Lecture #3: Korg MS-20 & SQ-1 Automatic Ambient Engine

This is the third lecture in my series. In this lecture we will learn:
1) How to use the Korg SQ-1 to drive both of the Korg MS-20 VCO's programmed with their own modals (chord progressions) according to voltage block scales in the key of C. Here we use the Phrygian Scale.
2) How to use the Envelope Generator 1 (EG1) to drive both the High Pass and Low Pass filters and add the Mod Wheel control to increase your personal expressiveness.
3) How to use the SQ-1's Gate Outputs to trigger the Envelope Generator 1 as well as the keyboard.
In short, we will learn how to tame the savage beast that is the MS-20 using the SQ-1. We will turn the MS-20 from being a gnarly, wicked and wild animal into an ethereal, ambient angel that is able to play well with others (Imagine THAT!).
As always, if you have questions please leave me a comment and I will get back with you. Also, if there are other topics you would like to see, feel free to let me know that as well.
Ha'Dlbah, leader of the Animal_Opera
reddit: u/Animal_Opera
And in case you didn't land on my youtube page with this video - here is a link:
/ @hadlbah

[@thejoshuathomas]

At present, I don't have any questions, I just wanted to send my gratitude for this wonderful series of lectures on the MS-20/SQ-1 combination. I've found these two pieces of gear to be the most enjoyable canvas for sound exploration and design in my workflow. I hope this message finds you well, all the best. 🖖🏾

[@hadlbah]

My pleasure to help!

[@mauriciomandara5946]

Thanks for the kind words at the begging!! This is really interesting... I have a sq1 and ms20 and couldn’t find any good tutorial on using the sq1... only demos ...this is really interesting because a was trying to avoid midi to experiment and learn about voltage !!! Thank you ... hope to see more tutorials about this ! Stay safe

[@hadlbah]

Mauricio Mandara my pleasure!😊

[@Halfsour1]

I just stumbled upon this while looking for SQ-1 vids. What a great watch. A lot of the concepts detailed here can apply to other hardware synths with a bit of imagination. I do love the sound of the MS -20. It is really is unique in so many ways. The oscillators and dual filters are magic! Love your enthusiasm and attention to detail.

[@hadlbah]

Thanks! In many ways the MS-20/SQ1 pair is a great subtractive synthesis teaching tool. I completely agree, master these and you can apply the knowledge to just about any other synth.

[@tylerjamesstephens]

This is the most helpful and effective tutorial I've ever seen when it comes to combining the SQ-1 and MS-20. Amazing work. Though you so much, you are a very skilled teacher.

[@hadlbah]

It’s completely my pleasure. I’m glad you found it helpful.🤓

[@droneopt]

Great instruction video. I tried this today with my MS-20 mini and SQ-1. worked great!

[@hadlbah]

Super glad to hear! I’m working on lecture 4 right now regarding voltage controlled, transposable modals so hopefully this will add to your musical portfolio. Also, feel to let me know if you have other MS20/SQ1 questions.😊

[@kerriebarker4096]

Thank You. Very interesting lecture. Very useful.

[@VAdrianGuLo]

¡Una lección maravillosa! ¡Más que agradecido por la sensibilidad y la sencillez! ¡Gracias!...

[@hadlbah]

¡Estoy muy contento de ayudarte!

[@SkuppyVincenzo]

This is a great patch, cheers for sharing

[@hadlbah]

My pleasure! Love to hear it in use when the time comes, tho no pressure 😊!

[@TadeoValencia]

I just replicated the patch with some mods and it's working perfectly, thanks a lot for taking the time to share your knowledge, ¡muchísimas gracias! ¡Saludos desde Montréal!

[@hadlbah]

So glad to help! Beau voyage!

[@christianbachmann8206]

Thx for doing this! It is highly appreciated!!

[@hadlbah]

Completely my pleasure!😎

[@AK-rd4nf]

Really good! Helping a lot here! Thank you! 🙌

[@hadlbah]

Super glad to be of service!

[@TadeoValencia]

I just finish to realize my first mix in my life, thanks a lot for the support prof, I can send you the link if you want!

[@hadlbah]

Congratulations! Happy to help. I’d love to hear what you came up with. I’ll guess other subscribers here would as well. Yes, please do share your link.

