GEAR: Pioneer TORAIZ SP-16
This is Pioneer DJ’s first foray into production gear, and it’s a bit of a departure from the rest of their products that exist on the market. The TORAIZ SP-16 sampler and step sequencer is the first in Pioneer's line-up of music production tools for DJs and producers. They’ve partnered with the legendary synth creator Dave Smith to add his Prophet-6 analogue filters, so you can give your creations a rich, analogue warmth and presence. Use the TORAIZ SP-16’s simple layout and large touch screen for producing, or use it as a standalone unit in the DJ booth to enhance performances. Just load samples, create patterns, add FX, loops, and manipulate their parameters to make your music your own. KEY FEATURES
16-Step Sequencer: The TORAIZ SP-16 has a sequencer that allows DJs to quickly drop sounds into 16-step loops, and then modulate the sounds with the knobs below the touch screen. The buttons change based on the colors assigned to each sound – and you’ll be able to save and play back up to 256 patterns.
Touch Screen Control: The main display on the unit is a 7-inch full-color touch screen with detailed sample information, which allows browsing and loading of samples. The display also shows real-time waveforms and full details of the sample’s characteristics.
Multicolor Performance Pads with Velocity: You’ll recognize these pads from the nicer DDJ units – they’re the same pads! Load up to 16 samples to the pads, then finger drum freely to layer sounds on the fly. The lights reflect the colors you’ve assigned to each sound. Yes, there’s velocity detection.
Analog filters from Dave Smith Instruments: An amazing addition to the TORAIZ SP-16 is the addition of analog filters from Dave Smith’s iconic Prophet-6 synthesizer. The filters have control knobs for Drive, Cut Off and Resonance.
Pro DJ Link and MIDI clock: Quickly add the TORAIZ SP-16 to aCDJ or XDJ set-up using Pro DJ Link – the sampler will snap one-shots and loops to the beat of the master deck so you can layer multiple sounds over your tracks and they’ll always be in sync. It also has a MIDI clock so you can connect other devices via USB and stay in sync – and according to the press release, Pioneer will add connectivity with DAWs and synths at a later date.
Inputs and Outputs:
8GB of onboard flash memory and real-time processing The TORAIZ SP-16 delivers 16-voice polyphony (every sample can be played at the same time), even while using time stretch or editing the sound using the touch screen amp envelope. The 8GB of flash memory means that you can store a fair amount of content onboard – no need for a laptop.
