Now more than ever, producers are making music with electronic instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines. In collaboration with Dave Smith Instruments, Pioneer DJ has created a new monophonic synthesizer for music production and live performance: the TORAIZ AS-1.
This synthesizer is the second musical instrument in the TORAIZ series to bring new creative possibilities to the studio and the stage, following the launch of the popular TORAIZ SP-16 in August 2016.
The TORAIZ AS-1 is powered by a fully programmable analog synthesis engine based on the analog circuitry of the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet-6 synthesizer, a modern reboot of its classic Prophet-5. Working closely with Dave Smith himself, Pioneer DJ has created a synthesizer that produces a powerful analog sound, making it ideal for adding to the studio and live setups of novice and professional producers alike.
The brand's experience in making DJ and production gear has gone into developing the new synthesizer's user interface and features. Intuitive controls include parameter knobs that let you make subtle or dramatic changes to the tone of the music to create a custom sound. The touchpad-style keyboard can be used to manipulate sounds during performances. In addition, it's easy to manipulate the seven built-in effects which, along with the newly included digital distortion, come from the Prophet-6 synthesizer.
The TORAIZ AS-1 synthesizer can be connected to the TORAIZ SP-16 via MIDI, using the sampler's sophisticated sequencer to create even more complex patterns with the analog sounds created on the synth. Likewise, the two TORAIZ instruments can be connected together to a DJM mixer via Pro DJ Link and MIDI, creating a setup in which the CDJs play the tracks, the TORAIZ SP-16 adds loops and triggers samples, and the TORAIZ AS-1 generates unique analog lines synced to the music's BPM.
Main features of the TORAIZ AS-1
True analog sound from the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet-6
The powerful TORAIZ AS-1 synthesis engine is based on the analog circuitry of the revered Dave Smith Instruments Prophet-6 synthesizer. The TORAIZ AS-1 has two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) with triangle, sawtooth and variable-width pulse waveforms. Sculpt your sound using the two voltage-controlled filters (VCFs), also from the Prophet-6: a 4-pole resonant low-pass filter that can self-oscillate and a 2-pole resonant high-pass filter.
Fully programmable with 495 presets
The TORAIZ AS-1 can be used to create unique sounds using two VCOs, two VCFs, a VCA, two EGs and an LFO, then save each sound and its parameters as a "program" so you can access it later. There are 495 preset programs to use as examples, each with a different sound and a 64-step sequence, which can be edited independently. In addition, you can save up to 495 of your own programs in the five user banks, and you can assign up to 13 programs as "Quick Programs" to each key of the keyboard to recall them instantly, at any time.
Effects from the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet-6 synthesizer
The dual effects engine derived from the Prophet-6 brings out the user's most creative side. Add a single effect or two together to give extra texture to your sounds. The "True bypass" function preserves a pure analog signal path.
Intuitive user interface and live features
Create unique sounds and phrases using the intuitive touchscreen-style keyboard. Features such as the 64-step sequencer, the arpeggiator and scale mode give you more creative possibilities in your live sets.
Keyboard and scale mode: use the touchpad-style keyboard to play the sounds you create. Use scale mode to change the notes assigned to the keys, choosing from any of the 21 built-in scales. You don't need in-depth knowledge of music theory. Just select the scale you want to play in, and the TORAIZ AS-1 will make sure your performance is in perfect harmony.
Slider: add dynamism to your performances by moving a finger up and down the slider to manipulate seven different parameters. Change the pitch of both oscillators at once, adjust the amount of FX. The slider will surely become an essential tool in your live performances.
Arpeggiator: build a pattern of repeated chords by holding notes on the touchpad keyboard. Change it in real time, either by octave or by shifting the key in semitones. Experiment with combinations of different scales, or sync the scale with that of a track that's playing.
64-step sequencer: use the 64-step sequencer for step recording of patterns. Change the musical key of a pattern in real time by playing the corresponding key on the keyboard during playback. Play with a preset sequence pattern and use sequence lock so you can play the keyboard and quickly edit the sound without editing the pattern that's playing.
* The TORAIZ AS-1 will be available from March for €549 (VAT included).
