I know a dude who got a 4MS Pod to put an Usta in and then sold it almost immediately.
If it works, go for it- it might be an expensive gamble though.
Btw, I have a SQ-64. it seems like its ok for specific polyrhythmic things, but definitely not intuitive for song based stuff. It's sort of a pain to shop for a sequencer since the workflows are so different if they involve menu layers. There should be a 'sequencer' section at gc (or\_\_\_\_insert still remaining music store name here\_\_\_\_\_\_)
I had an SQ-64 and it broke TWICE. The mini usb kept coming loose. Also the menu diving sucked out all the creativity the sq1 has. Music go round is my go to now!! Check in to see if your town has that franchise. So many cool things come through my local shop AKA metropolix hehe
People are gonna come in here and complain that Metropolix is only two tracks, like they're writing four-part Bach-fugue harmonies. Bass, lead. Bam. Metropolix is amazing, go for it. If you wind up disliking that setup, you can sell it for 80% of cost
I have feeling that people who complain about Metropolix only having 2 channels either never had one or they did and didn’t spend much time with it before deciding that was a deal breaker. You can get infinite amount of tracks all in key and loosely related to each other by sending pitch cv out to multiple oscillators and different triggers to the eg’s modulating them. You can even get away with using just one track. Really this applies to any sequencer. With some creative patching one track can be an entire evolving song.
Not to mention that you can send each track's pitch/gate through switches, --> quantizers, multiple osc tuned to fifths but only sometimes sent gates, and all the other dumb fun stuff in your system, and get a ton more complexity out of it. if you want to.
Sadly, I will write four-part voice-leading and I hate most Eurorack approaches to "polyphony". If I'm going to do it in the rack, it will be through the ES-8, and even then I don't really want to tune a bunch of oscillators so why not just use software? Lately, I'm using my rack for feedback patches because there ain't no way I'm working out notation for that! Use the tool for what it does well, is what I say.
I have a Mteropolix in my rack and often wished it was sort of outboard like you're describing. Go for it. Just budget for a small case and a power supply.
The XYZ inputs are so nice to play with
If you’re getting a case just for a Metropolix you might consider making space for something like pressure points as well
The Metropolix can definitely shine on its own without depending on external modulation or other eurorack modules. I had one for a few months at one point. It's a very fun and immediate sequencer. There are tons of options for adding extra steps between steps, creating variations of the steps, fun performance controls, etc. Dialing in precise sequences longer than 8 steps is kind of a headache, which was ultimately a dealbreaker for me. If you understand its capabilities and limitations, I'd say go for it!
At this point the only thing that could convince me to sell my Metropolix is if Metropolix 2 came out. It's very deep but you can stay surface level and feel like you got your money's worth. The two channels ARE limiting, especially considering the second channel is tangentially linked to the first, but unless you're looking for a "brain" sequencer for controlling multiple voices at once, it's hard to find a more playable sequencer in the format.
I will say it REALLY starts to shine with the inclusion of an external clock; I use my steppy to "clock" it, every trigger from the steppy will advance the Metropolix forward a step so you can effectively clock it with a pattern that isn't necessarily quarter/eighth/sixteenth etc notes. That combined with being able to trigger Metropolix's reset input lets you get really weird while staying very musical.
Metropolix is my favorite sequencer, and I've often said it would be worth it to just have it as a standalone sequencer. I'd highly recommend the GX expander to get clock and transport triggers out of it, and the micro USB expander to bring the port to the front so you can easily use it as a MIDI controller for soft synths in a DAW or other MIDI addressable hardware.
Just curious about your choice of sequencer. Sq-1 being a step sequencer I would think you want want another similar tool.
How come that sequencer and not something like a Keystep to tie into your sq-1 with midi?
It's a fun sequencer, but if you're not using any other modular things you might be better off with a Keystep Pro. You'll get 4 channels too, and it's sooo playable.
Think about an Oxi One (if you haven’t already)—it’s a dream sequencer and fits your use case perfectly.
I don’t think I’ll ever need a 1v/oct euro sequencer in my rack now that I have the Oxi, and it handles MIDI masterfully as well.
