Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Saavedra Instruments FAQ. Here you'll find answers to common questions about Sketchpad One, ordering, shipping, firmware updates, MIDI equipment, warranty coverage, and support.
If you don't find the answer you're looking for, please contact us through our Support or Contact page.
Sketchpad One
What is Sketchpad One?
Sketchpad One is a standalone 16-track MIDI hardware sequencer designed to make capturing musical ideas fast and straightforward.
The idea behind Sketchpad One is simple: turn on your equipment and start creating. You don't need to boot a computer, open a DAW, configure a project, or navigate through complicated production software just to capture an idea.
Sketchpad One is designed to put sequencing directly in front of you so you can concentrate on the music.
Does Sketchpad One make sounds?
No. Sketchpad One is a MIDI sequencer, not a synthesizer or sound module.
It records and plays MIDI performance information and uses that information to control compatible external MIDI instruments such as synthesizers, keyboards, sound modules, drum machines, and other MIDI-equipped hardware.
Your external instrument produces the actual sound.
How many tracks does Sketchpad One have?
Sketchpad One provides 16 MIDI tracks.
Each track can be assigned its own MIDI channel, allowing you to sequence multiple sounds or compatible MIDI devices from a single Sketchpad One project.
How long can my patterns be?
Sketchpad One supports patterns of up to 64 bars, giving you room for everything from short repeating ideas to substantially longer musical sections.
Can I change MIDI channels for individual tracks?
Yes. MIDI channels can be assigned on a per-track basis.
This makes it possible to use different tracks to control different sounds within a multitimbral synthesizer or to control multiple MIDI devices in your setup.
Does Sketchpad One have quantization?
Yes.
Sketchpad One provides multiple quantization settings, including:
Off, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32.
You can also leave quantization off when you want to preserve the natural timing of your performance.
Can I overdub onto an existing track?
Yes. Sketchpad One includes overdub recording, allowing you to add additional MIDI performances to material you've already recorded.
This is particularly useful for building drum parts, layering performances, and developing an idea without replacing what you've already recorded.
Does it have a count-in?
Yes. Sketchpad One provides a count-in to give you time to prepare before recording begins.
Can I mute and solo tracks?
Yes. Tracks can be muted and soloed, making it easy to isolate parts or temporarily remove elements while developing your arrangement.
Can I copy tracks and patterns?
Yes.
Sketchpad One allows you to copy musical material between tracks and patterns. This makes it easy to create variations without having to record the same material again from scratch.
Does Sketchpad One have a Song Mode?
Yes.
Song Mode allows you to arrange patterns into a sequence and specify how many times individual patterns should repeat. This lets you turn separate musical sections into a complete song arrangement.
MIDI & Compatibility
What equipment can I use with Sketchpad One?
Sketchpad One is designed to work with compatible MIDI-equipped musical instruments and devices.
This can include synthesizers, keyboards, rack sound modules, drum machines, and other equipment capable of receiving MIDI information.
Because MIDI implementations can vary between manufacturers and products, Saavedra Instruments cannot guarantee compatibility with every MIDI device ever produced.
Can I use older MIDI equipment?
Yes. In fact, giving musicians a straightforward way to work with hardware MIDI equipment is one of the reasons Sketchpad One was created.
If you have older synthesizers, keyboards, rack modules, or drum machines with standard MIDI connectivity, Sketchpad One can provide a modern and immediate way to sequence them.
Can I use more than one external instrument?
Yes, provided your MIDI setup is configured appropriately.
Different Sketchpad One tracks can transmit on different MIDI channels, allowing compatible instruments or multitimbral sound modules to respond to the appropriate tracks.
Can I use Sketchpad One without a computer?
Yes. That's one of its primary purposes.
Sketchpad One is designed as standalone hardware. You can sit down with your MIDI equipment, turn everything on, and begin sequencing without relying on a computer or DAW for the basic creative workflow.
Saving, Importing & Exporting
Can I save my work?
Yes.
Sketchpad One allows you to save your work so that you can return to musical ideas and projects later.
Can I name my saved projects?
Yes. Sketchpad One provides an on-screen keyboard for naming saved material.
Can Sketchpad One import MIDI files?
