Behringer BQ-10: Analogue Sequencing, No Menus Required

Behringer’s BQ-10 is introduced as their first foray into semi-modular sequencing, and the emphasis is clear: this is a sequencer for those who want to get stuck in without the faff of screens or endless menus. The video opens with a nod to Behringer’s recent run of semi-modulars, but the BQ-10 is positioned as a tool to bring order—and creativity—to the patching chaos.

The BQ-10’s interface is all about immediacy. With three rows of eight steps, each with its own chunky knob, the layout is designed for intuitive tweaking. There’s a tactile satisfaction in building sequences here, reminiscent of classic hardware from the late ’70s. Behringer make it clear: this is about fun, fast melodic creation, not menu navigation. The inspiration from the vintage SQ10 is obvious, but the BQ-10 brings it into Eurorack territory with a modern twist.

The BQ-10 caters to a range of modular standards with selectable voltage ranges per channel—1V, 2V, 5V, and even the Korg-standard 8V (hertz per volt). This makes it a versatile partner for everything from Eurorack oscillators to vintage MS-20s and K2s. The video highlights how this flexibility is a boon for those with mixed-format setups.

Connectivity is a strong suit: each channel gets its own CV and gate outputs, and there’s USB MIDI for snapping sequences to chromatic pitches. Whether you’re clocking the BQ-10 from an external trigger, syncing via MIDI, or running it standalone, the integration options are extensive. The hands-on demonstration shows both analog and digital connections in action, underscoring the BQ-10’s role as a true modular hub.

The video moves on to real-world patching, with the BQ-10 controlling a Behringer K2 synth. Sequences are dialled in live, with channel A handling pitch, channel B available for modulation, and channel C routed to filter cutoff. The ability to add portamento and adjust trigger duty cycles is demonstrated, showing how evolving, expressive patterns can be built on the fly.

Sync options are plentiful: internal clock, external triggers, USB, MIDI, and analog sync all get a look-in. The inclusion of a clock divider and a trigger processor (inspired by the MS03) means you can convert between V-trigger and S-trigger standards, as well as merge or transform voltages for more complex patches. The BQ-10’s flexibility in both sequencing and sync is a highlight, making it a creative centrepiece for evolving modular jams.