I almost returned the Yamaha SEQTRAK, but then I realized...
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- čas přidán 6. 06. 2024
- I was ready to give up the SEQTRAK until I realized the sound selection is far more versatile than other devices I own. Also, the Launchkey Mini helps me get to more hands on features. But it's not without it's quirks...
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00:00 Opening JAM
00:25 A Missing Piece of the Puzzle
01:24 Diverse & Quality Sound Selection
04:49 Launchkey Mini Custom Template
05:28 Play All 3 Synth Tracks On Keys
05:50 Pad Layout
06:25 Knob Mappings
08:14 Last 2 Pads
09:49 My Album Is Coming And…
11:03 Pros Vs Cons of Standalone Setup
11:51 Workflow quirks I don’t like
15:03 The Nature of Learning Instruments
15:25 USB MIDI Hub
16:30 Join the community! - Hudba
Same story here- keeping it for the massive amount of Yamaha audio goodness. And you’re right, it absolutely needs to be connected to an external controller.
This video/concept brought me back to your channel. It’s been a while. The MIDI implementation is what makes Yamaha gear special. It’s what’s hidden below the surface that’s accessible when combined with other gear. Making Yamaha‘s entire legacy, some of the most accessible hardware on the planet. These kind of video’s/concepts are the kind of good work that I love seeing Artists dive into. thank you. Truly stoked to see
Thank you so much for awesome video as usual 🙂 GOOD LUCK ! 🍀
maybe my fave video of yours in a long while!! this is how you use some gear!!!
Excellent video, super helpful and exactly the kind of info i was looking for. It actually seems quite powerful using the midi controller which is kind of nice. I do like the idea of your chosen midi controller being breakout interface if you choose without having to put a computer or midi host between them.
Wow, I didn't even think about mapping the SeqTrak to a Launchkey. Man! So much better! I wonder how it would do with a Launchpad mini? I might have to explore it. Thanks for the great, informative vid. Looking forward to your next one!
awesome mapping looks like a lot of fun
It is!
Great video, as always. I bought the SEQTRAK when it came out. I returned it three weeks after playing with it. I couldn’t get my head wrapped around the way this thing was working. I agree with you that it has great sounds. However, it did not convince me this would be a way to create grooves. I ended buying a Polyend Play+ afterwards. Now, I like the way this is working. It fits what I wanted, create a groove quickly, and it works with my synths,….
I’m glad you found the polyend play and are digging it. Sometimes it’s just about finding the instrument that is intuitive to you
Same Seqtrak and same Launchkey mini. Thanks for the template.
Looking forward to the next video 🤙
Great ideas for specific Fx to map for live performance! 🎉
Ive been curious about this one as an extension of my maschine + set up. This is exactly what i was thinking of doing with my M+, mapping MIDI controls so it works almost as an extension of my Maschine. Ive done this with my Roland S-1 so i can make patchs for it fully with Maschine. Thanks for this.
I really love the idea of this device, but I’d genuinely pay more than the asking price if they made it more rugged and usable. If this thing had the build quality of an MC101 instead of a cereal box toy it would be a winner in my book. I love that it has two romplers and basically a full DX7 minus a couple of operators. Hopefully Yamaha doesn’t give up on groove boxes cause this is so close to being great.
I don't think you've tried it in real life, have you? What you're saying simply isn't true.
@@notreally-sf3df Which part of my statement do you think needs correction? I’m assuming it’s the cereal box toy thing, which is not meant to be taken literally, it’s a reference to the multiple people who have received already broken seqtraks, and ultimately the reason I decided not to buy one. If you’re enjoying yours and it has no issues, I’m very happy for you.
@@privatedomicile6627 Everything but the thing you thought. Fucking broke boy.
I don't "think" anything. You're just absolutely living in a dream world.
Awesome video as usual ❤
After two months of using the SEQTRAK I 100% agree: using an external MIDI controller opens it up and makes it much more useful and easier to program/perform. I recently got an SMC Mixer from M-VAVE (posted a jam with it just a couple of minutes ago), which IMO is a perfect pairing for this little groovebox!
I saw it! You’re doing great stuff with the seqtrak
@@Taetro Thanks a lot! ❤
That setup your building please show us a video on how it works ! It might be the perfect idea for me and my future setup
In my setup the seqtrak basically acts as a rackmount rompler that sounds really nice. I didn't like the thing at first either. But lately I've been using it with the M8, using the M8 as the centerpiece and using a Faderfox EC4 to control both the M8 and the Seqtrak. The seqtrack plays really well with other external gear.
Yes!! I think they did themselves a disservice fully marketing it as a standalone box when it’s potential is much greater in a setup like yours
yeah pls let us know everything about your setup with the sp-404
Will do! Stay tuned!
It is a really small light groovebox! It sounds like something that usually would be larger (I'm thinking Electribe)
I love this Machine,if they will implement audio export,it will become a beast!
true!
