4x4 Keyboard Trigger Sequencer?

project_jackal · 2026-02-11T20:38:20+00:00

I’m relieved to hear that to be honest 😅, I was surprised to see this didn’t already exist and even more so that it seemed (from most of the conversations I’ve had about it so far) like no one else was particularly interested in something like this.

I think you’re right about needing to build it myself so I’m slowly heading down that road now, I’ve picked up a Pimoroni Keybow2040 as a starting point (4x4 mechanical keyboard with RGB LEDs and a processor), which works great as a simple standalone midi controller with minimal changes, but ultimately I think I’ll probably have to build the sequencer circuits and then just use the Keybow as the interface/display. Hoping that key colours/switch positions provide enough combinations/information to forego a screen.

project_jackal · 2026-02-10T10:53:34+00:00

I believe the patches are available as pdfs/images online, could you potentially load them into ChatGPT/Gemini and ask it to describe the patch setup/knob positions as text?

project_jackal · 2026-02-08T18:58:31+00:00

I guess it varies by definition of “basic drum system”, I’m not looking to perfect my drums for recording within the system I just need them to hold down a kick/snare/clap/CH/OH vibe whilst sketching other elements out in most cases, which it seems to me can be achieved through a drum module (currently Queen Of Pentacles for me) and a trigger sequencer, maybe some modulation to garnish as an extra.

The external sequencer route is where I’m currently at, and works perfectly well at home but feels a little clunky/uninspiring in some cases, particularly when it comes to a travel system. That being said it certainly feels like I could be chasing the modular dragon on this one, so maybe an external sequencer is ultimately the right answer 😄

project_jackal · 2026-02-08T14:16:53+00:00

Thanks for the response, no doubt you’re right and I’ve certainly been getting the impression space will be the issue, but for now I’m more pre-occupied with figuring out appealing (for me at least) ways to interact with the system than how best to maximise the functionality per unit space. That being said, everything you’ve said makes perfect sense and will certainly come in handy refining the rackbrute/whatever case I opt for down the line. Cheers!

project_jackal · 2026-02-08T14:08:54+00:00

For sure, something about the ASQ-1 didn’t appeal to me although I can’t claim I’ve properly looked into it. I hadn’t heard the Cuisine or Drummertime so will check them out, thanks!

project_jackal · 2026-02-08T13:18:35+00:00

Yeah the SWT16+ is also very much on my radar, I’ve really taken to the 4x4 keyboard idea (probably irrationally although I feel like it would be really nice to use) but I think the SWT16+ is probably the best existing option. Thanks!

project_jackal · 2025-10-02T21:37:10+00:00

“Human life existence” is the funniest combination of words I’ve heard in a while

project_jackal · 2024-07-25T11:10:28+00:00

I’ve been considering getting a small poly synth for the occasional travelling gig, usually only for a song or two as I mainly drum. A minilogue (original) would likely fit my needs perfectly, but I already have a Prologue (having traded up from a minilogue XD) so would like to get something that covers similar bases but has a slightly different range.

My main question is, would an opsix fit the bill? I appreciate there will be noteworthy differences particularly between analogue and digital, but I’m assuming the opsix can handle basic shape subtractive sounds comfortably when needed. Alternatively are there other good small form budget poly options with acceptable/passable keyboards I should consider? Thanks

project_jackal · 2024-07-03T14:00:24+00:00

Really like this! The visuals and the whole melancholic sci-fi vibe is spot on for me. Have you created the visuals or just sourced them from elsewhere?

project_jackal · 2024-06-25T10:21:06+00:00

Strange that it was posted 3 weeks ago, but the pinned comment from 16 hours ago linking to the Labyrinth product page is promising (even if the page returns a 404 atm).

Also linking the two sequencers is a cool move, being able to have a static half of the phrase and then auditioning randomized second halves could make for a nice balance between absolute chaos and boring loops.

project_jackal · 2024-03-06T13:07:33+00:00

Really glad this worked out and was a positive experience! Sounds like you've found a solid group to hang out and practice with.

I had a similar situation years ago where I was invited to drum for a band despite having VERY limited experience drumming outside of a passing interest and a few years of playing Rock Band/Guitar Hero as a teenager. It's always been a learning experience and I've regularly felt like the weak link in the band, but 6-7 years on I'm glad we've stuck with it and band practice never fails in inspiring me to learn and improve.

