SQ-1

A compact step sequencer that turns rows of knobs and buttons into patterns for analogue instruments and computer-based setups. Tadahiko Sakamaki handled product management, product planning and product design for SQ-1.

Introduced in 2015, SQ-1 provides two rows of eight steps. They can run in sequence as a 16-step pattern, operate in parallel to control different parameters, or follow random orders. Turning a knob changes a value; pressing a step button changes how the sequence unfolds.

Connections include two channels of CV/GATE, MIDI output, USB MIDI, SYNC input and output, and a littleBits output. CV output supports both V/Oct and Hz/V, allowing control of instruments such as MS-20 mini as well as other analogue synthesizers. Output ranges and gate polarity can be configured for the connected equipment.

Active Step skips selected steps, while Step Jump moves playback to steps pressed during performance. Slide joins pitches smoothly. Rather than only playing a completed pattern, these controls let the player change the structure of the loop as it runs.

Its sheet-metal body is 193 mm wide and runs on two AA batteries or USB bus power. SQ-1 can also convert MIDI received over USB into CV/GATE when its sequencer is stopped, linking a computer sequence to analogue hardware. The control layout makes the flow of a musical pattern visible and directly adjustable.