That looks like a really unique machine with a unique workflow and capabilities. Great to see innovation is still possible! Looking forward to see the final box.
@@OoraMusic Have you tested hooking up a class-compliant audio device for additional ins and outs? Not sure if that's available in the current beta firmware.
Where's the menu diving on Elektron boxes? You've got a physical button for every menu plus a double press for the second page, and then there's one individual encoder for every on screen parameter. Try navigating some Roland/Korg stuff, that's menu diving! And, btw, the S4 menu structure here resemble A LOT the Elektron one, it's got a better/bigger screen, yes, but the menu concept is (luckily) very similar
@@CiabaMusic huh? Try the Octatrack. Also btw: just because your fine with it doesn't mean it couldnt be improved. Yes - one of my points was A BIGGER SCREEN. /eye roll
I love the screen. I have a Gotharman Little DeFormer II that can do amazing sample mangling but the menu is atrocious compared to this. Great sound on the LD2 though!
Torso have such great designers. And this would sit so nice next to a Digitakt/Digitone/Analog Heat mk.II. So aesthetically pleasing, gotta catch em' all. Try and get your mitts on a Tasty Chips granular processor too sometime, think it would really suit your style. They need some excellent demoes, and you could definitely knock that one out of the part.
Yeah, I was comparing the S-4 to the Tasty Chips GR-1 throughout the video. Problem with the GR-1 is that it doesn't have audio in, recording requires an external audio interface and is very awkward, it has only a single effect that requires deep menu diving, setting the volume for 4 tracks is way more complicated, MIDI implementation sucks and saving a project is virtually impossible as the save menu feels like Windows 95 and tends to loose 2 hours of work. BUT: The granularity of the GR-1 has a better visualizer, it has way more grains and sounds better - more grainy, less washed out - even without delay/reverb etc. Tasty Chips said they'd overworked some functions for their truck-sized new granular synth, so I hope they will burn the old Os after Superbooth and make the GR-1 user interface somewhat acceptable for the first time.
@@OoraMusic I’m in search of the perfect sampler for years. Owning any kind of these, I’m so eager to put my hands on the TS-4… Maybe I could have a taste of it at Superboth in May. Ci becchiamo, eventually! Thanks
❤❤❤ I always enjoy your approach to storytelling, as well as learning about new music making products. It’s always refreshing checking in with you and your world ❤❤❤
@@OoraMusic ain't no funny. you now well it was far from being ready when you demoed it, and it is still now, 3 months later. you're still the only more or less known synthfluencer who demoed it, as no one wants to risk their reputation and misinform people. you did.
I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this. I am in batch one and am really itching to get it installed with my SOMA instruments rig. I'll see you in a few hours!
@yannleroch1760 believe it or not, I don't have those units :( I use 2 stregas (would love to try a Lyra), the Terra, Enner, Ether, and RoAT. One day I may finally get a pulsar and Lyra. I feel like this S4 is going to handle the cosmos functionality
Me too 💙 been waiting patiently for more information, this video came out on my birthday, with the s-4 also being the purchase I made as the one birthday present to myself. I gotta say Oora, I am very grateful for your work and effort in sharing this, a present in itself.
@adammatza I really wanted a cosmos, I still do. I am glad to know the S4 and Cosmos are still distinct from each other. I attempted to win a cosmos in a tutorial contest last year, and SOMA sent me a RoAT as a runner-up prize. They are a very cool company, and eventually, I'll have the rest of the line up :)
@@OoraMusic has a very unique timbre to the textures along with the potential manipulation algorithms, impressive… it’s not often units come along that are innovative for sound design 😎 great demo also
this would be great with a variety of different reverbs and delays/echos. like a convolution reverb and the ability to import impulse responses for example would be perfect. can't wait to see how the fx section on this thing gets filled out with future firmware updates, it's looking great so far
I want this to success so bad. I will for sure buy it and I hope they will develop it. It will be perfect to play live and just add whatever synth/sampler to play a little live sounds
Brilliant! My order stands. And Hans Zimmer is redundant. What you just created there, in no time, could be a score to a scene in the latest Dune movie. Unbelievable.
Between this and the OXi One we’re so spoiled with unique and novel devices. I can’t wait for my S-4 to arrive! I think it’ll be KILLER with the Analog Heat!
