I’m a big sequencer fan! I have more sequencers than I know what to do with, but they all inspire different results, and I find them so fun to play with.
I’m wondering what people think of the darktime in 2022. I saw Kelly Lee Owens talk about using one and how it’s really nice for happy accidents.
I have the sq64, sq1, torso t-1, deluge, and a bunch of others. And I’m a huge fan of the sequencers on the analogue solutions machines. Love the real time analog sequencing!
I can get one locally for 400, and trying to make a choice whether to get it or not.
Btw I don’t record music or anything. I just love to jam and noodle around to relax! I have a bunch of desktop synths and it seems like it’d be nice for that, although not so much for the poly ones I guess.
I’m in California. I see Thomann has them for a little less too but this one is local and seems to be mint, and I don’t have to think about getting a different power supply maybe?
It’s just the price that seems high to me, buying a used model is a much cleaner solution, locally is particularly perfect.
This is my favorite method of acquisition, by far.
I gave the new price as an indication.
For the power supply, yes you need another one, or a hammer…
There should be a thread or two over at Modwiggler about the Dark Time.
I’m curious what advantages it has over the SQ-1. The DT’s knobs and pots are probably much nicer, but can it do more as a sequencer? The wigglers would know.
it’s “what you see is what you get.” every time you turn it on, it’s exactly as you left it. versus the SQ-1 has no memory and you have to write down your sequence between power cycles if you want to recall it. also it has a reset via CV, which can help it get crazy/unpredictable if you’re firing pulses from a modular, for example.
just got one of these again. I had one and sold it in 2018 to help fund a Cirklon. missed the simplicity and fun of it. super stoked to have one again.
I do need a source/part number for switch covers though
Since I’m trying to sell my darktime (even here on the forum) I thought I’d share some thoughts on it:
It’s very hands-on, what you see, is what you get. Almost no shift-functions.
It’s haptically pleasing to use. Flipping switches and turning knobs is a pleasure.
Great combatibitlity. You can use USB, MIDI or CV with it.
It’s quite limited feature wise. This may count as a pro or con for you. There are many sequencers out there that have more features.
It’s incredibly sturdy and the components are of high quality. It’s built to last forever. I have used mine quite a lot and it feels like on the first day.
It’s fully analog which means you can send continous CV that allows for microtonal expression.
All in all it’s a really nice, tactile way to come up with sequences however I feel like I need to let go of some of my music equipment and this one didn’t make the cut.
Hope this helps!
Just one note: it’s not fully analogue. You can’t run it at audio rate as a mad waveshaper like a Serge TKB etc. In other words, clocked digitally, however you sync it, with a maximum BPM somewhere in the “musical” ranges.
now… since they come in packs of 300 for about $10 each after shipping/taxes… who wants to buy 'em and divide 'em up to distribute amongst various 'nauts?
some other notes on DarkTime vs SQ1:
it has shuffle, and ability to set the amount. SQ1 has no shuffle or swing.
custom scales for the midi/usb output. SQ1 just has minor/major scale setting.
clock division from 1/2 notes up to 1/96 notes, including dotted notes. SQ1 has no clock division.
DarkTime has an internal jumper to allow it to fire gates at +12V, so it can sequence an ARP 2600. SQ1 you have to use the voltage processors on the 2600 to increase the gate voltage.
cannot send accurate pitch to Hz/V synthesizers like Yamaha and Korg but the SQ1 can.
