NAMM 2024: Yamaha’s SEQTRAK is a Synth, Sequencer and Drum Machine all Rolled into One

Yamaha sneaks in there right before the NAMM show this year with a new concept synth,  groove box (yes, it’s still cool to say groove box) with a twist. The SEQTRAK is a music creation station that combines drums, synths, sound design, and sequencing into a compact design that’s giving us TE OP-1 / Casio SK-1 vibes. Yamaha says It’s an all-in-one solution for creators who want to make music anytime, anywhere.

The workflow is swift and simple, with a 3-part interface and real-time controls, allowing you to capture ideas without the menu-diving. SEQTRAK packs a library of over 2,000 presets and offers a diverse range of crafted sounds, with more available through app updates.

It’s clear that SEQTRAK is designed for those on the move as it features a built-in speaker and microphone, and a rechargeable battery. However, people who love design, and a unique approach to making beats and grooves will no doubt be having a squizz at this.

With dual sound engines, AWM2 and a four-operator FM engine, SEQTRAK doubles the creative potential. The sequencer facilitates intuitive composition, arrangement, and playback, while the SEQTRAK app provides an intuitive graphic user interface for precise sound editing, including envelopes, filters, and effect manipulation.

In the realm of music creation, SEQTRAK is not just a tool but a companion, enabling you to make music on the go and be the catalyst for your creative journey.

Features:

• 4-operator FM synth with 8-voice polyphony
• AWM2 – “Advanced Wave Memory 2” engine with 128-note polyphony – see below, it’s basically a combination of PCM sample memory and a modelled virtual analog architecture
• 800 MB preset memory, plus 500 MB user memory
• Stereo sampling at 44.1 K / 24-bit
• Internal MEMS microphone (again, thank James West) and line input sampling capability
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity
• MIDI in/out (wait, “only included cable can be used”?! We’ll see about that!)
• Effects/filters with a flexible architecture: “Reverb × 12 types, Delay × 9 types, Master Effect × 85 types, Single Effect × 85 types, Master EQ 5 bands, LP-HP filters for each track” (also apparently from the AWM2 engine, but have to double-check that)
• Step sequencer with keys
• USB-C for power, MIDI, and audio
• Internal battery with 3-4 hours of continuous use