Can’t wait for usb in/out tbh ! Also a repartition curve for amount/ thresholds of modulation ? Thanks for making these video, you are a good teacher 👍
Interestingly, we are getting more and more of these granular machines. GR-1 has already established itself as a success, and the new version is coming out soon (already in pre-order if I am not mistaken), and I just wonder how much it overlaps with S4. Also, it is interesting to see such a hype for hardware granular stuff, since we have so many good software solutions for this (Izotope Iris even, as spectral granular plus tons of other stuff). Tracker by Polyend also offers granular mode, albeit in a different way. In modular world, there is Clouds, Morphagene, Arbhar, Lubadh, and now even granular - based filter like Klavis Grainity. I wonder how much of the S4 is unique and does it warrant the price tag, since it seems to me GR - MEGA much brings more on board albeit for 1k quid heftier pricetag (don't get confused, on Tasty Chips site preorder for GR MEGA is about 600 quid, but that is just a part of it, full price is 1.8 k). It is, indeed, all about how the instrument inspires you and if you like the workflow, I might get this one just to emulate old Tascam 4-5 channel cassette recorder and fill in my nostalgia.
Very interesting and you crafted some beautiful sonic experiences. I have the Torso T-1 which I'm just beginning to explore. I imagine it pairs well with the S-4!
@@OoraMusic because maybe it's not ready yet? and then Torso reached you out and gave the beta state device that you help selling while it's still far from ready.
So refreshing to see a real instrument (this and the new Tastychips granular synth).. after seeing so many videos about that $900 white-on-white Instagram prop.
Finally let myself watch this (knowing I’d want before hearing a note 😅), wonderful work, Federico! I’m in and excited for the future of the device. Might get in touch to see if they are welcoming further testers to push in strange ways. One idea I had (not just in response to this device but OT, MOOD, this S-4 too) but when a lot of the fun comes from messing with rate, what would be amazing is a sort of end-of-processing tuner. Perhaps the mixer gives a simple reading of the fundamental tone of a given track…being able to line up counterpoint, harmony etc would become so fast. It’s easy and fun to find yourself between notes with these devices, love it, but if there was a tuning ‘compass’ to help with accompaniment…hell yeah. (I do this by matching the rate parameter on OT)
Thanks for this - it’s great to finally get a detailed overview of the S-4! It seems like it has some good possibilities, and Torso have demonstrated a positive track record of ongoing improvements with the T-1 (which I really enjoy). That said, between the vague information available last year and the limited initial product specs, I ended up pre-ordering a GR-MEGA instead, but perhaps this is one to keep an eye on when more features are (fully) implemented.
It’s here! And about 50% of the buttons don’t work or unimplemented. It doesn’t even support midi sync yet. It blows my mind how a product like this gets released and they have the balls to charge $900 for it.
@@YOGIGER yup, no midi sync. And most of it is vaporware. Doesn’t do half of what was advertised. I’m so tired of brands releasing crap that’s half baked.
I’m so impressed by T1 and S4 , they’re my most wanted and I am so sad about, can’t afford this 2 , but in my mind, I’m constructing tracks with them … Love the approach of that gear, coming from Cubase/Maschine/ Ableton Environment .. These little miracle machines make a great step, bringing such a potpourri of possibilities to a real-time live performance .. I love it … ❤
those two instruments from Torso can't even work together as of now (no midi sync, other issues). so when you have the money, beware and check out if they'd fixed the basics by then.
Although I don’t think it really fits my needs so unwise it is very interesting as a design concept. I hope we get more multi channel samplers with polyphony.
Hi. Any idea how load a long sample in? mine is cutting of the sample at about 2 minutes. I need longer. it says 6 minutes in the Q&A. Wish it was longer, shame they put a limit.
Hey there, great review! I am instantly intrigued and joined the waiting list for the S-4. Let me ask you though: how good is the timestretching engine? From your demo it seems that the timestretcher also pitches the sound up and down? Since selling my old Yamaha RS7000 I have struglled to find a reliable and high quality timestretcher that could create smooth ambient textures out of samples (I'm excluding Paulstretch).
you can keep the pitch fixed. I am not a big connoisseur of time stretching algorithms so I think this one is good, but dont't take my word as the final truth :)
Looks really promising, I wonder how is the midi implementation because it just lacks on a good sequencer! I love the form factor it's super portable but the Tasty Chips GR-Mega looks even more advanced but hard to tell how both will really compare, especially based on current firmware you just showcased. You got interesting results pretty fast tho, that's a good selling point!
I bought a Tasty Chips GR1 and returned it because it did not work properly. I actually had to force them to take it back after they where not willing or able to take care of the problem. They even tried to talk me into selling it on to the next fool at a loss. On paper it still is a dream instrument to me but I have totally lost my faith in the company. It has also made me less trusting towards boutique type companies in general.
midi sync is not working yet. GRM is a completely different beast, not out yet though. Groc from Oddment Audio is another interesting one. Torso did poor job introducing and rushing the S4
Will be interesting to see this used in a more deterministic and rhythmic usage case...seems to consolidate a lot of gear into a more performance friendly interface. Had to watch the vid 4 times before I’d fully mapped the S-4 to a creative situation rather than just a feature-set (due to the amount of versatility) and then it just clicked...I get it. I’m getting it :) thanks for the in depth look. Big future for this thing!
