Published on Apr 5, 2016 Pioneer DJ
Dave Smith : The Interview
We now know what this was. The following is the official press release followed by key features. Be sure to click on the images to the left for the full size shots.
"New DJ Live-Performance Instrument Features Filters Adapted from Prophet-6 Synth
San Francisco, CA—April 5, 2016—Dave Smith Instruments today announced that it has collaborated with Pioneer DJ, the market leader in DJ equipment and software, to provide analog filters for the company’s TORAIZ SP-16 sampler/sequencer. Boasting a 16-step sequencer, 16-voice polyphony, and 2GB of pre-loaded samples and loops, the new instrument allows DJs to trigger loops, one-shots, and electronic percussion live with its 16 multi-colored performance pads and other real-time controls.
Said Dave Smith: 'When Pioneer DJ approached us about collaborating on one of their products, we were very excited. Given their expertise and deep knowledge of the DJ market, we knew that it was bound to be interesting.' Added Smith: 'And when they asked us to adapt our filters from the Prophet-6, we immediately saw that it was going to be a great fit.'The TORAIZ SP-16 features two discrete voltage-controlled filters developed by Dave Smith Instruments: a four-pole, resonant, low-pass inspired by the original 1970’s-era Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 filter, and a two-pole high-pass filter. 'The Prophet filters add real analog warmth to the TORAIZ SP-16. They also allow a lot of creative sound manipulation when you use the live-performance controls of the instrument,' explained Smith. 'DJs will put them to good use, I’m sure.'
The TORAIZ SP-16 features a 7-inch color touch screen for accessing its factory sound library and viewing sound and performance parameters. The 16-step sequencer can store up to 256 patterns. Sixteen sequence step buttons allow color coding of sounds. Patterns can be saved as “scenes” for instant recall in the studio or on stage. When the instrument is connected to a Pioneer DJ CDJ or XDJ DJ Deck using Pioneer DJ’s Pro DJ Link, the system synchronizes its loops and one-shots to the beat of a master deck. (Users will need to update the TORAIZ SP-16 to the latest firmware to use this feature.) MIDI clock support allows users to connect and synchronize other devices.
The TORAIZ SP-16 is manufactured and sold by Pioneer DJ Corporation. It will be available in summer of 2016. Price and specifications subject to change.
About Dave Smith Instruments LLC
Launched in 2002, Dave Smith Instruments LLC is helmed by legendary musical instrument designer and Grammy® award winner Dave Smith. Dave’s many accomplishments include the creation of the Prophet-5—the world’s first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer—and his legacy as the primary driving force behind MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Dave Smith Instruments’ products are used by an ever-growing roster of well-known musicians and are available from music retailers worldwide. Instruments include the Prophet-6, Pro 2, Prophet 12, Prophet ‘08, Mopho x4, and the Tempest analog drum machine. Dave Smith Instruments is based in San Francisco, where the instruments are also manufactured. For more information, visit www.davesmithinstruments.com.
About Pioneer DJ
Pioneer DJ Corporation is a privately held company headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. Pioneer DJ Europe Ltd. and Pioneer DJ Americas, Inc. are subsidiaries responsible for sales and marketing in EMEA, the United States, Canada, and Latin America. For more than 20 years, Pioneer DJ has been a market leader in the design and production of innovative DJ equipment and software. The company works closely with DJs and clubs to deliver next generation products that inspire and shape the global dance music community. Its portfolio includes brands such as Pioneer Professional Audio and Pioneer DJ Radio as well as social platforms KUVO and DJsounds."
KEY FEATURES1. Create up to 256 patterns using the 16-step sequencer
Drop sounds into the sequencer to create your own 16-step loops and use the six dials to modulate the sounds. The multicoloured buttons reflect the colours you’ve assigned each sound: for example, kick drums in red. You can save your patterns then play them back instantly in the booth or on stage.2. 7-inch full-colour touch screen with detailed sample information
The large touch screen puts all the information you need in your line of sight. Quickly browse and load samples, and allocate colours to them for a visual guide. Or see real-time waveforms and full details of the sample’s characteristics, and use the dials underneath to manipulate a variety of parameters.
3. Multicoloured Performance Pads with Velocity Mode
The Performance Pads are taken from our DJ controllers to give you a truly tactile experience. Load up to 16 samples to the pads, then finger drum freely to layer sounds on-the-fly. The lights reflect the colours you’ve assigned to each sound, while Velocity Mode lets you control the volume of the sample with how hard you hit the pad.
4. 8GB of flash memory and real-time processing for non-stop music production
The TORAIZ SP-16 delivers 16-voice polyphony so you can play all 16 samples at once – even when you’re using time stretch or editing the sound using the touch screen amp envelope. The 8GB of flash memory means you’ve got plenty of space – and you can use it as a stand-alone unit, with no need for a laptop.
5. Analogue filters from Dave Smith Instruments' Prophet-6 synthesiser
We've collaborated with Dave Smith to add the analogue filters from his iconic Prophet-6 synthesiser to the TORAIZ SP-16. Use the dials to sculpt your sound – manipulating Drive, Cut Off and Resonance – and add true analogue warmth and presence.
6. Pro DJ Link and MIDI clock mean you’ll never miss a beat
Add the TORAIZ SP-16 to your CDJ or XDJ set-up using Pro DJ Link and the sampler will snap your 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 we’ll be adding connectivity with DAWs and synths at a later date.
7. Other features:
Use the touch strip to control various parameters
Comes with Loopmasters samples already on board
Input ports Phone x 2
Output ports Phone x 8, Headphones
Other ports USB, LAN, MIDI
Max external dimension 436.5 x 261.2 x 74.3 mm (W x D x H)
Weight 3.2 kg