[@marcoscomposer]

Very good work!

[@hadlbah]

Thanks!😊

[@martinlopez2955]

super cool stuff!

[@hadlbah]

Glad to hear! I know my level of detail isn’t for everyone. I hope it helps ya.

[@bruceli4642]

It’s so helpful for me, thanks a lot

[@hadlbah]

It’s my pleasure to help. If ya have questions please feel free to ask.😊

[@commander_bowie]

Keep em coming

[@hadlbah]

Will do!

[@hrrrmit9187]

Great vid!

[@hadlbah]

Thank you! Hope it helps.

[@iancain6647]

Great channel 👍 by the way.

[@hadlbah]

Thanks! Glad to help.

[@simonburns1055]

Dr Who outa the box

[@blakefullmer8148]

Thank you so much keep up the videos

[@hadlbah]

My pleasure! Also, if there is a topic you might like to see more about, please do let me know!😊

[@blakefullmer8148]

@@hadlbah I would love to just see more on what you can do with the ms 20 and sq-1.

[@jacktobias8546]

Hey thanks for the video! Do you happen to have any experience syncing these two with a mono tribe as well? I'm trying to use the mono tribe as a drum machine that can sync with the sq-1 sequencer of the ms20s sound? I think that could work but not sure if its possible

[@hadlbah]

Excellent question. Actually, I’ve been thinking about such a topic for lecture 5. Well, if you are running a DAW, then midi in via the usb should work. It might take some futzing about to get that up and running. If you are running DAW’less then the SYNC-IN would probably be the way to go. Here’s a test: program in a modal on the SQ1. Connect CVA out to VCO 2 CV IN on your MS20. Make sure GATE A out is connected to MS20 TRIG IN. Okay, then take the square wave out from your MS20 and plug it into the SYNC-IN on the SQ1. In this way you should be able to modulate SQ1 bpm using the MS20 Mod Gen. Make sure you start with MG waveform set to Square wave. The sync-in on the sq1 needs a voltage change of about 300mV. Now if the MS20 MG is working to modulate SQ1 bpm then check your mono-tribe. Is there a voltage out port that gives you a voltage out change of at least 300 mV and is modulating to the Mono tribe’s bpm? I’m gonna guess yes. Let me know if you had success.😊

[@janliveact]

Very nice I like and my thinking goes more in detail for liveact. Like with a envelope follower you can make it if you play the gitar harder that the mod wheel in this case the filter more open. The tuning u explained very wel. Sometimes I think iam to lacy and just put a quantizer module very cheap one to get the right tuning before I enter Oszillator. But thanks your notes will help a lot people👍👉

[@hadlbah]

Thanks for the kind words and I’m glad to help!😎

[@meorkat6550]

Thank you for this information! I've been playing the MS-20 for a few years and have only scratched the surface on it's capabilities. My SQ-1 is coming in the mail soon, looking forward to using your notes to make some ambient goodness. To check the voltage , can I just hold the two cable s from the DMM to the 3.5mm?? Or do you know where I can find a similar cable you rigged up?

[@hadlbah]

So glad you enjoyed it! Here is what i found on Amazon if you are in the US/Can: Fancasee (2 Pack 6 ft) Replacement 3.5mm Male Plug to Bare Wire Open End TS 2 Pole Mono 1/8" 3.5mm Plug Jack Connector Audio Cable Repair You will also need a couple of banana plugs. Once you have that you can make your voltage to three octave note chart It will be way easier to make the y-cable than to try and hold wires. The pots on the SQ1 are rather small and have some friction and some dither. You’re likely gonna need two hands to tune the pots effectively. Very excited for you and good luck. Feel free to reach out with any other questions.

[@meorkat6550]

Ha'DlbaH thank you, I certainly will 🙏

[@samsharpe3501]

Curious where you got that blank patch sheet with the Name and Notes and whatnot

[@hadlbah]

Hi Sam! If memory serves, I scanned in the blank patch sheet provided with my MS20 and pasted it into a spreadsheet. Then I added all of the bits’n bobs that I wanted to see for my workflow. Probably took me 30 minutes total to make it.

