Pioneer DJ Toraiz SP-16 Sampling Workstation Reviews
Whether you're a DJ looking to add more electronic music production elements to your set or a producer who's always wanted a standalone sampling workstation that's as powerful as software, you're going to love the Pioneer Pro DJ Toraiz SP-16. The Toraiz SP-16 is the result of a joint effort by Pioneer and Dave Smith, and it combines a powerful sample playback engine with intuitive hands-on sequencing and iconic Prophet-6 analog filters and signal processing. It's a sampler that plays like a synth. Loaded with 2GB of top-quality Loopmasters sounds in its 8GB memory, you'll be ready to lay down original grooves from the minute you plug in your Toraiz SP-16.
Highest Rated Reviews
The Best Yet.
I hope they are not about to discontinue this product because for dance music it is the best sampler ever. Sidechaining on every track, multi track midi seq, up to 16 tracks of live time stretching, analog master filter. there is no other product like this. It's not perfect in the software, and there are limitation to file processing but other than that it is best yet. It's as if elektron made a double-octatrack with updated fx and sound quality that had the workflow updates of the digitakt, with a touch screen and color leds. The day this is totally outshined by another performance/live sampler, music gear will be onto the next generation.
Real Deal
Was looking for a drum sampler for studio and live that is not accompanied by useless software. Already have pro tools and ableton to sequence and mix. Already have tons of organized drum samples and breaks. The Toraiz is the real deal, and luckily right now it's a lot cheaper so I grabbed it while I still can. The filters are dope, the pads are dope, and the sequencer, workflow, all solid. Really good I/O on this unit too.
My only qualm is that it only loads 44.1 samples, which seems reasonable but I found lots of samples in my library that did not load so it was an extra step to get those converted in pro tools.
Tough competition with maschine and akai, but I personally did not want to deal with clunky workflow and mandatory software. My computer is already working hard enough to run pro tools and ableton and UAD, why would I want another layer of software?
Could definitely see this being great for road too. Always had good experience with Pioneer's CDJs and what not. This unit is really legit and I will be using it all the time.
Love this machine
I've sampled almost my entire drum kit into this and it sounds awesome. Love the workflow of this sampler. The sequencer is amazing- it's very simple to create complex patterns. The only thing I don't like it the very bright pads and buttons, wish I can switch out the pads for some solid colored red ones. Even while dimmed it's pretty bright.
This is the only sampler I'm aware of that has INDIVIDUAL OUTS!
Absolutely Amazing Sampler/Sequencer! Reminds Me of My Ensoniq EPS 16+
I had been using Ableton for over 6 years making music after getting away from all my hardware including the Maschine and a Beat Thang drum machine. When I started making music, I owned an Ensoniq EPS 16+ and man did I love that workstation! After I sold it (big mistake) I realized how much I missed it and how easy and fun it was to use. For years, I looked for something that had the same feel, sound quality, effects and workflow as the Ensoniq and could never find it. The Maschine is too complex and I don't like the software and Beat Thang went out of business and the OS crashes a lot. So I then bought an OP-1 and it's cool but it doesn't have the workflow I like b/c is hard to load samples and chopping is slow.
I was looking to get an MPC One after seeing some videos because I wanted to get away from the computer as I felt uninspired and missing hardware samplers. I accidentally ran across a video for the Toriaz SP-16 and I liked how the workflow was setup and the screens just looked so simple and straightforward. So I decided to take a chance and buy one knowing I could return it and exchange it for the Akai MPC One if I needed to.
Well I got it and in about 2 hours I had the thing mastered. It's SO freakin EASY to learn and use! The build quality is top of the line as is all Pioneer hardware. I absolutely love how the sequencer works and how easy and fun it is to bring in samples and chop them up and arrange them. You literally pick your loop and hit the chop button and BAM - chopped. Adjusting the start/stop points is a breeze and changing the buttons to keyboard mode is one button. Browsing for samples so quick and the layout is perfect. The touchscreen works great and you have the option of using the touchscreen or the buttons - your choice.
