Harness the full power of your synthesizers with the compact 2 x 8 Korg SQ-1 Step Sequencer. The unit offers a wealth of jacks for connecting to synthesizers such as the MS-20. Inspired by the original SQ-10 step sequencer, this modern update lets you play your vintage and new synthesizers by ear with an intuitive hardware-based workflow.

Powered by either AA batteries or a USB connection, the sequencer supports the Hz/V control standard, which makes it suitable for controlling the MS-20 or MS-20 mini. It also supports the V/Oct standard with the ability to control the voltage level of the CV output and polarity of the GATE output can be specified as appropriate for the device that is connected.

To connect your synthesizers, the sequencer provides two CV/GATE out channels as well as MIDI OUT, USB MIDI, littleBits out (to connect to the littleBits synth kit by littleBits Electronics Inc), plus the SYNC IN/OUT channel that allows you to connect to Korg's Volca and Monotribe series of products.

The unit offers two channels (A and B) of an 8-step sequencer that can operate consecutively or in a variety of other modes. You can run A and B following each other to function as a 16-step sequencer, ignore the order to make the steps play randomly, or use A and B to control different parameters as they run in parallel. The variety of selectable modes enables everything from simple sequences to complex changes.

The 2 x 8 step buttons can be used in the traditional way to turn notes on/off notes or you can use the MODE button to switch their function, allowing you to perform the sequence. The "Active Step" mode lets you skip steps mid-way through a sequence and the "Step Jump" mode lets you instantly play just the step that you press to produce irregular rhythms or effects that are reminiscent of short loops. The "Slide" mode produces an effect in which steps are connected smoothly, which, for example, could be used on a synth bass to create an acid sound.

For fine tuning the sequencer, the step resolution can be selected as quarter notes, eighth notes, or 16th notes. You can specify the way in which the step knobs control the pitch. Either the knob values can specify the pitch directly or they can specify the closest note in a major, minor, or chromatic scale. The sequencer is housed in a sturdy sheet-metal enclosure.

MS-20 Compatibility

Uses Hz/V standard to provide excellent pitch stability limiting for control of the MS-20 and MS-20 mini

Connectors

Provides two CV/GATE OUT channels, a standard MIDI OUT, USB MIDI, littleBits out (to connect to to littleBits synth kit), as well as SYNC IN/OUT channel to connect to the Volca series or a Monotribe

Versatile Sequencer Modes

Provides two channels (A and B) of an 8 step sequencer that can operate consecutively or be used in a variety of other modes such as in 16-step sequencer mode, ignoring the order to play randomly, or with different control parameters for A and B run in parallel

Volca Style Step Buttons

Features a 2 x 8 step button grid that allows you to turn notes on/off or use the MODE button to switch their function for powerful performance possibilities

Active Step

Lets you skip steps mid-way through a sequence

Step Jump

Lets you instantly play just the step that you press to produce irregular rhythms or effects that are reminiscent of short loops

Slide

Produces an effect in which steps are connected smoothly

Korg SQ1 Specs

Mode	Sequencer Modes Alternate Order Parallel Turn Parallel Order CV/Duty CV/Slide CV/Duty Random Random Step Modes Gate On/Off Active Step Slide Step Jump
Resolution	Quarter notes Eighth notes Sixteenth notes
CV In/Out Controls	Out Pitch: Linear, Minor, Major, Chromatic Out Voltage: 1 V, 2 V, 5 V (Oct), 8 V (HZ/V)
Gate	Output Polarity: +(positive polarity), -(negative polarity)
Sync	In/Out Polarity: +(rise), -(fall)
Connectors	LittleBits out jack (mini monoaural phone jack) OUT (MIDI OUT) jack (mini stereo phone jack) CV-A OUT-Gate jack (mini monaural phone jack, CV OUT: Output level 1 V, 2 V, 5 V, 8 (Hz/V), GATE OUT: output level 10 V) CV-B OUT-GATE jack (mini monaural phone jack, CV OUT: Output Level 1 V, 2 V, 5 V, 8 (Hz/V), GATE OUT: Output level 10 V IN-SYNC-OUT jack (mini monaural phone jack, SYNC IN: Max input level 20 V, SYNC OUT: Output level 5 V) USB jack (type B, USB MIDI)
Power Supply	2x AA batteries (alkaline recommended) or USB power
Battery Life	Approximately 5 hours (when using alkaline batteries)
Dimensions	7.60 x 3.31 x 2.48" (9.30 x 8.40 x 6.30 cm)
Weight	1.41 lb (641.00 g)

Packaging Info

Package Weight	2.095 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	9.9 x 4.5 x 3.45"

Korg SQ1 Reviews

See any errors on this page?

question

Can the Korg SQ1 be used to sequence lights for a light show?

Asked by: Anonymous

If your light board can accept the CV/GATE OUT, MIDI OUT or USB MIDI instructions from the KORG, then yes.

Answered by: Mark S.

Date published: 2018-08-26

question

how to hook up ms 20 to sq1?

Asked by: Anonymous

Well, you can1) Connect 5-pin MIDI out of SQ1 into 5-pin MIDI In on MS20. You cannot transpose with the MS20 kbd2) Set Gate Out polarity to negative on SQ1 - read the manual section on global parameter settings for this. Set Channel A to 8V (Hz/v), connect CV-A and Gate-A of SQ1 to VCO 1+2 CV IN and TRIG In on MS20 respectively. You cannot transpose with the MS20 kbd 3) Set Gate out as in 2 above, but set Channel A to 1, 2, or 5V. Connect Gate-A as in 2 above, connect CV-A to TOTAL input on MS20, and adjust the Freq Mod MG/T.EXT until you get correct scaling - eg if SQ1 is set to 1V output, then a pitch knob should change by exactly one octave from fully CCW to fully CW. The MG/T.EXT knob will be in the 7-8 range, but this is very sensitive - a pain to set!. The benefit is that you can now transpose the incoming sequence with the SM20 kbd.

Answered by: Peter M.

Date published: 2018-08-26