[@tales_from_the_orchard]

Hi! First things first, i really enjoy your lectures (not at all complaining :D). Secondly, since i'm looking for something to properly sequence my ms20 mini, i noticed some users using Arturia BeatStep. Your thoughts on that in comparison to SQ1? Also i have Yamaha rm1x at home for drums (not analog but also good sequencer) and was wondering if it will be possible to sync it with potentially SQ1 or just ms20 (via midi)? Thank you!

[@hadlbah]

Hi Karmen. Glad to hear you enjoy my lectures! Sorry for not getting back sooner. Just wrapped up the semester - final grades posted, seniors graduated and 30 more fresh, new engineers are on their way to build a better world! With respect to your questions. I've never used a BeatStep so not exactly sure about comparisons. I hopped over to Sweetwater and one of the commenters does seem to be having success with the BeStp and MS20. I would say the SQ-1 is economical and versatile, but can be a tad bit tedious to get it to do what you want. With my work flow, I'm either playing live (improv with an ensemble) or recording clips in Ableton (for composition). Often I'm doing both - recording clips live during improv. I can say I've never used the SQ-1 live. Not saying I can't, it's just not super fast to set up - the guys aren't gonna sit there and wait for me to twiddle those knobs with my DMM. I can say that every clip based recorded composition where you hear the MS-20 I AM using the SQ-1. The SQ-1 has offered great modal ideas, integrates well as an I/O with Ableton via usb and is fun to mess about with. This comes to your second question. The SQ-1 can perform Midi OUT using the midi plug that is included with the SQ-1. With this midi plug you can run DAW-less and sync BPM. It will also work using USB and in this case it is Midi I/O, again for sync of BPM, but you'll need to run with a DAW. You can also sync using voltage control employing "IN-SYNC-OUT" 1/8" TS plugs on SQ-1. I have used this method to sync my Matriarch arp- works well.

[@tales_from_the_orchard]

@@hadlbah Okay great, thank you so much for your time putting into a response! Sq1 really seems useful in many ways, but since I'm trying to find something that will benefit me in live performance with ms20, what would you recommend in that case?

[@hadlbah]

Hmmm, well it completely depends upon your work flow and hardware/software set up. I’ve seen dawless musicians use the SQ-1 in YTube vids and they obviously recorded their vid live and their work is fabulous. For me, I’m playing live with others, so twiddling on an SQ-1 is not an option. However, I also run with a DAW and a launch pad. I’m launching clips live and in these clips I have ready to go sequences with the MS-20 filters being modulated in creative ways by the SQ-1. So I virtually get the power of SQ-1 sequencing when I launch a clip. Then I side-chain it live and get some great syncopation. It all depends. For 100$ USD the SQ-1 is a pretty good deal. But money is not endless (at least for me) so I understand being careful about a purchase. I have been a satisfied SQ-1 user. Maybe there are used SQ-1s on the secondary market? It’s a rugged little beast so maybe used is okay?

[@tales_from_the_orchard]

@@hadlbah thanks again for your nice and in depth comment. Just wanted to let you know that my SQ1 and DMM are on their way, yay. I agree with you, it really seems great for it's price, especially with two cv and gate out I think i can do a lot with that. cheers!

[@phoenixausderholle3301]

Hello I just discovered your channel and I got the original ms 20 and I just bought this sq1 and want to know how to synchronise the kr55 and the sq1 between Ms 20 and play bass sequence and transpose it, thanks for your help greeting from France ☺️could be a good future demo great and good tutorial from you thanks

[@hadlbah]

