25 thoughts on “Pyramid Sequencer Now Available For Pre-Order”

1. One important detail omitted: “You can pre-order Pyramid now if you live within the European Union.”

2. For that price I’d expect a better screen, not one from a 1999 mobile phone.

   1. See Elektron Music Machines. Clearly such displays do not dissuade most buyers.

   2. PEOPLE ARE NEVER HAPPY

      1. I’m not happy about that.

3. The screen is fine. It’s the price that I find most annoying. And for something that doesn’t actually produce any sound? Put it out on iOS. It’ll do better on an iPad.

   1. The ipad does not have multiple CV outs.

   2. The hardware connections are a pretty significant part of the product. But I think they could justify the lame display if there was an option to also control externally with a smart device.

      I recently contributed to a MIDI controller KS, largely the software, firmware and hardware will be open source, and the edit interface will be wireless from a smart device. I can see some disadvantages, but it does allow for some groovy expansions. Seems like a cheap way to go.

      With a device like this, that would be ideal.

   3. You may have entirely missed the point of standalone step sequencers….

   4. Any sequencer I did like (kind of) for iPad would still occasionally crash. One crash is one too many. I use an MPC for my 6 hardware synths now. Hardware is worth it…though maybe a bit less than this costs.

   5. I can’t see why people are fussing on the price on this, I don’t see anything close to this doing anything near the spec at a price. This is $800 a 64 poly track sequencer with hands on input in a nice hardware box, and it seems to have a few nice modes and features. Different from a Beatstep Pro, yet maybe the closest thing on the market, is $250 and more hands on but only does 2 sequencers + 16 track drum sequencer, with a lot less fancy features. Hard to compare, but 4 Beatstep Pro’s at $1k would be a great setup, but still wouldn’t come close to this single unit device.

      And iPad’s are great for this, as is any mode of sequencing notes in a computer, but much can be said for dedicated hardware and the relationship built over time, and I don’t mean that in a bullshit way, but in a real sense of learning an instrument, knowing the positioning and layout over time, to become a master of the features. And you can do that on an iPad, or at least until you upgrade software or hardware – and start again. The major thing I don’t like about using iPads in the workflow is the restraint in the box. Yes, they have amazing multitasking and audiobus but you are only hands on (fingers on) for whatever is on screen, and you can only get that direct control of each device in front of you on an iPad by running it into a bunch of dedicated midi controller, which is always going to be a compromise – and may give you regrets on not spending on some hardware. Most people sequencing will be wanting to change a pattern and tweak a filter at the same time, I am fairly sure it is the law. And, this sequencer would make a great hook up for an iPad, giving direct control of your sequencing while that iPad gives you control of your synths. It is all subjective.

4. “For modular synth lovers, Pyramid can be a complete sequencing solution thanks to the full CV/Gate + ENV interface.”

   One CV/Gate out? no way. I think I’d be happy with four, maybe… if there were some addition trigger/gate outs as well. The 8 CV/Gate outs on the upcoming Beatstep Pro and Engine sequencers is much more realistic.

   One CV/Gate out (is ENV a second CV out?) seems like an afterthought.

   1. Yeah the CV bit is just baffling to me. One CV out, but two in? Are they swapping the what In and Out mean? Only 0 to 5V too, making it dubious for pitch.

5. People, this is not Apple, it’s not even Korg, this is a small company making a cool thing. Please understand the economies of scale. Making less quantity costs more. Way more. There are already sequencers at a great price that make sounds, they are called grooveboxes. They can be great, but they compromise sequencing and audio capabilities to give you an all-in-one package at a good price. I’m super happy that a small firm is taking the risk to make a dedicated advanced sequencer. Let’s not botch it up with undue negativity?

6. This looks awesome! I hope they have success with this product, because I want one. Of course, I’ll need to buy some more synths to sequence with it…..

7. I think it has 64 tracks, not 16.

   1. “Add automations and MIDI effects to each of the 64 polyphonic tracks.”

8. Standalone midi sequencers are the last part of the new wave of hardware gear coming onto the market. I hope others follow .
   I want to see a hardware machine that is like the ATARI machine
   .Reasonable screen, midi and mouse ports. Key edit/pianoroll/drumedit etc.
   Why hardware sequencers are vital is that they are not affected by conflicting programmers and chip use. No virus issues, no latency etc.No operating system conflicts.
   I am a cubase Elements user and have gone through loads of software sequencers, trying to avoid bloat ware, cluttered screens etc . I have been using Cubase since the Atari days and had a real pain in the arse period trying to get cubase to run ok on different computers. I have Ableton, sonar. (all legitimate versions ) using Cubase elements as made me feel confident again about midi sequencing via a computer. The day a hardware machine can match its features I would buy it and pay a decent price for such a machine.
   Does anyone know how to do global inserts and global cuts in Cubase elements , like the old atari version?

9. Anybody going to take on a feature comparison vs a midibox seq v4? Other than, you know, this being no assembly required.

10. why just one gate/cv and two midi outs ?

    in 2015 i want at least 6x MIDI out, 4 gates/CV various clock outs

    the main “problem” in my setup is always to spread midi clocks to all machines, if i would spend 800 for a hardware seqencer i want as many outs as possible in all formats available.

    1. You need to have a cutoff point of inputs and outputs on a 64 track sequencer, I wasn’t expecting 128 CV outs. I think why add the cost of every box when it has all the connections to add additional connections at each users own expense. I device that tries to please everyone will ultimately please no one.

11. I’ve checked this product with a hope; maybe it would have some original functionality, unfortunately doesn’t have. What is killing me in nowadays sequencers is always pattern mode (which stick you on the panel during performance so you cant play any other instrument) OR sequencer mode (which like CD player song starts and stops in expected time!) As a stage musician we need some controls on pre-sequenced music and foot control. Music is not doing on the desk! If the developers don’t work with a musicians; many product will stay on the desk and will not be used on the stage. I worked on a sequencer project on my own for “musicians” because any sequencer on the market is doing what I planed, but need to invest much, I couldn’t finish so I stopped. If you need inspiration contact me.
    Regards 101SONIC producer

    1. This. A sequencer with niche appeal is never going to have all the features everyone needs. Going open source would make a lot of sense here.

12. Its a nice product / feature set indeed… but im saving my money waiting for the social entropy engine.. with less menu diving, possibility of more CV i/o. Basically in the same price range.. also, i really dont need more than 8 tracks.

13. My Roland MC-50 is sufficient for me, but the floppy disc thing is really killing me…I may be looking into the BeatStep Pro. I really hope the dedicated hardware sequencer market increases, because not too long ago I ended up buying an MC-50 because there were not any other viable options! That is kind of sad. Looking hopeful though. Hopefully something for everyone.