Yamaha Synths Official: Seqtrak—A Portable Powerhouse Reimagines the Groovebox Workflow

The video opens with Mijk van Dijk at Yamaha Synth Space Berlin, surrounded by a selection of grooveboxes that trace his musical journey with Yamaha. He reflects on the evolution from the TX16W sampler to the RS7000, highlighting how Yamaha’s instruments have shaped his sound and workflow over the years. The narrative quickly pivots to the Seqtrak, a device that aims to encapsulate this legacy in a far more portable and accessible form.

Portability is a recurring theme: where the RS7000 was once considered portable (albeit heavy), the Seqtrak now redefines this standard, boasting a lightweight build and battery operation. Mijk emphasizes how the Seqtrak’s design allows him to bring the full breadth of Yamaha’s sonic heritage anywhere, whether on stage, in the studio, or on the move. This sets the stage for a device that’s not just a nod to the past, but a tool built for the realities of modern music creation.

Diving into the Seqtrak’s architecture, Mijk details its core components: two synth engines, a dedicated FM engine, and a sampler, all complemented by up to seven drum sounds. This hybrid approach is clearly designed to offer flexibility, allowing users to blend classic synthesis with modern sampling techniques in a single workflow.

He demonstrates how the FM engine in particular enables him to recreate signature sounds from his earlier productions, underscoring the continuity between Yamaha’s historical instruments and their latest offering. The inclusion of both sample-based and FM synthesis, alongside a straightforward drum engine, positions the Seqtrak as a versatile sound design tool that doesn’t sacrifice immediacy for depth.

The Seqtrak’s workflow is built around immediacy and hands-on control. Mijk showcases the ability to program tracks on the fly, leveraging the step sequencer to quickly lay down grooves. The device’s battery-powered operation (up to four hours) further reinforces its mobile credentials, making it a practical companion for spontaneous sessions.

A standout feature is the ability to micro-tune grooves by adjusting pitch directly within the sequencer. This allows for nuanced rhythmic and melodic shifts, catering to producers who value fine control over their patterns. The workflow is clearly designed to minimize menu-diving, focusing instead on direct interaction and creative flow.

The video concludes with Mijk’s clear endorsement of the Seqtrak as a new benchmark for portable music creation. He highlights its utility for both live performance and idea generation, noting that it has surpassed the RS7000 in terms of power and convenience. The ability to take the Seqtrak anywhere—on planes, trains, or into clubs—speaks to its role as a truly mobile production tool.

While the video is a manufacturer showcase and doesn’t delve into deeper menu structures or long-term reliability, it makes a strong case for the Seqtrak’s relevance in modern workflows. Yamaha Synths Official positions the device as a culmination of decades of innovation, now distilled into a form factor that meets the needs of today’s producers.