Squid Toriaz Pioneer Multi-track sequencer

Take control of your workflow and create new musical styles with the SQUID™. The SQUID (short for SeQUencer Inspirational Device) is a multitrack sequencer in our TORAIZ™ series of musical instruments and production equipment. The name refers to the unique blend of functionality and creative stimulation. Connect all your instruments to the SQUID so you can use it as the heartbeat of your studio or live setup. Then get to work with its innovative features that have never been seen before on this type of equipment.

With the SQUID connected to your instruments, you can create unique sequence patterns and phrases in no time. We've optimised the layout of the controls so you can effortlessly bring your ideas to life when inspiration strikes, and the refined workflow enables lightning-fast music production. That means less time staring at the device's screen and more time making music.

With the world's first Groove Bend function ever on a production device, you can truly control the groove and come up with original rhythms on the spot simply by moving the slider to change the trigger timing. Use Running Direction to create different phrases by changing the playback direction of the sequence patterns you've programmed on the 16 pads. Vary the playback speed of sequences whenever you like with Speed Modulation. All these features contribute to a fresh, non-linear approach to music-making that stimulates creativity and helps you 'accidentally' discover new things that sound great.

Once you've created a phrase you like, you can back it up and save it alongside all your other projects using SQUID Manager. SQUID Manager is a free application that lets you quickly import and export sequence patterns between the SQUID and a PC/Mac.

The SQUID fits seamlessly into your setup, allowing you to control up to 16 instruments simultaneously with its master pulse. It keeps everything perfectly in sync, from your DAW to your hardware instruments, such as the TORAIZ AS-1 monophonic analogue synthesizer or the TORAIZ SP-16 professional sampler. You can even set up and connect modular synths and vintage drum machines/synths side by side with the rest of your gear.

The SQUID fits perfectly in any studio or live music environment and helps you turn all your ideas into music. This is the third product in the TORAIZ series, which offers inspiring tools with unique features that let you effortlessly come up with new sounds.

The TORAIZ SQUID will be available from 24 April at a recommended retail price of €599 including VAT.

Watch our introduction video about the SQUID or, if you want to discover all the unique features in detail, our walkthrough video. Find out more about the SQUID here.

KEY FEATURES OF THE TORAIZ SQUID

1. Step Edit to intuitively create sequence patterns

Let yourself go and create new phrases by tapping the 16 rubber pads with multi-colour LEDs. Set step parameters and play in real time as if the pads were keys on a keyboard. You can also combine this with various sequence functions, such as Interpolation and Harmonizer, to build up your sound.

• 16 multi-colour LED pads for various functions

You can instantly switch between functions using the SQUID's 16 rubber pads with multi-colour LEDs, which are linked to independent modes. Use Trigger mode to record sequence patterns and instantly transpose your patterns with Transpose mode. Scale mode lets you play scales across the 16 pads as if on keyboard keys, and thanks to highly accurate velocity detection you can add nuance to your playing by varying the force of your key presses. Using Scale mode, you can also record dynamic performances in real time.

• Interpolation: create a phrase in no time

Use Interpolation to arrange your phrases. Set each parameter (Pitch, Gate and Velocity) for the beginning, middle and end of the steps, and the SQUID automatically generates the parameters for the steps in between. Without having to set the parameters of each step individually, you can quickly define the pitch and dynamics of the sound. This lets you create a phrase while the idea is still fresh in your mind.

• Harmonizer: intuitively create evolving phrases

Looking for chord inspiration? The Harmonizer buttons make it easy to play them: the root note is the Pitch value set for each step parameter. Up to six chords can be assigned to the Harmonizer buttons. With the Harmonizer buttons you can record chord compositions in steps as well as real-time performances, allowing you to intuitively create evolving phrases.

2. Phrase arrangement for rearranging sequence patterns in real time

Use Running Direction, Speed Modulation and Groove Bend to further arrange the phrases you've created in Step Edit. Each function has an optimised user interface, so you can intuitively try out ideas as you go.

