Squarp Hapax 3.2: Now With Poly Aftertouch and Advanced CV Sync Capabilities
Squarp Instruments has officially released Firmware version 3.2 for its flagship Hapax hardware sequencer, introducing a dedicated polyphonic aftertouch track type alongside significant enhancements to CV clock rates and synchronization stability. This update directly addresses one of the most frequently requested features since the implementation of MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) in version 3.0, further cementing the device’s position as a central hub for both hybrid studio environments and complex dawless performance setups.
The Evolution of the Hapax Ecosystem
Since its initial market launch in March 2022, the Squarp Hapax has occupied a distinct space in the electronic music instrument market. Conceived as a standalone hardware sequencer featuring a robust 16-by-8 RGB button array, the unit was designed to manage comprehensive studio configurations without relying on a computer-based Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Over the years, Squarp Instruments has maintained an active firmware development cycle, progressively expanding the device’s capabilities through incremental updates that have transformed it from a traditional step sequencer into a dynamic, expressive performance instrument.
The introduction of Firmware 3.2 represents a major milestone in this evolutionary trajectory. While version 3.0 brought deep MPE integration, allowing users to harness expressive controllers with real-time velocity, timbre, and pitch parameters, polyphonic aftertouch remained an isolated challenge for certain hardware setups. Firmware 3.2 resolves this limitation by introducing the AFTR track type.
Detailed Breakdown of Firmware 3.2
The newly implemented AFTR track type sits alongside MPE within the Hapax track-type architecture. Unlike MPE tracks—which require complex multi-channel allocations across dedicated zones—the AFTR track maintains a single input and output channel. This design choice ensures seamless compatibility with a broader range of hardware synthesizers via standard DIN MIDI or USB without requiring intricate configuration.
Furthermore, the firmware update ensures that incoming polyphonic aftertouch data is successfully passed through on all track types rather than being filtered out when the Hapax functions as a MIDI router. For musicians utilizing keyboards limited to channel aftertouch, the AFTR track records and applies the incoming pressure value uniformly to all currently held notes. Additionally, the internal MIDI monitor has been updated to display comprehensive poly aftertouch messages, including precise note numbers and pressure values.
Beyond aftertouch integration, version 3.2 brings critical enhancements to analog synchronization. CV clock rates have been expanded to support up to 96 pulses per quarter note (ppqn), alongside a 48 ppqn option, a substantial increase from the previous 24 ppqn limit. This higher resolution enables stable synchronization with audio-rate clocks generated by modular synthesizers and DAW outputs. A newly introduced Clock Timeout feature automatically falls back to the internal clock if an external clock signal—whether CV, MIDI, or USB—is interrupted during playback, instantly re-locking once the signal is restored. CV Follow Tempo has also been added, allowing project tempos to dynamically track incoming CV clock signals in a manner identical to existing MIDI clock implementation.
Compatibility and Project Management
Squarp Instruments has issued an important operational advisory regarding Firmware 3.2: projects saved under the new firmware are forward-compatible only and cannot be opened in previous iterations like version 3.10 due to changes in track serialization necessary to support the new aftertouch data architecture. Users are strongly advised to back up existing projects prior to performing the update.
Contextualizing Prior Firmware Milestones
To fully understand the scope of Firmware 3.2, it is necessary to examine the foundational updates that preceded it. Version 2.10, released in January 2025, introduced four distinct MIDI effects—Arpoly (a polyphonic arpeggiator and loop designer), Register (a randomizer), Mono (converting polyphonic notes to monophonic lines), and Shaper (for non-linear modulation). It also integrated an SH-101-style step recording mode and enhanced chord modifier management.
Later, version 3.0 marked a paradigm shift by introducing advanced MPE capabilities, turning the 128-pad matrix into a highly expressive performance surface. It also overhauled USB routing to treat connections as independent MIDI ports, improving organization for multi-device studio setups.
Version 3.10 further refined the workflow by expanding the Step Drum section to support up to 16 drum lanes, introducing the Spring slew limiter effect, and automating effect parameter creation directly from front-panel knob movements.
Hardware Architecture and Connectivity
The underlying hardware framework of the Hapax remains a primary driver of its adoption among electronic musicians. The rear panel houses four sets of CV and Gate outputs for analog and Eurorack integration, four standard MIDI ports (including a versatile minijack implementation to compensate for the lack of MIDI Thru ports on modern compact synthesizers), two MIDI inputs, and a USB host port capable of directly powering and interfacing with external USB controllers.
Implications for Live Performance and Studio Integration
The continuous rollout of targeted firmware updates highlights a growing trend in modern music technology: manufacturers leveraging software updates to extend the operational lifespan and creative potential of hardware investments. By systematically closing technical gaps such as polyphonic aftertouch routing and high-resolution CV clock synchronization, Squarp Instruments has positioned the Hapax to remain competitive against emerging hardware sequencers and hybrid production tools.
The complete installation package, along with detailed documentation for Firmware 3.2, is available for free download directly from the official Squarp Instruments website.
