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PIONEER DJ REVEALS DEBUT ANALOGUE SYNTH, THE TORAIZ AS-1

Dave Smith & Pioneer DJ team up…

Pioneer DJ have announced the release of the brand’s first analogue synth, the TORAIZ AS-1, just in time for NAMM Music Technology Conference in LA. 

Continuing their rolling collaboration with Dave Smith, the new synth sees Pioneer DJ once again hooking up with the legendary tech guru to develop this DJ-friendly synthesiser, that is equally at home in the studio or as part of an extended DJ set-up.

The TORAIZ AS-1 is driven by a fully programmable, true analog synthesis engine, based on the analog circuitry in Dave Smith Instruments’ Prophet-6 synthesizer — a modern reboot of his classic Prophet-5. 

Users will be able to 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 created in the synth. 

Together, the two TORAIZ instruments can be connected to Pioneer DJ’s 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 — further blurring the lines between DJing and live performance.

Working closely with Dave Smith, Pioneer DJ has created a synth that will produce powerful analog sound and will no doubt be the talk of the town in production and DJ circles. Watch the TORAIZ AS-1 in action via Pioneer's official product video below. 

Want to see what else is poppin' off at NAMM Music Technology Conference this week? Check out our top five not to be missed pieces of kit.  

Mick Wilson is DJ Mag’s Tech Editor. Follow him on Twitter here.