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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Yamaha QY700 Music Sequencer, a powerhouse in the world of audio sequencing. Designed for musicians and DJs alike, the QY700 blends advanced sequencing capabilities with user-friendly operation, making it an essential tool for both live performances and studio sessions. Its integrated LCD screen offers a comprehensive view of your compositions, allowing for precise edits and smooth navigation through a vast array of features.

The QY700 is celebrated for its high-capacity sequencer that empowers you to manage complex arrangements effortlessly. With a built-in sound source featuring a wide range of high-quality voices, this sequencer provides an all-in-one solution to crafting intricate musical pieces. Moreover, the QY700's extensive connectivity options ensure it seamlessly integrates into your existing setup, supporting MIDI devices and external controllers with ease.

Whether you're laying down a new track, remixing a classic, or exploring new soundscapes, the Yamaha QY700 delivers versatile functionality and rich sound quality that will inspire your next masterpiece.

Key Features:

  • Large integrated LCD screen for intuitive control and editing
  • High-capacity sequencer capable of managing complex arrangements
  • Built-in sound source with a wide array of high-quality voices
  • Extensive MIDI connectivity for external devices and controllers
  • User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and seasoned musicians
  • Robust design ideal for both studio use and live performances
Debukas

Debukas

Using Yamaha QY-700 MIDI Sequencer (Pattern Mode) for Dawless Live Jamming

Video thumbnail for Using Yamaha QY-700 MIDI Sequencer (Pattern Mode) for Dawless Live Jamming by Debukas

Using Yamaha QY-700 MIDI Sequencer (Pattern Mode) for Dawless Live Jamming

Debukas

Debukas

Video thumbnail for Yamaha QY700 Music Sequencer by manofmusicproduction

Yamaha QY700 Music Sequencer

manofmusicproduction

manofmusicproduction

Video thumbnail for 90s MIDI Synth & Sequencer Dawless Jam · QY-700 / BX-8 / Pulse Plus / Bass Station / JV-1080 / XD-5 by Debukas

90s MIDI Synth & Sequencer Dawless Jam · QY-700 / BX-8 / Pulse Plus / Bass Station / JV-1080 / XD-5

Debukas

Debukas

Video thumbnail for Yamaha QY700 Tutorial - Berlin School 'Analog' Sequencer by OLEOTECHNO

Yamaha QY700 Tutorial - Berlin School 'Analog' Sequencer

OLEOTECHNO

OLEOTECHNO

Video thumbnail for Yamaha QY700 Sequencer Demo - Peter Moss by Peter Moss Ukulele

Yamaha QY700 Sequencer Demo - Peter Moss

Peter Moss Ukulele

Peter Moss Ukulele

Video thumbnail for COVER: BEETHOVEN - EURYTHMICS (Only made with QY-700), Audiovisualisation test with SHOTCUT. by David van Scouten (Micky Waldkraft)

COVER: BEETHOVEN - EURYTHMICS (Only made with QY-700), Audiovisualisation test with SHOTCUT.

David van Scouten (Micky Waldkraft)

David van Scouten (Micky Waldkraft)

Video thumbnail for Ryuichi Sakamoto +33(cover with YAMAHA QY700) by Seichi junrei

Ryuichi Sakamoto +33(cover with YAMAHA QY700)

Seichi junrei

Seichi junrei

Video thumbnail for Cheesy Bells | Jingle Bells played with a Yamaha QY700 by Dimitris Dermanis music

Cheesy Bells | Jingle Bells played with a Yamaha QY700

Dimitris Dermanis music

Dimitris Dermanis music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha QY700 Music Sequencer.

Features and functionality

  • The QY700 allows MIDI input from external keyboards and excels at controlling multiple MIDI devices with rock-solid timing.

    Source
  • To avoid pattern switching delays, users should set the Style only in the first chain step, allowing seamless sub-pattern transitions.

    Source
  • With its 4 MIDI ports (2 ins/2 outs), the QY700 can sequence up to 32 MIDI tracks, ideal for DAWless setups aiming for a tactile, "old skool" vibe.

    Source
  • The sequencer's dual MIDI outs can simultaneously handle hardware and software instruments, allowing flexible routing.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the navigation as having a learning curve, but with practice, muscle memory improves workflow significantly.

    Source
  • Transitioning from floppy disks to SD cards is seen as a significant convenience for those managing files on modern computers.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the QY700's compatibility with both vintage and contemporary gear, highlighting its adaptability despite its age.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's particularly suited for creating complex sequences, similar to Ableton's phrase-based approach, and allows detailed edits to timing and velocity.

    Source
  • It's effective as a backing track generator, noted for its robust timing and suitability for 90s IDM style jams.

    Source
  • The sequencer remains a preferred choice for those who dislike DAW-based sequencing but wish to integrate VST instruments.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The QY700 can save and send sysex data for synth patch management, streamlining song loading and editing by automatically pushing patches to connected devices.

    Source
  • Users confirm the QY700 can connect with modern DAWs through a USB MIDI interface, effectively bridging hardware and software workflows.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the QY70, the QY700 offers improved ease of use due to its larger screen and additional input controls like alpha numeric keys and an alpha dial.

    Source
  • Some users compare its MIDI capabilities favorably against modern sequencers, noting that the QY700 offers a more robust specification.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Yamaha QY700 is praised for its solid build and tactile interface, making it enjoyable for hands-on music creation.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners are replacing the 3.5" floppy drive with an SD card reader to simplify data management and avoid obsolete media issues.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
quantumdylan

Amazing sequencer, interface is a little rough

As is the norm for Yamaha around this time, this is an incredibly full featured sequencer with some serious power behind it, but holy moly the interface does a good job of hiding that sometimes. I've been having a lot of fun messing with the groove templates (a sort of mapping for swing and quantization, rolled into one thing. Comes with variable quantization strength which is awesome) and other things you can shift around. The pattern sequencing is a huge strong point for me, very easy once you figure out how to actually edit the thing.

That being said, man the interface can sometimes blow. Not to mention how hard Yamaha was trying to make this box a full band in a single unit. The emphasis on that sometimes comes at the detriment to external MIDI sequencing, but like I said once you've figured things out it's smooth sailing for the most part.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Squarepusher uses Yamaha QY700 Music Sequencer

Squarepusher

Bassist, Music Producer

Squarepusher & AFX

...
Verified via Photo

"Tom Jenkinson much prefers to work with hardware sequencers, and specifically his Yamaha QY700," reads the caption to this photo, in this article.

See how Fjaak uses Yamaha QY700 Music Sequencer

Fjaak

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from October 22, 2015

See how Synkro uses Yamaha QY700 Music Sequencer

Synkro

...
Verified via MusicRadar

I try to keep the music as natural as I can, with as little editing or over-processing as possible. A lot of the melodic parts are all synth jams that I created using my Roland Juno-6, a Roland SH-101 and the Yamaha QY700 sequencer before I gradually started tracking into Ableton and putting percussive elements on top.

See how Robert Hood uses Yamaha QY700 Music Sequencer

Robert Hood

Music Producer, DJ

Underground Resistance

...
Verified via XLR8R

Per his April 14, 2014 interview with xlr8r:

The Yamaha sequencers have been a mainstay in my arsenal. I started off with the portable QY100, and I remember programming tracks from X-101 on that pocket sequencer. Of course, I’ve used other hardware sequencers, but through the years, Yamaha’s QY700 series has been sort of my weapon of choice.

See how Hisham Farouq uses Yamaha QY700 Music Sequencer

Hisham Farouq

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Instagram

Used for sequencing/drums 2025 onwards

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha QY700 Music Sequencer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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