Multivox Firstman SQ-01 Sequence Synthesizer

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via this auction

You can find demos of a Firstman SQ-01 in previous posts here.

"Step into the realm of vintage synthesis with the Multivox Firstman SQ-01, a unique and quirky bass synthesizer reminiscent of the iconic Roland TB-303. Released in 1980 by Hillwood under the Firstman brand and later by Multivox in 1981, this microprocessor-controlled sequencer and synthesizer combo will transport you back to the golden era of analog synth magic.

Key Features:
Retro Synth Magic: The SQ-01 offers a nostalgic appeal, blending a monophonic synthesizer with a built-in sequencer. Relive the essence of classic bass synth tones reminiscent of the legendary Roland TB-303.

Sequencer: Equipped with the digital keyboard sequencer, you can create up to 4 patterns, unleashing your creativity in crafting mesmerizing sequences.

Intuitive Interface: The SQ-01 boasts a single-octave, 13-note capacitance (touch) keyboard painted onto its main panel, allowing for tactile and expressive control over your sound.

Sound Sculpting: The synthesizer section features intuitive knobs for tuning, fine-tuning the single VCO, and controlling the cutoff frequency and resonance for the filter. Customize your sound with ease.

Versatile Envelope Generation: Choose between ASR or AR envelope modes, and precisely set the release time and sustain level using dedicated knobs. A master volume knob puts you in full control.

Vintage Synthesis Revived:
The Multivox Firstman SQ-01 encapsulates the spirit of vintage analog synthesis, delivering characterful bass sounds and captivating sequenced melodies reminiscent of yesteryears.

Rare Collectible:
This quirky and sought-after bass synthesizer is a rare find among collectors and synth enthusiasts. Act swiftly to claim your piece of synth history and add a unique charm to your music production.

Unleash Sonic Exploration:
With the Multivox Firstman SQ-01, you have the power to dive into sonic exploration. Create captivating basslines, intricate sequences, and immerse yourself in the versatility of this charming synthesizer.

Condition and Authenticity:
The SQ-01 is in excellent condition, preserving its vintage allure and functionality. Meticulously tested to ensure top-notch performance, it is ready to embark on new musical journeys with you."

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Multivox Firstman SQ-01 Mini Music Lab SYNTHESIZER

via this auction

Some interesting shots of the unit showing it's perspective size. Note the warped surface, the jacks on the curved front of the unit. The bottom two knob shots remind of a mix between the KORG ER-1, MOOG The Source and an orange on black ARPs. Also note Multivox made them and it's not just Firstman, but Firstman International. I sometimes forget this.

Details from the auction:

"MULTIVOX SQ-01 Mini Music Lab analog synthesizer circa 1981. It works on 8AA batteries and sounds great.

Here's info from the manual
"The MULTIVOX SQ-01 Mini Music Lab SEQUENCE SYNTHESIZER is a monophonic multi-sound producing source (a synthesizer) and a digital recording device ( a computer memory storage sequencer) in one compact control box. The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab is to music what the calculator is to math. A.C. or 12 Volt D.C. power and memory storage backup help make the SQ-01 mini Music Lab a complete self contained unit, allowing the composer/performer to create sounds and compositions anywhere and record them for immediate musical background to compose and playback compositions flawlessly."

"The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab allows standard musical notation to be transferred to simple graphic notation that instructs the programmer/performer to enter a pitch and the length of time that pitch will be held. The music is recorded and stored into any one or all of sixteen possible channels for a possible 1024 note capacity. The seven octave range oscillator, pulse and sawtooth waveform generator, 24 dB low pass filter and envelope controls interact for the infinite sound creation we have come to expect from the finest and most sophisticated synthesizers. Optional BS-01 Bass Pedal controllers provide a unique automatic controllable bass pedal synthesizer that can transpose complete bass patterns of your creation."

'The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab can be interfaced and synchronized with other labs and synthesizers for full Mini Lab ensembles and infinite creative potential.'"

Firstman SQ-01 demo 1

YouTube via LyndonTCorbett

"This is a simple demo of the Firstman SQ-01 manufactured by Multivox in 1981. It requires that 2 bars be programmed, so if you were wondering why I repeated the first four notes 8 times you now know why.

As for control, it has 2 filter controls for Cutoff Frequency and Resonance, 2 knobs for Oscillator - Fine and Frequency, and 3 knobs for Sequence Control - Tempo/ Release/Bar (2/4/8/12/16). There is a knob for Sustain and one for Volume. 2 envelopes - Saw and Square and the option for 6/8."

Firstman SQ-01 demo 2


"This is a simple demo, using the square wave of the Firstman SQ-01 manufactured by Multivox in 1981. It requires that 2 bars be programmed, so if you were wondering why I repeated the first four notes 8 times you now know why."

Firstman SQ-01

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction. Samples pulled here.

