hooked up and showed the combination of external gear + keyboard, but would love to see more in-depth on how it's actually done.
@@Kpidg Is it also possible to use the sampler track for sequencing external gear? Or does the sampler track only output the midi notes for the 7 assignable samples?
Can you use a midi keyboard with pads to control a drum kit? Then live record a drum beat? I can't really tell if that's possible. So far it looks like you can only program one drum sound at a time.
Hi Bo, Thanks for this infomative look at the Seqtrak, When I first saw it I thought I@m in, this is good but I'm not sure now, I'd like to see what the first Firmware brings to it, kinda of waiting for Version 2 of it. Keep your videos coming! Love your new "home" studio
Really great video Bo, as expected. Some nice tunes in there too. This has helped me form a clear picture of seqtrak and what it is for. It's not for me but I am intrigued to see if there will be more new style things like this from Yamaha, as they seem to have had their focus elsewhere for some years now. Keep up the great work.
Another great, in-depth video from one of the nicest fellas on RUclips 👍🏻. I think Yamaha has ticked a lot of boxes with this device. Inspiration has, almost certainly, come from the OP-Z, which isn't a bad thing at all, but they have created something that is very feature rich and at a great price too. This could be a bit hit.
Unfortunately they didn't include the op-z's massively unique sequencer. That was the reason you bought that thing if you did. It was the elektron sequencer taken 10 times further. Yamaha seems to be going for more basic Roland TR sequencer with a few unique tricks.
Putting buttons along the sides of the device is an odd choice. At 4:23 you can clearly see the need to use two hands to steady the device. It also limits how you can layout other gear. I already have enough trouble making sure that jacks are accessible - now I need space around all 4 sides for buttons as well?
Where can I download the Yamaha original demo projects ? I 've delete the original demo project in Seqtrack I ve try to re-install the app, but nothing.
Great tut! Got mine couple of days ago. Very inspiring and so much fun. Great that there’s no screen. But if you need it it’s there on your phone. Really great Yamaha sounds. My only gripe with it is the not so premium feel and that the track buttons are a little glitchy.
Excellent video Bo. Good suggestions for future updates too. It’s a frustrating device that offers so much but has these bizarre limitations. Will be interesting to see if it develops in ways like Teenage Engineering have done with their similar OP synths or will be ignored. Time will tell
thanks buddy! I think its best compared against mc101 and Circuit. Both around the same price as the Seqtrak, and clearly aimed to be kind of easy to use, basic, grooveboxes. Tracks got a few more parameters to tweak, but nowhere near the fx/eq etc of the Seqtrak. The mc101 has a deeper sound engine, but lacks sampling. With some updates the Seqtrak could definitely become my go to recommendation along Tracks for a easy to use groovebox
Well, choices are made to ship a product, and draw the line on what constitutes a shipping product, or not. Look at the Roland SP-404 MKII. The second version of the firmware added a lot of issues the first version had.
Hi Bo, your demo rely provided me an first clear insight of this Seqtrak. Being on the fence regarding yamaha stuff for some years. Do not get me wrong as i am well aware or their historic value to the music production history (piano, synths etc) and are amazing in their sound library. Yet for the portable drummachine and workstation devices, no that did not attract me at all. I was more on the wagon of OPz/OP1 and Critter & Gitari Organell stuff. With your demo i serieusly see that sound wise and workflow Yamaha made an cool music production tool that looks inviting to try out. Also price wise they are acting normal. I even now seen reviews that where made comparing the OPZ/KOII to the Seqtrack and that actually blew my bubble understanding that the Seqtrack rely is worth checking out. Funny only is that the recommendations you made in a new firmware update where not already standard. Anyway i look forward to try this Seqtrack out. Greetings from Bastiaan, a Dutch musician living in Finland.
Good video and instructions. I am really enjoying my [black] SeqTrak which I bought from American Musical Supply for $35 a month x 12 very cooL!! The SeqTrak seems very deep and i really like patterns, song mode and scenes!! awesome!!
Bought one, too :D Nice little box. Even as a sound module the price is justified in my opinion. The drum computer, 2 AWM2 Motif style engines and a DX engine plus simple sampler for 399... What's your first impression?
I quite like it. Like I say in the video: it can be improved in many areas, but compared to other small grooveboxes it definitely keeps up, and feels fun and fresh!
I had one for bit but sent it back. Couldn't get past the flimsy build quality. I guess some might consider it a cheap device, but £350 is a lot to me and I want my purchases to last. I understand everything is bult to a price, but this actually feels like a cheap toy, especially the keys. For example, I also have a Microfreak, which also cuts a few corners to hit a price, but it still feels rock solid and I don't worry the buttons are going to fall off. Also I am very old and my eyes aren't what they were and it's really hard to read the tiny text on the buttons and illuminated list, just made it awkward to use. It's easy enough to get a basic beat going, but I thought the workflow was fiddly to do something more complicated without using the app. In fact the app is almost too powerful, in that it allows total control of the device. If the app also generated the sounds (and it probably could), you wouldn't need the box at all - made me feel like I might as well just be using a phone app and save £300. I thought it might be a bit of an upgrade over the Circuit Tracks, and I guess in some ways it is, but I still think that's a better groovebox overall - cheaper, better made, and far easier and immediate to use, even if it is slightly more limited. I'm not saying Seqtrak is terrible or anything, it has a lot of features for the price and makes some decent sounds, if you like it and it clicks for you , then great. It just didn't do it for me.
Great video. Thanks for it. One doubt I have: can you use Audio in connection for live instruments/mic instead of just sampling? Therefore being able to use Seqtrak effects on that live audio. Can you record that audio while you're playing your project?
