Espen Kraft’s QX7 Christmas: Sequencing 80s Cheer Like a Pro

Sequencer at the Helm: QX7 Takes Charge

Espen Kraft wastes no time, dropping us straight into the action with the Yamaha QX7 as the central sequencer. No DAW in sight, just pure hardware muscle—exactly how we like it. The QX7 is the brains of this operation, breathing life into a pile of classic 80s gear to recreate a Christmas hit that’s more synthwave than sleigh bells.

The vibe is pure retro, but the workflow is tight. Espen’s approach is all about hands-on sequencing, using the QX7 to drive the whole show. If you’re after that authentic 80s groove, this is how you do it: one sequencer, a stack of vintage boxes, and zero patience for software faff.

Beat Sync: Drum Machines in Lockstep

Getting drum machines to play nice is half the battle, but Espen makes it look effortless. He runs MIDI out from the QX7 into the Roland TR-626, syncing it up for that classic punch. The Sequential Tom joins the party, layering up the beats for a proper 80s rhythm section.

It’s not just about pressing play—Espen shows how to set up external sync so everything hits on the one. If you’ve ever wrestled with MIDI clock chaos, you’ll appreciate how smooth this setup is. The result? Drum grooves locked tighter than a warehouse rave at 3am.

"By putting the MIDI out of the QX7 into the MIDI in of the Roland 626 I can externally sync that to the QX7 of course."

© Screenshot/Quote: Espenkraft (YouTube)

Quantize, Chain, Repeat: Song-Building Power Moves

"That was eight bars of bass but I want to quantize that part because it wasn't 100%."

© Screenshot/Quote: Espenkraft (YouTube)

Quantization isn’t just for the lazy—it’s for getting that bassline sitting just right. Espen demonstrates how to quantize tracks on the QX7, switching from eights to sixteenths for extra snap. He’s not shy about bouncing tracks around either, using the exchange function to juggle bass parts between tracks and keep the workflow moving.

Track chaining is where things get spicy. By chaining bars from different tracks, Espen builds up a full song structure without breaking a sweat. The QX7’s repeat function keeps the groove rolling, making it easy to stack up variations and keep things interesting. This is sequencing as it should be: fast, flexible, and ready for the dancefloor.

Synth Army: Vintage Sounds Unleashed

Espen doesn’t just stick to one flavour—he brings in a full arsenal of vintage synths. The DX7 handles master keyboard duties, the Roland D550 brings the bass, and the Bit01 module delivers a lush poly brass patch. There’s even a TX802 chiming in with bells for that essential Christmas sparkle. The QX7 keeps them all in line, showing off its versatility as a true MIDI command centre.

The Full Festive Jam: Why You Need to Watch

Words can only do so much—if you want to feel the groove and see the QX7 in action, you’ve got to watch the video. Espen’s workflow, the sound of those vintage machines, and the way everything locks together is best experienced with your own ears. Grab a mince pie, hit play, and let the 80s Christmas spirit take over.