@@yurijogurtsov8710 still great, am using it daily in its current state and the features in the upcoming updates are sounding perfect for my usage case. Not sure how the beat-makers and "producers" will feel, it's a tad obtuse for them I think. And the production delays that are in turn holding up the firmware releases are mildly frustrating, but par for course for a company this size...which is why they've been interviewing me tech folks :) But all in, superb bit of kit that's got much more to it than has been seen so far
Nice! I've been looking intensely at the S-4. I've been looking at the GR-MEGA, which I think is well more expensive. I just wondered if you've watched any of the [few] GR videos? I think the GR is not out yet, so mostly what you find are the superbooth-type videos, full of background chatter. Still, I think the capabilities of the GR have been defined--synthesis types and so on. Thanks.
I like it but i hear there’s still a lot of problems. Especially when hooking up midi controllers it seems to crash? All in all it seems an unfinished product. Also, on their discord channel they have a Bug report section and looking at that i’m afraid to order one. Did you run into any problems Oora?
It is still in development. I agree that it can be frustrating, but it seems this is the way things are done today. When Torso asked for more time to refine the firmware, people went ballistic. Same people that now are annoyed about the features that are still in development. There is no doubt that everything will be fixed and it will be one of the best instrument released in the past few years, I truly believe that and I am not paid by Torso to say this :)
@@OoraMusic thanks buddy for you time and effort. Yeah it looks and sounds like a great instrument. It's very tempting to buy it and be an early adopter. I'll think about it, i might just take the plunge (and drown haha). I totally understand that they are under pressure and maybe released it a bit to soon. In the end, if these are Firmware related bugs, it should be okay in the near future. Thanks again ...
@@OoraMusic it's hypocrisy to shift the blame on 'people'! are you for real? Torso rushed to introduce the S4, put it on preorder without any proper demo, just like it was crowdfunding campaign. if you're not paid by Torso, why did you hide ALL the problems in your review? why there's no more reputable demos, not a single one? why 3 months later almost nothing is fixed apart from the glaring bugs that prevented 'people' from using the bloody thing completely? 4 buttons not working TBA. midi sync tba. etc etc. and what's most frustrating now is that the only reviewer who hid the truth switches the blame to USERS. customers. who paid their own money for being beta testers basically. and never got the functions promised in that crowd funding slash preorder marketing b/s from torso 'this is the way things are done today' - any examples apart from the S4? none. nada. lies
This device was on preorder like from autumn and many features are not implemented yet.. Looks good, especially visuals, sounds rather glassy for my taste, hopefully sample examples related, but I'm not paying $900+ to work as beta tester. I think that for such a price it should be feature full and ready to go device :)
Very interesting device. Love the minimalistic look, the screen layout, etc. The granular part is wat interests me most, but I think I need to see a few different reviews on this device.
I hope they follow up with support for this unit unlike the squid which could’ve been so good if they’d put some effort into updating and adding some well needed features. I’ll be going for an oxi one sequencer and am interested to see how this sampler develops over the coming months.
Oh my what a device, Great video, I can't wait to see more. How would you sync it with an external sequencer I wonder and get it quantised/looped correctly.
the device is far from ready. 4 buttons not working at all. no midi sync atm. crashes. other issues. that's why the only one who demoed it in its current state is Oora
can you change the order of the 5 fx engines or is grain always frst and space always the last in audiopath? for example put the space before the saturation engine or infront of the grain engine?
Now I'm just going to be figuring out how to make that grinding sound in the demo track with what I have. I'm sure it's possible with some contact mics and effects.
Looks unreal. Thanks for the video. What is the total recording time for any single recording? I'd love to use it to record like 20-30 mins of synth noodling, then affect, trim etc and resample into my OT.
Definitely on my radar, but will wait for the firmware to mature. Want to be able to change the order of the effects at minimum. Also, 4GB storage limit is a bummer. Wish they would have added a microSD for storage of recordings and larger sample libraries.
I guys, i have only one question:i preorder this device for the 3rd batch in july, i would ask to you if Torso s4 will arrive with the last firmware already installed?Thanks at all😊
mine's in the first batch. I have so many questions, but the most important one is "where is it?" 😂 frustrated by the GR-1, loving the 1010 blackbox & the deluge here (three of the bb, two deluge), can't wait to see how this integrates... ok- multisample support? & the internal recorder- is it post-everything? is it stereo? how do you name files? is there support for file transfers via usb? is there a file size or quantity limit? folder structure? will do some googling, but those are the main ones. can't wait!
