This patch is from a series of jams featuring an all ALM groovebox style setup with sequencing from the ASQ-1 & Pam, sounds from Squid, Akemie’s Taiko & Tyso Daiko, and mixing via 2 MEGA-TANGs, Jumble Henge & MFX. A faderbank with 16 offsets is patched around the system for performance and macro controls (making use of the assignable CV inputs of Squid, Pam and MFX).
Big thanks to Ed2d (Edd Butterworth @begg_egg) for the patch / performance and Andrew Duff (@allthesixes666) for the video synth visuals.
Patch notes:
A chord and bass line from the Squid Salmple are processed through the built in channel filters with their cutoffs controlled via assignable CV by the faderbank offsets. The bass line is only triggered, with pitch changes occurring via stepping through different cue sets. The v/oct inputs are used to transpose the chord and bass lines together using the ASQ-1’s global transpose function.
The snare and vocal samples are also a single sample using cue sets to step through different sounds each time the channel is triggered. An additional snare from the Tyso Daiko is layered in and processed by gated PL8 reverb from an MFX.
The faderbank sliders control many changes including open hi-hat width, sample pitch, and the snare/vocal rolls. To create the fast rolls, Pam’s new ‘ratchet’ wave is used to trigger the sounds, with the slider controlling the width parameter to let more/less ‘triggers’ through.
"Announcing PAM PRO Expanders! The PPEXP1 & PPEXP2 are new expander modules for Pamela’s PRO Workout. Extend PRO Pam with extra fixed clock & utility outs, Din Sync and MIDI Clock outputs."
Additional details:
"PPEXP1 & PPEXP2 are two expander modules for Pamela’s PRO Workout that both offer additional dedicated fixed clock, Din Sync & MIDI clock outputs.
Extend Pam as a master to clock external gear with super solid dedicated MIDI & Din Sync clock outputs. The Din Sync clock (x24) and Run outputs can also be patched into a 2nd Pam to easily sync it.
Use the extra fixed clocked gate outputs to free up Pam’s main outputs for unique sequencing or complex modulation duties.
Connects directly to and is powered by the ‘MIDI-EX’ expander header on rear of Pamela’s PRO Workout.
Only a single output expander is supported at any time but either can be used alongside an AXON-1 CV input expander.
"This was kind of tough to figure out. Programming the circadian rhythm in 5/4 is kind of confusing but the zoom feature really helps. The ASQ-1 is sequencing the rhythm the piano part with cv 1 and 2 going to two Dixie’s to have some polyphony then the lead part is just the keystep controlling an MCO."
"Maybe I’ll go back and figure out what the second synth is doing but what a classic. I used the ALM ASQ-1 for the main synth arpeggio and then the bass notes. The metropolix is doing the secondary synth part and then the squid Salmple for the drums."
"Check out all the details : https://bit.ly/3pmGe41
ALM's ASQ-1 is a simple, intuitive, and performable Eurorack sequencer and quantizer that is designed to get ideas flowing quickly—inspired by the classic Roland SH-101.
Centered around a satisfying set of mechanical keys, the ASQ-1 has three modes of operation :
The first is a two-channel SH-101-style step sequencer where you play the notes you want, program rests, holds, and even slides.
The second is a quantizer mode which turns the keys into a note selector and has CV in with quantized CV out.
A third, four-channel trigger sequencer mode is included that lets you program the four trigger outs with the illuminated keys. All modes are available simultaneously."
"The ASQ-1 has been updated with several improvements to its workflow. Overdub mode now includes an undo option accessible by double tapping 'Store' during record, as well as the ability to hold 'Rest' to erase multiple notes in succession. By pressing Play + Hold, keyboard transpose can be disabled to live preview notes on top of sequence playback.
In addition, pattern saving has been updated to provide each sequencer with its own independent bank of 13 save slots. Patterns saved to matching number slots can now be loaded simultaneously per mode by holding MODE & Play + pressing a key.
In this video we take a look at each of the new additions with some simple patches.
ASQ-1 is designed to be a simple, immediate sequencer ideally suited to quickly jamming out ideas, having happy accidents and performing live. It can simultaneously sequence two CV/GATE and four trigger patterns, as well as perform synchronised quantisation of an external CV signal.
