Yamaha QX1 Digital Sequence Recorder

You're looking at a fully functional, excellent condition mid-80's Yamaha QX1 Digital Sequence Recorder. This unit comes in the original box, includes the original manuals, brochures, floppy disks and more. You're basically getting a time capsule from 40 years ago.

ABOUT THE QX1

The Yamaha QX1 is a historically significant piece of equipment: a **Digital Sequence Recorder** (a hardware MIDI sequencer) released by Yamaha in **1984**. It was their flagship MIDI sequencer and a groundbreaking professional-grade tool for music production at the time.

Here are some of its key features and details:

• Pioneering MIDI Sequencer:** It was one of Yamaha's first MIDI sequencers, designed for professional studio use, and helped define the capabilities of digital sequencing in the early days of MIDI.
• 8 Independent Tracks:** It featured 8 separate, independent MIDI tracks, which was a very advanced capability for the time, allowing users to compose complex arrangements.
• Multiple MIDI Outputs:** To take full advantage of the tracks, it was equipped with **8 separate MIDI Out terminals**, which were often paired with multi-timbral sound modules like Yamaha's own TX816 FM Tone Generator System (which housed eight DX7 synthesizer engines in a rack). This allowed for simultaneous control of multiple synths with no time lag.
• Storage:** It utilized a built-in **5.25-inch floppy disk drive** for data storage, which was essential for saving and recalling complex compositions.
• Memory:** It had a large capacity for the era, capable of storing up to **80,000 notes** per disk.
• Recording Modes:** It supported both **real-time** recording (playing along with a tempo) and **step-time** recording (inputting notes one by one), appealing to various styles of musicians.
• Editing Capabilities:** It offered advanced editing tools, including **quantization** (to correct timing) and the ability to edit note-level data like **velocity** (dynamics).
• * **Resolution:** It had a fine timing resolution of **384 pulses per quarter note (PPQ)**, ensuring accurate playback of musical nuance.
• * **Design and Interface:** It was a large, solidly built unit with a professional appearance, featuring a computer-like keypad and an LCD screen for data entry and command selection. Its operation was based on a system of **four modes (Play, Record, Edit, Utility)** and numbered "Job Commands."
• * **Cost:** The QX1 was an expensive, top-of-the-line machine, reflecting its target market of professional studios and musicians.

The QX1 set a high standard for MIDI sequencing and its influence can be seen in later, more affordable hardware sequencers, even as computer-based sequencing software began to emerge.