No multisample att the moment ( might came later I feel), internal recorder is post everything or buffer recorder Pre everything ( still probably changing in the future forr the better),for now you name projects only, then it autonomies recordings and samples, file are tranferable easily with usb, no file size limit ( 4gb internal memory ), folder structure yes.
![My Favorite Uses of the Torso S-4 Sculpting Sampler [ Demo pt2 ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/anx1bRjvYq8/mqdefault.jpg)
![My Favorite Uses of the Torso S-4 Sculpting Sampler [ Demo pt2 ]](/img/tr.png)
![Chris Langan - The Interview THEY Didn't Want You To See - CTMU [Full Version; Timestamps]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9miVG2xT5jY/mqdefault.jpg)
We are witnessing a granular renaissance in the last few years and especially these days. Very cool device, looks and sounds good.
very true
Granular is the holy grail of Ambient music.
Kyma users from the 90's are probably having a flashback to their youth.
It’s true but with modern digital synthesis and silicon chip power we’re entering a new dimension of sound 👽
the T4 is hardly a granular renaissance... 1 grain as I gather, right?
Great to see this first demo of the Torso S-4. Thanks for making this.
Thanks ! I hope you will have one too, considering the magic you are doing with the T1
Next Surgeon live set about to get tripppppyyyyyy 🌹
fuck for a second I thought you'd changed your handle to 'stormy surgeon' a la Donald Trump trial.
That looks like a really unique machine with a unique workflow and capabilities. Great to see innovation is still possible! Looking forward to see the final box.
First time ever pre-ordering a device. Been waiting for your video, Oora, and I’m even more hyped now.
happy to hear!!
@@OoraMusic Have you tested hooking up a class-compliant audio device for additional ins and outs? Not sure if that's available in the current beta firmware.
Its nice to see that developers finally realize: yes a big screen is needed to avoid endless menu diving *cough* Elektron. Sounds really good!
:D
Where's the menu diving on Elektron boxes? You've got a physical button for every menu plus a double press for the second page, and then there's one individual encoder for every on screen parameter. Try navigating some Roland/Korg stuff, that's menu diving!
And, btw, the S4 menu structure here resemble A LOT the Elektron one, it's got a better/bigger screen, yes, but the menu concept is (luckily) very similar
@@CiabaMusic huh? Try the Octatrack. Also btw: just because your fine with it doesn't mean it couldnt be improved. Yes - one of my points was A BIGGER SCREEN. /eye roll
@@sonicmayhemofficial Easy with the drama - are you 12 years old ?
I love the screen. I have a Gotharman Little DeFormer II that can do amazing sample mangling but the menu is atrocious compared to this. Great sound on the LD2 though!
Awesome work buddy 💜
thanks Miles!
Preordered instantly many months ago. Excited for this to be added to the collection.
great one!
Love my T1. Think these guys know how to make great, usable instruments.
100%
ohhh, very interresting
ciao Robert!
Looks absolutely stunning! Also that wave form display is amazing.
I am not that happy with the sound either.
Was actually quite hyped before this video.
Ok I want one even more now after watching this 🥰
:)
I would love to see what it can do with vocals! 😃
probably next video
Really nice demo man. Thank you!
My pleasure!
Torso have such great designers. And this would sit so nice next to a Digitakt/Digitone/Analog Heat mk.II. So aesthetically pleasing, gotta catch em' all. Try and get your mitts on a Tasty Chips granular processor too sometime, think it would really suit your style. They need some excellent demoes, and you could definitely knock that one out of the part.
Yeah, I was comparing the S-4 to the Tasty Chips GR-1 throughout the video. Problem with the GR-1 is that it doesn't have audio in, recording requires an external audio interface and is very awkward, it has only a single effect that requires deep menu diving, setting the volume for 4 tracks is way more complicated, MIDI implementation sucks and saving a project is virtually impossible as the save menu feels like Windows 95 and tends to loose 2 hours of work. BUT: The granularity of the GR-1 has a better visualizer, it has way more grains and sounds better - more grainy, less washed out - even without delay/reverb etc. Tasty Chips said they'd overworked some functions for their truck-sized new granular synth, so I hope they will burn the old Os after Superbooth and make the GR-1 user interface somewhat acceptable for the first time.
@@g3cd Tasty Chips also has the GR-Mega coming out which looks amazing, but is double the price of the Torso S-4.
And I'm sitting here thinking how bad it looks and how backwards the interface is to use in 2024
@@g3cd😂😂😂 oh man exactly how I think... the new features look nice ... and yes: Tasty Chips
burn this OS!
@@mikenoface Yeh but it does so much more and is better built.
