Korg SQ-64 Version 2.0 New Features Overview

Explore the new features of Version 2.0 for the SQ-64 Polyphonic Sequencer. There are lots of new recording, note-handling, and performance-based features on board, along with numerous operational refinements, making SQ-64 an more capable and more user-friendly nerve center for your MIDI/CV studio.
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[@perruschke6691]

Nice update, but dont forget to fix the arpeggiator too, please!

[@shapeshiftersmediagroup]

Thanks for listening to the requests of the people! This is what represents the sign of a great company! I had a few questions about some features but they were updated in this firmware update! I look forward to trying this device out!

[@autoy]

First, thanks so much Korg for listening. I’ve been waiting for these features very eagerly! There’s a few issues that could be ironed out (and I’m sure they will be) to make it perfect: - Mute behavior: muting drums blocks muting tracks at the same time. This didn’t happen before. This is needed for real-time jamming. - Frequently, when using stochastic or random and going back to normal play some steps will stutter randomly. - Apparently the internal keyboard has changed the note priority or legato/retrigger gate modes. It would be great if this was configurable. I hope you can look into these whenever possible. Best regards!

[@gru_day]

Right.

[@gkeaoyrge]

Thank you Korg for releasing the update! It’s things like this that keep users happy. No gimmicks, just get the basics right first. Keep it coming!

[@Stakkeroid]

Wow, you guys actually fixed all the problems - the quantization, step editing, even made the LEDs brighter! Gotta say I wasn’t expecting that :-) With the new low price, this thing is looking very tempting indeed!

[@Stakkeroid]

Yep, I bought it, and it is indeed excellent :-)

[@FreeThink1984]

What price you pay bruh

[@Stakkeroid]

@@FreeThink1984 250€ was the cheapest price I could find in Europe (Thomann)

[@FreeThink1984]

@@Stakkeroid sweet store, enjoy!!

[@Its303AcidBass]

@@FreeThink1984 $129.00 on Reverb now

[@amessman]

So excited to get firmware 2.0 loaded on my SQ-64, so glad I picked one up when they came out.

[@abysssimian752]

Wow this is much more understandable! Going to try this out soon!

[@franckcarton4137]

Thanks for the update. Two things are missing in my opinion. A way to save the drummap in the project for track D (at least channel , Rx and Tx notes for each pad) and an easiest way to hold notes between two step (maybe by reusing the behaviour of the new copy/paste method ?)

[@ketuxx]

Great work

The only thing missing is a arppegiator, with generative modes like the oxi one/Torso T-1.

[@luchotron00]

Thank you Korg! Now I want a second sq64. Arpeggiator next please, update it and this will be a killer machine.

[@Pilldickle]

If you’re using a MAC to update the SQ-64, you may have to uninstall the driver first so the computer and updater detects the device. The uninstall software is a download at Korg. I was scratching my head for about 35 minutes before I realized this may be a problem. Not a lot of other info out there on this part of the update.

[@JohnLRice]

Thank you! 🙂

[@RonCavagnaro]

Whoaaaaa thanks guys!!!! Loving sq64! Planning to make videos on it after my studio move!

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

Ok, it’s no “Hapax” but this is way cool!

[@RonCavagnaro]

@@WyattLite-n-inn different gear different results!

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

@@RonCavagnaro yup

[@SzymonWeiss]

WOOOW! Thank you.

[@tmm9112]

Nobody expects the spanish inquisition! That was a suprise. Thx.

[@thaexception3406]

Good stuff

[@noiseartisan]

Really nice! 🙌 I regret for selling my SQ-64 as now I'll have to buy it back 😄

[@fentanyljones6956]

Get it for 130 while they’e cheap

[@noiseartisan]

@@fentanyljones6956 I couldn't wait. Already got it for 200+ couple of weeks ago 😄

[@dudekdenis7418]

Yeah !!!

[@ahzootube]

Hi! Are you planning to implement an euclidian mode on this? It would give a bit more control over the random fill feature!

[@tonelab]

NIce! 🤓

[@Brendan-Black]

Innit, tho? 😎

[@destroy_television]

$200 price drop on Reverb right now. 😳 Picking one up!

[@derekdoessound]

Ever since updating to 2.02, Keyboard Mode feels less responsive and I can no longer do glissandos or overlap key presses (legato). I think this would have something to do with Note Priority, but nothing in the Settings reflects or relates to this issue. Are there plans on fixing this anytime soon or should I revert back to a previous version?