Welcome to the club! So you have an original MS20, very nice. I spent a little time looking into your KR55 question. It looks like the KR55 does not have any sort of voltage trigger out, nor does it have any sort of MIDI out. In short, the KR55 looks to be a stand-alone sequencer. I will guess it is really useful for live performance and looks like the audio "ins" could be quite interesting. The SQ1 does have the ability to react to voltage signals from other devices. This is done using the SYNC-IN connection. The SYNC-IN will advance the SQ1 by one step every time there is a ~300mV voltage change. For example, if there is a line voltage of 2V given to SYNC-IN and then a peak of 2.3V is sent to SYNC-IN then the SQ1 will advance 1 step. Imagine a square wave with low V of 2V and peaks of 2.3V. If there is a way with the audio out from your KR55 to offer a 300mV amplitude signal based upon the period set by the BPM of your KR55, then maybe . . . just maybe you can get the SQ1 to follow the BPM (beats per minute) of your KR55. Also, the SQ1 will advance for every 300mV change. So it your signal was 2.5V amplitude, it will advance two steps, once up past 300mV change and once down passing back thru another 300mV change. The SQ1offers some really interesting options in this way. The key will be to somehow get a signal out of your KR55 that the SQ1 can react to. You will have to experiment - and yes, maybe a great future lecture!! You will need a Digital volt meter that is running probably at least 10hz sample rate to catch these voltage spikes. Check out my Lecture 4. It's a long lecture, but you may find some hints there that will help you. Best Regards to France!

[@phoenixausderholle3301]

@@hadlbah thanks for your answer the kr55( 1979) has a trigout with 4 type of clock trig bd 1,trig 4 notes per mesure, 8 notes,and 16notes out then I put in the trig in of the ms20 it react very good could I plug trig out to trig in of the sq 1and then cv a and b to the ms 20 it is the old preset one drum machine 👍

[@hadlbah]

@@phoenixausderholle3301 excellent!

[@petercane6376]

Hello again Proff. Maybe you can put me right. Okay so I now actually own an MS20 and an SQ1. I am patiently going through your steps on adjusting the voltages of each of the 16 knob/ buttons. I find it almost impossible to finely adjust the knob to get exactly C2 which is 1.000V To get C# which is 1.060 and then D which is 1.128V is impossible as the pots just are not fine enough. Is this me being a Berk or is this truly a fiddle? Pete

[@hadlbah]

Hi Peter and congratulations on your purchase! Okay, let's get you situated here. Select your CV A Range to be set to 8V(Hz/V). Next set your CV A Behavior to Chroma (Chromatic). You should now see voltage steps that follow the chromatic scale being generated from CV-A OUT as you turn the pot. Yes, there will still be a little fiddling you will have to do, but this should work. Also, recall from Lecture 4, the low end of the keyboard scale will have the voltage steps much closer together than the upper end of the keyboard scale. So, for starters try further up the voltage scale to see if this works properly as you rotate the pots. Your DMM should pretty much follow the graphs from Lecture 4. Does this work for you?

[@iancain6647]

I have the Behringer K-2 and the keystep. Could you help me understand how to patch the mod wheel from the keystep in patches like these?

[@hadlbah]

So I don’t own either of these two synths, but the K2 sure looks similar to the MS20 and the Arturia keystep 32 does appear to have a mod wheel in the CV Outputs. I will guess the CV out is either +\- 5v or 0-10v. Here’s an experiment...from your CV Output MOD from keystep , patch to VC LP filter in [cutoff freq] on K2. It wants +\- 5v so check keystep with DMM if you’ve got one. Set LP Filter cutoff to 5 and peak to 5. Crank LP cutoff freq mod EG2/EXT to 10. Make sure your VCOs are both up (and the power is on for both synths- my usual oops!). Trigger the K2 however you do to crack open the gate and then twiddle the mod wheel. Does the cutoff sweep? I tried this this morning on my MS20 and it seems to be a rational test. If this works then you should be able to duplicate the ambient engine. Please do let me know if you were successful.😊

[@iancain6647]

Thanks, as soon as I am in the studio I'll post a video on my channel doing just that. I have to confess I am not super semi-modular savvy... The keystep has cv outs and can also be adjusted via a computer to be v-trig or s-trig, and I believe the voltages can be adjusted.

[@entropydisorder6359]

Hello Professor, I have been wondering how the application of EG 1 works... i dont really understand the delay time control for example. Say LPF stays open at 10, does that mean it is at +5V when at 10? and vice versa for HPF, so if you use inverted EG1, it would start at +voltage and end at 0. In this patch of yours, this envelope would make the sound go from open to LPF closing while HPF would close from a + voltage point. Do I understand this correctly? Can you also shed some lights on how the attack/release time work on the filter? increasing release time would make the filer envelope to close more slowly over longer time.Thanks Jason

[@hadlbah]

Hi Jason! Ya know, I’ve been thinking about a lecture exactly along these lines. When we think about envelopes (and MS20 has two) the questions you are asking are fundamental to sculpting sound design. In fact, we can apply subtractive synthesis (envelopes) to three components of sonic generation: Pitch, Filter & the Amplifier. I think of it like roll, pitch and yaw in controlled flight. So I’m gonna tackle your question with a lecture. It will take me a few weeks in that the semester is still going on, projects to grade, still some lectures and finals along with two sections of graduating seniors so I usually have a few letters of recommendation to write. That, plus research projects and I’m presently swamped. I’ll noodle some on this with a goal to get something posted to the channel by late May or early June. Sound like a plan?

