The previously leaked Behringer BQ-10 analogue sequencer has officially launched — here’s everything you need to know

Behringer has quietly moved another long-rumoured product from the “leak” pile to the shop window: the BQ-10 analogue sequencer. If the name and styling look familiar, that’s because the BQ-10 is a modern reimagining of the classic Korg SQ-10 design — rebuilt with contemporary connectivity and Eurorack friendliness in mind. Whether you’re a vintage-sequencing obsessive, a modular tinkerer, or a bedroom producer who loves hands-on pattern creation, the BQ-10 is designed to slot into many setups without demanding a PhD in patching. 

What the BQ-10 actually is

At its heart, the BQ-10 is an analogue, voltage-controlled step sequencer giving you 24 total steps arranged as three 8-step lanes. Channels A and B can operate independently as two 8-step sequences or be combined into a single 16-step melodic lane; channel C remains dedicated as an 8-step control lane for filter, amplitude or other timbral modulations. That flexible three-lane architecture is what gives the BQ-10 a lot of creative mileage: you can have two melodic lines and a separate automation lane running at once, or stitch lanes together for longer phrases. 

Physically, it’s presented as a desktop unit that can be removed and mounted into Eurorack — useful if you want both a tidy desktop workstation and rack integration. The layout is classic: knobs and switches for each step, portamento and duty-cycle/gate controls, dedicated sync and CV jacks, plus MIDI for integrating with modern gear. 

Key specs and features (quick list)

• 24 analogue steps arranged as 3 × 8-step lanes (A, B, C). A+B = 16 steps when combined. 

• CV and gate outputs for full voltage control; per-lane voltage range switches for compatibility with different synth standards. 

• MIDI & USB — clock sync and MIDI note/Gate output for DAW/hardware integration. 

• Clock generator (internal), adjustable roughly from very slow to very fast — and CV-controllable, plus external clock input for sync. 

• Per-channel portamento (glide) and a global duty-cycle control to shape gate length. 

• Eight playback modes for A/B, including series, parallel, alternating and random options to vary sequence behaviour. 

• Desktop & Eurorack capable — the unit detaches from its desktop case for rack mounting and lists a modest HP size on modular databases. 

Those bullet points are the essence of what delivers the classic SQ-10 vibe with modern usability. The BQ-10 keeps the tactile, real-time programming workflow that analogue sequencers are loved for, while making them far less awkward to integrate with modern setups. 

How it differs from the Korg SQ-10 (and why that matters)

Behringer’s take is recognisably inspired by the Korg SQ-10, but with a few practical updates. The addition of MIDI/USB and CV-friendly voltage range switches is the biggest functional upgrade — it means the BQ-10 can talk to vintage Hz/V synths, modern 1V/oct modular gear, and computer setups without a lot of external conversion. The dedicated third lane (C) being explicitly pitched for modulation tasks is also a modern convenience: rather than patching an external sequencer to a VCF or VCA, you can build timbral changes into your patterns from the same interface. 

There are aesthetic and ergonomic tweaks too: Behringer has chosen a darker control surface and wood end-cheeks for a retro but contemporary look, and the ability to run as a standalone desktop box or snap it into Eurorack opens it up to more workflows than the original hardware typically supported. For many users that “plug and play” modular compatibility is a decisive factor. 

Real-world usability: what it’s good at

• Hands-on compositional jamming. The step pots and physical transport controls invite experimentation — perfect for quickly sketching motifs or improvising live sequences. 

• Modulation-driven patches. Use channel C to twist filter cutoff, VCA level, or any CV-controllable parameter on your synth to create evolving grooves without external CV routing. 

• Integration with DAWs/hardware. MIDI/USB means the BQ-10 can either be the central timing source for hardware rigs or slotted into a software workflow; conversely, the CV outputs let it remain a pure-analogue controller when you want that sound. 

• Modular-friendly sequencing. If you build with Eurorack, the detachable form factor and full CV outputs let the BQ-10 live as a compact step engine in someone’s case. 

It’s not trying to be a sequencer DAW replacement; its charm and strength are immediacy, character and hands-on performance — the traits that made step sequencers indispensable in classic electro and electronic music. 

Pricing and availability

Behringer has listed the BQ-10 at an accessible price point — around US$149 / £149 in many retailers’ listings — which positions it as an affordable entry into hardware sequencing and modular-adjacent setups. Preorders have appeared across multiple dealers, and Behringer’s own product page and press materials indicate the unit is now officially launched and shipping through retailers in batches. Expect initial demand to outpace supply for a while; popular Behringer launches tend to sell quickly. 

Who should consider buying one?

• Beginners to hands-on sequencing who want a quick, low-cost way to learn analogue sequencing concepts without a full modular investment.

• Modular users seeking an inexpensive, compact step engine to run melodic and modulation lanes in their rack.

• Live performers and jam musicians who want a tactile pattern machine that responds well to on-the-fly changes.

• Producers after character — if you like the slightly unpredictable, squelchy charm of analogue CV and manual knob tweaks, the BQ-10 brings that to low cost. 

If your main studio workflow is tightly DAW-centric and you need deep pattern memory, song mode, step automation recall and long-form sequencing, you may find the BQ-10’s analogue, patch-centric workflow less convenient than a dedicated sequencer with full CV-to-MIDI mapping and presets. But for raw hands-on sequencing, it’s hard to beat for the price. 

A few practical caveats and community reactions

• Purists will notice differences between the original Korg SQ-10 and Behringer’s implementation — some step counts and nuanced behaviours vary. That said, many users welcome the modern connectivity, even if small purist gripes appear on synth forums.

• Supply timing. As with many new Behringer launches, availability may vary regionally, and some retailers show preorder lead times — so if you need one immediately, double-check local stock and shipping windows.

Final thoughts — is the BQ-10 worth the buzz?

The BQ-10 is exactly what it promises to be: a relatively inexpensive, hands-on analogue sequencer that wears its heritage on its sleeve while adding pragmatic modern features. For anyone who’s ever loved the immediacy of knob-per-step sequencing and wanted to plug it directly into modular or MIDI setups without extra interface boxes, the BQ-10 is a compelling option. At its price point and with its combination of CV, gate, MIDI and Eurorack compatibility, it looks set to be a popular choice for curious beginners and seasoned hardware lovers alike. 

If you want to dive deeper before buying, check the Behringer product page for full specs and manuals, watch hands-on demo videos from retailers and reviewers to hear how it behaves with your kind of synth, and read user threads for early impressions on build quality and integration tips. Happy sequencing!