At the 2016 NAMM Show, Zoom has introduced the ARQ – a drum machine, sequencer, synthesizer, looper, and MIDI controller with a built-in accelerometer.

Here are the official intro videos:

ZOOM ARQ: Wireless Bluetooth Control

Zoom ARQ Live Performance

Sequencing

Using the Accelerometer

The ARQ consists of two powerful components–the Base Station (AR-96) and the detachable Ring Controller (AR-96c):

The Base Station – The ARQ Base Station houses 468 drum/instrument sounds (“one-shot” sampled waveform sounds), 70 types of synthesizer sounds, and dozens of digital effects. Dual 1/4″ line-level audio inputs enable phrase recording and looping. There are also stereo 1/4″ line-level outputs, as well as a dedicated 1/4″ headphone jack with its own volume control. A USB port allows connection to your computer, and an SD card slot lets you save patterns and loops, import prerecorded audio, and update firmware.

– The ARQ Base Station houses 468 drum/instrument sounds (“one-shot” sampled waveform sounds), 70 types of synthesizer sounds, and dozens of digital effects. Dual 1/4″ line-level audio inputs enable phrase recording and looping. There are also stereo 1/4″ line-level outputs, as well as a dedicated 1/4″ headphone jack with its own volume control. A USB port allows connection to your computer, and an SD card slot lets you save patterns and loops, import prerecorded audio, and update firmware. The Ring Controller – The detachable Ring Controller communicates with the Base Station, as well as DAWs, via wireless Bluetooth. It offers 96 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads for clip launching and playing drum sounds, instrument sounds, and sequences. Phrases and sounds can be played chromatically, or you can choose from dozens of preset scales in any key. Its unique Grip Detection automatically prevents accidental triggering of the pads under your hand. There are dedicated buttons at the top and bottom of the Ring for REC/PLAY/STOP, as well as Filter/Delay/Reverb/MASTER FX on/off. An onboard 3-axis accelerometer generates MIDI control messages to alter sounds and effects in real time. Its internal Lithium-Ion battery automatically charges when the Ring is placed on the Base Station.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

Not only does ARQ allow you to create incredible drum parts and patterns, you can also use the Ring Controller as a live instrument. Play it while mounted to the Base Station, or remove it to take your performance to the front of the stage. ARQ comes with a multitude of editable PCM drum and instrument sounds organized into 50 genre-specific kits, and you can also develop 50 kits of your own, complete with effects. Once you perform with ARQ, you’ll never use another drum machine again.

It’s a Circular Sequencer–No Computer Necessary

Traditional devices take a linear approach to sequencing, but ARQ is anything but traditional. For the first time, you can visualize your music as a true loop, up to 5 parts at a time.

Individual patterns or complete songs can be constructed one step at a time or by recording a real-time performance, with an onboard mixer for setting volumes, muting, and soloing. Instruments can be assigned to single or multiple pads and up to 3 parts can be created at a time. Up to 33 parts can be played back simultaneously, and the timbre or note of each part can be changed with the touch of a button. 400 patterns can be combined in any order to form a complete song, then flattened into an audio loop that can be played back from a single pad–all without the use of a computer.

It’s a Comprehensive Synthesizer

ARQ’s powerful sound engine offers 70 preset “one-shot” sounds–sampled waveforms that can be pitch-shifted as they are played over multiple pads–as well as an onboard synthesizer that allows you to build completely original timbres. Choose from 531 different oscillator types for sonic variety, then add digital effects such as filtering, delay, and reverb, along with sound-shaping controls like envelope generators and stepped or smooth modulation.

It’s a Loop(er)

ARQ allows you to create completely original loops from onboard sounds or patterns, or by capturing external audio. Set start and end points, change the pitch if desired, choose between forward or reverse playback, then assign each loop to a different controller pad. Up to 32 loops can be played simultaneously and synchronized to the same tempo. ARQ makes creating loops a lot more fun.

It’s a Wireless MIDI Controller

Use the Ring for wireless control of all your MIDI instruments and devices connected to your computer–samplers, synths, and drum machines, as well as MIDI-enabled effects processors. Its 96 pads are velocity-sensitive and can also send aftertouch (MIDI messages generated based on the pressure applied to the pads once they are being held down).

Accelerate your Performance

The Ring’s onboard 3-axis accelerometer can be used to change sounds and effects in real time. Wave and tilt it to alter onboard effects parameters and to generate MIDI control messages. You can even link it to your digital mixing console and use the accelerometer to fly sounds around the room. ARQ utilizes wireless Bluetooth LE for low power consumption, giving you lots of performance time between battery charges.

Break Out. Break Free. Break Away.\

Take your performance to places you’ve never been before. Express yourself and get closer to your audience. Open up a world of new options for music production. Create in ways that were simply not possible until now.

Features:

Drum machine, sequencer, synthesizer, looper, clip launcher, and MIDI controller in one device

Includes 468 drum/instrument sounds (“one-shot” sampled waveform sounds), 70 types of synthesizer sounds, and dozens of digital effects

Ring Controller can be used wirelessly as a handheld aerial instrument and to launch audio clips from DAW software

96 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads and 160 programmable color LEDs

Grip Detection to automatically prevent accidental note triggering

3-axis accelerometer for altering effects parameters and sending MIDI control messages

Dedicated buttons for sequence REC/PLAY/STOP and for effects on/off

Use up to 5 effects simultaneously, applied to overall drum kit or individual drum sounds

Split mode allows one instrument to be assigned to multiple pads for ease of input

Onboard mixer for setting volumes and muting/soloing parts

Flexible precount, quantize, swing, and beat settings

Audible and/or visual click

Dual 1/4″ inputs for phrase recording and loop creation

Audio capture from patterns and songs, from SD card, or from incoming audio signal

Create up to 99 mono or stereo loops, play up to 32 simultaneously

Loop start and end points can be set on the fly or adjusted manually

Loop tempo synchronization, pitch change, and reverse playback functions

Programmable synthesizer engine

531 oscillator types and 16-voice polyphony

Sound-shaping controls include effects, envelope generators, and stepped and smooth modulation

Play sounds chromatically, or choose from dozens of preset scales in any key

Adjustable pad velocity and pressure sensitivity

Dedicated tap tempo button for synchronization

Selectable LED light-show animations

Dual 1/4″ line outputs and separate 1/4″ headphone output with dedicated volume control

USB port and SD card slot

Bluetooth LE for low power consumption and extended usage times

Pricing and Availability:

In stores April 2016, priced at US $599.99.