This is soooo close to the box I’m looking to pair with my ModDwarf: but I was bummed to find out you can’t play the sample track across a midi keyboard… is there a little groove box module like this that can interpolate a sample across a keyboard?
Can someone help to understand if the seqtrak midi input is a Midi Type A or Midi Type B? Because I've tried both, neither work. It only works with the included midi adaptor that comes with the seqtrak.
Hello:) It is possible to copy synth pattern from bar 1 into bar 4? Or copy kick from page 1 into page 2 for example. I didnt find a way how to do it. Thanks:)
When you send midi out to external gear do you have to sacrifice one track? Let's say I want to send polyphonic midi to minilouge xd? Do I have to pick for example internal synth 1 and use that track to send midi out on this specific channel to the synth and mute this so the synth one is not played?
hello! I love your content! what is the instrument you are using together with the MIDI keyboard starting at 9:40? The one with the orange stripe on the bottom. It doesn't seem to be added to your list of gears. Thank you!
Hi, I had a question. Bo i own a Montage 7. can i connect the SEQTRAK using both midi in and out to the montage and use the sampler on Seqtrak to capture a sound and then play with the sampled sound on the montage 7 like using filters envelope etc. rather than going to the Daw upload a sample sound and then tweek with it on montage is it possible with the seqtrak ?
I will have to watch again my concentration went on your great tunes. Also Yamaha will have to do something about the accessibility of the software on Android. They could release a version without augmented reality?
I’d like to see the possibility to make a chain in song mode. It would be easy to play a live set without stopping the machine. Great video !I watched carefully as I got my Seqtrak and I’m very happy.
Hello:) After connecting the Seqtrack via a midi adapter (supplied in the package) + a midi cable to a midi keyboard Komplete Kontrol (Native Instruments) only beeps are heard in Seqtrack (every time a key is pressed on Komplete Kontrol) Second case: I connect the Korg nankey2 midi keyboard (Usb mini cable to usb c) and in this case only KICK (sound) is heard. And even when I change the sound on the Seqtrack, there is still Kick on the midi keyboard. Can you please help me with this?
You have to assign the right midi channel on the keyboard. Channel 1 = kick track and so on… Then channel 8 is synth track 1 i think, 9 synth track 2 This is all you should have to do!
Ok. Thank you:) its new for me to do this. I was always used to just plug in and midi keyboard was working normally. Without switching midi channels. Thank you for quick response.
Yes a some things are app only. But it has to do with either the fm synth or settings for fx. Song making can me done pretty much w/o an app no problem.
@@BoBeats Bought it yesterday, spent the whole evening to learn and I am really happy with that! Finally there is portable compact groovebox with everything I need on the market. Your video was very helpful, btw. Thanks! P.S. It would be great to see dawless setup with seqtrak, novation launchpad pro Mk3 and Arturia Microfreak or something similar. Just as an idea for future
Oh ! This is the first groovebox acting as USB host, it makes it massively more autonomous on the go (with a keystep) ! Great ! Wish my MC-101 would do that. I am very concerned about the build quality though...
Got one on order. I chose the orange creamcsicle version for my own amusement. :) I'm hoping a case is coming soon as I'll need it. Hope I get some more use out of it than my OP-Z as I haven't touched it in a good while. Mine has the slight bend and it rather worries me.
I was really looking forward to a video from you on the seqtrak and you did not disappoint! I'm looking at getting my first groovebox, graduating from a couple volcas, and I was curious if you would suggest this over a Circuit Tracks? Love the content!
I have bought one, I think it is a fun device to play. I used to have an OP-Z but it is broken. This I like even more than the OP-Z because the key combinations are simpler and the great song / scene mode.
@@BoBeats I like it better. Because of the song / scene mode, which is on the OP-Z just pattern chaining, and patterns are not per track on the OP-Z. Sonically, both devices are interesting, the Yamaha has a huge collection of sounds and the FM synth, the OP-Z has nice macro parameters on its synths and stuff like a karplus strong string sound. The sequencer of the OP-Z has some fun tricks like a transpose track and step components, but since each track is only 16 steps this is compensated by the Yamaha because that can do 8 bars on a track. Overall I like the Yamaha more, and the biggest reason is the song / scene mode.
Make total sense to me. VS the OP1 i found the yamaha far easier to actually make a track on, even if the OP1 has more to offer in terms of sound design (and a 4-5x price tag?!) @@jantuitman
@@BoBeats one more thing I like to mention, in the hope you’ll mention it to Yamaha: I saw you hook up a midi keyboard immediately. So far I tried using it just with its own keys, and the seven key set up works decently except for the very very very clumsily placed single octave switch key on the back. I really think the BPM+ and BPM- keys should double as octave switchers once you are in melodic step sequence mode, and also when you have the single octave piano keyboard activated. I really hope Yamaha can add that in a firmware update. Because it would make melodic playing and step sequencing so much better if there were decent octave switchers.
Re: External MIDI keyboard control. The problem is that each drum is on it’s own separate MIDI channel. I have an advanced MIDI (DIN cable based) patch bay/processor, the MIDITEMP MT16X, that can split/distribute the input signal to the channels of your choice. I’m sure there are newer (and cheaper) alternatives. Or if you have a MIDI controller like Arturia’s BeatStep, KeyStep or MiniLab you can assign different MIDI channels to each pad. I also have a slight problem reading the grey text on the black buttons, when they're not lit up. Just thought this was good to know, before pulling the trigger on this one, Otherwise I'm, so far, very happy with my unit.
