Sequencing hardware question

[Rahodees]

I would like to be able to walk up to my 88 key keyboard which I use to control my behringer neutron, and have some kind of device plugged in between the keyboard and the behringer, that will allow me to sequence.

I know that midi controllers with sequencers exist, I'm looking for something to add in between my two existing devices.

I also know that software sequencer VSTs exist, and I use them, but I'm talking about just walking up to my little "keys plus synth" station without hooking in my laptop and starting up a daw etc.

What are inexpensive options for this? Is the Korg SQ-1 the kind of thing I'm looking for? When I google these ideas I also get links to the Behringer X-Touch but, is that a false positive? I don't see sequencing listed as a feature on that thing.

[thecontrolcentre]

Something like KORG SQ-1 is fine ... but if you need more connectivity maybe the Korg SQ-64 or Doepfer Dark Time (with CV/Gate etc).

[Uncle E]

Alesis MMT8 and Kawai Q80 hardware sequencers are great. MMT8's are perfect inspiration machines because they're so easy to use. My Q80 is still going strong after 30+ years. MPC1000's are even better but they sell for too much money for what they are (all of these do, actually).

[seychell]

Very happy with my Roland MC80 and Yamaha QY700 sequencers. Really powerful and easy to integrate in a setup, with multiple sync options, MIDI file import/export etc.

[whyterabbyt]

Is the Korg SQ-1 the kind of thing I'm looking for?

It depends on what you're looking for... basically there are a couple of different types of hardware sequencer, and they have differences which may or may not fit for you.

Although it can output MIDI, the SQ1 is basically an analogue sequencer, meaning that it is 'switching' between which of the stages (each with a pitch knob and associated 'gate' button ) are being sent out at any time; the stage controls directly drive what's being sent out when that stage is active, and the sequence loops basically indefinitely while its being played, with each stage active for the same amount of time.
The SQ1 is a 2x8 sequencer in that it has two independent channels of 8 stages, although it can be switched to 1x16 mode.
One of the advantages of these is that you can 'perform' changes to the sequence in realtime.

Other sequencers, like the aforementioned MMT8 are digital 'pattern' sequencers, where you can create note sequences, and then daisy-chain them together into a sequence of sequences. They dont have the same direct control over the individual steps, but you might have more control (especially for MIDI) over more parameters of the sound, and you can output to far more channels simultaneously. Also the steps arent necessarily the same length.
You might find that this kind of sequencer can store hundreds of notes per sequence, chain hundreds of sequences, output notes to 16 different channels simultaneously, and play 16 or more notes simultaneously per channel.
So basically, they're a bit like the MIDI portion of your DAW.
Editing of the patterns isnt necessarily immediate, but you can usually 'perform' changes of which pattern is being played etc.

There is also a sort of hybrid of these, in that there are some analogue-style step sequencers which can also store and daisy-chain patterns. On those, you can usually 'perform' realtime changes to an active pattern, and the changing between patterns.