Getting to Know the Squarp Hapax Polychronic Sequencer

[@RedMeansRecording]

I shouldn't have made the comment about availability vs the Cirklon. Irony. Here's to hoping squarp can get y'all this soon!

[@index7787]

the perfect sequencer doesn't exi............ Finally, things are moving in the right direction, now we just need a hexagonal grid bc it makes isomorphic keyboards infinitely better.

[@boydw1]

I feel like the word needs something with all the best features from the Squarp Hapax, Synthstrom Deluge, Polyend Play, & Akai Force combined into one coherent unit.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I was on the wait list for 3 years for a Cirklon and by then had a bunch of Eurorack sequencers and got back on the wait list again for a Cirklon but this seems like a good sequencer while I wait.

[@heckseven]

Thank you, Jeremy, for the speedy production of this video. I read through the manual immediately after purchase (avid Pyramid user so buying was a no-brainer because loading two projects is HUGE), but this video clarified a few things. I feel like Squarp took almost every bit of feedback I had about the Pyramid and made a dream machine. Looking forward to ten minutes of screaming.

[@JakeJorgovan]

After debating between a Hapax and a Deluge... I finally just bought a Hapax while watching this video. Great stuff!

[@noxfubar]

Why not deluge? I don’t have either, just wondering.

[@AuntAlnico4]

@@noxfubar it was an impulse buy while watching this video . That was probably most of the reason he bought it watching this video !?

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

@@noxfubar in the same box. The biggest gripe is the Deluge has tiny screens (even the updated LCD screen). Hence, there's a lot of button combinations. The Deluge is a sequencer, sampler, and synthesizer. From the point of view of a sequencer, the Hapax is strictly a sequencer, hence, it has more functionality as a sequencer. Plus it has two screens.

[@noxfubar]

@@ErwinSchrodinger64 I just got a deluge lol. Might have to pair my modular down now, the Monster case gives me anxiety.

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

@@noxfubar oh, you belong to moduler crew. Respectfully, you guys are on a different plane of synthesizers. I will not touch modular. My GAS addiction... comes back periodically. It seems that many people feel the the Deluge is an excellent sequencer despite its limitations. Hence, it may be the best route for you.

[@g3cd]

I bought the Hapax a couple of weeks ago - it replaced my Polyend Seq - and I would add to Jeremy's video: you can of cause also send Bank and Program change messages for each pattern = every single yellow button in every row. So if you assigned your Blofeld to a single MIDI channel instead of using up multiple MIDI channels for each of its multitimbral voices, you can play one voice/preset in one pattern, then send a bank & program change to use another preset the moment you press the other pattern button. And that IS actually amazing. Took me a while to find out the parameters for all of my synths, but now I never need to change presets on a synth, I just switch it from the Hapax.

[@MartinStuertzer]

Using two projects at the same time for easy transitions is probably the most powerful feature of this machine and solving THE problem of all live performers. Looking forward to getting a Hapax!

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

Martin, are you still planning on getting one? I haven't seen a video were you utilize one.

[@ajfraser224]

Been really depressed recently, thanks for the video, having an interesting demo and some nice music and talking helped distract me, feeling a bit better now

[@rhythmdroid]

Listen to some Jordan Peterson, get out into the fresh air, be around some trees, talk to some people in real life. You can turn things around. Everything is gonna be ok. Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable.

[@Noise-Conductor]

Try to remember that u don't need a reason to be happy

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

@@Noise-Conductor Yes, Jordan!

[@1980VINZ]

@@Noise-Conductor very good advice………………

[@RonCavagnaro]

Mine is on its way! I can't wait to get to playing this thing along with my deluge !

[@JustinKimball]

sequence literally all of the things. Damn. This looks mighty impressive.

[@eabeeson]

It’s always a joy to spend the afternoon hanging out with you. Thank you for another lovely video!

[@not-hank-s]

I've never really been interested in dedicated hardware sequencers until now, this looks preeeetty, preeetty, pretty cool.

