Future Retro Orb Sequencer

It is the first in a new line of XS-ories designed to control and complement the company’s XS semi-modular synthesizer, as well as control other analog CV/Gate or MIDI synthesizers and 303 clones.

Unlike linear-style step sequencers, the Orb’s circular interface is designed to make it easy to divide a measure of music into equal parts, as well as intuitively display patterns as cyclic loops playing forward, in reverse, or remixed.

This sequencer lets you record up to 256 patterns, with note duration, pitch, accent, glide, loop point, time signature, and swing amount. Pattern editing features include copy/paste, pattern shifting, pattern transposing, multiple pattern cueing for chaining patterns together live, real-time editing, and LED chase. Patterns can be arranged in up to 16 songs and multiple songs may be chained together so they play sequentially. Back up patterns and songs via SysEx dumps to other Orb units, Revolution units, or to your computer.

The Orb has individual 1/4" jacks for the CV Out, with adjustable Glide Time control, Gate Out, and Accent Out for playing most analog synths. It can also act as a MIDI to CV converter, allowing a MIDI keyboard/controller or sequencer to control an analog synthesizer. In addition, it’s possible to sync most pre-MIDI analog sequencers and arpeggiators to MIDI clock by using the Gate Out signal as a programmable clock source, according to FR. MIDI In/Thru/Out are all provided for syncing playback with external sequencers, playing MIDI sound modules, or using the Orb as a MIDI to CV converter.

The unit is housed in an aluminum chassis, with a white on gun-metal grey finish, bright blue LEDs, and new orb-like spherical switches. The Orb’s size (7" [L] x 6" [W] x 2.75" [H]) is designed to let you carry out sequencing functions with one hand.

Pricing & Availability
The Orb is available now for $550 USD.

For full specifications and more information, check out www.future-retro.com.