In this video, synthesist Espen Kraft takes a look at retro sequencing, with the first MIDI sequencers of Roland, Yamaha & Korg.
These were some of the first MIDI sequencers made:
- Roland MSQ-700 from 1983/1984;
- Yamaha QX1 from 1984; and
- Korg SQD-1 from 1985.
“They are very different in both design, functionality and power,” notes Kraft, “but they were the first MIDI sequencer these three companies did.”
Roland MSQ-700:
Yamaha QX1:
Korg SQD-1:
If you’ve used one of these old-school sequencers, share your thoughts on them in the comments!
I had an SQD-1. The main thing I learned was that Satan owned the Quick Disk factories. Never mind nostalgia. Recalling that little bastardo makes me love DAWs even more.