Such a pity. Back in the day I had a Sequential Circuits Pro One and I loved this feature. I dont know why manufacturers omit this these days. Roland also omit this from their sequencers including the S-1, JD-08 and (i beleive) the SH-4d. Surely its not a difficult thing to implement.@@BoBeats
I know, right? I nearly pulled the trigger on a Roland SH-4d until I found out that you couldn't transpose sequences on the fly. Was hoping Yamaha would come through for us. It was pretty standard feature for sequencers in the 80's and 90's.@@xammai9679
The app is not super great on a phone, does not respond very well when trying to press some of the tiny buttons. Wish they will make the ui better suited for smaller screens.
Best video on this thing I've seen yet. On paper this little groovebox seems right up my alley but i don't know, the synths aren't really doing it for me and it's kind of a bummer that I need an editor to get to the deeper sound design parameters. Resampling is a big thing though the examples you provided with affecting the Hydrasynth sounded great. Still on the fence though.
you can definitely remove it with force... But it might not look nice. I think you could open the device and remove it. It looks like its possible HOWEVER i do not recommend that as it will likely void warranty and what not. So. Progress at your own risk! :)
I've decided to get into music making. Since im new and struggle to keep a beat ive decided in a machine with a nice enough sequencer to make simple yet quality songs. The ep133 ko 2 looks cool and lots of people seem to make good sounding stuff while at the sane time keep hearing its a toy with build issues. Also; "big evil boutiqe company"?? The seqtrek looks more indepth when it comes to shaping sounds but the workflow around samples seems lacking in comparison. What is your opinion on these machines compared to each other?
Don’t listen too much to what random people say online KO2 is a fun but basic sampler. Build quality is fine but they had issues at launch with really bad boxes. And nothing particularly evil about TE. Not my fav company, but they make beautiful instruments. Seqtrak isnt as immediate and fun so you are right about that. Good observation! But more capable overall. Except for sampling. Its an even more basic sampler. Easier to make a song on Seqtrak. More fun just jamming on KO2. Also dont forget about Circuit Tracks. Its not a sampler but can play back samples. Its also a good starter machine. Instant fun, easy to use.
@BoBeats thanks for the respons! I actually decided on the seqtrak short after watching your segment. It just seems like a better way to learn the basics and the sounds it produces with its synth engines and all the presets that yamaha has put together makes it look more fun to play with. Also, the ep133 just looks more and more like a niche product the more i dig. ....Also, I managed to snatch a po-133 hadouken, second hand, which i hope will give me a sneak peak at what the KO 2 can do or even fill in what the seqtrak misses in that regard.
Bo, great video as always.... to me, the very shallow sampling capabilities and the lack of Granular engine is a dealbreaker. . . . sadly. This could have been "the portable one" .... but it's not.
Oh damn, thats a difficult choice... maybe I should make a video about it?! the KO 2 is the better sampler, but both are fairly limited as samplers go... But KO2 can play back samples polyphonically, can handle loops much better and can time stretch The Seqtrak however has built in synth engines that do sound pretty good and way more polyphony in total + more FX, more EQ's, master compressor... So i'd say KO is better for beatmaking and more creative sampling, Seqtrak for dance music or other styles of music relying less on samples and more on traditional synth or even non synth-y sounds! Hope this helps! OH and Seqtraks song mode is far superior to KO's. No contest there.
@BoBeats thanks for that break down. I've seen both ur vids on each and they both seem awesome, just a little torn. Thanks again and keep up the good work!
hi Bo! great video thnx) can you tell me plz sampler can use only 7 samples at all or 7 samples per project?) its a very important info for me, i cant find it anywhere yet...(
@@BoBeats cool! so i can record some samples from my sub phatty per project and make the whole show with this pretty little thing and reface cs) great now i ll buy it)
It's a lovely little box. I really like the sliding parts for FX control but I feel the work flow is very much not to my liking (Also the not-lighten font contrast on the orange part is abominable). I had OP-Z for a while and I was blown away with what it can do and the easy of use however the form factor was not for me. This fixes some of it issues but brings whole bunch of another ones. Still, lovely little box. Thanks Bo.
My op-z keyboard is so broken. About half the keys double trigger on every press. The repair quote from TE's us partner is $50 less than biying a brand new one and the parts are not available from ifixit for me to repair myself. All this and the price of thr seqtrak make it very appealing to me rite now.
The one thing I haven’t seen anyone really talk about in their videos is Editing AWM2 patches. I know on MODX and Montage you can load a custom Sample and use it as one of the “Elements” ,as Yamaha calls them, of AWM2 Patches/Presets. My Seqtrak arrives soon but I cant find out if I can load Custom Samples as Elements in the SeqTrak App to make my own AWM2 patches. Do you know if its possible? Yamaha calls their Samples for AWM2 engine “Elements” much like Roland calls them “Partials” if Im unable to make AWM2 Patches Im going to be disappointed. Thanks man, the waiting for mine to arrive is driving me NUTS. Im more interested in it as a Sound Engine than Groovebox much the way I use my Roland MC-101 and JD-Xi
Really great demo of the Seqtrak. I love the Songs you created on that. The device does so much right and could be so great if the material appearance and the quality of the keyboard were better. With my device, the response of the drum and sample buttons was very different. And I don't mean these stupid "I press the edge of the keys" videos here on RUclips. I could still live with that, but together with the felt cheap build quality, I decided to send my device back.
Thanks for watching the vid! The response on my keys feel pretty good, but I've only had it for a few weeks so I'll hold off on any judgement before I see how they hold up over time.
@@BoBeats Me neither, but I read a "quick response" post where they were compared. I'm really enjoying taking the Seqtrak in my car for true mobile music. I could velcro it to my steering wheel.