Details:
"The MULTIVOX SQ-01 Mini Music Lab SEQUENCE SYNTHESIZER is a monophonic multi-sound producing source (a synthesizer) and a digital recording device ( a computer memory storage sequencer) in one compact control box. The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab is to music what the calculator is to math. A.C. or 12 Volt D.C. power and memory storage backup help make the SQ-01 mini Music Lab a complete self contained unit, allowing the composer/performer to create sounds and compositions anywhere and record them for immediate musical background to compose and playback compositions flawlessly."

"The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab allows standard musical notation to be transferred to simple graphic notation that instructs the programmer/performer to enter a pitch and the length of time that pitch will be held. The music is recorded and stored into any one or all of sixteen possible channels for a possible 1024 note capacity. The seven octave range oscillator, pulse and sawtooth waveform generator, 24 dB low pass filter and envelope controls interact for the infinite sound creation we have come to expect from the finest and most sophisticated synthesizers. Optional BS-01 Bass Pedal controllers provide a unique automatic controllable bass pedal synthesizer that can transpose complete bass patterns of your creation."

"The SQ-01 Mini Music Lab can be interfaced and synchronized with other labs and synthesizers for full Mini Lab ensembles and infinite creative potential."

The unit is in good working condition. Only one scatch on the backside"

via Loscha
Previous Firstman posts

Firstman SQ-01 Analogue Mono Synth CV Sequencer SN 600986

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via this auction

"Firstman SQ-01 Analogue Mono synth with CV sequencer 1980

Pre dates the Roland TB-303 .

Really Great sounding and easy to program. There are a few videos on you tube but they don't really do it justice.

The unit is working as it should pots are smooth and tight and the membrane keyboard and all buttons work perfectly. It has not been tested with batteries the battery terminal wires are loose.

Comes with a brand new replacement PSU

Cosmetically its very good take a look at the pictures. Its a very solid bit of kit all metal construction."

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Firstman SQ-01 - New Flickr Set

Remember the Firstman SQ-01?

Title link takes you to a Flickr set by hinotori mortal.

Firstman SQ-01

Title link takes you to shots pulled from this auction.

Details:

"Model SQ-01, Make = Firstman, which is a Multivox company.

This rare mono synth does some really deep, very analog bass. Somewhere between a Moog bass and an SH 101. You can enter notes into sequences with the one octave of membrane keys, ala EDP Wasp. There are 4 banks or 4 sequences of memory that can be written and recalled.

ALSO, you have CV in and out and clock in and out for control. With using the same CV converter I use for my Roland Sh 101 it plays just fine. Also I have stepped the sequencer in sync with my TR 606. So both sync of sequencer and CV playability are possible. This is a very rare item, let the audio demo speak for its self at http://www.myspace.com/omosc just scroll down to Firstman demo and have a listen, the first part is dry, the second half is with delay and verb...awesome filter, cool sequencing, vintage analog and no one else in town will have one."

7/13/23 DEMO: Firstman International Sequence Synthesizer Model SQ-01 + Alesis Midiverb II (45)

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video upload by Cfpp0

"Video shows programming, filter sweeps, envelope adjustments. Can be externally clocked or clock others. Gate and CV in and out. No CV on filter :("

via this auction

"Added a video demonstrating the unit Stranger Things style and drenched it in an absurd amount of reverb like the kids do.

Here is the rare Firstman SQ-01 synthesizer, sequencer, and touch keyboard. You can program different patterns, and then choose between them. The filter can get into some 303-territory. Highly portable, solid and well made. Free shipping in CONUS."

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MULTIVOX Firstman SQ-01 SN 600515

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via this auction

"Nice quirky Bass Synthesizer - like somehow the Roland 303...

A combination of synthesizer and sequencer. Performs bass synth functions similar to the later Roland TB-303.[20] Originally released in 1980 by Hillwood under Firstman brand, before Multivox released it in 1981.
MX-8100 Sequencer - Digital keyboard sequencer with up to 4 patterns

The SQ-01 is a microprocessor-controlled sequencer with an onboard monophonic synthesizer and a single-octave, 13-note (C-C) capacitance (touch) keyboard painted onto its main panel. It was marketed mainly by Multivox, who frequently distributed other companies' instruments.

The synthesizer section has knobs for tune, fine tune for the single VCO, and for cutoff frequency and resonance for the filter. The envelope generator can be set ASR or AR with knobs controlling the release time and sustain level. There is also a master volume knob for the synthesizer."

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Vintage MultiVox SQ-01 Firstman

images via this auction
"Vintage MultiVox SQ-01 Firstman

Mini Music Lab Sequence Synthesizer - Made in JAPAN

Taken from Manual:
* Monophonic multi-sound producing source
* Performers are able to perform on a synthesizer and program their own accompaniest
* Composers are able to compose,edit and store melodies for playback and comparison
* Students will have an electronic instructor for sight reading imitation,composition and theory
* Teachers will have an aid in music theory instruction,composition and reading
* Everyone will now be able to create music and enjoy the immediate reward of hearing flawless results"

Firstman SQ-01 Sequencer by Multivox

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via this auction

"Firstman SQ01 sequencer and synth made by Multivox around 1980. VERY rare unit, only a few hundred made. On speakers you will hear how deep the low end is when the resonance is not cranked. It also has CV-Gate in and out as well as clock in and out so can be used in a larger CV-gate setup or as a sequencer for any cv-gate synth. Two envelope settings and gate length plus a sustain (release) control..."

