When Yamaha released the QY700 in 1996, they created something that still stands as one of the most capable all-in-one sequencer workstations ever built, packing enough power to serve as the complete heart of a hardware-based MIDI studio without needing a computer in sight.
This is a full-featured sequencer built around 32 linear tracks plus 16 pattern tracks, capable of storing up to 110,000 notes across 20 songs with rock-solid 1/480th quarter note timing resolution. The centerpiece is a large 320 by 240 pixel backlit LCD screen that makes navigation and editing genuinely pleasant compared to the cramped displays on competing units. You get four recording modes—Replace, Overdub, Punch-In, and Step—giving you flexibility whether you're laying down parts in real time or building sequences note by note. The tempo range spans 5 to 300 BPM, and there's a dedicated Conductor Track for tempo automation. On the hardware side, you've got a pair of wheels for pitch and assignable control, a shuttle dial for navigation, and programmable footswitches for transport control, making it surprisingly hands-on for a sequencer from this era.
The built-in sound engine uses Yamaha's AWM2 synthesis with XG and General MIDI compatibility, delivering nearly 4,000 sounds across drums, bass, guitar, and synth categories. The effects section is genuinely impressive: 11 reverb types, 11 chorus algorithms, plus delay, rotary speaker, tremolo, auto pan, phaser, distortion, overdrive, amp simulation, and parametric EQ options. You can apply effects to individual tracks through a dedicated mixer screen that handles volume, pan, and effect sends for all 32 parts. The 3.5-inch floppy disk drive lets you save and load sequences in Standard MIDI File format, making it easy to move work between the QY700 and other gear.
The community consensus has been consistently positive over the decades—musicians praise its rock-solid timing, comprehensive feature set, and the fact that it genuinely works as a standalone composition tool. The main criticism that comes up is that the interface, while powerful, requires some patience to navigate and learn, though once you understand the menu structure most users find it intuitive enough.