[@haslo_]

Yay! I ordered in March, and today I got my Hapax! It's finally here! Re-watching all the tutorial videos about it now, and of course reading the manual 🤓

[@OlivierOzoux]

I know I’ve completely disappeared from the KZbin music scene last year ( new startup has been absorbing all my energy ) but after using the Pyramid at the center of my hardware setup for years, this is what I really wished my Deluge was. Ordered mine last night ( March is Birthday Month 🎁) and can’t wait to put it through its pace. If it’s as cool as I think it it, I’m selling a Pyramid Mk2 and a Deluge in the near future

[@cmezak]

This occurred to me, too. At first glance, the Deluge is ticking all the boxes (hi, @AudioPilz), but it's full of compromises.

[@BrianOuellette19]

Same here it's my birthday month and I'm ordering it today.

[@OlivierOzoux]

"Out of stock, available on backorder. Expected delivery: June 2022 - $979 / 864€" Wow, that was fast. I'm glad I got in on this batch.

[@danield_sounds]

I don’t see the point in comparing with Deluge ; one is an awesome midi sequencer , the other is a less capable midi sequencer but with audio and synth engine , it’s like apple vs orange

[@BrianOuellette19]

@@danield_sounds I think because of the pads and form factor it will be inevitable. A lot of us though use the Deluge to sequence everything so it's going to be an apt comparison for what a lot of us use it for.

[@user82938]

Didn't notice it had USB host before. That's very cool to include. In terms of ins and outs, they were super generous.

[@djmattpositive]

Squarp should be congratulated for creating one of only a small handful of hardware devices including this feature. Though one might add that Midi hardware (particularly sequencers) that includes a USB port should always have an 'internal' Midi-USB Host abilities starting 15 years ago. True, adding hosting abilities surpasses the standard 'bear-minimum USB features required to put "USB" in the features list' , but imagine a world and internet free of (rightly) confused users complaining/wondering/bemused as to why they can't just plug their USB Midi controller (that only has a USB B port) into their midi-controllable midi hardware.

[@compucorder64]

I sold my Hermod a couple of months ago. I replaced it with an Expert Sleepers FH-1 with a Digitone into Akai MPC one in front. When I can get one, this'll be my master hardware sequencer. Can never have enough CV ports. I'd love me some Squarp Herpez Polyamarous Sexuencer.

[@chriserikbarnes]

I need to start limiting my gear lust to an annual event.

[@x-iso]

This is really nice, it really does seem like full suite for sequencing, and it's not only good just for hardware instruments, you could probably sequence stuff in your daw just as easily. Although personally I'm a software guy, so I do all of this in Bitwig and/or Usine. But I would definitely recommend this to my brother with his hardware setup (if it was relevant, which is not with the current atrocious war going on)

[@Th3rdFloor]

Thanks for uploading!!!,,I’ve been desperately awaiting more information on this box of tricks! This upload could not have come at a better time,,,thanks🙏

[@KattKirsch]

Oh I'm so glad you dropped this, I was highkey hoping for your opinion and here it is! Gosh, I haven't been as excited for a piece of hardware in some time. Actually think this would be so much fun for controllilng a DAW and feeling out of the box, or turning some no knobs midi gear (aka most of my goofy smoothtop synths) into something performable. What a pretty blinky light box!

[@BennyDeez1]

Just when I thought I wasn't going to need (want?) any new gear for a long time, Squarp had to drop this beauty ;) Love the promptness on getting this review out and thank you for the great overview!

[@colindavis2113]

He was on it! I’m impressed.

[@jpmudkip1870]

If only the deluge had these screens

[@hasan7786]

If so, it’d be less intuitive. You fly though the deluge. Imaging setting the note and note length with a screen versus with your ears and fingers. I forget the button combos all the time and I’m still pretty fast with the deluge. Just can’t see myself programming a 4 bar chord progression with a screen and knob turns after using the deluge. Still tempting though.

[@ob1quixote]

Agree with Olivier. I love the Delly, but for a hardware rig, this is what I wish the Delly did with like a NDLR on top.

[@maquettemusic1623]

Finally, a friendly but highly usable and, crucially, easy to buy sequencer hub. Cirklon killer? So nice to see something actually required in Hardware as opposed to more regurgitated consumerist products.