Yeah! It grew on me! I think it could be even better with a few tweaks but honestly, its pretty fun. Easy to make music with. Even if it lacks a bit in the sound design department and sampling.
@@BoBeats Thanks, Bo! You look like you’re having fun with it. There’s a lot packed in for such a small device. Your updates are all great ideas. Especially the last. Here’s hoping exporting stems is feasible.🤞
Hi, the new mpc key 37 is out and here is a thought. When it comes to the key modells there is virtually no beginner tutorials out there and i different groups new users are screaming for information and tutorials. I know you use the akai products ao wouldnt this be a perfect series for you to make tutorials on? I really love your way of teaching us stuff and think this would be great for your followers and all new to the mpc key.
Thank you Robert for the idea! I am making a video about the MPC One soon (i bought one several years ago, but never got into it). And in that video I hope the 37 can make an appearance too! So its not impossible that I can make a tutorial.
Love the content, as always! Did you happen to find a means to offset drums in the sequence? For instance, changing the quantization of a drum (earlier snares, or offset hats) without using the swing function?
if you are interested in buying one you should use my affiliate links, you support the channel regardless of what you buy (most, not that surprisingly, buy cables!)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/583998?offid=1&affid=623
US: sweetwater.sjv.io/xkD4Ak
US: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/S0BERUlFSUBFR0VHSEdATEpITA?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2Fyamaha-seqtrak.html
UK: tidd.ly/3SnBitw
Thanks. I appreciate your view. I like this Yamaha.
Where can I download the Yamaha original demo projects ?
I 've delete the original demo project in Seqtrack
I ve try to re-install the app, but nothing. thank
@@BoBeats will you add an affiliate link to the black one? Preferably in EU... 😀
I seriously feel that I learnt more in the first five minutes of this video than I did in the six other videos I watched about Seqtrak put together.
It's weird how I see these types of comments under almost every other review of the Seqtrak as well.
@@unduloid Well, not from me, but yes, there are a couple more good ones now. I think the first to appear were all about how this was the OP-1 crusher and that's just so completely untrue that the reviewers rushed off in the wrong direction. First tell me what it does and how difficult it is to use: don't play me one bad beat and expect me to be impressed!
Bo usually cuts right to the bone
Not only was the explanation great but the beats are top notch as well. Good job
Great little machine. Been loving mine since day 1 ❤ Great video as usual ❤
Nice demos
Thanks buddy! I think you could have fun with one!
Thank you for the detailed review of the Yamaha SEQTRAK. I’m considering purchasing it, and this video has been incredibly helpful. Great content as always!
Bo is one of the best explainers on youtube. Thank you for this guide.
Thanks for your great review! One big advantage of hooking up a midi keyboard is the ability of playing velocity sensitive notes. The keys on the SEQTRAK are not (yet) velocity sensitive. I will use the SEQTRAK with an additional midi keyboard as a potent rompler to accompany my SP 404. In my opinion the AWM2 synth engine works great with own samples and gives you plenty of opportunities to individualize the SEQTRAK with your own sounds and samples.
Very comprehensive video! Thank You for showing MIDI connections.
thank you bo. great tutorial. fantastic music. this thing does so much. i don’t know how you learn and remember all these things!!
Another great video ! 🙂 This is by far, the best video I have seen on the SEQTRAK. I cannot wait to get it, I have ordered one.
Hope you have use for the vid while exploring it!
thanks so much. I've got one pre-ordered here in the US and everything I see online is getting me really excited for it. I've never had this type of instrument so I suspect it'll take a lot to get it figured out, but it seems very capable!
It's a nice little groovebox and Price is pretty right.
Very interesting. Looks like quite a powerful little box. Probably goes in my wish list 😊. Would love to see how it stacks up against my beloved mc 101 and how well it works with a daw. Oh and probably how it compares to the OC-Z.
In the meantime I’ve gone and ordered a Behringer JT 4000 to very affordaby scratch that new gear itch 😊
Is it just me or lately Bo's beats / grooves keep getting better and better?
Can you do a short on how you actually sequence external gear on the SeqTrak? Really like how you hooked up and showed the combination of external gear + keyboard, but would love to see more in-depth on how it's actually done.
Did you get answere this one?
You need to use a track of an instrument (drum or synth, Channels 1 to 11) and reduce the volume of the track you choose
@@Kpidg Is it also possible to use the sampler track for sequencing external gear? Or does the sampler track only output the midi notes for the 7 assignable samples?
@@msidg just checked: it also work (I guess with polyphony).
@@Kpidg thx, sounds good!
Can you use a midi keyboard with pads to control a drum kit? Then live record a drum beat? I can't really tell if that's possible. So far it looks like you can only program one drum sound at a time.
Hi Bo, Thanks for this infomative look at the Seqtrak, When I first saw it I thought I@m in, this is good but I'm not sure now, I'd like to see what the first Firmware brings to it, kinda of waiting for Version 2 of it. Keep your videos coming! Love your new "home" studio
Awesome video Bo!! I wasn’t feeling the Seqtrak at first but this changed my mind and my GAS has been tickled lol.
Btw, GREAT music you made here!! 👏🏼
Thank you buddy! ♥️
I hope they update the firmware for project switching which would make it a live performer but until then its just a sketch pad for now.
Really great video Bo, as expected. Some nice tunes in there too. This has helped me form a clear picture of seqtrak and what it is for. It's not for me but I am intrigued to see if there will be more new style things like this from Yamaha, as they seem to have had their focus elsewhere for some years now. Keep up the great work.
Thanks buddy!!
