Yamaha is a mainstay in the world of electronic music creation, but it is perhaps best known for its stage synthesizers and studio monitors. Today, that could change with the unveiling of the SEQTRAK (“track search”) groovebox. Let's address the obvious first, yes this sounds a lot like Yamaha had a meeting and decided to take Teenage Engineering head on. The SEQTRAK (RIP my shift key) is largely inspired by the Swedish firm's model. OP-Z portable studio and he even borrows the company's favorite gray and orange aesthetic (although the SEQTRAK is also available in dark gray/black).
The SEQTRAK includes a drum machine, sampler, FM and sample-based synthesis and semi-titled sequencer as well as a built-in battery (expected playback time of 3-4 hours) as well as a built-in speaker , making it a portable and self-contained device. . It also comes with a cross-platform companion app (Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android) that allows for increased visual control, deeper settings, additional sounds, and even a video viewer. Physical and wireless MIDI connectivity as well as USB connectivity with a built-in interface promise to make this a versatile on-the-go idea machine that could also live on your desk.
The drum section offers seven tracks, each capable of holding up to six sounds. There is a wide range of pre-installed percussive samples that can be tweaked and modified to your liking, then integrated into the sequencer section below. Patterns can be up to 128 steps/8 bars long, while a sub-step function lets you trigger a sound multiple times on the same step, to create flourishes and fills at your own pace.
Given the company's heritage in synthesizers, it's no surprise that there's a strong influence from the DX series here. The SEQTRAK FM synthesizer has four operators and eight-note polyphony. Meanwhile, the company's long-standing “AWM2” sample-based synthesizer engine has been scaled down for the SEQTRAK and goes all out with a maximum polyphony of 128. If you prefer simple samples, you can grab samples 16-bit/44.1kHz sounds. using the built-in mic, USB, auxiliary input or even resampling what you're playing.
The footprint of the SEQTRAK is a bit taller than that of the svelt OP-Z, or even the larger one. Field OP-1, but it still cuts a clean silhouette. The step sequencer/keyboard section benefits from the extra space, although it will be interesting to see how well suited these keys are for performance. Lack of display is not uncommon in this format and of course the app is there if needed (again, much like the OP-Z). Many may remember the QY Series of portable workstations, and their spirit lives on here but with an interesting new design direction. No doubt there will be a large number of comparison videos made with rivals Teenage Engineering once launched (currently no information on when).
A key difference with the OP-Z is the price. Although you can buy one for $499, it costs $599 at launch. The SEQTRAK, however, is listed for pre-order at retailers for $399, it's a pretty solid deal. There are of course also many differences between them. On the one hand, the slightly larger footprint will make or break depending on your needs and playing style. The OP-Z is certainly portable, but it's very “hunt and peck” for settings and performance. The sampler credentials on the SEQTRAK also seem more robust than those of its Swedish rivals with 500MB of space instead of the measly 24MB of the OP-Z (or the dedicated KO II sampler 64 MB by the way).
Will this be enough to win over the same number and level of fans? Only time will tell. For now you can register your interest in the SEQTRAK now and expect more information to appear at the NAMM show next week (we'll be there!).
This article was originally published on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/yamaha-seqtrak-groovebox-134545480.html?src=rss
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