[@LostStylus]

Finally? How about polyend tracker?

[@maquettemusic1623]

@@LostStylus They're not comparable

[@pubdigitalix]

@@maquettemusic1623 This is not near of Cirklon either and is new, really a shame for almost 1k.

[@maquettemusic1623]

@@pubdigitalix Okay bro you pay 3k and wait 50 years for your slot on the never-ending waitlist for a Cirklon. Lmao, there's nothing objectively bad about the Hapax but go on, explain why it's a shame.

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

@@pubdigitalix what good is the Cirklon if you cant even buy one?

[@tron944]

Finally a newer sequencer with 4 MIDI outs! I can only think of the Akai MPC X that has 4 MIDI outs

[@benmorrow1701]

Cirklon is my home base for sequencing and I LOVE it. I’m saying that because while watching this vid I thought this would be an acceptable alternative in the event my Cirklon ever breaks. I kinda want one of these even if Cirk doesn’t break. Cheers!

[@StephenMcLeod]

So clearly I need to buy this.

[@Michkin2]

So the song feature is nice, but how does it compare to the awesome arranger mode on the Deluge?

[@NigDub]

I am not saying goodbye to my Deluge anytime soon. It’s sequencer is nearly unbeatable.

[@shiptrap]

totally agree, when it comes to quickly sketching a project the deluge is in its own class. its the simple things like: sketch a pattern, copy it, change it, switch the instrument, convert it into midi track, assign it to a group, mute it, change velocities, propabilities, filter, reverb, delay, ... everything can be done in seconds, not a singe menu dive is necessary. and it can do way more than just midi and cv and only needs a 4 letter display to setup everything. that's the kind of simplicity in design that speaks to me.

[@neilk4862]

@Shiptonius Trapper 100%, you nailed that description. It really is a beautiful machine

[@NigDub]

@@joshk2181 I have no problem with the workflow, took me a couple of hours to get down the basics.

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

Nobody is telling you to get rid of it.

[@ether49]

@@joshk2181 what kickstarter are you talking about?

[@myceliumtechno]

Auto grow patterns (11:03) on Elektron same same. When changing pattern length whatever is on bar 1 will be at 2, 3 and 4 as well.

[@LaymensLament]

i see alot of concepts here from different software and hardware sequencers, looks really good. might give it a shot.

[@slavadyachenko5791]

Great walk throw, Thank you.

[@chrisj5547]

end jam is really great, love the percussion!

[@doverbeachxyz]

Almost everything I want in a sequencer. Perfect.

[@ryanabrams77]

I was waiting for your video to see if I should grab one but it’s already sold out until June! Saved me some serious cash that I didn’t need to spend given that I have a hefty sequencer collection.

[@Gmartin4049]

Love this. time to start saving. my hermod needs a new friend

[@aleho1]

Thank you, covered everything

[@NOLNV1]

Man seeing the announcement I was so eager to see some kind of demo

[@IsraelFerrerCamacho]

Amazing and instructive video! Thanks

[@steveelbows3797]

Thanks very much for making a video showing this beast in action. I dont suppose you'd consider doing a short follow-up showing the 'Livemode Chord' way of playing the grid that I dont believe you showed in this video? I'd also be interested to know how far the step mode can be zoomed in on using the + and - buttons.

[@MRTUNA]

ordered mine and waiting patiently. Going to stick a WIDI master on one MIDI out and give it some bluetooth capabilities

[@Digiphex]

It's like a Deluge before they put the sound board inside. Just kidding, it looks great.

[@AgonalRhythm]

Lots of nice workflow stuff from Novation's circuits in here 👀

[@xisotopex]

oh my gosh this is the deluge I always wanted.....

[@DKH712]

Great video Jeremy! Love your humor

[@paulgallo8810]

Great overview! It's going to be really challenging to watch videos like this one, highlighting all the fantastic new features of the Hapax, having just picked up the Pyramid. At least by the time I'm ready to upgrade any bugs will be worked out, and there may be even *more* features available! BTW Squarp confirmed that adding Instrument Definition support is their top priority for the Hapax - it will use a different format from the Pyramid, but probably will work similarly.

