For MIDI OUT from the SQ-64, choose the port “SQ-64 _ MIDI OUT 2”.
For MIDI IN to the SQ-64, choose the port “SQ-64 _ SEQ”.
And of course make sure that MIDI monitoring is enabled in the device that is being sequenced by the SQ-64.
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Does this thing not have a pitch quantise feature?
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It does, you can quantize to a bunch of different scales per-track. Not sure if it has custom scales though, i’ve been having fun with mine so far!
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I picked one of these up earlier this week. Played with it for a couple of hours. My initial thoughts:
- Build quality feels good. Solid.
- Quite intuitive to operate. Had to read the manual for a couple of things but it’s not that hard to get something going.
- It strikes a nice balance between having some nice features but not being so deep that I get annoyed with it.
- Even though they’ve updated it, the LEDs aren’t great and the contrast between bright and dim isn’t great.
I’ll add more as I use it more.
Parts
Length estimation
Cables complete
Cables in action
I used the 8 “drum” outputs of the SQ-64 to drive my Lyra-8 via the Ornament-Lyra Adapter. Set the SQ64 drum lane to S-trig and everything works.
I tapped out a pattern for each of the first 8 drum lanes, and the result was magical. The Lyra easily turns into a more melodic ambient machine rather than its usual grinding and droning persona.
Next, I’ll bring the Octatrack in for further processing.
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Has anyone been able to connect a sustain pedal? I have a Kawai VPC-1 on MIDI IN, anda Yamaha CP Reface on MIDI OUT, and it’s happy to take gate, pitch, and velocity, but the sustain pedal doesn’t work - but it does work if I connect the VPC-1 straight into the CP.
Edit: I see… the SQ-64 only has 1 modulation track per part, and so Track A already has velocity and so Sustain needs to be on a different track.
For future comers, to get it working I did the following:
Track A - Mod -> Shift -> MIDI -> Velocity
Track B - Mod -> Shift -> MIDI -> CC 64
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That looks dope. We need to hear it.
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And Molten Music just reviewed it. He seems very happy.
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Does anyone have an SQ-64 and a Beatstep Pro? Trying to decide between the two of these. Had an SQ before the update, sold it, now considering another one. I really like the 16 knobs on the BSP for quickly coming up with melodies in key via random knob twists. Wondering if the 64 can do something similar. Anyone using both and care to share some thoughts?
Just thought I’d chime in with something:
I use my SQ-64 as a three channel MIDI-to-CV converter. (Just set the MIDI in channel of A B and C and then it will work. Don’t hit record or it will instead play what it has already. )
You can also use the drum tracks as MIDI-clock to GATE converter and tempo divider/multiplier.
I haven’t figured out how to do BOTH at the same time.
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Hi! Thinking about buy a SQ64 and there are questions for owners…
Is there pitch in the drums? I mean, each step for a kick or snare having its own pitch…
How much polyphony has each synth channel? I’ve briefly read the manual but I’m not sure if it’s 8
Is there polyrythms in the drum tracks?
Thanks
- I haven’t tried it for midi, but I doubt it. Only triggers
- Idk
- No
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Thanks… I don’t know if spend in this machine or save money… Thank you
How do you get along with the sq? Seems quite versatile
It has that midi-trs in/outputs but there are different versions of it like trs-midi A and trs-midi B, so what is that thing using?
The sticker under mine says 
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I really like mine, but I only use it in a limited capacity. I don’t do multi-pattern arrangements or anything extensive. Just multiple tracks of CV/Gate out to my modular, and sync it up with my other gear. In this context, for making looping patterns that I can bring in and out of a larger composition, it’s absolutely excellent.
For me, the interface while basically decent, isn’t quite as fluid for building entire tracks as say an Elektron would be. Elektrons make the process of live composition, or song based composition so much easier.
I use mine like it’s a higher-functioning SQ-1 basically. In that way, the only thing that would make it better would be a row of kobs per step for whichever track is selected. Otherwise, zero complaints or wants. Then again, like I said, it’s supplementary for me, not the brains of my setup. I think it could be used that way, but it’s just a touch too cumbersome for that for the way I make music.
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Is anyone reliably using their SQ-64 with the KARP 2600m?
The first time I tried it, the 2600 powered the SQ-64 just fine. Since then, the SQ-64 blinks off part way through the boot process if it is being USB-powered by the 2600m. This is the case regardless of whether the SQ-64 is set to 500ma mode.
The workaround I’m using now is TRS -> DIN MIDI -> 2600. I also have a Volca power supply, so should be able to run USB to to the 2600m with that.
The 2600m has no problem powering my Keystep 37, so this seems like a SQ-64 problem.
(one week later)
I contacted Korg Support. They replied that it is not possible to power the SQ-64 from the 2600m. I asked whether this could be fixed in firmware in the future and will update this with the reply.
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I powered the SQ-64 from my Bluebox, but since I don’t have a 2600m I can’t try that. I could see it being a border case though seeing as how it pulls a bit of current. I basically don’t expect any device to power another reliably, and only try it if I need to. (like when I set up a mini-setup for the living room sometimes. When possible though, I just power everything individually.
It is possible that they could do a firmware update if the power needed is there, but just not allocated maybe. If the power supply isn’t up to the task of providing more reliably though, they may not be able to do it. Would be interesting to hear what they say though.
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The SQ-64 can be put into a mode that only draws 500mA. Given how buggy the SQ-64 has been, I wouldn’t be shocked if the problem has nothing to do with power and something to do with shortcuts in the USB stack that happen to conflict with the 2600m.
Regardless, this isn’t a dealbreaker for me. I already have the SQ-64, paid the lowest price for it, and have a suitable power supply. A single cable solution would have been nice, though.
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