Korg today shared this sneak preview of its upcoming SQ-64, a polyphonic step sequencer that’s designed to let you control a mix of hardware and software synths via MIDI and CV/Gate.

The SQ-64 has 64 illuminated Step button pads that let you quickly choose a step and then edit its values, using encoder knobs and dedicated mode buttons. Each step has graduated lighting; the higher the modulation value, the stronger the button lights up. An OLED provides details as you edit.

The Korg SQ-64 offers three melody tracks and a drum track. For each of the melody tracks, there are CV Gate, CV Pitch and CV Mod signals available via 3.5mm mini jacks. For the drum track, there are 8 trig outputs available via 3.5mm mini jacks.

MIDI In/Out is via 3.5mm stereo mini-jacks (type-A MIDI converter). Sync In/Out is also via 3.5mm mini-jacks.

The 64 pad Matrix can be also be used as a keyboard in several layouts:

• Keys: A traditional piano layout.
• Isomorphic: the notes are displayed symmetrically in rows, you can transpose the same chord pattern up and down without changing its shape
• Octaves: one scale displayed in 3 different octaves on each row

Other features include an arpeggiator; Reverse, Bounce, Random, and Stochastic play modes; and pattern loop and chain.

Pricing and Availability

The Korg SQ-64 is expected to be available in January 2021 for 299 USD/EUR.