Another great, in-depth video from one of the nicest fellas on RUclips 👍🏻. I think Yamaha has ticked a lot of boxes with this device. Inspiration has, almost certainly, come from the OP-Z, which isn't a bad thing at all, but they have created something that is very feature rich and at a great price too. This could be a bit hit.
Unfortunately they didn't include the op-z's massively unique sequencer. That was the reason you bought that thing if you did. It was the elektron sequencer taken 10 times further. Yamaha seems to be going for more basic Roland TR sequencer with a few unique tricks.
Seems like a lot of very basic features, crammed into a little brick.
Even worse, if you’re a keys player.
Really well done, useful video on the Seqtrack! Thanks
can you record while playing the drums using the micro keys???
Great info. I have one in black. Nice! Yamaha should be paying you for this
They probably do
I think they are.
How do you like yours?
Dealbreaker at 5:20 .. I’m iPad only so that means I can’t load my own samples into the Seqtrack.
Putting buttons along the sides of the device is an odd choice. At 4:23 you can clearly see the need to use two hands to steady the device. It also limits how you can layout other gear. I already have enough trouble making sure that jacks are accessible - now I need space around all 4 sides for buttons as well?
Yepp. This can absolutely be a problem
you made a rerally good video here, answered a lot if 'could it do X' . well done.
Where can I download the Yamaha original demo projects ? I 've delete the original demo project in Seqtrack
I ve try to re-install the app, but nothing.
Looking at getting this after I send back my bent/broken out of the box TE OPZ.
Great tut! Got mine couple of days ago. Very inspiring and so much fun. Great that there’s no screen. But if you need it it’s there on your phone. Really great Yamaha sounds. My only gripe with it is the not so premium feel and that the track buttons are a little glitchy.
Agreed on the build!
13:25 Audio In - can we use this to add FX to vocals or other input while we play?
I do not think so. Couldnt find anything relating to this. You can monitor the input.
You definitely made me glad I ordered one..
Excellent video Bo. Good suggestions for future updates too. It’s a frustrating device that offers so much but has these bizarre limitations. Will be interesting to see if it develops in ways like Teenage Engineering have done with their similar OP synths or will be ignored. Time will tell
thanks buddy! I think its best compared against mc101 and Circuit. Both around the same price as the Seqtrak, and clearly aimed to be kind of easy to use, basic, grooveboxes. Tracks got a few more parameters to tweak, but nowhere near the fx/eq etc of the Seqtrak. The mc101 has a deeper sound engine, but lacks sampling. With some updates the Seqtrak could definitely become my go to recommendation along Tracks for a easy to use groovebox
Well, choices are made to ship a product, and draw the line on what constitutes a shipping product, or not. Look at the Roland SP-404 MKII. The second version of the firmware added a lot of issues the first version had.
What a great guide. Thank you!
How do you get music off of the Seqtrak? I can only export project files, and only when hooked up to a computer. Not with phone or ipad😢
Hi Bo, your demo rely provided me an first clear insight of this Seqtrak. Being on the fence regarding yamaha stuff for some years. Do not get me wrong as i am well aware or their historic value to the music production history (piano, synths etc) and are amazing in their sound library. Yet for the portable drummachine and workstation devices, no that did not attract me at all. I was more on the wagon of OPz/OP1 and Critter & Gitari Organell stuff.
With your demo i serieusly see that sound wise and workflow Yamaha made an cool music production tool that looks inviting to try out. Also price wise they are acting normal. I even now seen reviews that where made comparing the OPZ/KOII to the Seqtrack and that actually blew my bubble understanding that the Seqtrack rely is worth checking out.
Funny only is that the recommendations you made in a new firmware update where not already standard. Anyway i look forward to try this Seqtrack out.
Greetings from Bastiaan, a Dutch musician living in Finland.
Hi, I wonder how this will work with the YAMAHA PSR SX600?
Good video and instructions. I am really enjoying my [black] SeqTrak which I bought from American Musical Supply for $35 a month x 12 very cooL!! The SeqTrak seems very deep and i really like patterns, song mode and scenes!! awesome!!
Can I use the Seqtraq as a midi controller only for Ableton without audio coming from the device?
Very good presentation ! Thanks
I got my SEQTRAK but no plug for the wire. Do i need to use it or can I use my other usb c with normal plug. It’s the right volts. Just wondering
I just plugged it into a usb power adapter. No idea really what works and does not work. Sorry
@@BoBeats no worries. I just realised it’s charging ok with normal usb C to A cable so it’s all good 👍
Hope it will turn like a success for you and Yamaha like your first video on the circuit ❤
Thanks buddy!
Bought one, too :D Nice little box. Even as a sound module the price is justified in my opinion. The drum computer, 2 AWM2 Motif style engines and a DX engine plus simple sampler for 399... What's your first impression?
I quite like it. Like I say in the video: it can be improved in many areas, but compared to other small grooveboxes it definitely keeps up, and feels fun and fresh!
I had one for bit but sent it back. Couldn't get past the flimsy build quality. I guess some might consider it a cheap device, but £350 is a lot to me and I want my purchases to last. I understand everything is bult to a price, but this actually feels like a cheap toy, especially the keys. For example, I also have a Microfreak, which also cuts a few corners to hit a price, but it still feels rock solid and I don't worry the buttons are going to fall off.
Also I am very old and my eyes aren't what they were and it's really hard to read the tiny text on the buttons and illuminated list, just made it awkward to use. It's easy enough to get a basic beat going, but I thought the workflow was fiddly to do something more complicated without using the app. In fact the app is almost too powerful, in that it allows total control of the device. If the app also generated the sounds (and it probably could), you wouldn't need the box at all - made me feel like I might as well just be using a phone app and save £300.