[@hadlbah]

Hi Josh. Finally got that lecture I promised to make regarding EG1, based upon your question, completed. It's processed and ready to post. I'll have it up in a couple of days. Hopefully it helps. Sorry it took me so long. . . .just super busy with so many things.

[@entropydisorder6359]

@@hadlbah thank you so much professor, i will check it! Jason

[@sinistar99]

Bears. Beats. Battlestar Galactica! --Jim

[@stefanlaforce7905]

I need you to say the part where you praise so’ething but not in the class room. Where do you say this, or was that only in the old videos :)

[@hadlbah]

Always super enthusiastic with my students! At least I try to be.😉 And feel free with any questions you may have, Stefan.

[@stefanlaforce7905]

@@hadlbah what is that line… x is rhe highest kind of flattery, except in the classroom, so don t do it there. English is not my language of birth.

[@hadlbah]

@@stefanlaforce7905 Ah! ‘Plagiarism’ is the word! This can be your word of the day!!

[@titiland24]

👌👍✌️😃

[@bunker6960]

Is this actual for KORG MS-20 Mini?

[@hadlbah]

Absolutely and 100% yes! Now, I did toss some Ableton effects at it, but nothing fancy just some reverb, some delay maybe an EQ (don’t recall). The MS20 really is a sonic workhorse. It takes some knowledge and a bit of practice, but once you “arrive” you’ll know. In fact, I have an all MS20 piece titled “Deepness” as a demonstration of what this beast can do: Deepness - A Korg MS-20 and Korg SQ-1 Project.

[@Swagolisious2]

Fr ih gee in. Not fry gee in. But great video

[@hadlbah]

Yeah, you’re not the first to point my faux pas! It’s what happens when an engineering prof attempts to dabble in music composition. Thanks tho for engaging and I’m glad you enjoyed the vid!😊

[@XDanimalzX]

Is there a lecture on how to make the DMM voltage chart?

[@hadlbah]

Hi Dan. Good question. Other than what i showed in lectures 2 and 3, no. So maybe I need to make a lecture on how to do this, eh? I'll work on this.

[@madelineo1698]

@@hadlbah Hi! Wondering if there was any update on this? It's very interesting, and I would love to know how to do it, also. Thank you!

[@hadlbah]

Madeline O'Leary Hi Madeline! Great comment and thank you for reaching out. Well, I think maybe I need to get busy and pull together a lecture on this, eh? I’ll do it! It may take me a week or two but I’ll get done and dusted. 😊

[@hadlbah]

Quick update. I’ve started pulling this lecture together. Still a couple of weeks out. Fall yard work and other stuff getting in the way.

[@thehowlingterror]

Fridge-ee-an

[@hadlbah]

Thank you for the correction! Perhaps I should have KZbin’d before I KZbin’d. I hope my mispronounced faux pas didn’t cause too much of a distraction to the lecturer’s content.

[@brmbkl]

not if you are british or greek : frigg- eejan

[@petercane6376]

I think you are very clever. I can really relate to what you are doing. Its the way my curious mind works. I see video after video of quick talk, super schell knob twiddling and I cannot see what the hell they are doing. I am a musician so I can equate to deciding on a modal scale, converting the notes into voltages and programming those voltages to the sq1 to drive the MS20. ( All i need is the ms20) It all makes perfect musical sense now that you have broken it down. Thank you...THANK YOU!!!! Where please do I get those chord / modal and MS20 blank patch sheets please? I have subscribed to you. Please keep educating me. Peter

[@hadlbah]

Hi Peter! Hey, great to here you are enjoying my videos. Here is that Voltage Block in C Scales featured in the video: docs.google.com/document/d/1GB22V_MOUCi5m_sJPPIN_iwKantLDYdSPOI8EZNqxb8/edit?usp=sharing Let me know if you were able to download it. As far as the MS20 blank sheets. If you search for in on the inter web, you will definitely be able to find quite a few examples. Also, here is a great website for MS20 patches: 20patch.antisound.net/patch - Lots of great stuff to build from. I'm presently working on my next lecture based upon a subscriber question regarding the use of EG1. Still in process, but coming together. Thanks for reaching out and do feel free to ask questions. I'll always do my best to answer and help out where I can.