• Speed Modulation: create unique grooves by fluctuating the playback speed of sequence patterns

Create unique grooves by periodically increasing and decreasing the playback speed of a sequence. You can switch between six waveforms, such as triangle and sawtooth, and also adjust the speed and amount.

• Running Direction: easily create new phrases

You can easily create a wide variety of new phrases from a single sequence pattern by changing the playback direction of the 16 pads. Try directions such as Zigzag or Clockwise, which make use of the SQUID's 4 x 4 pads – unique functions that have never appeared on a general-purpose sequencer before. By combining Reverse, Switch Back and Flip with the six different Running Directions, you can explore 48 different playback directions and create countless different phrases.

• Groove Bend: change the trigger timing in real time

In addition to Swing, which automatically delays the trigger timing to create grooves, the SQUID also features Groove Bend – the world's first function on a sequencer that lets you adjust the trigger timing in real time using a slider. This allows you to create grooves as if you're playing a musical instrument, simply by moving the slider.

3. Time Warp: save your happy accidents

You never have to lose the phrases you accidentally create while experimenting. Use Time Warp to play back the last phrase you made. If you like it, you can save it as a new sequence pattern. Endless rehearsing and recording take after take is a thing of the past! Instead, you can play freely and try things out until you hear something you love. Save it instantly to use in a track or during a performance.

4. Multiple inputs/outputs: synchronise with various instruments

In addition to a USB B terminal and MIDI terminals for your DAW and hardware instruments, you also get two sets of CV/GATE outputs and CLOCK input/output terminals for connecting modular synthesizers in sync. The DIN SYNC input/output terminals let you connect vintage synthesizers and drum machines. Various signals, including notes and clocks, are automatically converted in the SQUID, so you can easily expand your creative reach by adding the SQUID to your existing setup.

5. Import/export sequence patterns via PC/Mac

Using SQUID Manager, designed specifically for the SQUID, you can quickly import and export sequence patterns between the SQUID and your PC/Mac. Simply import a sequence pattern you've created in your DAW into the SQUID, arrange it intuitively using the sequencer's functions, and send it back to your DAW. Use SQUID Manager to back up the projects you create on the SQUID by saving them to your PC/Mac.

TORAIZ SQUID Specifications

Maximum number of tracks		16 tracks
Maximum number of patterns per track		64 patterns
Maximum number of steps per track		64 steps
Step resolution		Quarter note, Eighth note, Sixteenth note, Twenty-fourth note, Thirty-second note
Maximum number of notes per step (polyphony)		8 notes
Maximum number of projects		128 projects
Input / Output Terminals	MIDI	MIDI IN MIDI OUT 1 MIDI THRU / OUT 2
	USB	USB (Type B)
	CV / GATE	CV OUT 1, CV OUT 2 (V/Oct, Hz/V) GATE OUT 1, GATE OUT 2 (V-Trigger, S-Trigger)
	CLOCK	CLOCK IN (step, 1, 2, 4, 24, 48ppqn, Gate) CLOCK OUT (1, 2, 4, 24, 48ppqn)
	DIN SYNC	DIN SYNC IN / OUT 2 (24, 48ppqn) DIN SYNC OUT 1 (24, 48ppqn)
Maximum dimensions (W x D x H)		374.8 × 223.9 × 72.1 mm / 14.8" x 8.8" x 2.8"
Weight		1.9 kg / 4.2 lb
Accessories		AC adaptor, Power cord, Quick Start Guide

SQUID Manager Requirements

Mac	macOS Mojave 10.14 (Updated to the latest version) macOS High Sierra 10.13 (Updated to the latest version) macOS Sierra 10.12 (Updated to the latest version)
Windows	Windows® 10, 8.1, 7 (The latest service pack)
CPU	Intel® processor Core™ i7, i5, i3
Memory	4GB or more