[@ciavattas]

My exact situation. Just starting to bond with my new Pyramid, bought after months of tinkering around it... And they dropped this! I feel a bit frustrated, but thinking positive I now know what the next purchase will be! (and that box also killed my gas for the OXI One)

[@forifisher]

I checked the manual, and at least for now, Hapax only records one track at a time. That is, it doesn't have multimode like the Pyramid where you can simultaneously record midi channel 1 into track 1, midi channel 2 into track 2, etc. For me, that is *the* killer feature of the Pyramid so I won't be upgrading. I guess, what I'm really getting at here is that this thing doesn't trump the Pyramid in every way possible so just be happy you have the gear you have right now.

[@stensarapson2378]

Oh wow!. I have been wondering if there was a CC profiling thing possible as soon as they launched Hapax and honestly this Instrument Definition feature was the only thing I wished it had and I am so happy that it is a thing and its happening.

[@BoopPOPO]

do you have to do automation with the pads? its nice but i would get tired it if that can't be done realtime with knobs too

[@robertsyrett1992]

Oh man, you got ALL the toys!

[@Winterdagen]

Wow this seems like a true dream sequencer!

[@fischergreen4134]

Mine arrived today Wonderful creative tool

[@ctd_audio]

Man this is everything I wanted in a sequencer. Definitely saving up for this bad boy!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Can you record live from the keyboard of a synthesizer connected to the Hapax via MIDI instead of using the pads on the Hapax? I would love to do this from my Oberheim and Virus keyboards that have nice FATAR weighted aftertouch keys.

[@RedMeansRecording]

Yea

[@colindavis2113]

These grid based groove boxes/interfaces seem to be the future. Monome, akai force, deluge, oxi one, ableton push, some others and this. Cool stuff!

[@ToyKeeper]

I'm happy to see an increase in Ableton-style workflows in hardware, freeing the composer from strict pattern-based song structures. I've been enjoying it on my Force, and it'd be hard to ever go back to how I made music before.

[@colindavis2113]

@@ToyKeeper yeah it looks more ideal than the old school workflow. Just got a force too but the bigger keeps shutting down as soon as I boot it, so idk yet, but the grid makes sense.

[@ToyKeeper]

@@colindavis2113 It shuts down immediately after boot? WTF? Is it a used one which someone messed up somehow?

[@colindavis2113]

@@ToyKeeper yeah it is. I’ve got a warranty so I’m good. It says it’s doing it because it didn’t shut down properly the last time it was used and then it turns off. I heard updating it fixes the problem but I can’t even get into update mode. Kinda fucked

[@ToyKeeper]

@@colindavis2113 In case it helps, there's an "Akai Force Warranty Voiders" group on facebook, with people who might be able to help fix it. The group is mostly for sharing modified firmware, but people there should also have some useful ideas for recovering a device with damaged firmware. I haven't run into problems with mine though, so I'm not familiar with any debugging or recovery tools for it. I got it brand new and have only saved things to external storage (SD or SSD), so it hasn't had a chance to hit the most common problem -- running out of space on the root disk. I also installed modded firmware almost immediately, so I can sync all the data to a computer over wifi (sshfs + rsync), and eventually add some custom scripts when I get time. Anyway, it runs Linux, so it should be pretty recoverable. It might involve spending some time at a command line though, depending on what's wrong with it.

[@RSKT_music]

I was waiting to hear your thoughts on this one. What an absolutley fantastic sequencer! Out of all the sequencers I've watched reviews of, this one really takes the cake. Definitely has a few features I'm missing from my Deluge, but vice versa. Thanks for showing it off Jeremy :)

[@SCARTRACKS]

sqwarp uwu That aside (?) This one looks super interesting, especially for live performances. Having some arrangement possibilities is something that seemed super practical, so it's nice to see that framework be adopted and transformed in creative ways for better UX! Great vid as always, Jeremy! Ps: That transposition tool + the polyrhythm/polymeter one are absolutely s i c k

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

As a sequencer, the Deluge or Hapax. Been posing this question all day today. Just got paid. My gut is telling me the Deluge but the Hapax is a pure sequencer which is what my mind is shifting too. I might just be the Hapax. Anyone? To be clear, all I want is the better sequencer between these two.