I thought it might be a bit of an upgrade over the Circuit Tracks, and I guess in some ways it is, but I still think that's a better groovebox overall - cheaper, better made, and far easier and immediate to use, even if it is slightly more limited.
I'm not saying Seqtrak is terrible or anything, it has a lot of features for the price and makes some decent sounds, if you like it and it clicks for you , then great. It just didn't do it for me.
@@BoBeatsgreat video! Is that Novation Circuit also in the video?
no but i have plenty of vids on the Circuit Tracks and og Circuit. Just youtube search bobeats circuit@@WyattLite-n-inn
@@BoBeats What is that other unit you have in the begining of the video there along with the Arturia Keystep 37? Withe the filter settings on it?
Great video. Thanks for it. One doubt I have: can you use Audio in connection for live instruments/mic instead of just sampling? Therefore being able to use Seqtrak effects on that live audio. Can you record that audio while you're playing your project?
This is soooo close to the box I’m looking to pair with my ModDwarf: but I was bummed to find out you can’t play the sample track across a midi keyboard… is there a little groove box module like this that can interpolate a sample across a keyboard?
Can someone help to understand if the seqtrak midi input is a Midi Type A or Midi Type B? Because I've tried both, neither work. It only works with the included midi adaptor that comes with the seqtrak.
@Yamaha Synths, The app seqtrak is not compability with iMac version 10.15??? I don't know it..
Hello:) It is possible to copy synth pattern from bar 1 into bar 4? Or copy kick from page 1 into page 2 for example. I didnt find a way how to do it. Thanks:)
Using the Seqtrak as a midi sound module with an external sequencer,will it recieve/transmit on all 16 channels?
When you send midi out to external gear do you have to sacrifice one track? Let's say I want to send polyphonic midi to minilouge xd? Do I have to pick for example internal synth 1 and use that track to send midi out on this specific channel to the synth and mute this so the synth one is not played?
hello! I love your content! what is the instrument you are using together with the MIDI keyboard starting at 9:40? The one with the orange stripe on the bottom. It doesn't seem to be added to your list of gears. Thank you!
its a drumbrute impact drum machine
Hi, I had a question. Bo i own a Montage 7. can i
connect the SEQTRAK using both midi in and out to the
montage and use the sampler on Seqtrak to capture
a sound and then play with the sampled sound on
the montage 7 like using filters envelope etc.
rather than going to the Daw upload a sample sound
and then tweek with it on montage is it possible with
the seqtrak ?
I didn't even get five minutes in before i ordered one for myself. That's all I needed to hear hehe
I will have to watch again my concentration went on your great tunes. Also Yamaha will have to do something about the accessibility of the software on Android. They could release a version without augmented reality?
I’d like to see the possibility to make a chain in song mode. It would be easy to play a live set without stopping the machine. Great video !I watched carefully as I got my Seqtrak and I’m very happy.
Love that they implented the mechanical keyboard sounds, so you can sample them for lofi beats.
Hello:)
After connecting the Seqtrack via a midi adapter (supplied in the package) + a midi cable to a midi keyboard Komplete Kontrol (Native Instruments)
only beeps are heard in Seqtrack (every time a key is pressed on Komplete Kontrol)
Second case: I connect the Korg nankey2 midi keyboard (Usb mini cable to usb c) and in this case only KICK (sound) is heard.
And even when I change the sound on the Seqtrack, there is still Kick on the midi keyboard.
Can you please help me with this?
You have to assign the right midi channel on the keyboard.
Channel 1 = kick track and so on…
Then channel 8 is synth track 1 i think, 9 synth track 2
This is all you should have to do!
Ok. Thank you:) its new for me to do this. I was always used to just plug in and midi keyboard was working normally. Without switching midi channels. Thank you for quick response.
Is it possible to configure everything within device without app? Or some settings can be configured inside application only?
Yes a some things are app only. But it has to do with either the fm synth or settings for fx. Song making can me done pretty much w/o an app no problem.
@@BoBeats Bought it yesterday, spent the whole evening to learn and I am really happy with that! Finally there is portable compact groovebox with everything I need on the market.
Your video was very helpful, btw. Thanks!
P.S. It would be great to see dawless setup with seqtrak, novation launchpad pro Mk3 and Arturia Microfreak or something similar. Just as an idea for future
@@dixydo can launchpad pro be used DAW-lessly? Thought It's a controller.
Bo could you please let us know if the piano sound is good like the reface cp. I would have to buy it in that case.
Oh ! This is the first groovebox acting as USB host, it makes it massively more autonomous on the go (with a keystep) ! Great ! Wish my MC-101 would do that. I am very concerned about the build quality though...
It's looks like the keybed is the lack of this box?
Much like similarly priced grooveboxes, Tracks/Mc101/opZ, its a ”keybed” that works. But nothing to write home about
@@BoBeats I have the Circuit Tracks and it feels a lot more sturdy than the SeqTrak.
Of course. Rubber would have been more durable.
It's the perfect time for a cup of coffee, actually. :D
Go grab it, mine is brewing
Got one on order. I chose the orange creamcsicle version for my own amusement. :) I'm hoping a case is coming soon as I'll need it.
Hope I get some more use out of it than my OP-Z as I haven't touched it in a good while. Mine has the slight bend and it rather worries me.
I was really looking forward to a video from you on the seqtrak and you did not disappoint! I'm looking at getting my first groovebox, graduating from a couple volcas, and I was curious if you would suggest this over a Circuit Tracks?
Love the content!
Thanks buddy!
I have bought one, I think it is a fun device to play. I used to have an OP-Z but it is broken. This I like even more than the OP-Z because the key combinations are simpler and the great song / scene mode.
