Creative CV Sequencing & Patching with the Korg SQ-1 for the Moog Sound Studio

Last week, I picked up a Korg SQ-1 sequencer, which seems like a weird idea. All of my synths have built-in sequencers, and if I ever want to do something more complicated, my DAW software can sequence literally anything. But here's the secret about the SQ-1: it's not just a MIDI sequencer; it's also a CV tool. And thanks to the magic interoperability of controlled voltage, you can bring a bit of modular mayhem to semi-modular synths.
I put these patches together while testing out my SQ-1 with my Moog Sound Studio, but the ideas explored here should work with most other semi-modular synths. You can even quantize a DFAM and make it play tuned harmonies!
As always, explanations are embedded in the video. Thanks for watching!
00:00 Performing with the sequencer
04:41 CV sequencing
06:36 Uncoupling gate & pitch sequencing
08:35 Quantizing the DFAM for melodies

[@sqwook]

Uncoupling gate and pitch sequences was simply beautiful

[@PaulTamarUK]

This is a fantastic introduction video to the addictive little sq-1. I already have two and contemplating a third for sequencing my growing Behringer collection. Thank you for making this Clayton.

[@sqwook]

Nicely done, love the pure fat sound of the moogs

[@amystolzenbach8611]

Thanks a lot for sharing this. I did t really understand the SQ -1 as an instrument and it makes so much more sense now. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@dslavin]

This is such a great video, thanks for the inspiration. Gonna take my SQ-1 out of storage, I've been underappreciating it.

[@petercane6376]

A really great video Clayton.
Many people forget the old SQ1.
It is so simple to operate straight out of the box.
I have one but think what can be done with two or three!!!!

[@lomotiki]

Playing it for years as a sequencer without knowing these possibilities, thanks!!!

[@RiffZifnab]

I just bought a SQ-1 to use with my Sound Studio and found your video while waiting for it to arrive. I was already chomping at the bit but watching you noodle with it only makes me hungrier. Best of luck on your musical exploration. (:

[@claytonthedavis]

Thanks! It's a great companion to the Moog trio. Enjoy your quantized DFAM and paraphonic Subharmonicon!

[@toyzintheattic]

I love the SQ-1. I have done a few improvisations with it. My last 2 videos i used it as my Novation Circuit Tracks had to be sent back

[@AnthonyGoodley]

I love The SQ-1.i had already planned to buy one more. But you have given me several new ideas. Eventually I'll probably end up with 4 in total.

[@ge0rgeharris218]

That was enjoyable! Hope you'll do some more videos!

[@intheblink]

Excellent! Love this kind of thing.

[@wheres_walmart9403]

Great video thanks for this!

[@trippypages7309]

👍👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿

[@chitlun]

The parallels between our respective set ups is quite spooky, even down to the dice! Do you use them for compositional decision making? Similar to Eno’s Oblique Strategy cards…

[@claytonthedavis]

That’s exactly it, yes! D8s for the DFAM or M32 sequencers, D4s are great for the SubH, and D12s can work with anything that rotates like a clock. I’m a little mad that the dice often compose better music than I do!

[@chitlun]

@@claytonthedavis Excellent! Would you mind letting me what your methodology is? I’m always looking for ways expand the dice decision making process.

[@claytonthedavis]

@@chitlun There's nothing scientific about it. If I get stuck, I just think of a part of the musical process that could use random numbers. Most musical scales are 8 notes, so you can roll a D8 to find a melody (or a D6 if it's pentatonic); I sometimes roll a D20 and use that number for sequencer steps on the Mother-32; and so on. It's just my own idiosyncratic little take on John Cage's ideas from The Book of Changes.

[@stephenmel8630]

Wait what? That sounds awesome

[@synthebo]

❤❤❤🤩🤩🤩👏👏👏👏👏