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Firstman SQ-01 Sequence Synthesizer

via this auction
"The Firstman SQ01, manufactured by Multivox, is said to pre-date the Roland TB-303 and has a deep analogue bass sound somewhere between the 303 and a Moog bass. The controls (left to right) are: Tempo, Release, Bar, Filter Cutoff Frequency, Filter Resonance, Oscillator Fine (tune) and Oscillator Frequency, Sustain and Power/Volume. Connections at the top rear are: DC12V in, CV in, Gate in, Clock in, Footswitch, Synchro out, CV out, Gate out, Clock out and Audio out. These connections really add to the fun-factor when hooking up with other analogue gear, or use a midi-cv converter to control it via midi."

Firstman/Multivox SQ-01

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via this auction

You can find demos of the SQ-01 in previous posts here.

"Operation is very straight forward, but there is one incredibly unique feature: you can alter the waveform (and associated envelope shape) per step. Yes, it's essentially a "p-lock" 20 years before Elektron got there!

This unit has been completely serviced and calibrated (waveform volumes now match), and a diode put in across PSU input to prevent frying (PSU not included). PLUS it now had a custom non-volatile memory RAM board installed (no more batteries for pattern retention!)

It works a treat and sounds huge. Also has CV/GATE/CLOCK inputs, and CV/GATE/CLOCK/Sychro outputs, so easily able to be integrated into a modern modular setup."

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Firstman sq-01 sequence synthesizer with foot controller

Published on Nov 26, 2017 jeff brown

"Messing around w my firstman"

Synthmaster

Trip. When I had severe GAS (Gear Aquisition Syndrome), I used to have these dreams where I'd walk into a pawn shop and see all these bizarre and obscure synths. Sometimes they were rare models of Oberheims and Rolands, etc, but usually they were obscure synths from manufacturers I've never seen before. Right before I was waking from the dream, I'd think if I only grab one I might be able to take it to the other side. : ) If you ever had dreams like this you probably know what I'm talking about.

Well, when I saw the Synthmaster post on sequencer.de, I had that same feeling, like I just walked into a pawn shop of obscure synths in dream land. There are a ton of bizarre and obscure synths I've never seen or heard of before. Looks like he brought them over from the other side. Click here for more.

Pictured above top down: E-Pro Minisynth, Firstman FS-4V       Polysynth, and Antares 1.

Synths on Synthmaster:
Antares 1
E-Pro Minisynth and Spirit - this looks like the Crumar Spirit to me.
CRB Daimond Vocostrings Ser.1, Ser. 2
Crumar Spirit, Compac Synth
Conn Electrik Band
Elka Accordion Synth Soloist 505
Excelsior Digital Synth, EK 4
Excelsior EK 4
Firstman SQ-01, FS-4V Polysynth
Jen Synx 508
Keytek CTS 5000, 2000, 1000, 400
Paia System 4700
Powertran Transcendent Polysynth, Transcendent 2000, Transcendent Variation
Pulser M 75
Salamander SMS 400
Skyline Orchestra
Steelphon S 900
Stramp Synchanger 2
Welson Syntex

1981 Firstman SQ-01 Ad

via Retro Synth Ads where you'll find the write-up.

Firstman SQ-01 SN 600221

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via this auction

"rare sequencer synthesizer from 1980."

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FIRSTMAN SQ 01 ANALOG SEQUENCER SYNTH

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via this auction

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7/21/23 Sleep’s “Dragonaut” on Firstman SQ-01 Sequence Synthesizer into RCA BN-16B + B RD-6 + D-TWO

video upload by Cfpp0

"Proceed the Weedian Nazareth"

Firstman Multivox SQ-01 Analog Sequencer Synthesizer 1980

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Uploaded on Feb 2, 2010 David Morley·20 videos

"This is my Firstman SQ01 sequencer and synth. Pretty rare unit and a VERY big sounding synth. MUCH more low end than a TB303 but not quite as squidgy! Was released before the 303 I believe (1980)
On speakers you will hear how deep the low end is when the resonance is not cranked. VERY dubby sounding. It also has CV-Gate in and out as well as clock in and out so can be used in a larger CV-gate setup or as a sequencer for any cv-gate synth. Two envelope settings and gate length plus a sustain (release) control."

Pics below via this auction

"The Firstman SQ01, manufactured by Multivox, is said to pre-date the Roland TB-303 and has a deep analogue bass sound somewhere between the 303 and a Moog bass. The controls (left to right) are: Tempo, Release, Bar, Filter Cutoff Frequency, Filter Resonance, Oscillator Fine (tune) and Oscillator Frequency, Sustain and Power/Volume. Connections at the top rear are: DC12V in, CV in, Gate in, Clock in, Footswitch, Synchro out, CV out, Gate out, Clock out and Audio out. These connections really add to the fun-factor when hooking up with other analogue gear, or use a midi-cv converter to control it via midi.ONLY 200 OF THE SQ01 WERE MADE"

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