[@BobbyLachapelle]

Another great video! Thanks. Many tend to compare it with the Deluge. I may be wrong but it is not completely independent, right? I mean, there is no synth engine in it, you have to plug via midi or else a sound source?

[@paulgallo8810]

Correct - like Squarp's Pyramid, it makes no sound on its own.

[@BobbyLachapelle]

@@paulgallo8810 Thanks for the answer Paul. So I keep my Deluge for now. The Hapax seems a really powerfull beast nonetheless.

[@rdean150]

@@BobbyLachapelle If the Deluge had the screens and encoders that this has, it would be be very hard to beat.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

So I just got my brand new Squarp Hapax and enjoy it. I have a question on how to setup MIDI to sequence several synthesizers with it. How to setup a new project template to sequence multiple synthesizer tracks assigned to Hapax. Example Track 1 - Oberheim OB X8 preset A (MIDI A out from Hapax to OB X8 MIDI IN) Track 2 - Oberheim OB X8 preset B (MIDI A out from Hapax to OB X8 MIDI IN) Track 3- Virus TI2 bank a patch 1 (MIDI B out from Hapax to Virus MIDI IN) Track 4 - Virus TI2 bank b patch 1 (MIDI B out from Hapax to Virus MIDI IN) Track 5- Elektron Digitone (MIDI C out from Hapax to Digitone MIDI IN) Track 6- modular drums over cv/gates How would I do this on the Hapax? Also since the Virus and OB X8 are multi timbral poly synths, I want to sequence multiple parts from each synth.

[@AgonalRhythm]

Also, oh my god "it overwhelmed the poor little Blofeld...it was like a size difference scene" 🤣

[@RedMeansRecording]

;)

[@rhythmdroid]

fuck yeah

[@TheCrippledWerewolf]

subscribing to your OnlyBlofelds. 😁

[@ShaggysMovingPictureBox]

Commenting for relevance 🥰

[@damiensmith371]

Come for the in depth walkthrough of this HAPAX BEAST and stay for the killer stand up YOU BONER FIENDS! Thanks for putting this beauty through its paces in the classic way that you do. CHEERS!

[@Khordmaster]

Does this do note filtering on MIDI channel 15 under the full moon?

[@anonymous_friend]

Is this hapax better than the oxi or the polyend offerings?

[@theFloxie]

@18.56 "let's add some notes to that" > adds enough notes to fill three minimalist techno albums noice

[@maintaint3003]

What is the BPM jitter on this thing? Record a click track with 120 BPM for couple of hours, then see how well it matches the time of the recorder. Innerclock Systems has a "litmus test" page on this issue, sadly very incomplete.

[@_B.C_]

As a Misa NSC 32 owner, this gives me peace of mind that if anything happened to my misa sequencers like this exist to replace it.

[@sebp400]

I think I just found my hardware sequencer. Currently using a Polyend Tracker, it's perfect for my Blofeld but limited. Thought about getting a Pyramid but performance-wise, I'm not sure. This is like a combination and it's perfect. But I always wonder about triplets, that's what bothers me with trackers. Also, clock jitter.

[@Jimantronic]

Awesome. Really looking forward to the screaming video btw

[@DespairQuietlyPlease]

Hi is it possible to move all tracks simultaneously from one chord (or degree within a given scale) to another with a single touch of a button in real time like the OXi one can manage?

[@trader4239]

Much better explained than loopop

[@mixchief]

@Red Means Recording 2 questions. Does it have anything like Ableton’s MIDI Capture feature? Does it have UNDO and is it working effectively for undoing last recorded performance? Bonus question: Anything similar to Takes which is present in many DAWs where you can pick the most liked performance from recorded sessions/loops?

[@jantuitman]

This feels like Deluge and Squarp Pyramid got a baby…. Now I have a little GAS dilemma, because I have both these boxes and love them insanely, and yet I think this crossover will be even nicer 😱😱😱

[@BrianOuellette19]

This + an iPad could be endless fun.