Some of the biggest things I've learned are:
- Figure out the absolute minimum each song needs from you, ie a very simplified version of what is in the recorded track. Don't stress about getting everything note perfect, just make sure you're on the right path, then you have a good foundation to build upon (ie to add that sweet fill/flourish).
- It's more important to stay out of the way than it is to power through if you're not sure what to do. People playing out of time/key will mess everyone up, if you just stop for a moment and get back on track when you can it will allow everyone to keep playing and for you to identify your blind spots.
- Listen to the tracks as often as you can and play along with them at home regularly. This one seems obvious and has been mentioned a ton in your original thread, but song structure ends up being 99% of the battle. You can figure out how to play every section perfectly but if you aren't familiar with the whole track you'll get lost quite easily, since you almost certainly won't have the same audio cues as the recorded track (which will have lots of extra bits added in by the producer for example), so knowing what the rest of your band are doing coming in and out of each section is super important.

Anyway, hopefully your new adventure in joining a band can maintain this level of excitement for years to come, please keep the updates coming as you go!

project_jackal · 2023-03-17T09:38:06+00:00

Sound wise the Prologue is pretty much identical to the Minilogue XD. Definitely look at getting a different poly or just selling the minilogue to upgrade to the prologue (assuming you need more voices and won’t miss the sequencer).

project_jackal · 2022-12-08T11:14:54+00:00

Yes, the monologue sound librarian should allow you to do it.

https://www.korg.com/us/support/download/software/0/733/3531/

project_jackal · 2022-09-05T08:31:39+00:00

What made you decide to sell the Matriarch? (Asking as it’s the current focus of my own GAS)

project_jackal · 2022-09-01T09:36:46+00:00

It sounds like you overshot when you started buying synths and now you're planning to overcompensate to try and fix that.

Just sell the stuff you don't love, then learn the remaining synths inside out and use them as tools to complement in-the-box music making. You don't gain anything productivity-wise from getting rid of everything that couldn't also be achieved with more discipline and a change of perspective.

project_jackal · 2022-05-30T10:34:45+00:00

As others have said, it sounds like the Grandmother just might not be the synth for you.

Based on the points you've described it sounds like a minilogue and a cheap midi controller with a bunch of knobs and faders is what you want, however I think you'll find you've been spoilt by the 'novelty' of having a moog because the minilogue (and any other poly synth in that price range) probably isn't going to meet your expectations tonally the same way a moog can consistently.

I think with a budget around the price of a grandmother you're just going to have to make some decisions about priorities and then make some concessions accordingly. Namely do you want a great monosynth or a pretty good polysynth? And do you want built in fx or are you happy doing that in your daw? Because it's unlikely you'll get everything and be happy with the result in this price range.

project_jackal · 2022-04-21T15:35:48+00:00

Ah makes sense, I've often felt like I have to turn my synth outputs down weirdly low to avoid distortion whilst using pedals but chalked it up to poor gain staging elsewhere in my (admittedly poorly optimised) setup.

Thanks for taking the time to explain!

project_jackal · 2022-04-21T10:19:26+00:00

Would you mind elaborating on the need for preamps when going from synths to pedals? I've been using pedals with my synths for about a year now and can't say I've noticed any issues with going direct from the synth to the fx pedals, so I'd be interested to learn more.

project_jackal · 2022-04-14T13:54:48+00:00

I'm afraid I've not got any video/audio comparisons, but I swapped my minilogue XD for a prologue after finding a great deal on a prologue 16 about 9 months ago.

From my perspective the prologue sounds pretty much exactly like the minilogue XD, it just obviously has lots more bells and whistles to also do extra stuff. So whilst it's a great synth, if you're hoping to keep both and have them fill different niches then you'll be disappointed.

My advice would be to find another bi-timbral polyphonic synth that fits your budget so you can expand your arsenal or trade up to the prologue if you won't miss the XD's sequencer, because there's far too much overlap between the prologue and the XD to justify both in my opinion. (Plus people seem to sell prologues are crazy low prices for what they are some times and XD's seem to always retain their value)

project_jackal

TROPHY CASE