PreSonus ATOM SQ
PreSonus ATOM SQ
9,5
Editor's Rating
4
Users’ Rating

PreSonus ATOM SQ Review – A Swiss Knife for Any Composer

Fact Checked Yoke Wong
Yoke Wong
Review by Yoke Wong
Expert Consultant
Yoke Wong is a talented pianist and piano teacher, author of online piano courses Pianomother.com, founder of Harmony and Melody Studio.
Updated 16-08-2023
Updated 16-08-2023
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9,5
Editor's Rating
4
Users’ Rating
9,5
Editor's Rating
4
Users’ Rating
Ideal for:
  • Experienced composers that are looking for a portable MIDI controller
  • Anyone looking for an intuitive interface to compose beats and songs without the use of a keyboard or computer mouse
  • Musicians that want to streamline their workflow
Key features:
  • 32 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads that are fully customizable based on instrument choice
  • Plug and Use USB-C compatibility
  • Purchase includes Studio One® Artist and Ableton® Live Lite software package

If you are a sound editor or musician that is looking to take your skills to the next level, then the PreSonus ATOM SQ is the MIDI controller for you. Though this device is designed to have the look and feel of a keyboard controller, it is so much more than that. Its layout is built so that you won’t have any limits in the studio, at home, or on stage while you bring your music to the people. This highly customizable device is a great investment for anyone looking to create, evaluate, or cultivate their musical talents in an easy-to-use interface.

Specifications

Input USB-C™ compatible USB 2.0 connection (bus-powered)
Pads 32 velocity- and pressure-sensitive, RGB LED pads
Buttons 16 assignable buttons
Knobs 8 endless rotary knobs
Strips 1 assignable multifunction touch strip
Software included Studio One® Artist and Ableton® Live Lite
Dimensions 0.98 x 6.8 x 14.25 inches
Weight 2 lb.

Functionality and Design

To start off our review, let’s focus on the functionality and design of the PreSonus ATOM SQ. There is a lot to cover here, as this controller packs a lot into its compact size and design.

Pads, Buttons, and Knobs

The very first thing that you are going to notice with this device is its layout. It has a litany of pads, buttons, and knobs. In fact, there are 32 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads, 16 buttons that can be assigned to different functions, and 8 rotary knobs that can be endlessly rotated. While this might seem a bit overwhelming at first, each of these components has been very carefully crafted to make them as useful as possible.

PreSonus ATOM SQ Review - A Swiss Knife for Any Composer

Modes

There are four different modes that you can utilize with this MIDI controller. These include the following:

Input

PreSonus ATOM SQ Review - A Swiss Knife for Any Composer

As is the case with many newer electronics, this MIDI controller utilizes a USB-C™ compatible USB 2.0 connection, which makes it very easy to hook up to pretty much any workstation or controller. This is the only power source that the ATOM SQ requires, making it highly portable.

Dimensions and weight

Like we mentioned above, this controller is built to be used wherever you need it. This makes it a great option whether you are in the studio or in a neighborhood coffee shop. It is nice and lightweight, only weighing in at 2 pounds. Its overall dimensions make it easy to pack into a bag as well, as it only measures 0.98 x 6.8 x 14.25 inches. For context, this is about half the size of a laptop.

Integration features

The ATOM SQ is built so that you can use it right out of the box. It is designed to be used with either PreSonus Studio One software or Ableton Live. Both of these are wonderful systems, with Studio One being a bit easier to navigate using the ATOM SQ since they were made by the same company.

Studio One

If you want to get the full value out of your ATOM SQ, then this is the DAW for you. This software comes with the purchase of a new ATOM SQ, making it all the more tempting to use. It has a drag and drops formula that can be easily used through the controller without the use of a mouse or keyboard to quickly build tracks. The Chord Track and Pattern mode are especially useful if you are trying to compose a new song, as well.

Ableton Live

Ableton Live Lite also can be used with the ATOM SQ. This DAW is not quite as polished as Studio One but still can be quite effective, especially if you are a beginner. This software package has a lot of great stock plugins and is very easy to navigate.

Included software

PreSonus ATOM SQ Review - A Swiss Knife for Any Composer

When you purchase the ATOM SQ from PreSonus, you also get Studio One® Artist and Ableton® Live Lite. Getting these two software packages along with your purchase makes this controller an exceptional value.

Compatibility

Another highpoint of the ATOM SQ is that it is fully compatible with Apple Silicon-based Mac computers, as well as iOS and IpadOS devices as well. Thanks to the fact that this MIDI controller is USB compliant, there are no special drivers to install. You can simply plug it into your device and start producing wherever you are, no matter where your travels take you.

Warranty

This device, as is the case with many different items from PreSonus, comes with a 1-year limited warranty on most aspects of the controller.

Price Tag

Depending on where you decide to purchase this controller, you can expect to pay around $260 to $270.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The PreSonus ATOM SQ offers a litany of advantages over other controllers. The biggest of these, of course, is the high level of customization that is possible through the use of the variety of modes, pads, and knobs that are available to the user. This MIDI controller also comes with a ton of integrated instruments that can be utilized to create beats and compositions with ease. You can also add in your own 3rd party instruments or beats quickly and easily. Another big advantage you will get to enjoy with the ATOM SQ is the Studio One® Artist and Ableton® Live Lite software that comes with the purchase of the controller. Finally, one of the best advantages offered with this device is its plug-and-play compatibility. Since it utilizes a USB-C connection, you can hook it up to pretty much any device and start using it right away.

While this is a stupendous machine, there are some disadvantages to keep in mind. The biggest issue that you are going to encounter is that it will take you a long time to familiarize yourself with all of the options that this machine can offer. This is especially true if you are a new user, as the ATOM SQ can seem a bit overwhelming at first glance. Thankfully, this phase shouldn’t last too long, as the intuitive design should allow you to become more comfortable rather quickly.

PROS CONS
  • No setup necessary
  • Comes with Studio One® Artist and Ableton® Live Lite
  • High quality
  • Durable
  • Multifunction pressure-sensitive keys
  • Multiple modes for easy customization
  • Removes the need for a mouse and keyboard
  • Highly portable
  • Requires lots of time to become familiarized with all of the features

Conclusion

As you can see, the PreSonus ATOM SQ is a highly customizable MIDI controller that puts the ability to create, compose, and edit music in the palm of your hand. While it has an interface that is similar to a keyboard, it is so much more than that. It can be used to create beats with a plethora of instruments, all while also providing the user with an easy interface to put their ideas together so that their music can come to life.

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