project 01 / release candidate

lq-12

An eight-track, 12-bit sampler and sequencer that turns the computer keyboard into a groovebox.

join the beta read the build log ↓

lq-12 with a drum sample loaded, showing its waveform, parameters, sixteen-step sequence and eight tracks — the main instrument viewsample editing, sequencing and tracks on one screen

lq-12 empty state, ready to load a WAV or AIFF sample — start with a samplepress L and begin

lq-12 keyboard reference showing its mouse-free controls — the keyboard mapevery musical operation, no mouse required

what works today

The complete 0.2 workflow

Eight tracks, four voices each

Each track has its own sequence, length, sample, level, pan, mute, solo and DIRT setting.

One to 64 steps per track

Independent lengths run against one clock, so patterns can be straightforward or polymetric.

A different sample on any step

Choose from a shared 256-sample pool, set a track default and override it wherever the pattern needs it.

Six parameters can change per step

Pitch, start, end, level, pan and DIRT can all be locked to individual steps.

Keyboard-first operation

Tracks, pages, steps, parameter locks, mute and solo are designed to stay under your fingers.

Projects, recovery and export

Self-contained .lq12 projects include their samples, with undo, redo, autosave, crash recovery and WAV export.

Build log

newest first

08 Sep 2026

nearly ready

The eight-track version is together

The app is basically where I wanted it for the first beta. I’m doing one last listening pass on DIRT before I sign the build and let a small group of musicians loose on it.

08 Sep 2026

samples

A different sample on every step

Each track still has its main sound, but any step can now borrow something else from the 256-sample pool. It makes a simple pattern much less predictable without turning the sequencer into a spreadsheet.

07 Sep 2026

patterns

Patterns can finally breathe a bit

Tracks can run anywhere from one to 64 steps, each with its own length. I also added per-step changes for pitch, start, end, level, pan and DIRT, which is where the groovebox starts to feel alive.

06 Sep 2026

tracks

One track became eight

This was the point where lq-12 stopped feeling like a sampler demo. Eight tracks now share the keyboard, and whichever one you choose brings its sound and controls straight to the front.

lq-12 private beta

Try the release candidate.

I’m looking for musicians willing to use lq-12 as an instrument and tell me where the flow gets in their way.