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PreSonus Audio Electronics Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided DigiFreq with a unit of this product for review. Reviewed by Scott R. Garrigus | ||||||
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 As a professional musician and producer, I'm always on the lookout for gear that enhances my workflow, sparks creativity, and integrates seamlessly into my studio setup. The PreSonus ATOM SQ has been one of those rare finds that bridges the gap between a MIDI controller, a drum pad, and a step sequencer, offering an unparalleled experience when used alongside PreSonus Studio One. After spending extensive time with this controller, I'm ready to share my in-depth coverage of its features, usability, and integration with Studio One, as well as the pros and cons that potential buyers should consider. What is the ATOM SQ? The PreSonus ATOM SQ is a hybrid MIDI pad controller designed to function as a versatile tool for beat-making, melodic sequencing, and DAW control. Unlike traditional square-pad controllers, the ATOM SQ adopts a unique 32-pad staggered layout, reminiscent of a piano keyboard, which makes it particularly useful for playing melodies and chords in an intuitive way. Its tight integration with Studio One makes it an especially powerful tool for those who use PreSonus’ DAW, but it also functions well with other DAWs, providing flexible and dynamic MIDI control. Whether you're producing electronic music, hip-hop, film scores, or working as a session musician, the ATOM SQ offers plenty of creative potential. Build Quality and Design The first thing that stands out about the ATOM SQ is its sleek and ergonomic design. Unlike standard MIDI controllers that stick to the traditional square pad arrangement, the staggered, velocity-sensitive RGB pad layout is designed to mimic the feel of a keyboard, making it a pleasure to use for musicians who want an intuitive approach to both drum programming and melody creation. The ATOM SQ is compact and lightweight, making it highly portable and an excellent option for musicians on the go. Despite being lightweight, the build quality feels solid, and the pads have a responsive, satisfying feel. The RGB lighting provides full backlighting for the pads, which is useful for visual feedback, especially when sequencing in Studio One. Additionally, the device features eight rotary encoders that allow for real-time tweaking of parameters, as well as a multi-function touch strip that can be used for pitch bending, modulation, and other expressive controls. Integration with Studio One One of the biggest strengths of the PreSonus ATOM SQ is its deep integration with Studio One. If you are a Studio One user, this controller offers a near-effortless plug-and-play experience, allowing you to take full control of your music production workflow. The ATOM SQ allows for seamless DAW control, enabling navigation through Studio One’s interface, browsing instruments, triggering loops, and managing transport functions such as play, record, and stop directly from the controller. The device shines in Pattern Mode, which facilitates intuitive step sequencing in a way that feels natural and fluid. Users can play and tweak virtual instruments within Studio One with ease, adjusting parameters directly from the ATOM SQ’s rotary encoders. The Scale Mode ensures that even those with limited keyboard skills can create harmonically sound melodies effortlessly. Furthermore, the built-in chord modes and arpeggiator functions help add depth and movement to compositions without needing an external MIDI keyboard. The deep Studio One integration makes the ATOM SQ feel like an extension of the software rather than a separate controller. The workflow is streamlined, which means less mouse-clicking and more hands-on creativity. How It Performs in Other DAWs While the ATOM SQ is built with Studio One in mind, it is still a capable controller for Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and other DAWs. For Ableton Live users, the ATOM SQ includes a dedicated integration mode, making it an excellent alternative to controllers like the Novation Launchpad. In MIDI mode, users can assign the pads and encoders to any function within their DAW of choice. The controller works well with drum racks and samplers in various DAWs, although the best experience is within Studio One. For non-Studio One users, there might be a slight learning curve in setting up MIDI mappings, but once configured, it functions as a flexible and expressive controller. Performance and Workflow Enhancements The ATOM SQ significantly improves workflow with several well-thought-out features. The velocity-sensitive pads provide expressive playing dynamics, making drum programming feel natural and responsive. The built-in scale locking function ensures that notes stay in key, making it a fantastic tool for quick songwriting. Step sequencing is highly intuitive thanks to the staggered pad layout, which enhances workflows for electronic music and beat production. Hands-on DAW navigation reduces dependency on the mouse, allowing for seamless track selection, clip launching, and automation control. Lastly, the ATOM SQ is live performance ready, offering real-time MIDI control, dynamic pad feedback, and flexible mappings that cater to electronic music performances. Pros and Cons Pros: One of the ATOM SQ’s strongest advantages is its excellent integration with Studio One, making it one of the best controllers available for PreSonus users. The innovative staggered pad layout is more natural for melodic and percussive playing, while the compact and portable design makes it a great travel-friendly option. The highly expressive touch strip adds an extra level of control for pitch and modulation adjustments. The device excels in step sequencing, making it particularly valuable for electronic music producers. The fully customizable MIDI mode ensures flexibility across various DAWs, and the included software bundle—Studio One Pro+ 6-Month Membership and Ableton Live Lite—adds significant value, making it an attractive choice for both beginners and professionals. Cons: Despite its many strengths, the ATOM SQ has a few drawbacks. While it is highly optimized for Studio One, the experience in other DAWs is not as seamless, requiring additional setup for effective use. Some users might find that the pad layout, though innovative, is not a direct replacement for a traditional keyboard. Additionally, the pads are slightly smaller compared to larger MPC-style drum pads, which might take some adjustment. Finally, while intuitive overall, unlocking the full potential of the ATOM SQ requires a bit of a learning curve. Is the ATOM SQ Worth It? For PreSonus Studio One users, the ATOM SQ is an absolute must-have. Its deep integration, fluid workflow, and creative potential make it one of the best controllers available for this DAW. If you're looking for a device that enhances beat-making, step sequencing, and melodic composition all in one package, this is the controller for you. For users of other DAWs, the value is still there, but it may require additional setup and customization to get the most out of it. Ableton Live users will find it particularly useful, but Logic Pro and FL Studio users might prefer a more dedicated MIDI keyboard. In the end, the PreSonus ATOM SQ is a powerful tool that rewards creativity and hands-on control. If you want to speed up your workflow, add expressive sequencing, and enjoy a fresh take on MIDI control, this device is well worth considering! For more information, visit: * Amazon: Amazon.com * PreSonus: PreSonus.com |
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