When a reviewer opens the video with an improv, no voice-over, he's clearly appreciates the unit and wants it to have the first "word".
ah never thought about that, but I think it is right, I humbly try to show how im using the unit!
for a whole minute and a half. clearly a passionate love letter
Stupenda! Great video mate! Was not an easy task to narrate such a new and unique machine.
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@OoraMusic I’m in search of the perfect sampler for years. Owning any kind of these, I’m so eager to put my hands on the TS-4… Maybe I could have a taste of it at Superboth in May. Ci becchiamo, eventually! Thanks
❤❤❤ I always enjoy your approach to storytelling, as well as learning about new music making products. It’s always refreshing checking in with you and your world ❤❤❤
I appreciate that!
So sick hyped on this thing
yeah man , is SO cool!!
Looks amazing!❤
Officially sold! Preordering now.
:)
@@OoraMusic ain't no funny. you now well it was far from being ready when you demoed it, and it is still now, 3 months later. you're still the only more or less known synthfluencer who demoed it, as no one wants to risk their reputation and misinform people. you did.
@@yurijogurtsov8710ouch, maybe I should pass on it
I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this. I am in batch one and am really itching to get it installed with my SOMA instruments rig.
I'll see you in a few hours!
:)
@yannleroch1760 believe it or not, I don't have those units :( I use 2 stregas (would love to try a Lyra), the Terra, Enner, Ether, and RoAT.
One day I may finally get a pulsar and Lyra. I feel like this S4 is going to handle the cosmos functionality
Me too 💙 been waiting patiently for more information, this video came out on my birthday, with the s-4 also being the purchase I made as the one birthday present to myself. I gotta say Oora, I am very grateful for your work and effort in sharing this, a present in itself.
Based on what I saw in this video, and having a Cosmos, they are quite different.
@adammatza I really wanted a cosmos, I still do. I am glad to know the S4 and Cosmos are still distinct from each other.
I attempted to win a cosmos in a tutorial contest last year, and SOMA sent me a RoAT as a runner-up prize. They are a very cool company, and eventually, I'll have the rest of the line up :)
Looks like the features I bought the Polyend Tracker for, but done right.
:)
Nice vid thank you, cool to see this machine in action.
Glad you enjoyed it
Sounds incredible
thanks!
The unit Sounds perfect 👍🏽
I agree!
@@OoraMusic has a very unique timbre to the textures along with the potential manipulation algorithms, impressive… it’s not often units come along that are innovative for sound design 😎 great demo also
Wow...this looks amazing, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching
this would be great with a variety of different reverbs and delays/echos. like a convolution reverb and the ability to import impulse responses for example would be perfect. can't wait to see how the fx section on this thing gets filled out with future firmware updates, it's looking great so far
yes it is going to be a great platform!
dreamers can dream, but as of now, it doesn't even do what was promised on preorder.
I want this to success so bad. I will for sure buy it and I hope they will develop it. It will be perfect to play live and just add whatever synth/sampler to play a little live sounds
im sure it will be a success!
Great demonstration and wonderful music you came up with, thank you!
Many thanks!
Perfect watching when I get back from my little gig later. I’ve pre ordered one so I have high hopes. 👍
:)
that looks amazing !!
it is!
This sounds bloody good doesnt it
thanks!
Lovely, I saw ableton link implemented as well, awesome 🥰
yep!
this will fit into my hardware set up perfectly I'm in
:)
thank you for this
You're very welcome!
Brilliant! My order stands. And Hans Zimmer is redundant. What you just created there, in no time, could be a score to a scene in the latest Dune movie. Unbelievable.
ahah i wish :)
Going to be ordering one.
I am blown away at 10:27 modulation page. Cant stop thinking about possibilities...
unlimited possibilities ")
Beautifully demonstrated, Sir! Nice instrument. 🙂
Thank you kindly!
Such an amazing machine! Thanks for the beautiful music:)
True awesomeness right there, Die Mensch-Maschine... ❤
:)
Seems like a simpler, more straight-forward Octatrack. If this is the case, I’m buying one!
it can overlap, but both instruments have some strong points!
Between this and the OXi One we’re so spoiled with unique and novel devices. I can’t wait for my S-4 to arrive! I think it’ll be KILLER with the Analog Heat!
yes!!
I like how happy you are with it - I hope it stays with you for a long time
thanks Robert!!
Great betatesting dude!
Appreciate it!
Can’t wait for usb in/out tbh !
Also a repartition curve for amount/ thresholds of modulation ?
Thanks for making these video, you are a good teacher 👍
Feature suggestion, if not already present : allow to change the FX routing order. Opens more creative options.
it will come!
