NEWS  Music Production  November 16, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In the dynamic world of electronic music, Torso Electronics pushed the boundaries with its latest creation, the S-4 Sculpting Sampler. Evolving from their groundbreaking T-1 MIDI sequencer, the Danish company introduces a portable sound design exploration machine that seamlessly blends the vintage charm of tape workflows with cutting-edge features.

Innovative Beginnings:

Torso Electronics first gained attention with the T-1 MIDI sequencer, a product celebrated for its intelligent algorithms and user-customizable capabilities. Now, venturing into the realm of instruments, the S-4 stands out as a playful extension of artistic imagination, as CEO Lars Buchholtz expresses, "Sound is not just an auditory experience; it’s a tactile, living entity".

Aesthetic and Portable:

Crafted from aluminum with a classic matte black finish, the S-4 exudes elegance at a mere 820g. Its design, reminiscent of Monome Norns, ensures portability without compromising on style. The heart of the S-4 boasts is a robust quad-core 1.5 GHz processor and 4GB flash memory, provide ample power for extensive sound design sessions.

Intuitive Interface:

Featuring a high-resolution LCD color display, 21 tactile RGB buttons, and 9 high-quality endless encoders, the S-4's interface is designed for live experimentation. Unlike traditional grooveboxes, Torso maintains a direct and fun workflow, harking back to the immediate appeal of vintage tape machines.

Sound Sculpting Engine:

At the core of the S-4 is a stereo sampler with four parallel stereo tracks, accommodating both real-time sampling and the import of pre-made samples. The sampling engine, still in development, promises manipulation features such as start and stop manipulation, time-stretching, and more.

Creative Processors:

The S-4 unfolds a colorful bouquet of creative processors. From a live granular processor to a morphing resonator with a 48-band tuned filter bank, this instrument offers unique sound-shaping possibilities. Additional engine blocks cater to adding color and space, featuring effects like bit-crushing, drive, distortion, and compression, as well as a reverb/delay combo with pitch-shifting and shimmer.

Modulation Mastery:

Drawing from Torso's expertise in algorithmic MIDI sequencing, the S-4 introduces a robust modulation system with four modulators per track. Users can choose from complex LFOs, generative sequencers, and envelopes, injecting flexibility and fun into their sonic explorations.

Connectivity Hub:

The S-4 is equipped with a comprehensive array of connectivity options, including stereo input/output, headphone socket, TRS-MIDI in/out, analog sync in/out, USB-C port, and a power supply input. Its WiFi module with Ableton Link support further enhances its versatility, while the option to become a USB audio interface expands its functionality.

Availability and Price:

Available for pre-order at 899€, the Torso Electronics S-4 is set to ship in March 2024. Embrace the future of sound sculpting with this innovative and portable sampler device, where tradition meets modernity in perfect harmony.

(Images by Torso Electronics)