[@BryanDumaguina]

How'd you fair? Considering this sequencer because of it's "microtiming / unquantized" live recording into the sequence from v1. Did v2 firmware break that behavior? Or has it been resolved?

[@Gainn]

Is the hardware capable of running a second page of tracks? 4 is just a little limiting and I really like the workflow on this thing.

[@OttosTheName]

I've played with one for a couple hours and I found 4 bugs in 2.02. Other users don't know my bugs afaik and other people's bugs are things I haven't encountered, so there are many more. At this point it's just a midi sequencer with lots of memory, but all other performance-oriented-features are unusuable due to bugs. If I use step-record after that keyboard mode breaks. Pressing a note sends a midi_note_on message, after pressing it again it sends midi_note_off. If I set sequence B length to a shorter value then sequence A length also shortens. When I switch sequence it doesn't switch over at the start of the new one, but 1 step too early. (neither of the last 2 bugs are related to the pattern-syncing. Also happens when polymetric mode is on, also sometimes it does do this, sometimes it doesn't, so you can't even take it into account.) After I switch a sequence (like to sequence 3) it will skip step 3 of that sequence on some sequences. (it's always step X for sequence X) It's a great concept, but at €250 for a midi sequencer thats only feature is having a lot of memory... that's hard to justify. Maybe when it's actually properly developed and the interesting performance features are viable I'll buy it again, right now I'd much rather sequence with the MC-101, it's much nicer to play live with the softer pads (and keyboard mode works), it can also sequence 3 melodic and 1 drum track, it can do polymeters, pattern chaining works, etc. It's not like it was just released either, it's been over 2 years and I think some of these bugs are new to 2.00 or 2.02.

[@re8et355]

We need LFO's or shapes, ENV, on the MOD channels, or waveshapes, or some sort of drawing capabilities for a whole sequence. To set a value for each step of a MOD sequence is uninspiring. Please share this update request any way you can to Korg. Like set an ascending or descending CV to a whole loop. It is not possible right now.

[@mcgrandroyal]

Is it possible to have motion sequencing on the drum part or to play Volca Sample chromatically with maybe rk-002?

[@berch4736]

Nice. No real-time playing was one of my worst cons. Now it's gone.

[@mightymightyironhead]

Hi great video. I am desperate for a sequencer and i have my eye on either the SQ-64 or the Arturia Beatstep Pro. I very nearly ordered an SQ-64 but thought that i would do a little more (KZbin) research and noticed that the SQ-64 does not ship with any midi adapter cables or a 9v power supply. Is this still the case in December 2023?

[@xirtus]

how do i set my sq64 into update mode?

[@ghost_in_the_robot]

So I've got a lot of sequencers already like the Electribe EMX and SX, Novation Circuit and Mono Station, and a Volca Keys. Would it be worth it to upgrade to this? I've already got a keystep, beatstep, and the original SQ-1 as controllers, but this thing looks so tempting with all the options. It's like a portable Ableton grid with Deluge features and Pocket Operator copy + paste, step editing, etc. I suppose a Beatstep Pro would work, but this has tracks and lanes similar to Elektron gear. Any ideas on what I should do? Perhaps something like the RK-008 or something like the Circuit Tracks for the MIDI sequencing and 0-Coast for the CV? I'm so overwhelmed it's unreal lol... plz help

[@afewster1]

Do you have plans to implement polymeter for distinct pads in the D channel? I.e. pad 1 - 8 steps, pad 2 - 7 steps?

[@noahromeo6451]

This and probability per track would take this to the next level

[@walrtbstudios5430]

Nice. Wish I could understand keyboard mode though- no firmware update is gonna help with that I fear…

[@RyanBreaker]

Real shame this seems to have been discontinued and can't be found at retailers like Sweetwater anymore, seemingly only on eBay for inflated prices.

[@eduugr]

Hi, cool video! Can you plug a synth on the midi in of this device and then record notes played in the synth in the SQ-64's sequencer track? Thanks!

[@babydemonlab]

Did you find an answer?

[@damianpinto3497]

can the knobs be used to send midi to control other devices? thx!

[@sugarhigh4242]

Just a heads up, the Korg firmware update software is a real headache. It will not detect your sq64 if Windows set it as midi device "slot" > 9. The error is something like "couldn't open channel". The fix is to use the Korg midi device uninstaller app. Set the option to allow deletion of non-korg devices. Then delete enough midi devices so the SQ64 fits in a slot lower than #10. Reopen the firmware update and it should work.

[@iamjamessmith]

Yeah, I have this same issue with my Volca Sample 2. Very frustrating.