Interestingly, we are getting more and more of these granular machines. GR-1 has already established itself as a success, and the new version is coming out soon (already in pre-order if I am not mistaken), and I just wonder how much it overlaps with S4. Also, it is interesting to see such a hype for hardware granular stuff, since we have so many good software solutions for this (Izotope Iris even, as spectral granular plus tons of other stuff). Tracker by Polyend also offers granular mode, albeit in a different way. In modular world, there is Clouds, Morphagene, Arbhar, Lubadh, and now even granular - based filter like Klavis Grainity. I wonder how much of the S4 is unique and does it warrant the price tag, since it seems to me GR - MEGA much brings more on board albeit for 1k quid heftier pricetag (don't get confused, on Tasty Chips site preorder for GR MEGA is about 600 quid, but that is just a part of it, full price is 1.8 k). It is, indeed, all about how the instrument inspires you and if you like the workflow, I might get this one just to emulate old Tascam 4-5 channel cassette recorder and fill in my nostalgia.
check out the Groc from Oddment Audio. there's also Tempera. all the instruments you list are different.
This is too cool. I got to learn more about this.
its a great instrument in my opinion!!
Ammazing, and very happy to hear it will have a 10 in 10 out interface. mwuah
yes super!!
Pre ordered waiting for mine
congrats!
@@OoraMusic great video 👌
It actually sounds very different than the Tasty chips while being relatively similar devices
Very interesting and you crafted some beautiful sonic experiences. I have the Torso T-1 which I'm just beginning to explore. I imagine it pairs well with the S-4!
yes they have a similar approach to music making!
Im surprised as an Octatrack lover you haven't looked at the Tasty Chips Mega being released this month. Its the Godfather of granular :)
I reached out to tasty chips many times to try their instrument and do a demo, never happened tho
@@OoraMusic because maybe it's not ready yet? and then Torso reached you out and gave the beta state device that you help selling while it's still far from ready.
So refreshing to see a real instrument (this and the new Tastychips granular synth).. after seeing so many videos about that $900 white-on-white Instagram prop.
which I really like tho :)
Finally let myself watch this (knowing I’d want before hearing a note 😅), wonderful work, Federico! I’m in and excited for the future of the device. Might get in touch to see if they are welcoming further testers to push in strange ways.
One idea I had (not just in response to this device but OT, MOOD, this S-4 too) but when a lot of the fun comes from messing with rate, what would be amazing is a sort of end-of-processing tuner. Perhaps the mixer gives a simple reading of the fundamental tone of a given track…being able to line up counterpoint, harmony etc would become so fast. It’s easy and fun to find yourself between notes with these devices, love it, but if there was a tuning ‘compass’ to help with accompaniment…hell yeah. (I do this by matching the rate parameter on OT)
You should definitely reach out! also join the discord page to Torso, so you can propose your interesting idea!!
Reading the specs and thinking this would pair really well with a Digitone with the 4 midi tracks.
definitely
just don't forget midi sync is not there yet.
Nice demo! Thanks 🙏
thanks mate
I think the dynamic visualisations are really pretty clever, I'd love to see the next gen of Elektron devices have a similar kind of UI approach.
yes the UI is just amazing I think
I'll be getting one for sure
glad to hear!
This would go really well with my polyend tracker and my play, will have to look into getting one
Thanks for this - it’s great to finally get a detailed overview of the S-4! It seems like it has some good possibilities, and Torso have demonstrated a positive track record of ongoing improvements with the T-1 (which I really enjoy). That said, between the vague information available last year and the limited initial product specs, I ended up pre-ordering a GR-MEGA instead, but perhaps this is one to keep an eye on when more features are (fully) implemented.
yeah the development took longer than expected and im happy they decided to take the time needed. Im sure the mega is also a great instrument!
@@OoraMusic indeed, there may yet be room for both of them in my studio… 😅
@@OoraMusic lies. they rushed the release, and put the S4 out in unfinished state.
It’s here! And about 50% of the buttons don’t work or unimplemented. It doesn’t even support midi sync yet. It blows my mind how a product like this gets released and they have the balls to charge $900 for it.
No MIDI sync?
@@YOGIGER yup, no midi sync. And most of it is vaporware. Doesn’t do half of what was advertised. I’m so tired of brands releasing crap that’s half baked.
@@FurryNightmare666 but it’s got midi on it so don’t understand
@@YOGIGER is it implemented yet?
@@YOGIGER it is not implemented and doesn’t work
Great 🎛️ I dream ... Motormaschine Mk2 with this awesome Sampler 😮 Bring IT ON a Higher Level 🌀
I’m so impressed by T1 and S4 , they’re my most wanted and I am so sad about, can’t afford this 2 , but in my mind, I’m constructing tracks with them …
Love the approach of that gear, coming from Cubase/Maschine/ Ableton Environment ..