SECTION TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Intro
0:06 - Overdub Additions - Live Note Preview
0:51 - Overdub Additions - Undo / Erasing Notes with Rest
2:09 - Global Pattern Changes
4:44 - Outro"
"This is my first experiment with the Busy Circuits ASQ-1
I'm using it in quantizer mode and sending it voltages from the 2 182 sequencers. It works by quantising any incoming voltage to whatever notes you select on the keyboard. Cool effect!
Also in the patch is the System J Transcendant Filter - lovely sounding m-m filter!! Thanks to James at System J for sending it to me ❤️❤️❤️
The other interesting thing about this patch is that I'm using a Kenton CV to MIDI converter so I can tigger any midi synth from the euro-rack rig. Neato!
In this case I'm triggering the Waldorf Microwave 2 made in the mid 1990s
Bye for now!"
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Note this is the first post to feature System J and the Transcendent Filter. The following is some info via the System J website. You can find additional posts on the Busy Circuits ASQ-1 here.
"After recently designing some custom circuits for a client I've decided to make a few of them available as limited run eurorack modules - the first of these is the Transcendent VCF. Modules are custom built using mostly NOS through hole components in keeping with the original circuits and style. Panel is screen printed anodised black aluminium. This module is fairly deep at 67mm so please make sure that it will fit in your modular case. Limited run of 20 production units only. Available from June 25th. Demo clips coming soon... if you are outside the U.K please select International Tracked & Signed shipping option during the checkout process. Module Details: The Transcendent VCF takes its inspiration from the classic British mono synth of the 1970s and, while not a direct clone, it brings the distinctive and unique character of that well-loved machine to the eurorack world.
The filter is a 2 pole, 12db/oct design with selectable low pass and band pass response. The resonance behaviour is quirky and unpredictable and is key to the unique sound of the Transcendent - as you advance the resonance control there are many sweet spots to explore, from subtle harmonics to howling resonant peaks. At high resonance levels the filter will self oscillate and can be utilised as a sine wave oscillator. CV1 input is scaled for a v/oct response and can be used for key follow effects as well as standard modulation. It has its own attenuator. CV2 input has a wider range and is suitable for deeper modulation duties - from an LFO or envelope generator for example. It also has its own attenuator. Two audio signal inputs are available, both with dedicated attenuators. The final output also features a level control.
"The ASQ-1 is a multi mode Eurorack sequencer. It can simultaneously sequence two CV/GATE and four trigger patterns, as well as perform synchronised quantisation of an external CV signal. Programming of all patterns is performed using familiar classic paradigms – SH101 style step-time note entry and classic drum machine pattern editing – with satisfying mechanical computer style keys.
ASQ-1 is designed to be a simple, immediate sequencer ideally suited to quickly jamming out ideas, having happy accidents and performing live. It is intended to be a fun and hands on alternative to the many increasingly complex hardware sequencers out there."
SUPERBOOTH22 and SOOPERgrail welcomed around 6000 trade visitors, day guests and over 170 international exhibitors at FEZ-Berlin. In the year of the 20th anniversary of the Superbooth, for the first time innovative guitar builders were represented in larger num- bers and with their own exhibition space under the name SOOPERgrail.
The expanded concept of the largest trade event for electronic musical instruments in Europe has proven successful, and Superbooth Berlin GmbH has overcome the worst obstacles resulting from the Corona crisis. This clears the way for next year‘s planning - the date is set: SUPERBOOTH23 and SOOPERgrail #2 at FEZ-Berlin: May 11-13, 2023. with even more innovative instruments and music, concerts, workshops, presentations, indoors and outdoors
Andreas Schneider: "For the anniversary version of Superbooth, as it turned out after all obstacles and difficulties, we can really only be grateful to everyone and congratulate everyone who was able to be there. The delicate little flower called #SOOPERgrail also made a successful start and the international events - above all the presentation with Hainbach for the Goethe Institute Tokyo and the partici- pation of Tom Oberheim and Dave Smith with their new instrument - were im- portant factors of culture and economy alike. We are already excited to see what will develop from this next year!"
The various areas of the anniversary edition each convinced with their very own at- mosphere, which always meandered between music festival, nerd get-together and a group trip with friends. The basis for relaxed encounters, lively exchange and a good mood was provided by the extended event area in the park, the large number of exhibi- tors and the summery weather.
