Pioneer DJ has released a new video interview with engineer and music tech pioneer Dave Smith that explores his passion for analogue synthesis and how his early designs like the Prophet-5, as well as new technologies that have come about since the digital revolution, have led to the development of the new TORAIZ series of instruments for the studio and live stage, which include the AS-1 synth and the SP-16 sampler.

The TORAIZ AS-1 monophonic synthesizer, one of two new products to result from Pioneer DJ and Dave Smith Instruments’ recent collaboration, is driven by a fully programmable, true analogue synthesis engine based on the discrete analogue circuitry in Dave Smith Instruments’ Prophet-6 synthesizer. It promises powerful analogue audio and intuitive controls that let the user create their own personalised sound. The touchpad-style keyboard and slider can be used to manipulate sounds during performances and the seven on-board effects, which – with the addition of a brand-new digital distortion – come from the Prophet-6 synth, are designed to be easy to control.

It can also be connected to the TORAIZ SP-16 live sampler via MIDI to take advantage of the sampler’s sophisticated sequencer to create even more complex patterns with the sounds created in the synthesizer.

The SP-16 offers 16 powerful sampler engines, analogue filters based on the Prophet-6 and quantize via Pro DJ Link. It can also be used as a stand-alone unit – no need to take a laptop into the booth.

SP-16 users can also load samples via USB or from the internal memory, then use the 16-step sequencer to create patterns, playback loops or trigger one-shots with the multicoloured Performance Pads, and if connected to CDJs via Pro DJ Link, everything is synced to the beat of the master deck.

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