[@sugarhigh4242]

@@iamjamessmith funny, I have a sample 2 and I just gave up trying to update it. The SQ64 update was big enough to go down the rabbit hole.

[@jrodohio]

Korg firmware update is extremely frustrating. I sold my XD just because the update was so impossible.

[@shitmandood]

All of Korg software is like this. Tim Shoebridge has a video for the Korg Minilogue and how to clear the MIDI devices on Windows. After you've tried it a few times and take notes, it's very easy to do. It's sort of a limitation with Windows I would imagine. Although after I get my Korg devices updated, I probably won't connect those to USB so I won't have any concern for their setup for the synths. I can use a MIDI connector instead off the audio interface to send it MIDI data.

[@Jason75913]

Sounds like Korg being Korg. The software is always buggy like this and other ways, it is so irritating. All Korg products, it seems, as opposed to my Roland, Novation, and Native Instruments gear, USB/Windows functions "just work" as I would expect them to.

[@frankcotela]

Can you explain how to make the LED's brighter, Ive done the update but it doesn't look any different to me, GLOBAL A-14 seems to adjust the brightness of the Display screen

[@acaposotta]

Same to me not working. Then I ve found that this work only if 😢 you buy the official Korg power adapter not usb

[@spherecode]

Thank you. Is it avalaible an updated manual per SQ64 v2?

[@autoy]

Yes, there's a 2.0 reference guide in Korg's website, under sq64 downloads section.

[@spherecode]

@@autoy thank you! Got it!!!!

[@MoeShinola1]

I tried playing in Keyboard Mode while the sequencer is running, but with Record turned off, since I like playing with melodies, paring a melody down to it's barest essentials while the beat plays for recording later, but SQ-64 won't let me, it has to be recording. It's a real letdown. Please advise if I'm missing the way to play the Keyboard Mode with the seq running but not recording.

[@acaposotta]

May I change CC numbers in control mode? Thanks

[@delmeteor717]

In version 2.0 it says in pitch mode you can use cursor to move to a step and add a note using parameter 1 knob. Where is the cursor?

[@ghost_in_the_robot]

Would this help me to control multiple synths and drum machines with MIDI? I have 2 Electribes, KP3+, Kaossilator, Novation Circuit and Mono Station as my main sequencers. Should i connect them via MIDI in and out chains or a MIDI interface? I really wanna buy an SQ-64, but it seems to cater to CV and Eurorack. Would my setup work with this lovely device?

[@dvuemedia]

It supports 3 MIDI channels (part A,B,C) and 1 drum (part D). You can use MIDI splitter box (1IN -> 4OUT), or MIDI THRU on your synth if you have one.

[@AboveTheTrees00]

is KORG planning on additional update after 2.02?

[@jfn467]

@korg Thanks for the firmware update, where do we post input for the next update? You still don't support Midi Soft Thru, which kills the intuitive way of playing around in a loop to figure out what to do next BEFORE recording.... (It's kind of sequencer 101 with soft thru.....). Enable/Disable Midi in per track with a simple click like Shift+A/B/C/D would be kind of basic politeness to include as well....

[@jrodohio]

Really convoluted for something that should be so simple.

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

This sequencer is garbage. They’ve slashed prices, and it looks to be discontinued, which tells you everything about this turd sequencer.

[@shitmandood]

@@theleastsignificantbit4794 I disagree. The ultra-discount makes it a must-buy purchase. All of these types of devices work the same way with shift-keys and various buttons that do things. What you do is get a sticky note and create a cram sheet with all of the commands. After you've used it for awhile, you'll no longer need the cram sheet. And it's a transferrable skill...once you understand how such a device operates, the other types of devices from any brand will automatically be familiar once you get your hands on it.

[@ntx9design392]

When in keyboard mode or using an external keyboard, the SQ64 passes MIDI when stopped or when recording. But it mutes midi inputs when in play mode. Is there a setting to change that?

[@nachshonrorick]

Try switching midi out 2 setting to ‘thru’ - should work for passing midi from an external keyboard at all times

[@afewster1]

How do you specify a velocity for a drum trigger?

[@larrylevan4242]

Yeah, this needs to be addressed. The video is like "here are the pads that indicate velocity," and then moves on without demonstrating how it works!

[@afewster1]

Looks like it's achieved via modulation mode. Press mod, select and hold the step, then change the velocity value.

[@phloptik]

Is there a Record/Play coming up soon or already implemented? For instance hitting Record + Play would allow you the SQ-64 to listen for notes incoming and then shift into realtime record mode when it receives data

[@peterthepiper333]

Do you mean record while the sequence is playing? You can do that.