These little miracle machines make a great step, bringing such a potpourri of possibilities to a real-time live performance .. I love it … ❤
thanks for your kind words!!
those two instruments from Torso can't even work together as of now (no midi sync, other issues). so when you have the money, beware and check out if they'd fixed the basics by then.
Although I don’t think it really fits my needs so unwise it is very interesting as a design concept. I hope we get more multi channel samplers with polyphony.
visual is the future
agreed!
nice video looking forward on future updates
More to come!
Sounds very nice. I would definitely be interested to see more said on the possibilities for live looping and the sound on sound functions!
video will come
Hi. Any idea how load a long sample in? mine is cutting of the sample at about 2 minutes. I need longer. it says 6 minutes in the Q&A. Wish it was longer, shame they put a limit.
Why do you need such long samples?
I definitely don't need another sampler, but this sthing has kicked in a G.A.S. vibe, no doubt.
:D
Hey there, great review! I am instantly intrigued and joined the waiting list for the S-4. Let me ask you though: how good is the timestretching engine? From your demo it seems that the timestretcher also pitches the sound up and down? Since selling my old Yamaha RS7000 I have struglled to find a reliable and high quality timestretcher that could create smooth ambient textures out of samples (I'm excluding Paulstretch).
you can keep the pitch fixed. I am not a big connoisseur of time stretching algorithms so I think this one is good, but dont't take my word as the final truth :)
Yes! This is where my head goes every time I see stuff like this. A critical feature missed by the Chompi
synth.
timestretch is poor on the S4
@@yurijogurtsov8710 that’s a bummer. Maybe it will improve with firmware.
Looks really promising, I wonder how is the midi implementation because it just lacks on a good sequencer! I love the form factor it's super portable but the Tasty Chips GR-Mega looks even more advanced but hard to tell how both will really compare, especially based on current firmware you just showcased.
You got interesting results pretty fast tho, that's a good selling point!
I bought a Tasty Chips GR1 and returned it because it did not work properly. I actually had to force them to take it back after they where not willing or able to take care of the problem. They even tried to talk me into selling it on to the next fool at a loss. On paper it still is a dream instrument to me but I have totally lost my faith in the company. It has also made me less trusting towards boutique type companies in general.
midi sync is not working yet. GRM is a completely different beast, not out yet though. Groc from Oddment Audio is another interesting one. Torso did poor job introducing and rushing the S4
Will be interesting to see this used in a more deterministic and rhythmic usage case...seems to consolidate a lot of gear into a more performance friendly interface. Had to watch the vid 4 times before I’d fully mapped the S-4 to a creative situation rather than just a feature-set (due to the amount of versatility) and then it just clicked...I get it. I’m getting it :) thanks for the in depth look. Big future for this thing!
Also consider this is still beta unit and we are working to refine many things!
@@OoraMusic aye, and knowing Torso I think we’ll see some massive jumps in what it does in the future :)
@@Farold_Haltermeyer 3 months later, how do you feel about that?
@@yurijogurtsov8710 still great, am using it daily in its current state and the features in the upcoming updates are sounding perfect for my usage case. Not sure how the beat-makers and "producers" will feel, it's a tad obtuse for them I think. And the production delays that are in turn holding up the firmware releases are mildly frustrating, but par for course for a company this size...which is why they've been interviewing me tech folks :)
But all in, superb bit of kit that's got much more to it than has been seen so far
Nice! I've been looking intensely at the S-4. I've been looking at the GR-MEGA, which I think is well more expensive. I just wondered if you've watched any of the [few] GR videos? I think the GR is not out yet, so mostly what you find are the superbooth-type videos, full of background chatter. Still, I think the capabilities of the GR have been defined--synthesis types and so on. Thanks.
I would love to try a gr, but never manage to get in touch with them.
Beautiful machine! How do you use S4 with, for example, the Model1?
ok this is very cool
thanks
I like it but i hear there’s still a lot of problems. Especially when hooking up midi controllers it seems to crash? All in all it seems an unfinished product. Also, on their discord channel they have a Bug report section and looking at that i’m afraid to order one. Did you run into any problems Oora?
It is still in development. I agree that it can be frustrating, but it seems this is the way things are done today. When Torso asked for more time to refine the firmware, people went ballistic. Same people that now are annoyed about the features that are still in development. There is no doubt that everything will be fixed and it will be one of the best instrument released in the past few years, I truly believe that and I am not paid by Torso to say this :)
@@OoraMusic thanks buddy for you time and effort. Yeah it looks and sounds like a great instrument. It's very tempting to buy it and be an early adopter. I'll think about it, i might just take the plunge (and drown haha). I totally understand that they are under pressure and maybe released it a bit to soon. In the end, if these are Firmware related bugs, it should be okay in the near future. Thanks again ...