Thanks for your video! I would be very interested in combining the 404 with the seqtrak. I totally agree that you need a midi keyboard for the seqtrak to unlock its potential, especially for making use of key sensitivity. After the first weeks of using it I started to look at the seqtrak as a rompler, cause it has so many nice sounds like the pianos.
I’ll be sure to document my process with the 404!
Yep, external controller opens it really up. Short tip, if you have / get a USB C to USB B cable the SEQTRAK can power your Controller as well.
I get easily 2-3 hours with my Keystep37. But for a performance setup a powered Hub is more wise. 😅
Good to know!
I wish they’d put all buttons on top. Instead of around the sides and that it was more rugged. But sound wise it’s really good!
The ease of use is really appealing to me. Seems like it would be fun to use.
If you watch longer, you’ll see ease of use is certainly not the strong suit of the SEQTRAK!
Seqtrak has an amazing companion app on the phone. Its a must.
Absolutely. So clutch!
The flimsiness of the seqtrack is pretty ridiculous, but God-damn does it sound great. Headroom for days...so easy to pump out a legit high quality beat. Also, a simplified DX7. The thing is great. Even without the app, which is great, it's still usable and fun. Don't believe what you hear or see until you can sit with it for a while
LaunchKEY mini MK3 helps me a lot with Elektron model: Cycles. WIth keys, real pads (those on m:C are useless) and custom CC's on pads n knobs (there was some update on this in Components app) Cycles is different instrument. I only wish that I could control precise BPM value for LaunchKEY's internal tempo standalone... well, maybe some day.
These are more or less the AWM2 sounds as used in MODX/Montage. You could easily ignore all the other functions and use it as a portable sound module with a suitable MIDI keyboard. Nice work on the template BTW.
Good to know. I had the exact same thought…and also wondered if they would release a smaller box that was JUST a sound module 🤔
This seems to be a great pair Workflow just fits
Thanks a lot for sharing
thanks for watching!
I think there is a way to change pattern length the same way as drum tracks, but for that You need to switch synth tracks to step sequencer mode.
I wonder if pairing it with something like a Digitakt would be fun using the 8 channels of midi it has available
Yup, same here... I was about to get an old QY for some basic “normal” sounds, then this comes along, and with an FB01 inside too... better! Still have to get those CCs mapped... not fun at all... but patience... still easier to learn than my Octatrack.
Honestly Novation components make it really easy but yeah it can be a bit of a chore if you want to tweak or make different mappings
@@TaetroYea, got used to Components with an early Circuit, works fine on the Launchkey too, but trying to keep it down to just a few of the Octatrack's MIDI tracks for now. I'm a guitarist, any keyboard better than those Elektron clicky buttons is wasted on me...
Hi! Sorry!! I cant connect my midi key mk 32 from native with SEQTRAK, i dont know how connect,, where can i browser one solution.
Thank for your videos and music! Love
Wasn’t expecting this take, but very cool video. I’ve thought about the op-1, because I can essentially turn it into any instrument. But how far can I take that sample? I hope Yamaha keeps working on this device 😊
The sounds remind me of what you get out of the reface devices but in a smaller form factor
Honestly if I’m looking to get weird, or I need an ULTRA portable option, the op1 is still a go to - but the SEQTRAK is much more versatile for sure
Yes!!
@@Taetro It definitely sounds beautiful!
You just said it man we want a notation product with the sounds of the Yamaha seqtrack 😭
What kind of cables you use to connect Launchkey and SEQTRACK?
Taetro, how do the acoustic and E. pianos compare to those in the Reface CP? I've struggled to find a cost effective CP, so could the seqtrack be a worthwhile substitution?
They sound really good. That was the first spark of inspiration was when i started wondering if i needed the reface CP anymore!! but I haven’t don’t a side by side comparison
Cool video
fascinating
the UI/UX of devices sometimes you gotta wonder who came up with the idea and if they ever use the thing they design it for.
it definitely feels like on many devices, they design the physical box, then figure out a workflow after
Would love if Novation make a Circuit with polyphonic sampled sounds like piano and Rhodes... Yeah the Yamaha is like the Roland MC101 is that way: you can use it as a mere sound module. Actually with TE KOII the stretching is fine so you can play non-synth instruments easily. But then we need something with a sort of keyboard and an arranger right on it, OP-1 is still the only thing that does that but it's way too expensive. SmplTrek is very interesting and has a full-fledged arranger but for some reason instead of using the two-octave keyboard they use for all their other gear they made it into a GameBoy thing. So weird, just when you needed more real estate for the interface is when they chose to make it gameboy size. MPC Keys 37 has all that power but no real arranger. It's such a no-brainer. make an eight-track machine that has it all: two octaves of keys (or offset pads), a decent synth engine, decent sampling facilities including onboard microphone and resampling, plenty of memory to record a full album, plenty of sample sounds and polyphony, looper as well as sequencer, arp, and a decent set of send and mastering effects. SmplTrek comes pretty close but too damn tiny.
