The SQD-8 is an eight track MIDI recorder capable of recording and playing back eight completely independent tracks of musical performance; for example bass on Track 1, piano on Track 2, strings on Track 3, etc. By combining the MIDI recorder with multi-timbral MIDI synthesizers like the Korg DS-8 and 707 up to 32 sounds can be produced simultaneously. Yet this powerful system is as simple as any cassette with the SQD-8's "transport" style controls (Play, Record, FF, Reward).
Sophisticated Editing Functions.
Functions typically found on expensive analog multi-track recorders are also included. Simulsync recording (a new part can be recorded while listening to previously recorded parts), "ping-ponging of tracks (the ability to "mixdown" several tracks to one track) and punch in/out (recording and erasing from the middle of recorded material) are all easy to achieve and their settings displayed on the large LCD. MIDI recording is easier and has none of the drawbacks of analog recording such as limited frequency response and tape hiss. Plus MIDI recording allows such unique functions as tempo change without pitch change and multiple bounces without signal degradation. Perhaps the most useful feature of MIDI recording is the ability to perfect your playing by using quantization and step recording. The SQD-8 has two record modes Real Time and Step Time in Step Time you can select note duration from the SQD8 and input musical pitch and velocity information from the MIDI keyboard. In the Real Time Mode after finishing recording it is possible to correct timing mistakes using the quantize function. A wide range is available to fit any musical passage. Other editing functions allow Transposition, Global Track Looping. A unique new Korg feature is the ability to mix the level of the track using the data entry slider and MIDI volume.
Built-in QD and Data Filer Function.
The SQD-8 can also function as a MIDI Data Filer with the capacity on it's built-in disk drive to store up to 13,000 sounds on 1 disk. It is especially useful to store sequence data on one side of the disk and the program data for the synthesizers used on the other.
With it's built-in disk drive, Data Filer function, easy transport style controls and sophisticated editing features including MIDI Volume mixing the SQD-8 is the clear choice in cost-effective sequencers.