[@petercane6376]

@@hadlbah I could not get to your voltage charts as I have to go through a minefield of google questions and installing apps which really gets me down so i fight back by not bothering. Very kindly one poster on this thread sent the voltage chart all hand written with different colours for the octaves which i thought was cute. I have copied his and left a comment here. I was actually referring not to the voltage charts but you had a piece of paper with squared off sections of keyboards with the different MODES eg Japanese was the first one and then phrygian, lydian etc etc? I have now sourced the patch sheets. I just need to get them printed off. Question. Are we supposed to cut holes in the patch sheets so that they fit over the knobs or is that taking things too far? I saw it once and it looked cool.

[@hadlbah]

Hi Peter - here is the unrestricted link for the doc. docs.google.com/document/d/1GB22V_MOUCi5m_sJPPIN_iwKantLDYdSPOI8EZNqxb8/edit?usp=sharing I also added you to the approved list - you should be getting an email shortly. Sorry about that. I though I had it on open to all. Regarding the overlay idea . . . Hmmm, not a bad idea. I can say my sheet is strictly for archival/sharing purposes; meaning I keep a library of patch notes and I color code them so as to make the patch routing easier to follow. It's not really scaled to sit on the front panel. It's scaled to fit on a sheet of paper. So a subscriber has the voltage sheet all set with color coding! Nice! Though, that's supposed to be homework for the lecture. Ah, well. :-)! Glad it's out there and people are sharing this stuff. Best regards! Ha'dlbaH

[@petercane6376]

@@hadlbah Thank you Professor as I have now learnt you are one and deserve to be called as such. I am blown away with how helpful you are. In particular the last link you sent me ref the patch site. Well I opened it up and there appeared on the screen an all black replica of the ms20 facia plate with all the knobs. I accidentally touched my tablet screen and one of the knobs rotated. So I fiddled with a few more and put two and two together. Someone has invented what was going through my mind whilst out for a walk today. An electronic means of recording knob positions for patches so we do not need to chop down trees to make more paper. Wirth this system we just get the blank patch up on our computor screen, set the knobs, route any cables , make notes and hit SAVE.... voila!,,,, Brilliant. I think with the upgraded one ( the meta thingy ) we get to pick a patch cable colour, click on which socket we want it in and going to and the pc does the rest. No need for paper patch sheets!....but I am a newbie so will start off with some the old fashioned way. Thank you ...I got the piano style voltage blocks witb the different modes on. Thank you so much for your kind help. I was for days afraid to use the Sq1 because I didnt understand how it worked and what in the system works what!,,,,.. but after your brilliant lecture on control voltages and how they work, i find the SQ1 a nicely laid out and easy unit to operate without hidden menus. I used it for the first time tonight and had such fun. I am 70 and still cannot learn enough quick enough. Respect and thank you Sir.

[@hadlbah]

@@petercane6376 i’m glad to help. Have fun!

[@pbeanis]

Are you using an external clock to bring the tempo so low?

[@hadlbah]

Excellent question! Thanks for asking. I had my SQ-1 set to quarter note (as opposed to 1/8th or 1/16th) and had the tempo all the way down. The SQ1 is an analog control device so you may see a subtle difference between SQ1 tempo, but 1/4 note low should be close. Alternatively you can mess with sync in from MS20 square wave modulation. You’re gonna see a double hit as you cross a 3v difference threshold (switching trigger threshold on SQ1) but you can really slow things down analog style. Or yes, a DAW, but I was all analog when I made the ambient clip. Do you have your SQ1 set to 1/4 note?

[@TadeoValencia]

lol! I came again to ask the same, thanks for asking!

