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Notes: When the classic MS-20 analog synthesizer appeared in 1978, it had a trusted partner in the SQ-10 step sequencer. Now, after thirty years, the MS-20 has been reborn as the MS-20 mini, and the SQ-10 has evolved into the more modern SQ-1.

The SQ-1 is a compact step sequencer with 2 x 8 steps. It's wealth of connection jacks allows it to be connected to the MS-20 and a variety of other synthesizers. Vintage analog synths or the latest compact synths can be controlled from this single unit. You can also switch between a variety of synthesizer modes and use the step buttons to create performances overflowing with spontaneity, just as when using a volca unit.

Liberate yourself from the numerically-bound parameter editing that's typical on a DAW; you'll enjoy truly musical inspiration as you train your ears and concentrate on what your fingertips are doing. Don't miss the experience of music that's driven by your instinct.

Rather than the commonly used V/Oct standard, the CV design of the MS-20 always used the Hz/V standard that provides excellent pitch stability limiting the step sequencers that are able to correctly control the MS-20. As a descendant of the SQ-10, the SQ-1 supports the Hz/V standard, enabling it to perfectly control the MS-20 or MS-20 mini. It goes without saying the V/Oct standard is also supported, and the voltage level of the CV output and polarity of the GATE output can be specified as appropriate for the device you've connected. This versatility will enable you to control a wide variety of other synthesizers as well.

As a connector, the SQ-1 provides two CV/GATE OUT channels, the standard MIDI OUT and USB MIDI, littleBits out (to connect to the littleBits synth kit by littleBits Electronics Inc.), plus the SYNC IN/OUT channel that allows you to connect to the volca series and monotribe. Compact and complete with all the functions you need, the SQ-1 is the ideal hardware sequencer.

The SQ-1 provides two channels (A and B) of 8-step sequencer that can operate consecutively, or be used in a variety of other modes. For example, you can run A and B following each other to function as a 16-step sequencer, ignore the order and make the steps play randomly, or use A and B to control different parameters as they run in parallel. From simple sequences to complex changes, you can choose from a variety of modes to suit your needs.

The 2 x 8 step buttons can be used in the usual way to turn notes on/off, but you can also use the MODE button to switch their function, opening up powerful possibilities such as letting you "perform" the sequence itself, as on a volca unit.

"Active Step" lets you skip steps mid-way through a sequence, and "Step Jump" lets you instantly play just the step that you press, producing irregular rhythms or effects that are reminiscent of short loops. "Slide" produces an effect in which steps are connected smoothly; using this to control a synth bass is an easy way for anyone to generate an acid sound.

Packed with carefully selected functionality, the SQ-1 features a compact and very sturdy sheet-metal body. Placed beside the MS-20 series, you'll notice a sense of solidity that gives the impression they were manufactured in the same era. The unit can operate on two AA batteries or on USB bus power.

Sequence step resolution is selectable as quarter notes, eighth notes, or 16th notes.

You can specify the way in which the step knobs control the pitch. The knob values can specify the pitch directly, or they can specify the closest note in a major, minor, or chromatic scale.

Review: The Strokes The Singles - Volume 01 is a 7" vinyl boxset comprised of the ten original vinyl singles released from the band's first three studio albums. Utilising the original singles artwork, the boxset will include standard black 7" vinyl of 'The Modern Age', 'Hard To Explain', 'Last Nite', and 'Someday' taken from Is This It (2001), while '12:51', 'Reptilia', and 'The End Has No End' comes from Room on Fire (2003), and 'Juicebox', 'Heart In A Cage', and 'You Only Live Once' are culled from First Impressions of Earth (2006), all with their accompanying B-sides.

Review: Airto Moreira and Flora Purim are known as the legendary King and Queen of Brazilian Jazz. For the last 60 years they have been serving up rich and vivid albums as well as playing exhilarating live shows all over the world. They have fans all over the world from Japan's concert halls to the UK's jazz funk and jazz dance scenes and their latest album in 2022, If You Will, was nominated for a Grammy, proving that they very much still have it. A Celebration: 60 Years - Sounds, Dreams & Other Stories is a collection of their many best bits from over the years.

Review: Twenty-five singles, all in original sleeves. This is far 'deeper' than anything we've seen on this label before, rivalling Now Again or Cali-Tex for quality indie status while blending in the cream of the major label crop from the same period (Warner's, ATCO Josie, Reprise, Loma, etc). Packaged in an incredible heavy pasteboard box, with a handle (in the old style) and psychedelic-shack inspired artwork on all 4 sides.

Review:  10 x 7" singles compiled by Cool Chris at The Groove Merchant for Luv N'Haight and in a lovely wooden hand made box.

Box facts:
*Box will fit around 30 7" singles.
*Handmade in Oakland, CA, at The Key Printing and Binding, using refurbished, salvaged, and vintage machinery. The board used in construction is the hardest available, from the last remaining stock.
*Reinforced lid prevents corner breakage. Removable inner box acts as a buffer against breakage/pressures.
*Cloth used in covering lids is natural fiber linen, with acrylic coating, offset litho printed with durable TuffTex inks.
*Hardware from Ohio. Rivets, American made, are hi-strength tubular type, no POP rivets, staples or split rivets were used in construction.
*Only 250 made

Review: In addition to the ongoing series of Fela Kuti reissues undertaken by Knitting Factory, the Brooklyn label has latterly taken to irregularly calling on some celebrated fans to curate their own box set-shaped collections of personal favourites from the Nigerian legend's sizeable archives. Commencing in 2010 with Roots rhythm doctor Questlove at the helm, it seems that the series operates on a bi-annual axis with Ginger Baker's 2012 edition now complemented by this 7LP set curated by Brian Eno. Drawing from a cross section of Fela Kuti output that joins the dots between the '70s and '80s, the box set also features a 12-page booklet with a foreword by Eno, song lyrics, and in-depth commentaries by Afrobeat historian Chris May.

Notes: Love your pedal chain? Rather than tossing your effects and their individual power adapters into a duffel bag after a gig, keep them safe - and ready to rock at a moment's notice - with the Behringer PB1000.

This pedal board makes hooking up twelve 2.5" x 4.5" pedals as easy as hooking up just one (of course, if you're using pedals that aren't 2.5" x 4.5", the snug foam padding can be cut to accommodate pedals of varying shapes). The PB1000 includes 1/4" patch cables, so you can leave your pedals connected to one another, ready to pass signal even when you're transporting them. It also comes with 1 x 12 daisy chain cabling so that when you plug in the 1.7 A power adapter, all your pedals receive power. Meanwhile, all cabling remains safe and free of strain. Failure is almost guaranteed when you're dealing with a rat's nest of loose cabling, but with the PB1000, your effects chain is always safe and organized.

Connect your guitar, bass or keyboard to the single 1/4" input in the upper right corner of the board. A pair of 1/4" From Effects jacks in the upper left corner allow you to connect stereo effects, and two 1/4" Output To Amp jacks send a left and right stereo signal to up to two amps.

When it is time to load out, just unplug the power supply, disconnect your guitar and amp, put the lid back on the PB1000 and slide the locking latches back into place. The high-impact plastic casing will protect your pedals from the rigors of the road.