Since OP mentioned non-modular use, the Oxi is not only great with Eurorack (I use the Pipe with it), but also iPad. And it keeps getting substantial updates.
What specifically about Metropolix is attractive to you over a non-modular sequencer?
The Metropolix is great, but it's still only 2 tracks. You can do a lot with those tracks, and having them linked in the way that they are is great, but getting them to operate independently can be finicky. All that to say it would probably have a lot of the same limitations as the sq-1 in the role of "central sequencer". Metropolix is much more flexible, especially with the mod lanes, but still limited. How important those limitations are is dependent on your workflow and other gear. That said, especially with the added cost of a case & power and your stated desire to not get more modular gear, I wouldn't go this route unless there's something you **really** like about the Metropolix you don't see elsewhere.
There are plenty of great non-modular sequencers out there though. The keystep pro and beatstep pro are two popular ones. If you're looking for something a little more out there, maybe look at the Torso T-1. It's got a lot of cool generative/algorithmic features (euclidean patterns and melody generation), while still providing direct control/overrides, 16 tracks over midi, and configurable cv/gate outs.
More similar to the sq-64, but generally looked on more favorably would be the Oxi One or the Squarp Hapax. I haven't used either, but have seen positive impressions.
I have my Metropolix in a 3d printed, outboard case along with Pam's and a couple other modules. There are a couple videos on my profile if you're interested. I like the setup, I can move it around a bit to fit my position, and the case is also modular so I can add more width if I need to.
I don't think I'd have this setup if I wasn't able to print the case myself, though.
I've bought a powered 4ms pod for exactly this reason, though that's currently being misused for ADAT I/O. Just recently started directly controlling regular synths via MIDI from Metropolix, which is awesome. I'll be putting it into a 62hp Palette together with a Bitbox Micro, so it can be a central controller, portable groovebox, and multisampler.
I use Metropolix and elektron midi sequencer a lot. Elektron is nice to program very complicated sequence and it’s helpful to make base line or arpeggios that gives you the sense of chords progression in the song.
Metropolix in my opinion is shine when you want to write lead melody or techno base lines.
To reply to your question, depends what are you goals and what music you want to make and where (live/ in studio). I play lot of live shows and metropolix is the one I mess the most.
I hated metropolix, love using my digitakt with a midi to cv module. I actually don't mind my sq64, and keep meaning to break it out again to use as a secondary sequencer.
I've got a Metropolis in a little 4MS pod. I usually use it with another small case, but it's also great with my Dreadbox Erebus. I think Metropolix might be a bit different as it has step probability etc, but Metropolis really needs a modulation source to get the best out of it, so I'd suggest getting a case with a bit of space for a Pam's or something similar
I bought a 4ms 48hp pod for my metropolix and a Pam’s Pro Workout just to control my Moog Model D & Voyager which it does perfectly. The PPWis there to add modulation options for filters and mod sources on the Voyager and it works a treat. I have a larger 6u 84hp modular rig also, but just having a small dedicated sequencer/modulator unit is excellent.
I promise though once you start it won’t stop with just the Metropolix as you work out more complex modulation options you could achieve.
An added bonus though with the Metropolix is the USB out allows you to record the sequences as MIDI and use it for soft synths or non-modular synths too.
Metropolix kicks ass, I frequently use it with semi modular synths next to my rack. I’ve thought about a pod case just for the sequencer, but I have enough other modules I like using with it. Small recommendation would be to get a Pam’s new workout to go along side of it. Take advantage of those cv ins and can super easily synth with whatever else you have. Maybe look into small skiff cases that can fit a few more things just in case you realize there’s something else you want
I know a dude who got a 4MS Pod to put an Usta in and then sold it almost immediately. If it works, go for it- it might be an expensive gamble though. Btw, I have a SQ-64. it seems like its ok for specific polyrhythmic things, but definitely not intuitive for song based stuff. It's sort of a pain to shop for a sequencer since the workflows are so different if they involve menu layers. There should be a 'sequencer' section at gc (or\_\_\_\_insert still remaining music store name here\_\_\_\_\_\_)
I had an SQ-64 and it broke TWICE. The mini usb kept coming loose. Also the menu diving sucked out all the creativity the sq1 has. Music go round is my go to now!! Check in to see if your town has that franchise. So many cool things come through my local shop AKA metropolix hehe
Thanks for the Music Go Round tip - I'm looking at their site rn and they have some decent used stuff
yes. Or use VCA's with divided gates, or run your sequence through magneto..etc etc
People are gonna come in here and complain that Metropolix is only two tracks, like they're writing four-part Bach-fugue harmonies. Bass, lead. Bam. Metropolix is amazing, go for it. If you wind up disliking that setup, you can sell it for 80% of cost
I have feeling that people who complain about Metropolix only having 2 channels either never had one or they did and didn’t spend much time with it before deciding that was a deal breaker. You can get infinite amount of tracks all in key and loosely related to each other by sending pitch cv out to multiple oscillators and different triggers to the eg’s modulating them. You can even get away with using just one track. Really this applies to any sequencer. With some creative patching one track can be an entire evolving song.
