Yamaha struck early in 2024 with the launch of the all new SEQTRAK. Described by Yamaha as a “standalone music production studio” the SEQTRAK comes loaded with a step sequencer, drum machine, sampler and digital synth. The device has been designed with portability in mind and features a built in rechargeable battery that boasts a 4 hour battery life from a single charge as well as a built in speaker and microphone.
The SEQTRAK is separated into three different sections. On the left hand side of the device you’ll find the drum section. The drums on the SEQTRAK are divided into seven separate sounds options that are run through the built in 16 step sequencer (which offers a maximum of 124 steps per sequence), a workflow that will be all to familiar for seasoned drum machine users but is also intuitive enough for novice beatmakers to get around. The device ships with 2000 built in drum samples but users can also load their own samples via the companion app. The melodic section of the unit is made up of 3 different synth areas and a built-in sampler. Two of the three sections make use of Yamaha's Advanced Wave Memory 2 - A sample based subtractive synthesis engine which features in a number of other Yamaha products. The third area of the synth section is based on Yamaha's infamous DX7. Each of the synths can be switched between mono, poly and chord modes with 7 dedicated keys in the synth section which can be used to play/record melodies. The final area in the melodic section is a built in sampler which can be used to sample external sources using the 3.5mm audio input or it can be used to resample sounds internal to the device which can come in particularly handy when stacking effects or sculpting sounds.
The compact form factor and built-in battery are designed with portability in mind and the unit punches well above its weight in terms of sound quality and playability. The minimalist design of the interface makes the unit feel more approachable than some other devices in the same price range. However the positioning of some of the shift functions (on the sides and back of the unit) can take a little while to get to grips with and aren’t the most ergonomic when performing live. The lack of screen will no doubt deter some people but I personally found this to be an advantage to the unit once I had worked my way around the workflow and whilst the SEQTRAK may not be quite as comprehensive as some other portable grooveboxes on the market the simplicity of the unit will definitely appeal to some users which makes it an exciting addition to Yamaha’s product line up.
