by Robin Vincent | 4,9 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes
Busy Circuits ASQ-1

Busy Circuits ASQ-1  ·  Source: Busy Circuits

Busy Circuits ASQ-1

Busy Circuits ASQ-1  ·  Source: Busy Circuits

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One of the most interesting things we saw at Superbooth, the ASQ-1 is a two-channel SH-101 style sequencer and 4-track classic drum machine with clacky keys and a playful intention. Is simplicity the key to modular sequencing?

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ASQ-1

Busy Circuits suggests that modular sequencers can be a bit overloaded with features and functions, and I would tend to agree. Deep sequencers are certainly powerful and awesome but sometimes you need something more immediate, more fun and jammable. The ASQ-1 could be all of those things.

You have two CV and Gate channels for pumping out melodies or modulations. The sequencing is modelled after the Roland SH-101 step-sequencer, which means that you enter a series of notes on the keyboard, including rests and ties, and you have a pattern ready to go.

For the drum section, you have 4 trigger outputs that are programmed like you would any classic 808/909 drum machine. The keys become a row of steps that you turn on or off. It’s all so deliciously simple.

Busy Circuits ASQ-1

Busy Circuits ASQ-1 · Source: Busy Circuits

Mechanical keys

The fabulously clacky mechanical keys that form the user interface undoubtedly draw your eyes. They are shaped into a single octave keyboard, appropriately coloured and have LEDs to show active notes and the movement of steps. With just a couple of additional buttons for mode, transport and octave, it couldn’t be simpler to navigate.

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It has an internal quantizer which you can access externally and an internal clock. Changing the BPM is a bit laborious, which is probably why Busy Circuits recommend using an external one. Certainly, it’s a perfect opportunity to patch in Pamela’s New Workout, which fills out some of the ASQ-1’s features.

Each sequence can have independent lengths and time divisions, and you can mute/unmute sequencers on the fly. Pattern storage is also a doddle, and you can back it up over USB.

All in all, this is a brilliantly useful sequencer, especially for a live performance rig that grabs an alarming amount of HP to give you a luxuriously accessible interface. At £315, it’s about right for a multi-channel Eurorack sequencer module.

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Busy Circuits ASQ-1

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