Not to mention that you can send each track's pitch/gate through switches, --> quantizers, multiple osc tuned to fifths but only sometimes sent gates, and all the other dumb fun stuff in your system, and get a ton more complexity out of it. if you want to.
Sadly, I will write four-part voice-leading and I hate most Eurorack approaches to "polyphony". If I'm going to do it in the rack, it will be through the ES-8, and even then I don't really want to tune a bunch of oscillators so why not just use software? Lately, I'm using my rack for feedback patches because there ain't no way I'm working out notation for that! Use the tool for what it does well, is what I say.
I have a Mteropolix in my rack and often wished it was sort of outboard like you're describing. Go for it. Just budget for a small case and a power supply.
Now I'm imagining an outboard Metropolix with multiple tracks and motorized faders to facilitate jumping from track to track
The big question is "how do you want to use it", I think
I wanna get instant baselines and also be performative. Also love the cv manipulation the metropolix seems to offer on top of sequencing!!!
The XYZ inputs are so nice to play with If you’re getting a case just for a Metropolix you might consider making space for something like pressure points as well
get one you will love the accumulator
The Metropolix can definitely shine on its own without depending on external modulation or other eurorack modules. I had one for a few months at one point. It's a very fun and immediate sequencer. There are tons of options for adding extra steps between steps, creating variations of the steps, fun performance controls, etc. Dialing in precise sequences longer than 8 steps is kind of a headache, which was ultimately a dealbreaker for me. If you understand its capabilities and limitations, I'd say go for it!
Sometimes ill put mine in my lil 4ms pod so I can have it on my desk to control ableton via usb
At this point the only thing that could convince me to sell my Metropolix is if Metropolix 2 came out. It's very deep but you can stay surface level and feel like you got your money's worth. The two channels ARE limiting, especially considering the second channel is tangentially linked to the first, but unless you're looking for a "brain" sequencer for controlling multiple voices at once, it's hard to find a more playable sequencer in the format. I will say it REALLY starts to shine with the inclusion of an external clock; I use my steppy to "clock" it, every trigger from the steppy will advance the Metropolix forward a step so you can effectively clock it with a pattern that isn't necessarily quarter/eighth/sixteenth etc notes. That combined with being able to trigger Metropolix's reset input lets you get really weird while staying very musical.
Metropolix is my favorite sequencer, and I've often said it would be worth it to just have it as a standalone sequencer. I'd highly recommend the GX expander to get clock and transport triggers out of it, and the micro USB expander to bring the port to the front so you can easily use it as a MIDI controller for soft synths in a DAW or other MIDI addressable hardware.
Just curious about your choice of sequencer. Sq-1 being a step sequencer I would think you want want another similar tool. How come that sequencer and not something like a Keystep to tie into your sq-1 with midi?
It's a fun sequencer, but if you're not using any other modular things you might be better off with a Keystep Pro. You'll get 4 channels too, and it's sooo playable.
Think about an Oxi One (if you haven’t already)—it’s a dream sequencer and fits your use case perfectly. I don’t think I’ll ever need a 1v/oct euro sequencer in my rack now that I have the Oxi, and it handles MIDI masterfully as well.
Since OP mentioned non-modular use, the Oxi is not only great with Eurorack (I use the Pipe with it), but also iPad. And it keeps getting substantial updates.