How do you feel it compares to the Op-Z?
@@BoBeats I like it better. Because of the song / scene mode, which is on the OP-Z just pattern chaining, and patterns are not per track on the OP-Z. Sonically, both devices are interesting, the Yamaha has a huge collection of sounds and the FM synth, the OP-Z has nice macro parameters on its synths and stuff like a karplus strong string sound. The sequencer of the OP-Z has some fun tricks like a transpose track and step components, but since each track is only 16 steps this is compensated by the Yamaha because that can do 8 bars on a track. Overall I like the Yamaha more, and the biggest reason is the song / scene mode.
Make total sense to me. VS the OP1 i found the yamaha far easier to actually make a track on, even if the OP1 has more to offer in terms of sound design (and a 4-5x price tag?!) @@jantuitman
@@BoBeats one more thing I like to mention, in the hope you’ll mention it to Yamaha: I saw you hook up a midi keyboard immediately. So far I tried using it just with its own keys, and the seven key set up works decently except for the very very very clumsily placed single octave switch key on the back. I really think the BPM+ and BPM- keys should double as octave switchers once you are in melodic step sequence mode, and also when you have the single octave piano keyboard activated. I really hope Yamaha can add that in a firmware update. Because it would make melodic playing and step sequencing so much better if there were decent octave switchers.
Re: External MIDI keyboard control.
The problem is that each drum is on it’s own separate MIDI channel.
I have an advanced MIDI (DIN cable based) patch bay/processor,
the MIDITEMP MT16X, that can split/distribute
the input signal to the channels of your choice.
I’m sure there are newer (and cheaper) alternatives.
Or if you have a MIDI controller like Arturia’s BeatStep, KeyStep or MiniLab
you can assign different MIDI channels to each pad.
I also have a slight problem
reading the grey text on the black buttons,
when they're not lit up.
Just thought this was good to know,
before pulling the trigger on this one,
Otherwise I'm, so far, very happy with my unit.
Can it sample input while playing ? for sounds going through external effects from it
No
Is it possible to transpose a melodic sequence in realtime using the keyboard like the keystep/keystep pro?
No
Such a pity. Back in the day I had a Sequential Circuits Pro One and I loved this feature. I dont know why manufacturers omit this these days. Roland also omit this from their sequencers including the S-1, JD-08 and (i beleive) the SH-4d. Surely its not a difficult thing to implement.@@BoBeats
Damn that’s a deal breaker for me too 😓
I know, right? I nearly pulled the trigger on a Roland SH-4d until I found out that you couldn't transpose sequences on the fly. Was hoping Yamaha would come through for us. It was pretty standard feature for sequencers in the 80's and 90's.@@xammai9679
You mentioned new lighting, what are you using? Looks great to me!
Godox and Amaran lights. Nothing fancy
really like the tracks you made with it!
Can this sequence external instruments too?
Super-infornative! Thanks for this!
The app is not super great on a phone, does not respond very well when trying to press some of the tiny buttons. Wish they will make the ui better suited for smaller screens.
Hello which midicontroller do you use? I am blind and could not see it
Arturia Keystep 37
@@BoBeats do you use a external power supply for the keystep? Thanks
i just use an usb cable to a usb power adapter@@danielecorciulo8779
Is it better than EP133?
Espectacular! Thank you!
Best video on this thing I've seen yet. On paper this little groovebox seems right up my alley but i don't know, the synths aren't really doing it for me and it's kind of a bummer that I need an editor to get to the deeper sound design parameters. Resampling is a big thing though the examples you provided with affecting the Hydrasynth sounded great. Still on the fence though.
I think you will find it easy to make music on but lacking in depth. Perhaps a device less for those with alot of gear or gear experience.
How do I delete a sample?
Nice matching color with the watchband
Any way to _tuck in_ that *ugly tag?* Can you open the device and maybe _pull it out_ without ripping it and destroying the value of this unit?
you can definitely remove it with force... But it might not look nice. I think you could open the device and remove it. It looks like its possible HOWEVER i do not recommend that as it will likely void warranty and what not. So. Progress at your own risk! :)
Cut it off...
@@daily_pocket_review 😱
I've decided to get into music making. Since im new and struggle to keep a beat ive decided in a machine with a nice enough sequencer to make simple yet quality songs. The ep133 ko 2 looks cool and lots of people seem to make good sounding stuff while at the sane time keep hearing its a toy with build issues. Also; "big evil boutiqe company"??
The seqtrek looks more indepth when it comes to shaping sounds but the workflow around samples seems lacking in comparison.
What is your opinion on these machines compared to each other?
Don’t listen too much to what random people say online
KO2 is a fun but basic sampler. Build quality is fine but they had issues at launch with really bad boxes.
And nothing particularly evil about TE. Not my fav company, but they make beautiful instruments.
Seqtrak isnt as immediate and fun so you are right about that. Good observation! But more capable overall. Except for sampling. Its an even more basic sampler.
Easier to make a song on Seqtrak. More fun just jamming on KO2.
Also dont forget about Circuit Tracks. Its not a sampler but can play back samples. Its also a good starter machine. Instant fun, easy to use.
@BoBeats thanks for the respons!
I actually decided on the seqtrak short after watching your segment. It just seems like a better way to learn the basics and the sounds it produces with its synth engines and all the presets that yamaha has put together makes it look more fun to play with. Also, the ep133 just looks more and more like a niche product the more i dig.
....Also, I managed to snatch a po-133 hadouken, second hand, which i hope will give me a sneak peak at what the KO 2 can do or even fill in what the seqtrak misses in that regard.