[@phloptik]

@@peterthepiper333 not while playing, but start recording when the first note is sent

[@theshinyobject2438]

Can you save a full 16 part performance on this?

[@3rd_ear]

is it fully compatible with volca modular?

[@delmeteor717]

Actually I believe they’re output jacks.

[@carbilicon]

So, how does this compare to a Zaquencer?

[@re8et355]

Korg has to fix the SQ64 USB ext Midi rec, not working. Sonoma unsupported. Ext clock display fixed at own internal. No Mod options for CCs and only one per track/sub-tracks. The SQ64 Modulations needs to cover Midiloop ext rec fixed. Bastl Midiloop, Midiphy Loopa V4, Squarp Pyramid, Hermod+, Novation Beatstep. All of them has ext midi rec, with multiple modulations options such as ENV syncing, LFO mixing, and limitless for CCs and Korg can not make a single update to address this issue, nor ANYONE single VIDEO showing it is possible. Whilst ALL of the above, has videos showing how easy it is. From a DAW one needs to choose SQ64-SEQ over SQ64 Midi in, Usb ext clock, Midi notes are passed through, but nothing get recorder... Where are you Korg devs??? Please!!! Before we start mass replacing it with smth that works... fix it!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5XGppKZhL-SiLM

[@MrCosmicVictory]

im so curious how this would work with the sp404 mk2. i dont like the sequencer much on the sp since its not so visual and no transport section. 🤔🤔🤔

[@lauromartins1985]

I think it would work well.

[@prospektraks]

It works like an absolute charm. I run an 1/8” stereo cable out from the SQ64s midi out to the 404s midi in. Use it primarily to play drums while I’m also controlling my modular rig. All audio being ran back thru the 404 for the ol smash and chop. You can also use the modulation lane to trigger fx on the 404.

[@embersandash]

@@prospektraks just any 1/8th stereo cable will do?

[@prospektraks]

@@embersandash Indeed it will. You will only run into the typeA/typeB issue when you use the DIN midi adapter. Also both machine would have to be of the same midi type, as well. In the setup in question above, they are. Which is usually the case. Arturia is the only brand I can think of right off hand that uses B type.

[@embersandash]

@@prospektraks fantastic! Apparently, Novation Launchpad uses B while launchkey uses A. They have to make simple for us don’t they.

[@starflash__]

I honestly didn't understand how to connect the sq64 to any synth, it's not clear to me, and I can't find any information online. what is the connection scheme for playing with a synth such as a minilogue?

[@creatingacomposer3838]

A bit late, but you can use CV cables to the CV ins on the Minilogue to control parameters, or you can send information through a CV to midi adapter to use the usual midi ins and outs of the Minilogue, for example. You can also send midi through your computer and back out to hardware using the usb cable into a DAW, then back out via usb cables or midi connections.

[@Johanthegnarler]

If you open source this firmware, the alternative firmware I'd build would make this one of the best sequencers we've seen yet. Outside of the Social Entropy Engine that is.

[@hendrikludwig5303]

The update looks decent, but how could you leave the machine in an unusable state for 2 years? I assume many people (like me) moved on to other gear in the meanwhile....

[@Jomaha_Jomaso]

You also need to fix that pad's, and change them to normal keyboard.

[@followzeeleader]

Shame that it's impossible to update the sq 64 with windows 😒

[@butterbagboy]

Dear korg, I love you but why couldn’t you have just made a super huge turbo sq-1 instead of this???

[@Loydxmas]

Agreed

[@mycosys]

I was just about ready to swear off Korg trying to update (seriously - who tf buys a hardware sequencer and doesnt have 10 midi devices???) but this early adopter feels a lil vindicated (snapped up an early used one thank heck so no salt on the price). Its a f*ing amazing instrument that is really showing its promise and more, but ffs please fix that USB driver.

[@user-KORG]

По мне лучше полноценный синтезатор с клавиатурой.

[@iamjamessmith]

For me, a trumpet is better.

[@fentanyljones6956]

Then it’s not the device for you bro. For me a wall of modular and a large touch capacitive mandala controller tuned microtonally and coated in sunshine acid is better, but this video isn’t about that lol

[@EarJuice]

Arpeggios yo. Please make it so arps can actually do something.

[@re8et355]

D-Track Midi limit no notes below C-1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/amGvlKOAmNWjqq8

[@joldschool64]

By the time you do all of that you lose inspiration.

[@fentanyljones6956]

Don’t ‘you’ me bro. If it doesn’t work get an analog knob sequencer.