The Korg SQ-64 is a compact yet powerful polyphonic step sequencer that bridges the gap between deep functionality and hands-on control. This sleek, angular device boasts a surprisingly small footprint while delivering comprehensive sequencing capabilities that make it ideal for both hardware and software integration.
Physical Design&Build Quality
The SQ-64 stands less than 2cm tall with a solid, metallic construction that feels premium and substantial. Eight rubber feet provide excellent stability on any surface. The entire top panel is covered with tactile elements - raised buttons, surface-breaking lights, and textured decals that provide a satisfying roughness beneath your fingers. The design is notably more stylish and understated compared to competing products, with a sophisticated aesthetic that complements any studio setup.
Interface&Controls
The centerpiece of the SQ-64 is its grid of 64 illuminated pads/buttons, each featuring a distinctive red LED slit at the top edge that glows dim when inactive and bright when enabled. Additional white LEDs provide contextual feedback. A clear, subdued OLED screen is divided into four sections, controlled by four knobs positioned to the right. LED indicators along the top edge correspond directly to CV output activity.
Sequencing Capabilities
The SQ-64 offers four independent tracks of 64-step sequencing. Three tracks are melodic with up to 8-note polyphony each, while the fourth is a dedicated percussion track capable of handling 16 monophonic percussion paths (8 over CV). The ability to view all 64 steps simultaneously across four rows of 16 buttons is a standout feature, eliminating the page-flipping common with 16-step devices.
Operating Modes
The sequencer operates in four distinct modes:
- Gate Mode: Controls sequence length, step activation, note length, offset, probability, and step division (ratcheting)
- Pitch Mode: Handles transposition, playback modes (mono/chord/arpeggiator), scales, and note entry
- Mod Mode: Manages modulation values with linear or exponential curves, variation, and range control
- Loop Mode: Enables real-time sequence manipulation with range looping, time multiplication/division, and step randomization
Advanced Features
The SQ-64 excels at introducing variation and spontaneity into sequences. Probability settings range from 5% to 100%, with unique alternation patterns for longer compositional structures. The Fill function randomly adds notes between active steps, creating dynamic accompaniment. Stochastic mode offers fascinating algorithmic composition where the sequencer makes probabilistic decisions about the next step direction.
Under the Shift function lies extensive performance controls including track muting, playback modes (Reverse, Bounce, Stochastic, Random), timing divisions, and polyrhythm options. The device supports 16 patterns per track within projects, with independent pattern selection across tracks for complex arrangements.
Connectivity&Integration
Despite its compact size, the SQ-64 offers comprehensive connectivity through its rear panel loaded with 3.5mm sockets. It seamlessly integrates MIDI synths, software synths, and modular systems. The device doubles as a capable MIDI controller, transforming pads into keyboards and knobs into continuous controllers.
The SQ-64 represents an ideal fusion point for hybrid hardware/software studios, offering the tactile immediacy of hardware sequencing with the flexibility to control both analog and digital instruments simultaneously.
Technical Specifications
Sequencer Engine
- Tracks: 4 independent tracks
- Steps per Track: Up to 64 steps
- Melodic Tracks: 3 tracks with up to 8-note polyphony each
- Percussion Track: 1 track with 16 monophonic sub-tracks
- CV Percussion Outputs: 8 channels
- MIDI Percussion Channels: 16 channels
Interface
- Control Surface: 64 illuminated pads/buttons
- Display: OLED screen (4-section layout)
- Control Knobs: 4 parameter knobs
- Mode Buttons: 4 mode selection buttons
- LED Indicators: Red LEDs in each pad, white LEDs for additional feedback
- Activity LEDs: Top-edge indicators for CV outputs
Operating Modes
- Gate Mode: Length, Offset, Probability, Step Division
- Pitch Mode: Transposition, Playback modes, Scales, Add Gate
- Mod Mode: CV/MIDI modulation with curve control
- Loop Mode: Range/selection looping with time manipulation
Sequencer Features
- Step Length: Variable from 0-100% plus Tie and Slide functions
- Step Offset: ±0.5 step timing adjustment
- Ratcheting: 2-16 note repeats with velocity ramping
- Probability: 5-100% with alternation patterns
- Fill Function: Random note insertion between active steps
- Timing Divisions: 1/32, 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, plus triplets
- Playback Modes: Forward, Reverse, Bounce, Random, Stochastic
- Polyrhythm Support: Independent track timing
Pattern & Project Management
- Patterns per Track: 16 patterns
- Pattern Independence: Each track can run different patterns
- Pattern Switching: End of pattern/bar/beat/step options
- Chain Mode: Independent pattern chains per track
- Projects: Multiple project storage
Connectivity (Rear Panel)
- CV Outputs: Multiple 3.5mm CV outputs
- CV Mod Output: Dedicated modulation CV output
- Sync: Sync In/Out (3.5mm)
- MIDI: Input and 2 Outputs (3.5mm TRS)
- USB: USB MIDI connectivity
- External Control: MIDI keyboard input support
MIDI Features
- Polyphonic Output: Full polyphonic MIDI transmission
- Velocity Support: MIDI velocity (not available on pads)
- Continuous Controllers: Modulation and parameter control
- Control Mode: Standalone MIDI controller functionality
- Keyboard Mode: Bottom 3 rows function as piano keyboard
Performance Features
- Real-time Recording: Live note recording capability
- Offline Step Entry: Manual step programming
- Track Muting: Individual track and percussion sub-track muting
- Resync Function: Reset all tracks to step 1
- Pattern Recall: Seamless pattern switching during playback
Power Requirements
- USB Powered: Via USB connection
- External Power: (Specifications not detailed in source material)
Notable Limitations
- Pads: Not velocity-sensitive
- Modulation Recording: No live modulation capture
- Step Recording: No tap-to-enter step recording mode
- Arpeggiator: Currently limited functionality (noted for future update)
- CV Inputs: Only Sync input available (no audio/control voltage inputs)
Physical Dimensions
- Size: 341 x 119 mm
- Height: Less than 2cm
- Weight: Heavy, solid metallic construction
- Mounting: 8 rubber feet for desktop stability
