Korg SQ-1 LFOs

This week, our Pulse Tips video tutorial series returns with the Korg SQ-1 as we explore using a short sequence as an LFO.
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[@PatrickOBrien]

I'm really finding a lot more functionality with the sequencer than I ever imagined. Nice LFO tip. Didn't think about switching the volts! 👍

[@voltagecontrollab]

Good seeing you last night at Modular on the Spot, Patrick!

[@Flohr]

Very cool! I often use my SQ-1 as a drum sequencer for one or two sounds. It also makes a auxiliary useful clock divider.

[@whendaychokesthenight]

Oh!! Very nice!! How do you do in dorder to make it an auxiliary clock divider?

[@mrcwalker33]

This was an amazing tip, especially when controlling my synth with a KeyStep and looking at LFO modules, while my trusty SQ-1 is sitting in the corner! It is even clockable! :)

[@adventureswithsteve2981]

Thanks for the tip , loving this SQ-1

[@zachboswell2481]

Fun thing I like to do is send the CV out to the Freq in of my Moog FreqBox then OSC out to an open channel in my mixer, then mix that in a little with the synth thats midi sequenced from the SQ1. just adds a little (or a lot) of "dirt". Gate out to my little monotron duo aux is also pretty fun.

[@natejmattson1870]

I've been sending cv from it to VCAs to act as accents. So i have the ADSR going to a vca and then THAT goes to another VCA with sq-1 volatage controlling it. Its easy to add, drop, and change accents or mute notes. Accenting every third note is pretty cool, for example.

[@XsaiLOVE]

Nice idea

[@ghost_in_the_robot]

I have been trying to sync my tonic po-32 pocket operator to do this exact thing because of the accent feature and how it's the best drum machine of the pocket operators imho. I can't seem to get any sound out of the SQ-1 to even experimenf with... Any idea on what I'm doing wrong?

[@Tofu_Pilot]

@@ghost_in_the_robot Just in case, you do know the SQ-1 sequencer cannot make sound, right?

[@ghost_in_the_robot]

@@Tofu_Pilot yeah lol... From what i can tell the CV channels are inputs for your melodoc sequences and the 5v and 8v options allow pitch changes using step options. The gates are the output to your mixer or other synth gear? I actually had it working using the midi out to my old keyboard, playing an arp sequence from my keystep. That was an accident though lol

[@DivKid]

Good tip!

[@latenitehowl]

I use the carrier out of a mooger fooger ring modulator pedal to control de tempo by plugging it into the sync in jack, then sequence a jomox mbase1 via midi.

[@kentinjivek]

great tip!

[@davidkulmaczewski4911]

I use a Beatstep Pro (BSP) for my setup's master tempo. I configured my drum machine so that Pad 8 on the BSP is silent, and connected the BSP Drum Gate 8 output from the to the SQ-1 Sync Input. Now every time Pad 8 on the BSP plays in a sequence or in real-time, it triggers a step (or multiple steps) on the SQ-1. Want a steady running sequence? Program or play a steady beat on Pad 8. Want syncopation, a stuttering rhythm, odd time? Whatever plays on Pad 8 drives the sequence rhythm. Downside is that I lose a pad -- equals one instrument -- on the BSP drum machine. Also I have to program the sequencer rhythm into every drum pattern I do. It also took a bit of screwing around with gate polarity settings on both the BSP and the SQ-1, and in the end I had to buy an adjustable attenuating cable to get the voltages right. But it works consistently even with 16th note triggers at relatively fast tempos.

[@adventureswithsteve2981]

it would be nice to see a video tutorial demonstrating this setup , i dont have a BSP but i am sure others would find it useful and it may give me ideas too

[@thisisprisma]

keet it up bro! nice tips

[@voltagecontrollab]

Thanks man!

[@toitoitoy]

cool tips, thanks

[@voltagecontrollab]

Thanks for watching!!

[@TheInterGalacticFederation]

nice!

[@albertocastillo7686]

I'm using my sq-1 with a boss sampler, po-35, mk-2, and ms-20fs

[@Lofuckyou]

Probably could do this on the original Beatstep too. Cool tip!

[@voltagecontrollab]

Do you have one? Let us know what you find, if so!

[@Tofu_Pilot]

Lit!

[@brianreilly6545]

Great info! Considering a sq1 to add mofd lfos to a minilogue xd. Is it possible to create a sample and hold type of lfo? Also since it can be two sequences does that mean I can create two lfos? -thx

[@voltagecontrollab]

In a sense yes it can do two, though this might not be the ideal tool for LFOs or sample n hold. It’s more of a sequencer that you can KIND OF force to do LFOs lol. Minilogue probably doesn’t take cv inputs either, which would force you to use midi which drastically limits how you use that data, so it might not do what you are looking for. :(

[@brianreilly6545]

Thx for replying. Yeah the minilogue xd has cv inputs. Im really looking for the simplest way to add an lfo (or two) to the synth. Besides eurorack or a semimodular synth would you have any other suggestions?

[@voltagecontrollab]

It’s eurorack BUT hear me out... I would consider one of those 4ms pods. You could really pick from many LFOs, possible a multi lfo, and keep it light and portable. I can’t think of a lot of self contained LFOs, but you know what else you could try... is making one! I bet it would be relatively easy, even programming a teensy would be WAY cheaper than any modular stuff.

[@thebmxband1t]

Woahaaaa!😳😮

[@walrtbstudios5430]

I know I should use it as a sequencer more, but mine mainly sees service as a midi to cv converter. A damn’ good one too…

[@voltagecontrollab]

Still one of the best values in modular!

[@loslosbaby]

My SQ-1 is setup to be an AED, you know, just in case.