Korg SQ-1 Step-Sequenzer

I bought this to sequence my guitar pedals and my Make Noise 0-coast and it works wonderfully well. Of course pattern chaining would've been nice for creating longer sequences but for its price and portability, this is a great piece of kit

This gadget is very versatile, but remember to connect the usb to your computer!! Direct the DAW midi clock to SQ-1 Control as this is easiest way to sync your work. Drive synths in CV duty mode for unique loops generated by step trigger/ note/ slide/ filter level change in 1/16th steps although be prepared to sample off your audio for these as very difficult to retrieve settings once powered off. Try selecting 3V (linear mode) for filter control instead of 5V to keep oscillators in response range. If you have compatible Korg or other equipment e.g. Roland Analogue Suite, you will not regret purchasing. In a league of it's own!!

This is a great little piece of kit. At only 16 steps capacity is small by modern standards, but these can be used as two 8 step sequencers running in parallel, and connectivity is good for both CV/Gate and USB MIDI. It is a unique device, and at the low price is a no brainer!

I bought 2, so I can run poly-rhythms. That works really well an wouldn't be an option for more expensive sequencers.
They sync together perfectly...once you know how to set the time divisions...which isn't in the manual...
Default mode has the SQ-1 trying to double the tempo of an incoming clock, so some unpredictable results unless it's fed anything but a continuous steady pulse.
In global setup putting the Sequencer Mode knob in positions 4,5 or 6 gives a one step per pulse response which follows any uneven rhythm.
Can use a Gate output on one unit into the sync-In of the second.
The A and B channels are always locked to the same speed and mode...but I have two SQ-1 which solves that.
All button settings are lost on power down (global settings saved) so that interesting poly-rhythm needs to be re-entered.

Maximum tempo in standalone is rather pedestrian. Can configure things so that unit 2 runs at double speed...but really looking at external clock.
(didn't try at audio frequencies...yet...it's digital so there will be aliasing...if it's possible)

The knobs are very fiddly, especially when covering 5V...difficult to hit the right semitone when quantised and would even jumped to the next semi-tone a couple of times without being touched..... would make the units difficult to work with in a live situation.

...and with its metal chassis it looks and feels great, plain practical and brick like...better in real life than in pictures.

Lasted a couple of hours or so on supplied batteries, but got a usb plug socket with 3 outputs which will run 2 SQ-1s and a keyboard.

small but a lot of the functional device! thank you