Presonus Atom SQ

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Hybrid MIDI Keyboard/Pad Performance and Production Controller

Versatile controller for production and performance
32 velocity and pressure sensitive RGB pads
Assignable multi-function touch strip
Eight configurable continuous rotary encoders
Deep integration with Studio One's pattern editor
Ableton Live integration enables session navigation, transport control, clip start/stop, crossfader control and much more
Arpeggiator
USB bus powered
Dimensions (W x D x H): 361 x 171 x 25 mm
Weight: 0.9 kg
Includes USB cable Presonus Studio One Pro (Download)

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3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since August 2020
Item number 497744
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
USB Yes
Bluetooth No
5-pole DIN MIDI No
Ethernet No
Pads 32
Diplay Yes
Rotary Knobs 8
Fader(s) 0
Drawbar No
Expansion No

215 €

All prices incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Miscellaneous Controllers

Welcome to the era of the Atom

The Presonus Atom SQ is a versatile and expressive USB pad controller, designed for both beat production and melodic sequencing. Featuring a 32-pad layout in a dual-row configuration, it offers an intuitive step-sequencing workflow inspired by classic drum machines while retaining the expressive playability of a finger-drumming controller. Its velocity-sensitive pads, touch strip, eight assignable encoders, and high-resolution LC display seamlessly integrate with Studio One and Ableton Live, offering a fluid, hands-on production experience. Whether used for triggering loops, sequencing beats, or controlling virtual instruments, the Atom SQ is designed to enhance workflow in both the studio and live performance environments.

A sequencer, controller, and instrument in one

Unlike traditional grid-based controllers, the Atom SQ’s 32 velocity-sensitive RGB pads are arranged in a dual-row layout, making it ideal for both step-sequencing and real-time performance. Its built-in arpeggiator allows for dynamic rhythmic patterns, while scale and key modes transform the pad layout into a melodic controller, tuned to the correct notes in the key. The touch strip adds expressive control, enabling parameter sweeps, pitch bends, and modulation assignments. Using the eight infinite encoders, users can tweak filter cutoff, resonance and effect settings, as well as mix levels, in real time, while the dedicated transport and navigation buttons further streamline the workflow by providing direct access to essential functions.

Designed for mobility

Lightweight, compact and USB-C-powered, the Atom SQ is ideal for on-the-go production. Whether sequencing drums, playing synths, or triggering samples, its responsive pads and assignable controls interact seamlessly with DAWs and hardware MIDI instruments. While it lacks traditional MIDI DIN connectivity, its full USB MIDI implementation makes it a powerful controller for software-based production setups. The layout is optimised for Studio One, mirroring the pattern editor and impact drum sampler, and can also function as a clip launcher and MIDI controller for Ableton Live, with pre-mapped controls for effortless session triggering and device control. The Atom SQ’s compact form factor makes it a natural fit for hybrid production workflows, enabling beatmakers, producers, and live performers to craft music anywhere.

About Presonus

Presonus is a US company founded in 1995 by Jim Odom and Brian Smith in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The firm designs hardware and software at both professional and more affordable levels for musicians and producers. Presonus first made a splash in the mid-1990s with the DCP8, an eight-channel analogue compressor/limiter/gate with fader and mute automation that could be digitally controlled by MIDI. In the early 2000s followed a series of microphone amplifiers and the first audio interfaces for the then-emerging home studio scene. Today, the company's product range includes audio interfaces, microphone preamps, digital mixing consoles, and studio monitors as well as the established DAW software Studio One.

A deeply integrated tool

Designed for studio production and live performance, the Atom SQ integrates deeply and seamlessly with Studio One and Ableton Live, allowing users to browse sounds, edit patterns, and tweak instruments directly from the hardware. The navigation buttons streamline preset selection, drum editing, and mix adjustments, keeping the creative process uninterrupted. In Ableton Live, the Atom SQ serves as a powerful clip launcher, performance sequencer, and MIDI controller, allowing for hands-on control over track levels, panning, and effects in real time. With its flexible pad layout, assignable encoders, and expressive touch strip, the Presonus Atom SQ is a dynamic controller that will appeal to producers, beatmakers, and live performers alike.

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25 Reviews

Solid controller if you utilise Studio One & Ableton

Tang The Pilgrim 08.10.2020

I purchased the Atom SQ as a travel/performance controller and to utilize the synths in Studio One. I have so far found that Ableton is still my DAW of choice for live performance and the ATOM SQ works well enough for triggering scenes, tracks etc. I used to lug an MPC around to gigs but now track out my beats and stems at home and utilise midi controllers and DAWs as it allows me to travel light when performing. As a loyal Studio One user the Atom SQ makes perfect sense for me. It takes some getting used to like any midi controller and have found it less intuitive when integrating with ableton than the more purpose built ableton midi controllers like the APC mini which I was using before. Having said that, it is more than adequate once you have programmed the controls into your muscle memory and the extent to which the Atom SQ opens up Studio One, transforming it into a hands on production/performance tool is really impressive. I am yet to really sink my teeth into the Atom SQ and unlock it's true potential but so far I am really pleased and it is the only controller I will need going forward.

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Value per square foot

Angel Angeles III 11.06.2021

Pros:
- Small, compact and lightweight
- Good build quality, good feeling pads and very sensitive.
- Polyphonic aftertouch
- Infinitely rotating knobs (makes it like a console 1 for plugins)
- You can play keys and it feels okay
- You can change the layout of the keys and select which specific octaves you want to see (if you want the first key to start on G or B or E, that's possible)
- Built-in arpeggiator
- Big touch strip, you can do some tricks with it
- Extensive transport controls using the knobs
- Bright LEDs
- Sequencer function for Studio One
- Integrates really well with Studio One
- Includes Studio One Artist, loops and tons of plugins.
- Black on white looks so cool

Cons:
- No sustain pedal jack (you can press and hold A as sustain)
- Needs some getting used to because of unique layout
- Needs to have a power switch (you cannot turn the lights off instantly)
- Can be very confusing at first

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Not that great

BobBusters 22.03.2022

Button pressure is slightly inconsistent, you have to press more on some pads to get a consistent volume. Workflow isn't as good as I hoped for, for something portable.

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The mini Push

LeeLek 01.04.2021

I have ableton Push, but I need a smaller controller that able to put in backpack, this is the best solution for me so far.
Although it's not flawless, some function is not as good as Push, but the solid knob and great quality pad,it is enough for me.

I've use Ableton for ten years, mainly produce. I am not a good keyboard player, the scale of Atom SQ made me decide to buy it. It's really handy to change key or use different mode.

Looking forward Presonus to upgrade the software , Atom SQ is beautiful and so much potential. It's a good thing for this company made a smart and creative controller.

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Presonus Atom SQ

Hybrid MIDI Keyboard/Pad Performance and Production Controller

Welcome to the era of the Atom