More than ever, producers are making tracks using electronic instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines. And now, in collaboration with Dave Smith Instruments, we’ve created a new monophonic synthesizer for music production and live performances: the TORAIZ AS-1. The synth is the second musical instrument in our TORAIZ series that brings new creative possibilities to the studio and stage, and its release follows the launch of our popular TORAIZ SP-16 live sampler in August 2016.

The TORAIZ AS-1 is driven by a fully programmable, true analog synthesis engine based on the discrete analog circuitry in Dave Smith Instruments’ Prophet-6 synthesizer – a modern reboot of his classic Prophet-5. Working closely with Dave Smith himself, we’ve created a synth that produces powerful analog sound and makes an ideal addition to the set-ups of professional and aspiring producers.

Our experience in making DJ equipment and production gear has been poured into the development of the new synth’s user interface and performance features. The intuitive controls include parameter knobs that let you make both subtle and dramatic changes to the tone of your music to create your own personalised sound. You can use the touchpad-style keyboard and slider to manipulate sounds during performances. And it’s easy to manipulate the 7 on-board effects, which – with the addition of a brand-new digital distortion – come from the Prophet-6 synth.

You can connect the TORAIZ AS-1 synth to the TORAIZ SP-16 live sampler via MIDI and use the sampler’s sophisticated sequencer to create even more complex patterns with the powerful analog sounds you’ve created in the synthesizer. Together, the 2 TORAIZ instruments can be connected to your DJM mixer via Pro DJ Link and MIDI, creating a set-up where the CDJs play the track, the TORAIZ SP-16 adds loops and one-shots, and the TORAIZ AS-1 generates unique analog leads in sync with the BPM of the music.

The TORAIZ AS-1 will be available from March at an SRP of €549 including VAT.

KEY FEATURES OF THE TORAIZ AS-1

1. True analog sound from Dave Smith Instruments’ Prophet-6
   Create your own fat bass and edgy lead sounds thanks to the synthesis engine at the core of the TORAIZ AS-1, which is based on the discrete analog circuitry of Dave Smith Instruments’ revered Prophet-6 synthesizer. The TORAIZ AS-1 has 2 voltage-controlled oscillators (VCO) with continuously variable triangle, sawtooth and pulse wave shapes. Sculpt your sound using the 2 voltage-controlled filters (VCF) also from the Prophet-6: a 4-pole, resonant low-pass filter that can self-oscillate and a 2-pole, resonant high-pass filter.
2. Full programmability and 495 presets
   Use the TORAIZ AS-1 to create one-of-a-kind sounds using 2 VCOs, 2 VCFs, 1 VCA,¹ 2 EGs,² and 1 LFO,³ then save each sound and its parameter settings as a program so you can access it later. There are 495 preset programs to give you inspiration, each with a different sound and 64-step sequence that can be edited independently. In addition, you can save up to 495 of your own programs in the 5 user banks, and you can assign up to 13 programs as Quick Programs to each key on the keyboard and instantly recall them at any time.
3. FX from the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet-6 synthesizer
   Get creative with the Prophet-6-derived dual effects engine. Add a single effect or pair 2 together to add extra texture to your sounds. True bypass preserves a pure analog signal path.
   • FX1: Bucket Brigade Delay, Distortion, Ring Modulation
   • FX2: Chorus, High-resonance Phaser, Low-resonance Phaser, Maestro Phaser
4. Intuitive user interface and performance features
   Create unique sounds and phrases using the intuitive touchpad-style keyboard and slider. Harness features such as the 64-step sequencer, arpeggiator and Scale Mode to bring even more creative possibilities to your performance.
   • Keyboard and Scale Mode: Use the touchpad-style keyboard to perform with the sounds you create. Use Scale Mode to change the notes assigned to the keys, choosing from any of the 21 on-board scales. You don’t need a deep understanding of musical theory. Just select the scale in which you want to play and the TORAIZ AS-1 will make sure your performance is in perfect harmony.
   • Slider: Add dynamism to your performances by moving your finger up and down the slider to manipulate your choice of 7 different parameters. Change the pitch of 2 oscillators at once, adjust the amount of FX, and more. The slider is sure to become an essential tool in your live performances.
   • Arpeggiator: Perform a repeating chord pattern by holding notes on the touchpad-style keyboard. Change it in real time, either by octave or by changing its key in semitones. Experiment with combinations of different scales, or match 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 touching the relevant key of the keyboard during playback. Find inspiration from 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.
5. Other features
   • Bright OLED display shows parameter information
   • USB-B port and MIDI terminals (IN, OUT/THRU) for easy connection to a PC/Mac or an external MIDI device
   • Robust metal chassis suitable for use in the studio or on stage

MAIN SPECIFICATIONS TORAIZ AS-1