Bo, great video as always.... to me, the very shallow sampling capabilities and the lack of Granular engine is a dealbreaker. . . . sadly. This could have been "the portable one" .... but it's not.
torn between this and the TE KO II. Tell me which to get!
Oh damn, thats a difficult choice... maybe I should make a video about it?!
the KO 2 is the better sampler, but both are fairly limited as samplers go... But KO2 can play back samples polyphonically, can handle loops much better and can time stretch
The Seqtrak however has built in synth engines that do sound pretty good and way more polyphony in total + more FX, more EQ's, master compressor...
So i'd say KO is better for beatmaking and more creative sampling, Seqtrak for dance music or other styles of music relying less on samples and more on traditional synth or even non synth-y sounds!
Hope this helps!
OH and Seqtraks song mode is far superior to KO's. No contest there.
@BoBeats thanks for that break down. I've seen both ur vids on each and they both seem awesome, just a little torn.
Thanks again and keep up the good work!
hi Bo! great video thnx)
can you tell me plz sampler can use only 7 samples at all or 7 samples per project?)
its a very important info for me, i cant find it anywhere yet...(
7 samples per project
@@BoBeats cool! so i can record some samples from my sub phatty per project and make the whole show with this pretty little thing and reface cs) great
now i ll buy it)
It's a lovely little box. I really like the sliding parts for FX control but I feel the work flow is very much not to my liking (Also the not-lighten font contrast on the orange part is abominable). I had OP-Z for a while and I was blown away with what it can do and the easy of use however the form factor was not for me. This fixes some of it issues but brings whole bunch of another ones. Still, lovely little box. Thanks Bo.
Why should I have this more than a Nord sinth?
Had in hand, must wait for the mk2.... Btw nice job bo !
My op-z keyboard is so broken. About half the keys double trigger on every press. The repair quote from TE's us partner is $50 less than biying a brand new one and the parts are not available from ifixit for me to repair myself. All this and the price of thr seqtrak make it very appealing to me rite now.
The one thing I haven’t seen anyone really talk about in their videos is Editing AWM2 patches. I know on MODX and Montage you can load a custom Sample and use it as one of the “Elements” ,as Yamaha calls them, of AWM2 Patches/Presets. My Seqtrak arrives soon but I cant find out if I can load Custom Samples as Elements in the SeqTrak App to make my own AWM2 patches. Do you know if its possible? Yamaha calls their Samples for AWM2 engine “Elements” much like Roland calls them “Partials” if Im unable to make AWM2 Patches Im going to be disappointed. Thanks man, the waiting for mine to arrive is driving me NUTS. Im more interested in it as a Sound Engine than Groovebox much the way I use my Roland MC-101 and JD-Xi
You can load your own samples into the awm2 tracks (synth 1 and 2) and i think they fixed so u can play back polyphonically (but no time stretch)
Really great demo of the Seqtrak. I love the Songs you created on that. The device does so much right and could be so great if the material appearance and the quality of the keyboard were better. With my device, the response of the drum and sample buttons was very different. And I don't mean these stupid "I press the edge of the keys" videos here on RUclips. I could still live with that, but together with the felt cheap build quality, I decided to send my device back.
Thanks for watching the vid! The response on my keys feel pretty good, but I've only had it for a few weeks so I'll hold off on any judgement before I see how they hold up over time.
So how does it compare to your $2000 Field?
Not similar at all
Does the Seqtrak remind you of the RM1x?
No
@@BoBeats Me neither, but I read a "quick response" post where they were compared. I'm really enjoying taking the Seqtrak in my car for true mobile music. I could velcro it to my steering wheel.
It has a nice sound and is very pretty. If i hadn't sworn off buying synth stuff I might have had a look.
Stay strong! 👍
Thanks so much for your in-depth tutorial here. It’s very helpful in making my decision. I enjoyed the tracks you made. Do you like this device?
Yeah! It grew on me! I think it could be even better with a few tweaks but honestly, its pretty fun. Easy to make music with. Even if it lacks a bit in the sound design department and sampling.
@@BoBeats Thanks, Bo! You look like you’re having fun with it. There’s a lot packed in for such a small device. Your updates are all great ideas. Especially the last. Here’s hoping exporting stems is feasible.🤞
How many projects does this have?also is there loading time or you can change projects like on circuits?
Loading time when switching project.
8 project. Which is a bit too few for my liking
@BoBeats yeah,now I get the price.
Looks tempting but also confusing considering you need to use their program for more complex stuff.
Really freaking cool product from Yamaha, but i will hold my GAS and continue to enjoy my Digitakt 😊 nice one, Bo.
Cool tutorial!
Hi, the new mpc key 37 is out and here is a thought. When it comes to the key modells there is virtually no beginner tutorials out there and i different groups new users are screaming for information and tutorials. I know you use the akai products ao wouldnt this be a perfect series for you to make tutorials on? I really love your way of teaching us stuff and think this would be great for your followers and all new to the mpc key.
Thank you Robert for the idea! I am making a video about the MPC One soon (i bought one several years ago, but never got into it). And in that video I hope the 37 can make an appearance too! So its not impossible that I can make a tutorial.
@@BoBeats truly think you and us folllowers would benefit from a beginnners seris if the first video comes out good. :)
Love the content, as always! Did you happen to find a means to offset drums in the sequence? For instance, changing the quantization of a drum (earlier snares, or offset hats) without using the swing function?
Yes. See drums explained section. Micro timing is available. Hold step. Turn track knob.
Also unquantized rec available
@@BoBeats I found it around 21:18, but either way, I do appreciate your prompt reply, and answering my question.