@@OoraMusic it's hypocrisy to shift the blame on 'people'! are you for real? Torso rushed to introduce the S4, put it on preorder without any proper demo, just like it was crowdfunding campaign. if you're not paid by Torso, why did you hide ALL the problems in your review? why there's no more reputable demos, not a single one? why 3 months later almost nothing is fixed apart from the glaring bugs that prevented 'people' from using the bloody thing completely? 4 buttons not working TBA. midi sync tba. etc etc.
and what's most frustrating now is that the only reviewer who hid the truth switches the blame to USERS. customers. who paid their own money for being beta testers basically. and never got the functions promised in that crowd funding slash preorder marketing b/s from torso
'this is the way things are done today' - any examples apart from the S4? none. nada. lies
This device was on preorder like from autumn and many features are not implemented yet.. Looks good, especially visuals, sounds rather glassy for my taste, hopefully sample examples related, but I'm not paying $900+ to work as beta tester. I think that for such a price it should be feature full and ready to go device :)
mate, they will ship final firmware units, not betas. This is a preview.
About the glassy sound: maybe a very generic idea, but almost all devices profit from some "warming" device toward the end of the chain.
@@OoraMusic cool, that leaves me a hope :)
@@stefanherzog yeah, with something like a heat after this, the next level textures 🤤
@@OoraMusic lied here too. it was shipped in beta state.
Great video, awesome sounds and looks awesome
Thank you 😋
This looks so good might be the next order!!
This is so awesome but pricey! Are there any good alternatives?
Very interesting device. Love the minimalistic look, the screen layout, etc. The granular part is wat interests me most, but I think I need to see a few different reviews on this device.
it will start shipping soon im sure we will see lot of different uses!
I hope they follow up with support for this unit unlike the squid which could’ve been so good if they’d put some effort into updating and adding some well needed features.
I’ll be going for an oxi one sequencer and am interested to see how this sampler develops over the coming months.
Bagged it immediatly during min 5 ^^
:D
Oh my what a device, Great video, I can't wait to see more. How would you sync it with an external sequencer I wonder and get it quantised/looped correctly.
the device is far from ready. 4 buttons not working at all. no midi sync atm. crashes. other issues. that's why the only one who demoed it in its current state is Oora
can you change the order of the 5 fx engines or is grain always frst and space always the last in audiopath? for example put the space before the saturation engine or infront of the grain engine?
not at the moment
Very interesting machine 😊I am sure this must be cool to create beautiful ambient sounds 🍀
yes !
Can you make a step by step A to Z video instructional manual for this machine? I haven’t found one tutorial on this product online.
Now I'm just going to be figuring out how to make that grinding sound in the demo track with what I have. I'm sure it's possible with some contact mics and effects.
:D keep me posted
Looks unreal. Thanks for the video. What is the total recording time for any single recording? I'd love to use it to record like 20-30 mins of synth noodling, then affect, trim etc and resample into my OT.
Definitely on my radar, but will wait for the firmware to mature. Want to be able to change the order of the effects at minimum. Also, 4GB storage limit is a bummer. Wish they would have added a microSD for storage of recordings and larger sample libraries.
it will read samples from external hd and will have chance to change order in future firmware.
I guys, i have only one question:i preorder this device for the 3rd batch in july, i would ask to you if Torso s4 will arrive with the last firmware already installed?Thanks at all😊
Hopefully it will be "here" soon. Right now it's a bug-salad that early backers need to unknot. Not cool Torso.
Interesting sampler
agreed
Bien coooooool !
:)
Can you normalize the recordings from the hardware?
good idea will ask for that feature!
I think this could be a fun creative DJ device with the built in BPM detection
yes!!
mine's in the first batch. I have so many questions, but the most important one is "where is it?" 😂 frustrated by the GR-1, loving the 1010 blackbox & the deluge here (three of the bb, two deluge), can't wait to see how this integrates...
ok- multisample support? & the internal recorder- is it post-everything? is it stereo? how do you name files? is there support for file transfers via usb? is there a file size or quantity limit? folder structure? will do some googling, but those are the main ones. can't wait!
No multisample att the moment ( might came later I feel), internal recorder is post everything or buffer recorder Pre everything ( still probably changing in the future forr the better),for now you name projects only, then it autonomies recordings and samples, file are tranferable easily with usb, no file size limit ( 4gb internal memory ), folder structure yes.
Nearly bought torso’s Euclidean sequencer on eBay but this looks far more interesting 🤔