I liked the way you interleaved the sound demos and review sections. A simple and really good idea, it stops the viewer becoming bored with either in one monolithic block, like many other videos. Thank you for a very good, well though out review too, I bought my own AS-1 on the strength of your review, keep up the good work.
Terrific overview/demo video! Nice balance of you describing the features, and allowing the synth to speak for itself. Your videos helped convince me to place an order today. Thanks!
Just got mine about two hours ago. Having so much fun with it. Two hours and I haven't gotten past the first two presets! Definitely a fun little machine. I think the initial perception for many was that this was going to be an overpriced Volca. This is on a whole different level. This is no toy.
Thanks Astronaut FX for the feedback. From the sound quality it's far better than the Volca series. For me it's one of the best budget mono synths on the market today. The thought that you have PioneerDJ is maybe a bit unfamiliar but inside you get an DSI Prophet 6 Mono Synth :)
Did you watch Sonic State this week? I bought one of those Befaco synth dusters - they are brilliant for gear. The brush attachment on my vacuum cleaner isn't long enough enough to reach the surface over the knobs on my synths. Anyway, just thought you might need one! Sorry! :D
Thanks Adam for your question :) Unfortunately the sequencer doesn't allow parameter sequencing. It would be would if this is possible but it's more a classic sequencer. Thanks iampeaking for the answer ;)
Adam Jay you Yes, can do parameter lock sequencing on the AS-1 using a dedicated AS-1 control channel on the Toraiz SP-1 Sampler. You can set up many different parameters locks this way. Not on the AS-1 alone.
That filter sounds so much better than the Curtis Imo! I read on Pioneers website that the only parameters that are MIDI accessible are the ones that have dedicated knobs already?! That seems like a stupid move, but maybe it was just to keep costs down.
It's full Midi CC compatible. Check also the manual where you get all the Midi CC data ;) docs.pioneerdj.com/Manuals/TORAIZ_AS_1_DRI1434A_manual/?_ga=1.62183080.507741428.1490269474
+Synth Anatomy - Glad to see that you're absolutely right. Pioneer should clarify this on their website, because if you go to the specs under MIDI controllable parameters, it lists the controls that already have designated pots, and how to apply them to aftertouch.
Have you tried to play the as-1 from a standard keyboard? How long are attack and release? Do you think could be suitable for something different than sequences?
It's playable from a standard midi keyboard. I can't say something deep about the envelopes but they are the same as in the Prophet 6 because it's based on the same analog engine. You can use it as normal mono synth.
Could you help me make a decision I have the toraiz sp-16 and would like to add a module synth. I'm torn between the as-1 and waldorf blofeld. I really like the ambient sounds of the blofeld but have not heard all the sounds of the as-1. What I find so far is that most sounds are gritty on the as-1. Could you tell me if there are many ambient sounds(soundscapes) on the as-1. Thanks.
Soundscapes are rare to find in the AS-1 Synth because it's monophonic. For soundscapes the Blofeld is better due of the polyphonic stuff and the different wavetable timbers. The Blofeld also include a decent reverb effect.
Absolutely, the sound libraries are great for the Blofeld but it's a different synth engine. Analog vs. Wavetable. Even the menu diving is not great at the Blofeld, I really recommend it for ambient and soundscapes ;) AS-1 is great for fat analog bass and lead sounds :)
Yes it has a noise source. Two osc, a sub osc, and a noise source. The full spec sheet is here: www.pioneerdj.com/en-us/product/production/toraiz-as-1/black/specifications/#info
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
At last ... this is the first demo i have watched that has captured the potential of this unit ... well done !!
Thanks for your support and a nice comment :)
I liked the way you interleaved the sound demos and review sections. A simple and really good idea, it stops the viewer becoming bored with either in one monolithic block, like many other videos. Thank you for a very good, well though out review too, I bought my own AS-1 on the strength of your review, keep up the good work.
Terrific overview/demo video! Nice balance of you describing the features, and allowing the synth to speak for itself. Your videos helped convince me to place an order today. Thanks!
Thanks for your comment Astronaut FX :) Thanks for the support :)
Awesome. I'll never have to worry about bass again. Nice review!
Super Video, wie immer danke !
