Sequencers

Notes: Second-generation version of the 'noodler' device from Conductive Labs, the NDLR v2 aims to simplify music theory and unlock creative ideas, making it easy to create and perform arpeggios, drones, chords and other patterns. Hook up to your synths and software over MIDI, USB or analogue clock.

Supplier's notes:

Conductive Labs have turned complex music theory into a killer synthesizer jamming MIDI controller. With four parts that can play up to 8 synths, you can make fantastic electronic music, such as soundscapes, electronica, ambient, electro, or techno to name a few. Whether noodling in your music space after work or jamming with friends, The NDLR can take your music to amazing places!

Press one of the seven chord buttons, and the two arpeggiators and drone follow the chord notes while your polyphonic synth sings with pads.

There are start and stop buttons for each of the four parts, and a button to start/stop all parts. And there's a "panic" button to stop all MIDI notes.

A colour LCD screen shows you everything that's going on. A very flat menu structure keeps menu diving to a minimum.

Pick a key, a mode and control the BPM of The NDLR's MIDI clock.

With two sets of 5 pin DIN MIDI inputs and outputs, and four USB MIDI virtual ports you have lots of ways to connect your MIDI devices. There is also CV clock in and out connectors to sync with your Korg Volcas, modular or semi modular synths.

It works with MIDI hardware synths, and your DAW or tablet, if that's your thing.

Once you master the basics, dive into the 8x modulation matrix. It lets you animate most of The NDLR's parameters. You can even send LFOs to your MIDI gear.

The NDLR includes a Pattern editor to make arp and modulation patterns, a rhythm editor and now a Chord Sequencer too! Once you have your perfect piece, you can save your patches.

What's new in The NDLR (v2)?
By popular demand, a soft-power button has added. The NDLR (v2) is powder coated with a black faceplate and beautiful red base. And the internals were modified for a new, faster microcontroller. The feature set remains the same, though there are some surprises waiting to be discovered in the menus. So far, new features are being back ported to the original The NDLR via firmware updates, as long as it does not require the faster processor.

The Four Parts


The PAD part is a polyphonic chord player for getting beautiful PADs out of your favourite poly synth. Like all of the other parts, the PAD plays notes based on the selected global chord. When you press a chord button the notes stay on until you press the next chord or stop the part, so you can twist knobs on your synths or play a lead part on guitar. Change or modulate the chord octave position, note range, spread, and strum.

A really cool feature of the PAD part is the "Interleaved Poly-Chain". When enabled, this will send the chord notes to up to 4 MIDI channels in a round robin fashion. Really great for ethereal evolving patches on a multi-timbral synth, or for turning multiple mono-synths into a poly synth! Six voices from 2 Volca FMs? Sure!

There are two "Motifs" which are extremely versatile sequenced arpeggiators. Select a pattern for each one and press Play! Independently tweak on clock division, pattern length, octave position and more. You can create your own patterns with the onboard pattern editor, and add rhythm with the onboard Rhythm editor. The motifs play the notes contained in the currently selected chord, so you don't need to pick notes on a keyboard. The NDLR supports a 10 to 300 BPM clock so play as fast or slow as you like, or use an external clock source.

The Drone part can play a single continuous note like a traditional drone does... or choose from various retrigging options, such as having the note retrigger on a chord change, the down beat, every beat, up beat, etc. You can also choose to add a 3rd and/or 5th note to the root note for a polyphonic drone. Or have the drone play a thundering kick drum if you want to.

Hardware

Requirements:

USB Power Supply not included; The NDLR (v2) runs on 5V DC, 140mA. The original is 90mA.
The NDLR comes with a 6 foot USB cable. You can purchase longer or shorter cables as needed, with USB A to USB B connectors. Users of newer Macs may need to purchase a USB B to USB C cable or use an adapter.
MIDI Synthesizer(s); The NDLR is a MIDI playing device, it doesn't make any sound on its own, it sends MIDI messages to your MIDI sound modules. It can play most anything with MIDI input including vintage synths, modern synths, mono and polyphonic synths, software synthesizers, on an iPad, PC, stand-alone or VSTs in a DAW. Note that some vintage synths or synths with poor MIDI implementations may be prone to getting stuck notes. Use the Panic button on The NDLR when needed.
To connect many synths, and for the best MIDI timing we recommend using an active, 1 input to 4 or more outputs MIDI thru device or MIDI router, such as the MRCC.
The NDLR has rich velocity controls if your synths support velocity, not all do.
The NDLR can be controlled with an external MIDI controller or sequencer. See The NDLR Setup Examples in The NDLR User Manual for details.

Physical Layout:
Dims: Size 9"W x 6.3"L x 2.8?H (22.8 x 16 x 7.1cm)
Color LCD Screen 1.8" (128×160)
8 Rotary Encoders w/ switch
7 Chord Buttons (degree / type)
4 Play/Pause Buttons (PAD, Drone, Motif 1, Motif 2)
Motif 1 or Motif 2 Select
Global Play/Stop Button
Shift & Menu Buttons
Recessed Firmware Update Button (upgrades via USB)

Physical Input/Output:
2x MIDI 5-Pin Inputs
2x MIDI 5-Pin Outputs
1x USB w/ 4 Virtual USB MIDI I/O ports + Power
1x Clock Out 1/8th inch jack
1x Clock In 1/8th inch jack
Limited Warranty:
The NDLR comes with a limited warranty to the original owner for 1 year (or the minimum time required by law in your country) from the time you received it.
Consumables, such as the USB cable and accessories have a 90 day limited warranty.