[@jantuitman]

@@BrianOuellette19 I think so too! Yet if I buy this I would sell the Pyramid, but not the Deluge, since the built in synth and sampler of the Deluge is also lots of fun.

[@BrianOuellette19]

@@jantuitman My Pyramid is being listed as we speak. As for the Deluge, perhaps a sampler with more inputs that could be used as a mixer would be a good replacement.

[@ciavattas]

@@BrianOuellette19 it seems the exact description of the Octatrack 😁 P. S. selling my Pyramid as well (bought 2 months ago! Damn)

[@calderwood9641]

Fuck me, I knew there was a reason I was avoiding this video for 7 months.

[@RedMeansRecording]

Uh oh

[@PedroPetracco]

Damn you're good at this!

[@mathickling223]

So if all my synths have USB over midi, can I go from this to a USB hub, then on to each synth? I'm assuming so if it has USB host. That's sick if it's the case. Now to weigh up if I keep my Deluge when I get this ;)

[@ledgendairy3056]

Now i want a BLO , so guess Im getting both .... Sry kids , no food this month. Great video as always ~

[@guysmiley7289]

How do you like it compared to the Deluge?

[@michaelkinzer8351]

I was really pleased that RMR did a video on this. Always fun and informative to watch, and he gets me excited about gear he reviews.

[@MarianoPerez]

Looks super neat, I wish it had velocity sensitive pads. What a bummer.

[@maarzt]

hey there! you're funny :) thanks for the vid! very cool thing here

[@iqnill]

I love how quickly does 0-coast load presets now after the firmware update.

[@robotboot]

this looks great...would love to see more then 8 patterns per track though. i was always battling the 16 on the beat step pro.

[@rdean150]

Yeah the Pyramid is incredible, but it has some very distinct limitations. This sequencer appears to fix most of them, but I am already a little worried about that 8 pattern limit. But this still llike it has the potential to compete for the top hardware sequencing crown for me regardless. The dual screens plus isomorphic step grid is a great form factor.

[@robotboot]

@@rdean150 yeah I’m into everything else. My best combo has been the pyramid with beatstep pro and a keystep. Keystep for note programming and then transposing. And beatstep for making the beats on the go.

[@hwoccurrence]

Thanks for the demonstration. I think I will stick with my Pyramid for now.

[@G0nz0uk]

Great video, thanks. Anyone know the name of that external midi controller?

[@perruschke6691]

Nice one, how does the encoders feel? Do they have much better quality than the pyramid?

[@mkkrt]

I think Hotbox would really improve my music. Thanks for the demo.

[@BrennenBuckner]

Hardware FL studio lol. I love it.

[@isaacanthonydj4124]

Damn, that looks like a great device. I am married to the Octatrack, this seems like there's a lot of crossover territory, except the crossover. :P

[@markkilley2683]

Looks awesome.

[@Wubbel99]

A really cool machine.

[@EricRaymondSF]

Hey, thanks so much for making this tutorial. Very generous!

[@el_dani]

Excellent, let‘s hope for quick dispatch..

[@chromeangel]

I am sure someone mentioned this but your Blofeld is MPE capable.

[@RedMeansRecording]

Oh

[@JeffreyFournier]

" Please don't ask me if you should get this or a deluge". lol

[@ShaighJosephson]

How does this compare to the Deluge??? The hardware interface certainly looks light years better...

[@Gainn]

My beloved QY-700 is giving me a very mean side-eye as I'm watching this.

[@ebk72]

so is my QY70 🤣

[@Gainn]

@@ebk72 The QY range is still badass. I take a 70 with me pretty much anywhere there's a chance I'll get to do some noodling.

[@OrangeDrinkMusic]

this is like deluge + digitakt + push 2🕺

[@ThaddeusV21]

Hiya Jeremy, hope all is swell. How would you compare this device to the Synthstrom Deluge?

[@shottskies]

Do you guys see the two project thing as an idea taken from/competing with the octatrak's slide function? Sorry if this was addressed in the video or is the slide on the octa serving a different function?

[@mood9240]

I can't wait to play Kawai G Mega on Hapax.

[@melokit-music]

Nice démo anyway ⭐