Zoom ARQ Aero RhythmTrak AR-96

ARQ is an integrated drum machine, sequencer, looper and MIDI controller with a built-in accelerometer. With its wireless Bluetooth ring controller you are free to move anywhere as you record or perform, bringing a new dimension to your stage presence. The ARQ features two main sections, the central Base Station and the detachable Ring Controller.

ARQ is a bannister sequencer that can operate independently of a computer. Individual patterns or even complete songs can be created step by step or by recording a performance in real time and prepared via the internal mixer with settings for volume, mute and solo. Instruments can be assigned to individual or multiple pads to create up to three parts at the same time. A maximum of 33 parts can be played back at once, whereby the sound colour and pitch of each part can also be changed without using the keys. A total of 400 patterns can be combined in any order to a complete song and then stored as an audio loop, which in turn can be triggered by a single pad - and all this without using a computer.

The powerful sound engine of ARQ has 468 sampled waveforms which can be played on several pads at different pitches - and 70 different synthesizer sounds, which allow creating absolutely independent timbres. You can choose from 538 different types of oscillators, which you then edit with digital effects such as filters, delay and reverb, as well as sound-shaping controls such as envelope generators and a step or stepless modulation.

The ARQ you can create independent loops from the internal sounds and patterns or by recording external audio. Set start and end points, change the pitch as needed, select between normal and reverse playback and assign each loop to its own control pad. Up to 32 loops can be played back at the same time and synchronized to the same tempo. With ARQ, creating loops is simple and a much more fun process.

With the ring you can use your MIDI instruments and other devices that are connected to your computer - such as samplers, synths, drum computers or MIDI-capable effects processors – all monitored wirelessly. All 96 pads are impact-sensitive and can also output aftertouch (MIDI commands generated by the pressure you apply to held pads).

The base station of the ARQ holds 468 internal drum/instrument sounds (in "One Shot" sampled waveform sounds), 70 different synth sounds and dozens of digital effects. Two 6.35mm line inputs allow audio phrases and loops to be recorded. In addition, there are two 1/4 "line jack outputs and a separate 1/4" headphone jack with its own volume control. A USB port allows connection to a computer whilst the SD card slot is used to back up patterns and loops, import pre-produced material and update the firmware.

The removable ring controller communicates wirelessly via Bluetooth to the base station or with a DAW. It offers 96 impact and pressure sensitive pads for starting clips as well as playing drum or instrument sounds and whole sequences. Phrases and sounds can be played chromatically or you can select from countless preset scales in any key. Its unique grip detection prevents the pads from being accidentally touched. On the top and bottom of the ring, there are special buttons for REC / PLAY / STOP as well as for switching the filter / delay / reverb / MASTER FX functions on or off. An internal acceleration sensor generates MIDI control commands in three axes, which can be used to change sounds and effects in real time. The internal lithium-ion battery is charged automatically when the ring is connected to the base station.