Previously in the article on High BPM, we explored the untapped potential of the Yamaha QY100 sequencer discovering that its BPM is controlled by two bytes instead of one. This revelation unlocked incredibly high BPMs, allowing for unprecedented resolution and intricate rhythmic details in projects. But what about the other end of the spectrum?
It turns out that working at Low BPMs opens up a completely different creative dimension. By slowing things down, you can take full advantage of the QY100’s sequencing and effects capabilities to craft rich, ambient soundscapes with delicate, evolving textures.
The Art of Ambient at Low BPM
The Yamaha QY100 thrives in this slower territory, giving you plenty of space for extended pads, long reverb tails, and gradual modulation. Low BPMs allow each sound to linger and breathe, resulting in a deeply immersive atmosphere.
At these slower tempos, the QY100’s built-in samples reveal subtleties that go unnoticed at higher speeds. Melodic elements morph into lush drones and evolving layers. Especially stunning when paired with the device’s built-in effects.
I’ve created two demo tracks, which are in fact the same song with instruments swapped out, and minor tweaks made. Each track is makes use of the 8 BPM – QY100 Style File allowing the device to reduce it’s speed all the way down to 8 BPM! That may not sound significant given that the QY100’s default minimum is 25 BPM, but put it this way… at 8 BPM, each beat lasts 7.5 seconds, compared to the 2.4 seconds per beat at 25 BPM. This drastic slowdown imparts a trance-like quality, creating more space between notes and making the tracks feel drawn-out, slow-moving, and atmospheric. The QY100’s ability to stretch time like this makes it an ideal instrument for crafting ambient music and hypnagogic drift.
Let’s take a listen:
The minimum allowable BPM has been determined to be 8BPM. I did find it was possible to input lower hex-values causing the UI to display as low as 4 BPM, however this BPM was non-functional as the beats were still spaced out 7.5 seconds (8 BPM) despite the display saying it was lower.
Enjoy making some relaxing ambient soundscapes!
Loading the .Q1P file onto your QY100
Simply download the .Q1P style file, place the file on a Smart Media Card, then load it onto your Yamaha QY100 music sequencer.
Follow the Readme for more detailed instructions.
