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PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Performance Controller — main product image
PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Performance Controller
PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Performance Controller
PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Performance Controller
PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Performance Controller
PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Performance Controller
PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Performance Controller
PreSonus

PreSonus ATOM SQ Hybrid MIDI Performance Controller

★★★★★4.5 (1454 reviews)

A hybrid pad-and-key controller that puts beat-making, melodic performance, and DAW control under your fingers in one USB-powered unit.

$229.99*
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 04, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The PreSonus ATOM SQ occupies a unique position in the controller landscape by merging pad-based production with a keyboard-oriented layout in one compact, USB-powered unit. Its 32 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads are arranged in a staggered formation that feels immediately intuitive for melodic playing — scales and chords fall under the fingers in a way that flat grid controllers simply cannot replicate. For beat-makers, those same pads function as a step sequencer with deep integration into Studio One's Pattern editor, letting you program drum patterns, basslines, and melodic sequences without touching a mouse. The onboard arpeggiator and Constrain to Scale feature open up creative possibilities for performers who want to explore harmonic ideas in real time without hitting wrong notes.

Build quality is solid for a controller in this class, with a low-profile chassis that sits comfortably on a desk alongside a laptop. The eight endless rotary encoders feel smooth and responsive, and the context-sensitive screen provides useful visual feedback on assignments, swing settings, and CC values as you work. The expressive touchstrip adds another layer of real-time control for parameters like filter cutoff and panning. Bundled with Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite, and the Studio Magic plug-in suite, the ATOM SQ delivers a complete production toolkit that is ready to make music the moment you connect the USB cable.

Key Features

A complete music production package: Hybrid MIDI keyboard/pad performance and production controller, along with $1000 worth of software: Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite and Studio Magic plug-in suite.

32 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB LED pads are arranged in a unique, staggered layout, making it intuitive for keyboard players and step sequencer fans. Selectable pad velocity curves and pressure thresholds customize the pads’ response for maximum expression

Context-sensitive screen displays valuable parameter information including CC assignments, swing, and much more.

8 endless rotary encoders can be easily configured to control nearly any software parameter

Expressive touchstrip makes it easy to control parameters such as filter cutoff, pan, and LFO rate. Set looping points, navigate the timeline, zoom in/out on the timeline or events, and edit/quantize MIDI events with ease.

Deep integration with Studio One’s Pattern editor makes for intuitive step sequencer programming and custom-curated content libraries.

Expressive arpeggiator for dramatic, easily-performed melodies.

Constrain to Scale feature puts an end to wrong notes forever.

USB bus-powered for easy connectivity and maximum portability.

Ableton Live integration makes producing, playing virtual instruments, and triggering samples and loops expressive, flexible, and fun.

Specifications

Brand
PreSonus
Model
ATOM SQ
Pads
32 Velocity- and Pressure-Sensitive RGB LED
Encoders
8 Endless Rotary
Display
Context-Sensitive Screen
Touchstrip
Yes (Expressive)
Arpeggiator
Onboard
Power
USB Bus-Powered
Included Software
Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite, Studio Magic Plug-in Suite
Connectivity
USB

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • The staggered 32-pad layout bridges the gap between melodic keyboard playing and beat programming without needing two separate controllers.
  • Velocity and pressure sensitivity with adjustable curves give you expressive dynamic control for nuanced performances and recordings.
  • Eight endless rotary encoders provide hands-on parameter tweaking that keeps you off the mouse during creative flow.
  • The context-sensitive screen displays real-time parameter feedback so you always know what each knob and pad is controlling.
  • USB bus power and a compact footprint make it genuinely portable for laptop-based sessions and mobile production setups.

👎 Cons

  • The staggered pad layout requires an adjustment period if you are accustomed to standard 4x4 or 4x8 grid controllers.
  • Pads are smaller than those on dedicated drum pad controllers, which can feel cramped during aggressive finger drumming sessions.
  • Deepest integration is limited to Studio One and Ableton Live — other DAWs get basic MIDI control without the tailored feature set.
  • The built-in screen is small and can be difficult to read in bright stage or studio lighting at arm's length.
  • No standalone operation — it requires a connected computer and software to produce any sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is USB bus-powered, so a single USB connection to your computer handles both power and data with no external supply or driver installation needed.
The 32 RGB pads are arranged in a staggered, offset pattern that mimics a keyboard layout, making chromatic and melodic playing feel natural for keyboard players while still functioning as a traditional step sequencer grid.
It ships with Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite, and the Studio Magic plug-in suite — roughly $1,000 worth of production software to get you working immediately out of the box.
Yes, it sends standard MIDI over USB, so it works with any DAW or software instrument that accepts MIDI input, though the deepest integration features are designed for Studio One and Ableton Live.
The pads are both velocity- and pressure-sensitive with selectable velocity curves and pressure thresholds, allowing you to fine-tune the response for aggressive finger drumming, expressive melodic playing, or precise step input.

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