Yes. Sketchpad One includes MIDI import functionality.
Because MIDI files can be created in many different ways, results may vary depending on the structure and formatting of the original file.
Can I export MIDI files?
Yes.
Sketchpad One can export MIDI data, allowing you to move your musical work into other compatible MIDI environments for further production or editing.
Firmware Updates
Can Sketchpad One be updated?
Yes.
Saavedra Instruments may periodically release firmware updates that improve operation, correct issues, refine existing features, or add new functionality.
How do I update the firmware?
Sketchpad One is designed so that firmware updates can be installed using an SD card.
When an update is available, download the official update from the Saavedra Instruments website and follow the instructions provided with that release.
You do not need to open the Sketchpad One or replace internal components to perform a normal firmware update.
How will I know when a new firmware version is available?
Firmware releases and update information will be posted on the Firmware Updates section of the Saavedra Instruments website.
Customers can also sign up to receive Saavedra Instruments product and firmware communications.
Will updating the firmware void my warranty?
No.
Installing official Saavedra Instruments firmware according to the provided instructions does not void your hardware warranty.
User Manual & Support
Does Sketchpad One include a user manual?
Yes.
Sketchpad One has a comprehensive user manual explaining its controls, features, operation, and workflow.
The latest electronic version of the manual will also be available through the Saavedra Instruments website.
What if the manual changes after I purchase my Sketchpad One?
As features and firmware evolve, Saavedra Instruments may update the electronic version of the manual.
This allows owners to obtain documentation reflecting newer firmware versions, features, or operating procedures.
Will there be instructional videos?
Yes.
Saavedra Instruments will provide instructional and demonstration videos covering Sketchpad One operation and important features.
The goal is to give customers both detailed written documentation and visual instruction.
What if I need technical support?
Visit our Support page or use our Contact page.
When contacting us about a technical problem, please include your Sketchpad One firmware version and a clear description of what is happening. Information about the MIDI equipment connected to your Sketchpad One may also help us diagnose the issue.
Ordering & Shipping
Where does Saavedra Instruments currently ship?
Saavedra Instruments currently ships within the United States.
How quickly will my order ship?
Saavedra Instruments products may be produced and prepared in small production runs. Processing times can therefore vary depending on inventory and current order volume.
Current availability or estimated processing information will be provided on the product page when appropriate.
Will I receive tracking information?
Tracking information will be provided when available after your order has shipped.
What if my Sketchpad One arrives damaged?
Please contact Saavedra Instruments as soon as possible through our Support or Contact page.
Keep the original packaging and provide your order information. We may also ask for photographs of the product and shipping package so we can determine the appropriate next step.
Returns & Warranty
Can I return my Sketchpad One?
Eligible products may be returned when a return is requested within 30 days of delivery, subject to the conditions described in our Shipping & Returns and Refund policies.
Please contact Saavedra Instruments before shipping a product back.
How long is the warranty?
Saavedra Instruments hardware products are covered by a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, subject to the terms and exclusions described in our Limited Warranty.
What happens if I have a problem after the 30-day return period?
The return period and warranty period are separate.
If a covered hardware problem occurs after the 30-day return period but during the applicable one-year warranty period, contact Saavedra Instruments for warranty assistance.
What happens after the one-year warranty expires?
Contact us anyway.
When practical, Saavedra Instruments may be able to provide repair assistance or replacement components for products outside the warranty period. Availability and cost will depend on the nature of the problem and availability of components.
About Saavedra Instruments
Why was Sketchpad One created?
Sketchpad One was created around a very specific idea: the fastest path between having a musical idea and recording that idea should be as short as possible.
Modern music-production systems are incredibly powerful, but sometimes you simply want to turn on your instruments and start playing.
Sketchpad One was designed for that moment.
It provides the essential sequencing tools needed to capture an idea, develop it into patterns and tracks, and arrange those ideas into music—without requiring the creative process to begin at a computer.
Where can I get more help?
If your question isn't answered here, visit our Support page or contact Saavedra Instruments through our Contact page.
We're happy to help with questions about Sketchpad One, ordering, firmware, documentation, and product support.
Saavedra Instruments
Purpose-built instruments for the creative workflow.
Last Updated: September 2026