[@TadeoValencia]

@@hadlbah I tried everything to put the tempo down but I can't, I even thought my it was an issue from the device, lol... How can I do to put the tempo that slow? Is that in the voltage control? Sorry for bothering you that much!

[@hadlbah]

It’s my pleasure to help ya. The setting on the SQ1 for note length: 1.press and hold speed button 2.press and release the power button 3. Release the speed button You can now change the note length by rotating the sequencer mode knob 1/4 = gate on/off led 1/8 = active step led 1/16 = slide led Tap power button to set Slowest step rate will be 1/4 note. Does this work?

[@TadeoValencia]

@@hadlbah I tried more than 10 times and it didn't work, until steep 3 everything is ok because when I move the sequencer mode knob does not change anything, so nope, it didn't...

[@scottharris7222]

I am missing something fundamental here. The SQ-1 has hertz per volt option. Could you not just tune each note spot on with a tuner with A flat starting on C corresponding to C Phrygian? I am likely forgetting some limitation of the SQ-1 so apologies in advance, not at all trying to be a smart ass.

[@hadlbah]

Great question Scott. Short answer is yes, you absolutely can. Most people bounce back and forth from their MS-20 and SQ-1 intently listening to the note frequency [Ab, G# or whatever] and then rotate the pot on the SQ-1 to match that note. Note by note, back and forth, listen and twiddle, listen and twiddle, step by step and . . . It's how I first started doing it. For my workflow, it totally crimped the mirth! It took me way too long and I totally got sick of it. Besides, when I'm setting up modals, I often am picking a modal to augment a chord progression (guitar, piano, etc.). It's not possible to play a chord on the MS20. BUT...with the voltage chart I can directly pick the corresponding voltages to the notes I want. My work flow is: (1) Play music (2) I find a chord progression I like (3) Mark the notes on the voltage control sheet with a wet erase marker that correspond to the modal I want [I use a different color for different modals to go with the chords]. (4) Directly dial in the voltage at each step. For me it's way faster. Also, when it comes to using the MS20 to transpose the SQ1 voltages (yes, this is possible), the control voltage table is a must. Check out lecture 4 for the transposition patch if you'd like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipSyf62nfcR5o7M Hopefully my answer helps! Thanks for asking.

[@scottharris7222]

@@hadlbah it does indeed. The transposition angle isn't something I thought about previously.

[@simonburns1055]

where do you connect the DMM?

[@hadlbah]

Simon! I’m so sorry, I just realized I never answered your question. Did you sort it out or are you still stuck? Please let me know! Again, sorry about missing your question.

[@simonburns1055]

Hi there thanks for getting back to me yes im still wonder about where the DMM connects to if you could shed some light on that please sir.@@hadlbah

[@hadlbah]

@@simonburns1055 Hi! Thanks for being soooo patient! Okay, maybe the best thing is to pop open Lecture 4: Lecture 4: Korg MS-20 & SQ-1 Voltage Control Insights kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipSyf62nfcR5o7M If you haven’t yet made your cord I show you what is needed at 3:56. There are a number of ways to connect a DMM to your MS-20 and/or SQ-1. Starting at 6:11 running thru 7:29 I show how to connect for measuring keyboard or sequencer CV out. You will need that doubler I’ve mentioned a few times in earlier lectures. Something like this is just fine: a.co/d/bzw9rul (its an Amazon link, I know it looks creepy. Would it kill them to make it slightly recognizable as an Amazon link?) Anyway, hopefully this helps and if you are still having trouble do let me know. 😎

[@xnslrzn]

This is great but that sheet of numbers and voltages are so over my head. I'll do my best.

[@hadlbah]

Check out lecture 4. It’s long, but in it I step through how to make that chart. Once through it, if you have questions please let me know and I’ll try and help.

[@haroldpalmer3245]

Hello, I know this an old video but I was hoping you can help me out. I purchased an SQ-1 a month ago. Kong told me there is no fix for the USB Driver using windows 10. I can not get it working in my DAW using the USB, computer don't recognize it. If you or your subscribers have a solution I would greatly appreciate the help. Thank you. By the way I really enjoyed your video.