Live: The stage program represents an enormous variety of musical variation. Early electronic instruments such as the Trautonium were on display. Hainbach presented how electro- nic music was made by artists like Stockhausen in the 1960s, and many concerts fea- tured modular synthesizers, which can be seen as modern successors to the featured instruments. From the stages you could hear great live electronic music from ambient to techno, a lot of experimental and innovative works. Surprisingly for many guests, there was a performance by Richie Hawtin on the last day of the event.
The Modular Synthesizer Ensemble gave the mostly young participants their first stage experience with a composition they had previously developed together in a work- shop lasting several hours. Within the framework of SOOPERgrail, there were many outstanding concerts and workshops, with individual instruments presented. In addition to traditional crafts, the artists and exhibitors also showed possibilities that enable expanded artistic expression. With the presented technologies, external devices can be controlled and microtonal music can be played.
The main stage for diverse guitar music was located in the circus tent. There was, among others, a blues concert by DobBroMan with spontaneous support from Thorsten Quaeschning of Tangerine Dream, the performance of Nagen & Kotzmann, who blurred the line between drone, ambient and free jazz, and Linalab, who brought along a drummer for her electronic post-rock, processed the sound of her electric guitar with a synthesizer, thereby ideally united the concepts of SOOPERgrail and SUPERBOOTH22.
Dokumentation: The lecture-concerts (Gesprächskonzerte) recorded during the event are now available on Superbooth Berlin‘s YouTube and Vimeo channels, and the recordings of the other concerts will be released in the coming weeks.
Lecture-concerts are a combination of concert and presentation, where new inst- ruments are introduced in a concrete musical context. This year, legendary synthesizer manufacturer Oberheim made a comeback and presented a new instrument in this for- mat that, like its predecessors, seems to have the potential to become a classic.
We would like to expressly thank all exhibitors, artists, media representatives, trade vi- sitors and last but not least the numerous private visitors for their great support and the wonderful three days and are already looking forward to SUPERBOOTH23 and SOOPER- grail next year.
Save the date now: SUPERBOOTH23 and SOOPERgrail from May 11 to 13, 2023 at FEZ-Berlin!"
"Zach from ALM Busy Circuits introduced us to the ASQ-1, a new SH-101 style sequencer with pattern sequences for drums.
It has all the rests and slides of the classic step sequencer, but you get 2 of them, and they can be independently set to any length from 1 to 128 steps. There are also 4 pattern sequences for drums which go up to 64 steps each.
"A new multi-track sequencer built with performance in mind, the ASQ-1 from ALM/Busy Circuits is SH-101-style CV/gate and trigger sequencer that goes up to 127 steps. Watch as Reverb's Fess Grandiose gets a first look at the prototype machine."
"Up for sale is a (1) vintage Akai ASQ-10 MIDI Sequencer. The best stand-alone hardware sequencer in the world in my opinion. It has the legendary Roger Linn MPC swing. This item is in good working condition and OS 2.13 is installed. The backlight is been replaced (invoice of service included in the sale). Optical it's in used condition with some scratches on it and some wear and tear (see photo's). It's a 100V version and comes with a converter to 220V. The serial number is: 21115-00135..."
Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
via this auction
"A very clean example of what many consider the best hardware sequencer ever made...vintage Akai ASQ-10
• 60,000 note capacity
• 99 tracks, 99 sequences, 20 songs(made up of 256
• Assign 1 or 2 midi channels to each track
• Built in SMPTE generator, 7 sync modes
• Powerful looping abilities in play and record mode
• Step edit mode and step entry recording
• Flexible and powerful editing, quantize, and transposing abilities
• Floppy disk drive
• Auto punching
• Time displayed in both real time and SMPTE time
• 2 midi ins, 4 midi outs (64 midi channels at once!)
• 2 foot switch inputs, 1 metronome out for its built in metronome, sync in andout"
Nice shot of the Akai ASQ-1 sequencer via Hexfix93. Click here for a write-up on Hex's take on MIDI timing.
"I started using hardware synths and drum machines ages ago in tandem with my Atari ST computer. The atari ST had built in midi ports. With notator or cubase software on the atari, you could get midi jitter down to about 1 to 3 ms. This is just right and sounds super tight. Even with one midi out daisy chaining through all the midi throughs of my synths, the songs I made had this syncopated musical sound that I just do not feel and hear today."
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