MIDI

MIDI-in Options:
Connect a MIDI keyboard or sequencer and The NDLR selectable transpose MIDI channel to transpose from the key of "C" to the current NDLR key & mode.
Use a MIDI keyboard or sequencer to select chords. Choose The NDLR "Control-In" MIDI channel. The white keys map to chord degrees I-VII. Optionally black keys map to the chord type. Sonority is automatic based on key & mode.
Most features of The NDLR can be controlled by inbound CC messages.
All notes and CCs pass thru except for The NDLR control channel.
With 2 MIDI 5 pin and 4 USB MIDI in and outs, The NDLR is a MIDI merger and a MIDI splitter. See the manual for details.
MIDI-out Options:
Selectable Drone MIDI-out channel (Off, Pad, 1-16). Pad choice means same as Pad channel.
Selectable Pad MIDI-out channel (1-16). Poly-chains play on next successive MIDI-out channel(s). Example: Pad MIDI-out ch = 4. Polychain = 1 - all pad notes on ch 4. Polychain = 2 - every two notes plays on channels 4/5. Polychain = 4 - every 4 notes plays on channels 4/5/6/7. If you are playing 6 notes with Polychain = 2, note1->ch4, note2->ch5, note3->ch4, note4->ch5, note5->ch4, etc.
Selectable Motif 1 MIDI-out port and channel.
Selectable Motif 2 MIDI-out port and channel.
MIDI out ports are USB 1 thru 4, and 5 pin din MIDI A and MIDI B.

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Without original cables, box opened, product in full working order***


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.

Notes: One of the most eagerly anticipated new releases in recent years, the T-1 is a powerful 16-track sequencer with countless features aiming to streamline creativity, from melody generation to Euclidean rhythms.

Supplier's Notes:
Not your average sequencer
A 16 track algorithmic sequencer at the center of your studio. The T-1 offers a generative workflow with focus on immediacy and playful exploration. Whether on stage or in the studio, the T-1 will inspire you with fresh ideas and help you push the boundaries of your music. In short, this is a fundamental rethinking of the sequencer as a modern, fun and inspiring instrument

This machine speaks music
Enter a creative dialogue with T-1, and let its musical algorithms spark your creative process, or bring it on stage to perform your musical ideas live and spice them up with variations created on-the-fly

It's your instrument
The T-1 can be customized to suit your music. In fact, it is many instruments in one: Each of the T-1's 16 tracks can be set up in one of three modes.
Note: Compose rhythms and melodies from scratch with creative musical algorithms, and tweak them to your desire with detailed step editing.
CC: Take absolute control over sound design with 16 CC knobs and add automation via random modulation and step editing
FX: Create real-time midi fx to expand and transform your musical ideas. Connect a midi keyboard for hands on live performance

Connect to everything
The signal flow of any modern studio is a complex web of analog, digital and wireless signals and keeping your instruments connected and in sync can be a drain for your creativity. The T-1 solves this by communicating via MIDI, USB, analog CV and gates, Ableton Link and Wi-Fi connections with all of your gear.

Musical structure in a knob
Sculpt the timing, tonality and overall structure of your music in the same intuitive way you would a parameter on a synthesizer: By the twist of a knob. The T-1 lets you dial in any rhythm in a manner of seconds with euclidean rhythms.
Want to surprise your audience and even yourself? Add a bit of random modulation or change the probability of a step being played or not. Try the T-1 style looping random modulator

Tangible visuals
What you see is what you get: at every touch of a knob or push of a button, 16 RGB buttons show you the state of the instrument while offering up a quick way to jump to a new setting in real-time

Performing is composing
The T-1 is an instrument designed to be played in the here and now. Whether you are working in a studio or on stage, the path between musical inspiration and performance has never been shorter.
Make relative parameter changes on one or multiple tracks simultaneously, save the changes or return to the starting point. With the T-1, your music making process is a constantly evolving flow

Technical specifications

Sequencer
Euclidean rhythm generator (w. step editing)
Advanced note repeater / arpeggiator
Melody generator
7 musical scales + 1 user scale per track
Harmonic pitch control
Random modulation on every parameter

Tracks
16 tracks per pattern
16 MIDI channels
Polyphony on every track

Storage
Auto-save
16 patterns per bank
16 banks

User interface
18 endless rotary encoders with push
23 RGB backlit silicone keypads

Physical
Matte black aluminium casing
Dimensions: L:304, W:114, H:39mm ?(11.9", 4.5", 1.5")
Weight: 815g (1.8 lbs)

In the box
1 x T-1
1 x USB cable
1 x MIDI adapter (type A)

Connectivity
USB C (midi/power)
MIDI in / out / thru (TRS type A)
CV & gate i/o
Ableton Link (WiFi)