ALM Busy Circuits ASQ-1

SH-101-style Eurorack performance sequencer with mechanical keyboard

• 2 SH-101-style step-time CV/Gate sequencers, but with a turbo boost
• 4 drum-machine-style trigger sequencers
• High-resolution external CV quantizer synchronized to the clock
• Mechanical keys in the style of a computer keyboard, with a satisfying tactile feel
• Independent pattern lengths and instant polyrhythms
• On-the-fly pattern mute, transposition, and saving
• USB-C port for firmware updates and sequence backups

The ALM Busy Circuits ASQ-1 is a multimode Eurorack sequencer designed for playing, not for endless programming. It simultaneously handles two CV/Gate patterns and four trigger patterns, and also performs synchronized quantization of an external CV signal. Everything is programmed using classic, familiar paradigms: entering SH-101-style step-time notes and editing patterns just like on a drum machine, via mechanical keys reminiscent of a computer keyboard that make you want to get your hands on them.

SH-101-style step-time CV/Gate sequencer

The two CV/Gate sequencers employ the step-time input method made famous by the Roland SH-101: you play the notes one after another, and the sequence takes shape—no grids to fill or menus to navigate. A direct approach that quickly takes you from idea to groove, enhanced by features designed for modular synthesis.

Four drum-machine-style trigger patterns

Alongside the melodic lines, you’ll find four trigger sequencers with classic drum-machine editing, ideal for driving percussive voices, envelopes, or events in your patch. Each pattern can have an independent length and its own clock division, so you can build polyrhythms and ever-evolving patterns with just a few keys.

Synchronized CV quantizer for your Eurorack system

The ASQ-1 features a high-resolution quantizer for an external CV signal, synchronized to the clock. You can feed in LFOs, random sources, or sequences from other modules and bring them back into scale and time with the rest of your performance.

Performance interface with mechanical keys and LEDs

Pattern position, step information, length, and clock division are indicated directly by keys and LEDs, with no display. With simple key combinations, you can access global and performance functions: mute, transposition, and saving and recalling patterns. The feel of the mechanical keys makes every gesture precise and satisfying—an almost ASMR-like pleasure.

An intuitive alternative to complex sequencers

The ASQ-1 was designed to be simple and intuitive, perfect for jotting down ideas on the fly, embracing happy accidents, and playing live. A fun, hands-on alternative to increasingly complex hardware sequencers, for those who want to get back to making music with their hands.

Clock, Memory, and Updates

The sequencer can operate with an internal or external clock, with optional internal division for each pattern. All patterns are saved, and their state is retained even when the unit is powered off. The USB-C port allows for drag-and-drop firmware updates and backup of sequence data.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: ALM Busy Circuits
• Model: ASQ-1
• Type: Multimode sequencer for Eurorack
• CV/Gate sequencers: 2, with SH-101-style step-time input
• Trigger sequencers: 4, drum-machine-style editing
• Quantizer: 1 high-resolution external CV, clock-synced
• Interface: Mechanical keys in the style of a computer keyboard with LED indicators
• Performance functions: mute, transposition, pattern save and load
• Clock: Internal or external, optional internal division for patterns
• Independent sequence lengths for polyrhythms
• Memory: Saveable patterns; state retained when powered off
• USB-C port for drag-and-drop firmware updates and sequence backups
• Power: +12 V 50 mA, -12 V 10 mA
• Dimensions: 32 HP
• Depth: 32 mm, suitable for skiff cases
• Reverse polarity protection
• Made in England