[@hadlbah]

Hi Harold. Korg isn't supporting Win 10 drivers?! Gawd!!! That's an excellent way to kill off a product. Okay, there are a couple of options that are USB-less. Much of it depends upon what you want to accomplish. Maybe you can give me a few examples of where you want to head?

[@haroldpalmer3245]

@@hadlbah Thank you Sir for your reply. If I were to accomplish one operation, that would be to use the SQ1 for it's step sequencing to take advantage of each parameter for A & B. To do this I would like to clock sync it to my DAW. Currently with no driver my DAW does not recognize the unit. This was my main reason for the purchase. I do have the 3.5mm to MIDI adapter. I hope I'm explaining this correctly for you and I truly appreciate assistance.

[@hadlbah]

Yeppers, I understand. My recommendation is a midi usb interface. It’s gonna cost ya maybe 50$USD (perhaps a bit more). For a single or double. I have this one: www.iconnectivity.com/blog/iconnectmidi2-feature-overview You will want to check for later models and compatibility with win10. This should do the trick with the SQ1 midi adapter you have. The nice thing is, once you have one of these you can then take advantage of vintage keyboards. I picked up a Yamaha KX76 a few months ago for a great price. The KX76 was at the time a cutting edge master midi controller. With my midi interface and using Ableton simpler it has been a fantastic add to my stable. So many vintage sounds available and fantastic keyboard action - polyphonic with Ableton 10. Midi-usb interface - that’ll work. One additional thought. The SQ1 midi is midi out only meaning the SQ1 will be establishing the DAW bpm. You will modulate A/B as normal and can use the sync in and out on the SQ1 but the DAW bpm will be set by the SQ1. If you are running a TR or drumbrute or whatever, you will have to slave them to the SQ1 from the DAW.

[@haroldpalmer3245]

@@hadlbah Thank you again for your response. I'm going to have a look at where I can find a dealer in the US. I also need to ask if this can work along side my Motu Micro Express USB midi interface. Your very kind to offer your assistance. Do you have a PayPal or Patreon that I can donate ?

[@hadlbah]

It would seem to me it should plug and play with the midi interface you have. The motu has midi on it yes? Have you attempted this? Can you see the midi I/O? No need to offer remuneration. I consider this crowd source “pay it forward” stuff. Do let me know if the motu midi works with the sq1.

[@stevencooper3202]

Someone wanna provide a timestamp for when the mah scary virus lecture is over?

[@hadlbah]

Fair comment. Maybe I can “re-mix” out the pandemic bit. Tho, it is a bit of a time capsule and it is likely quite a few viewers have lost loved ones due to covid. Perhaps it is a bit of a remembrance. Either way, I do appreciate your comment Steve. Thanks!

[@magusreaver]

@@hadlbah I appreciate it. I've lost family and this means a lot. Getting a sub from me.

[@hadlbah]

@@magusreaver Very sorry to hear of your loss. Holidays can be especially tough. You are in my thoughts.

[@Decoy303]

156k in human loses 8 months ago. Look at the U.S. and the rest of the world right now. Smh.

[@hadlbah]

Yeah, I know. 😢

[@tanoi6212]

respect for all these details, knowledge and skills. I really mean it. but the truth is, no one who ever wrote a hit on his MS20 or any other analogue synth paired with a sequencer knows a fuck you're talking about. they just did it out of their guts. try it...

[@hadlbah]

I appreciate your comments and I hear ya. I wondered too if people would care when I started these vids. Turns out some folks like these lectures. Sure, not gonna go viral, and definitely a limited appeal. But the subscribers climb about 25 a month now and we do get some good conversations going and folks share what they came up with. It seems to help some people be successful with these instruments. In that, these vids are successful.

[@Decoy303]

@@hadlbah is fun to just turn knobs with a general idea of what will take place however you will never get better or become a master of your craft just on that alone. It's vital to understand the terms of what attack, eg, vco's, etc do and why. This knowledge allows a more conscious creative approach to achieve new things. Plus it's going to enhance your own general sound. I appreciate comprehensive tutorials and lectures like this. I enjoy growth in the areas of my passion. Music is and always will be part of my very being. I would be lost as a creative without music. Also... People like him make people like me subscribe. Knowledge is Power but using it correctly comes with wisdom.