This thing actually looks super dope with the LK. Put off watching anything on it until now since it looks interesting and was sooo hyped but my interest is piqued!
Good for you for staving off the hype 😅
Man i got a sp404 mk2 right before the price increase and i was wondering if i could do something like this with it. I have a roland Aira s1 so far to play along with it.
a melodic synth companion alongside the 404 is a good combo
Suddenly the seqtrak has become much more compelling to me. What other options are there for a compact battery-powered rompler out there? Makes it seem like it could actually compliment my OP-1 Field.
I think it competes with the mc-101, more or less
It’s true! Amongst all the groove boxes there are FEW i know of with sound selection diversity
Why don't use the Circuit Tracks as a sequencer for the seqtrack?
You can have 4 midi channels to seq all the synth parts, you can map the pots too!
Since the SEQTRAK has independent sequencing for each part and multiple patters per part, it seems a bit redundant no?
@@Taetro it's redundant, but you have all the benefits of circuit workflow (ex. Copy and paste)
You should try
yes...you have my brain working XD
@@mountainpiercer The SeqTrak has 128 steps vs. the Circuit Tracks' 32 step patterns. That's a good reason to use the Seqtrack sequencer instead.
@@user-ew4qd4by5l yep, but you have 32 x 8 pattern for project, you can modify the sync rate for each pattern (so it can be longer than 32 steps, 64 or 128)
Hello there !this is awesome !I liked the sound of the seqtrak(with exception of the horrible 90s cd sample vocal samples ).. but she say does the light bleed thru the cheap plastic bug you at all ?im tempted to open mine up and paint the inside the stop the light leaks
Haha the vocal samples o can let slide as I’m always importing my own samples on a device like this . The light bleed through doesn’t bother me…I try to not let myself focus on things like that!
Same here!! I created my Amazon return and everything, never made it to UPS to return it. I’ve made more music with this thing than I have with any other gear in such a short amount of time. I kind of hate that I love it. It fits well with my workflow once I figured out how to use it. One interesting way it has become useful to me is that I’ve been using it to create my own samples to then chop up in my SP404 or Koala. Overall I’m enjoying it.
I find the SEQTRAK interesting... but man... why putting a proprietary mini-jack MIDI port with breakout cable when there is already a mini-jack TRS MIDI standard ?
I made it a rule not buying gear with proprietary ports or drivers 🤦♂
Is there any chance to share your midi mapping for the launch key?
it's VERY possible
@@Taetro be interesting to see how that would work. I have the same keyboard, I can get most of it working but not the dials that you use along the top to change the effects on the SeqTrak.
the template is linked in the description.
Will this work with the Launchkey 37 mk3?
Yes! It’s easy to map on components (I don’t think my template will work since it’s for the mini)
When I change the projects，the BPM maintain the original project and it can't be modified ，I have to restart the launchkey… Do you have the same problem？
It could be a clock issue - you can stop the launchkey from sending/receiving clock
@@Taetro Maybe it's because I connected through the USB cable？ should I change to MIDI cable ？
or you Could have tried the Electrib 2, 16 tracks with an led, where any track can be drums or samples or synth. You decide.
I really dislike the fact that they put the octave button on the back and there is only one. This makes it so hard to enter notes from different octaves. The thing I unusable without external controller.
My thoughts: The next generation Seqtrak, if there is one, will be dynamite!
the app just doesnt work on my computer which is such a bummer...
Have you tried the mobile app version?
Yeah the platform is awesome, you can also sample 4-6 bars of guitars or other instruments, as re-sampling what the Seqtrak is playing like chords in order to free a track.
But the user interface (and the build quality) is terrible, you really need an extra controller because the one octave bad buttons are a bad joke.
A device that needs a midi controller and computer to unlock its potential is anything but a standalone unit.
🥱
@@Taetro I wouldn't expect you to welcome constructive criticism for obvious reasons.
Loved the sounds but the key buttons were so flaky I returned mine. Hoping they will improve build quality and I might buy one again.
Totally…that’s where the midi keyboard comes in handy but then you’re pretty much doubling your footprint
I found (my) way not to return it - not to buy it. I don’t have 3 hands 😊 Good workaround to reach out to sound selection, Taetro!
Haha 😂 a very good strategy
haha this guy's obsessed with compact setups
It’s true. But you should hear about my friend Ricky…
A lot of negative reviews for it though.
Almost bought it, but build quality made it feel like a cheap toy.
I think the “toy” comparison gets tossed around with music tech too much, but when describing the feel of the SEQTRAK, it’s 100% correct
@@Taetro seeing your overview has me reconsidering it. But ya, it has a super cheap feel.
It looks like they are trying to hard to be Teenage Engineering
It doesn’t come close in terms of premium materials or design. I’d say more IKEA than TE