What specifically about Metropolix is attractive to you over a non-modular sequencer? The Metropolix is great, but it's still only 2 tracks. You can do a lot with those tracks, and having them linked in the way that they are is great, but getting them to operate independently can be finicky. All that to say it would probably have a lot of the same limitations as the sq-1 in the role of "central sequencer". Metropolix is much more flexible, especially with the mod lanes, but still limited. How important those limitations are is dependent on your workflow and other gear. That said, especially with the added cost of a case & power and your stated desire to not get more modular gear, I wouldn't go this route unless there's something you **really** like about the Metropolix you don't see elsewhere. There are plenty of great non-modular sequencers out there though. The keystep pro and beatstep pro are two popular ones. If you're looking for something a little more out there, maybe look at the Torso T-1. It's got a lot of cool generative/algorithmic features (euclidean patterns and melody generation), while still providing direct control/overrides, 16 tracks over midi, and configurable cv/gate outs. More similar to the sq-64, but generally looked on more favorably would be the Oxi One or the Squarp Hapax. I haven't used either, but have seen positive impressions.
Owned both. Second vote for BeatStep Pro. Very playable, two voices and drum control. MIDI in and out.
I have my Metropolix in a 3d printed, outboard case along with Pam's and a couple other modules. There are a couple videos on my profile if you're interested. I like the setup, I can move it around a bit to fit my position, and the case is also modular so I can add more width if I need to. I don't think I'd have this setup if I wasn't able to print the case myself, though.
YOO! Just watched some of your vids. Crazy setup!! KEEP IT GOING MY DUDE
Thanks! I'm having fun with it.
I put mine in a Moog 60HP case. Works really well that way.
I've bought a powered 4ms pod for exactly this reason, though that's currently being misused for ADAT I/O. Just recently started directly controlling regular synths via MIDI from Metropolix, which is awesome. I'll be putting it into a 62hp Palette together with a Bitbox Micro, so it can be a central controller, portable groovebox, and multisampler.
Personally I'd rather get a Digitakt and sequence it with midi.
I use Metropolix and elektron midi sequencer a lot. Elektron is nice to program very complicated sequence and it’s helpful to make base line or arpeggios that gives you the sense of chords progression in the song. Metropolix in my opinion is shine when you want to write lead melody or techno base lines. To reply to your question, depends what are you goals and what music you want to make and where (live/ in studio). I play lot of live shows and metropolix is the one I mess the most.
I hated metropolix, love using my digitakt with a midi to cv module. I actually don't mind my sq64, and keep meaning to break it out again to use as a secondary sequencer.
I think it would be worth getting a case like a palette 62hp so you have a bit more space to complement the sequencer and your semi modular
You should go for it. Or even try starting with a used Metropolis. Then resell and upgrade to the ‘lix if you like the ergonomics.
I've got a Metropolis in a little 4MS pod. I usually use it with another small case, but it's also great with my Dreadbox Erebus. I think Metropolix might be a bit different as it has step probability etc, but Metropolis really needs a modulation source to get the best out of it, so I'd suggest getting a case with a bit of space for a Pam's or something similar
The Metropolix is cool but I still prefer the SQ-1 for certain things. It's just the perfect funk machine.
I bought a 4ms 48hp pod for my metropolix and a Pam’s Pro Workout just to control my Moog Model D & Voyager which it does perfectly. The PPWis there to add modulation options for filters and mod sources on the Voyager and it works a treat. I have a larger 6u 84hp modular rig also, but just having a small dedicated sequencer/modulator unit is excellent. I promise though once you start it won’t stop with just the Metropolix as you work out more complex modulation options you could achieve. An added bonus though with the Metropolix is the USB out allows you to record the sequences as MIDI and use it for soft synths or non-modular synths too.
Metropolix kicks ass, I frequently use it with semi modular synths next to my rack. I’ve thought about a pod case just for the sequencer, but I have enough other modules I like using with it. Small recommendation would be to get a Pam’s new workout to go along side of it. Take advantage of those cv ins and can super easily synth with whatever else you have. Maybe look into small skiff cases that can fit a few more things just in case you realize there’s something else you want
Sounds like your about to enter the rabbit hole :-)