Danke :) und danke für deinen Support :)
Just got mine about two hours ago. Having so much fun with it. Two hours and I haven't gotten past the first two presets! Definitely a fun little machine.
I think the initial perception for many was that this was going to be an overpriced Volca. This is on a whole different level. This is no toy.
Thanks Astronaut FX for the feedback. From the sound quality it's far better than the Volca series. For me it's one of the best budget mono synths on the market today. The thought that you have PioneerDJ is maybe a bit unfamiliar but inside you get an DSI Prophet 6 Mono Synth :)
Did you watch Sonic State this week? I bought one of those Befaco synth dusters - they are brilliant for gear. The brush attachment on my vacuum cleaner isn't long enough enough to reach the surface over the knobs on my synths. Anyway, just thought you might need one! Sorry! :D
I love this thing
Thanks a lot!
No problem :) My pleasure :)
a great synth
Really nize synth - must use mine more :)
Can synth parameters be sequenced (like Evolver, Pro 2, Elektron) by the onboard sequencer ?
Or even just motion recorded, a'la Korg?
no p lock or motion sequence
Thanks Adam for your question :) Unfortunately the sequencer doesn't allow parameter sequencing. It would be would if this is possible but it's more a classic sequencer. Thanks iampeaking for the answer ;)
Adam Jay you Yes, can do parameter lock sequencing on the AS-1 using a dedicated AS-1 control channel on the Toraiz SP-1 Sampler. You can set up many different parameters locks this way. Not on the AS-1 alone.
That filter sounds so much better than the Curtis Imo! I read on Pioneers website that the only parameters that are MIDI accessible are the ones that have dedicated knobs already?! That seems like a stupid move, but maybe it was just to keep costs down.
It's full Midi CC compatible. Check also the manual where you get all the Midi CC data ;)
docs.pioneerdj.com/Manuals/TORAIZ_AS_1_DRI1434A_manual/?_ga=1.62183080.507741428.1490269474
+Synth Anatomy - Glad to see that you're absolutely right. Pioneer should clarify this on their website, because if you go to the specs under MIDI controllable parameters, it lists the controls that already have designated pots, and how to apply them to aftertouch.
Oh yes, the parameters to apply to the aftertouch are limited, the same also for the Slider ;)
+Synth Anatomy - Ahh, so the website was referring to what could be mapped to aftertouch.
HI can you do a quick video pf the pads sounds? I can't find any videos for pads? thanks
Hey, impossible because I don't have the synth anymore. It was a 1 month loan from Pioneer DJ for making the review. Cheers
It's a shame they didn't put on endless encoders, main reason preventing me from getting one. Other than that it looks like an interesting device.
Have you tried to play the as-1 from a standard keyboard? How long are attack and release? Do you think could be suitable for something different than sequences?
It's playable from a standard midi keyboard. I can't say something deep about the envelopes but they are the same as in the Prophet 6 because it's based on the same analog engine. You can use it as normal mono synth.
Could you help me make a decision I have the toraiz sp-16 and would like to add a module synth. I'm torn between the as-1 and waldorf blofeld. I really like the ambient sounds of the blofeld but have not heard all the sounds of the as-1. What I find so far is that most sounds are gritty on the as-1. Could you tell me if there are many ambient sounds(soundscapes) on the as-1. Thanks.
Soundscapes are rare to find in the AS-1 Synth because it's monophonic. For soundscapes the Blofeld is better due of the polyphonic stuff and the different wavetable timbers. The Blofeld also include a decent reverb effect.
Thanks
mojo drum can also buy WICKED sets for blofeld from their store which really expand the fun
Absolutely, the sound libraries are great for the Blofeld but it's a different synth engine. Analog vs. Wavetable. Even the menu diving is not great at the Blofeld, I really recommend it for ambient and soundscapes ;) AS-1 is great for fat analog bass and lead sounds :)
Why the pioneer tag?
Meaty
Does this have noise?
Yes it has a noise source. Two osc, a sub osc, and a noise source. The full spec sheet is here: www.pioneerdj.com/en-us/product/production/toraiz-as-1/black/specifications/#info
@@t1merickson thank you. I actually ended up getting it.
lol!
Nice synth, but horrible interface. I'm sticking with the Pro-1 :)