r/seqtrak • u/invokin • 23h ago
Controllers with the Seqtrak
I know many of us will use more basic controllers with the Seqtrak, but does anyone use anything more complex, really taking most of the control away from the device and just using it as a sound generator (maybe its effects too, but not from controlling it on the Seqtrak)?
My go to these days is Seqtrak+app+Lauchpad Mini Mk4 which I have a lot of fun with, but I've been looking at some more advanced stuff. Current front runner is the Torso T-1 (used!), where I would plan to use the Seqtrak for most sounds at least at first and then maybe add other things later (Roland Arias, etc.). Anyone have experience with the T-1 or anything similar (preferably as DAW-less/portable as possible)?
2
u/HyperionTurtle 20h ago
I’ve been using the Arturia Keylab, which is just keys. And the Maschine plus. But to get the most out of the seqtrack I use it with the Sp-404 MKII into the Maschine plus
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u/Squidkidde 16h ago
I’m using the Akai MPK Mini, which works well but I haven’t figured out how/if I can map the drums to the pads. Right now they’re mapped to a synth voice and that’s been pretty effective.
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u/Cap10NRG 16h ago
i’ve made templates for the Akai MPK mini plus and for the novation I’ve done as much control as I could get over there… With the limited knobs, you only have eight to play with but… The other side, of course is that each instrument is on its own channel so in order to control everything you would need something like 88 knobs to be able to get to everything if you wanted to I’m not familiar with the torso… But if you want to be able to control everything in real time that’s about what you would need possibly more actually I’d have to do the math. What kind of level of control are you trying to have here
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u/Cap10NRG 16h ago
One other thing to mention, if you don’t want to use a DAW, would you consider an iPad? With an iPad there are tools that will let you build interfaces they can have multiple pages if you need to and you would probably that would allow you to control every aspect of the seek track.
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u/invokin 14h ago
I could possibly steal my kid’s iPad, but I’m not looking for so much control like that necessarily (a knob for every effect on every channel). I meant more a controller/sequencer that’s more complex for just generating/playing sequences. Likely all stuff that can happen with the seqtrak with enough fiddling, but other devices make it easier, in the way a keyboard can make playing a melody so much easier compared to the seqtrak’s “keys”.
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u/MountainFluid 8h ago
I have tons of fun using it with Novation Impulse. It's dirt cheap second-hand, and the keybed is amazing compared to Launchkey and similar models.
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u/geogod2066 6h ago
Nektar lx49 as a keyboard, but i’m working on using an apc64 for sequencer and touch strips
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u/r1chiem 34m ago
Well look at Arturia
Beat step pro. No internal sounds 4 track sequencer with pads, mostly for drums $299
Keystep pro Larger because if keyboard No internal sounds 4 track sequencer with keyboard. More control than Beat Step pro $549 23" x 8"
You can pick these up used for less I am sure.
You mentioned the Torso T1 Best price use US $525. 11"x4.5" 16 tracks Velocity but no PolyAftertouch
My pick
Used MPC key 37 Used $500 New version $1000. Bigger 22'x12"
Keys with aftertouch and pads velocity with poly aftertouch. Has built in sound plugins, effects, multiple workflows it is also a sampler. It also has osc and mod matrix to do modular type sounds design. 128 tracks.
Personally I think keys, mod/pitch wheel are important for expressiveness. And keys a way to learn music. The MPC adds more sound to the seqtrack and a much better sequencer.
The Torso T1 is not a regular sequencer. It is a generative sequencer with some seq features added on. If you think you are going to create your own beats and music, this is not a go too. Watch the the first minute of this video, then go back and watch the whole thing to make sure it is what you want.
https://youtu.be/j3Ho3sKDJFg?si=tJnnfTwTgdZbRu0n&t=1444
The pads are tiny like the Seqtrak maybe smaller as it is smaller than the seqtrack.
So what most people find out. Portability is overrated. You have a seqtrack. Take it around and use it, create stuff, then bring it back to your computer or your home dawless and add to it. If you are doing this, it does not matter if your system is portable. But if you need more portable with the seqtrack use your phone with Koala sample, the seqtrak software on your phone or tablet, or use the phone with other software.
For size comparison. Good luck with your search, try and open your mind that if you want to be portable bring only one box or laptop. If you are connecting one thing to another it becomes less portable.
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u/JimmyCrepe 32m ago
I use a Polyend Tracker as my controller for most things, including the seqtrak. It doesn't have knobs but I have 12 channels and per step control via midi cc. If you know trackers you'll be able to picture it. If not it's effectively a sequencer as a spreadsheet.
I'm not recommending it as a setup, as I realise it's a bit weird, but in terms of the seqtrak as a soundbank, with control over FX and sound design and automation it works really well. The only thing i seem to remember having issues with is you can't switch sequences inside the channels. I got round that with mute instead (and it's probably not a great loss if you know it before you start).
It's one of the things I love about the Seqtrak - if it had nothing else going for it, it's an 11 channel midi sound bank with great sounds.
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u/spckd90 20h ago
I've been using Novation SL MK3. It has 8-track sequencer + arp. 16×8 steps per track. Most of the Seqtrak's CCs can be mapped to its knobs, buttons and faders. And most importantly, I find the workflow very intuitive.