I can lay out an entire drum patter and sample chops in about 2 minutes. I can finish a complete beat on it in 10 minutes max. There is a section on top that allows you to adjust the drive, cutoff, resonance, etc and those knobs are so useful. Oh man - arranging scenes and patterns and putting an entire song together is actually enjoyable! It's so fun! The sequencer is the best part of the entire machine. It's so quick to layout drums and adjust patterns. You can cut paste and copy anything anywhere in seconds. You can either assign effects to each individual sample or to the channels or master which again is super easy. I love the mixing screen because you can quickly adjust volume, effects, etc all from one screen.
The biggest strength of the entire unit is that everything is only 1-2 steps away. Instead of having to dig through menus and click through 4-5 times to get to what you want, it's always only 1-2 clicks away. I cannot emphasize how nice this is. You can tell Pioneer put a ton of time into making sure the unit is easy to use and you don't get bogged down in endless menus or options. I also love the fact you can turn on time stretch (two modes depending on the sound you want) and everything just automatically follows the tempo as you work.
The one thing I was worried about way beat repeat because Akai is known for a great beat repeat and swing function and Pioneer put a slider on the left side with repeat which is incredible because you can do some really cool stuff with beat repeat and pitch. You even get two user definable slots to assign the slider to any function you want - super cool!
The machine feels like my old Ensoniq EPS 16+ and makes producing fun again! No more computer crashes, driver problems, convoluted software or hardware tethered to the computer (IE. NI Maschine or Ableton Push). Although they are cool products, you are ultimately stuck to the computer and it makes things complicated and takes time to troubleshoot when things go wrong. With the Toriaz I just hit the power button and GO! I can't overstate how nice it is just to hit the power and make beats. Your last project loads from where you left off.
The other cool thing is as soon as you connect a USB device, it automatically builds a standard directory structure which makes it quick to work with. Rendering your finished product to use in your DAW again is super simple. You can chose to either dump it out as 1 file (IE. WAV) or you can export it as STEMS (each individual track in a separate file). I export in STEMS so I can quickly put the individual tracks into Ableton.
I only have 2 complaints. The unit only supports FAT, FAT32 or HFS. This means on Windows the largest USB key you can use is 32GB. If you have a 64GB key, you can only use half of it. I think HFS on the Mac side is larger but not sure. I hope Pioneer updates the unit to support NTFS or another format that can handle larger USB devices. Not a show stopper but it would be nice.
The unit has an ethernet cable so it would be nice to be able to connect it to your network and drag and drop samples to and from the unit using your network (IE. Shared directory) instead of having to use a USB device or using the USB cable to connect to the computer. This way you can keep the unit connected to your network and always be able to access it from any device.
The bottom line is this thing, in my opinion, blows away the MPC, Maschine, Push and OP-1. I doesn't have all the features an MPC has (IE. synth sound engines) but the simplicity is it's power. The simplicity of the unit makes it super fast to work with and make beats quick. It reminds me of my Ensoniq and makes producing quick and fun again. The sound engine is just amazing as the beats and bass kick hard as hell.
You can't go wrong with this. If you want a sampler than you can lay down some amazing beats and want a powerful sampler, this is the unit. However, if you want something with a ton of features and more complex features such as synth engines look at the MPC. I use the Toriaz as my sampler and if I need synth sounds I hook up the OP-1 or bring in more samples.
I think what people miss about this unit is that it's purposely designed a specific way to make it fun and easy but powerful. They stay away from adding too many complex features b/c that will ruin the workflow of it. I have used MPC's before and you can do anything you want on them but it comes at a cost because the menus are more complex and it ultimately slows you down. For example, arranging a song on the Pioneer is about 3 times as fast as compared to the MPC.
Trust me, if you are looking for a dedicated sampler with a great sequencer this is the way to go.
A Terrific Tool!
After trying out (literally) the first one that came into Sweetwater (alongside my fantastic rep, Jeff Green), I waited a long time to pick one up. At the time, I wasn't really sure it was what I wanted and, frankly, it probably wasn't.
That said, now that I've made the choice to pick one up, I'm kind of kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Even without the updates (mine still had the original OS in it when it arrived), the SP-16 is a fun box! If you approach it as a drum machine that happens to sample, you're in the right mind frame. Those expecting an MPC or DAW in a box are going to be severely disappointed. The SP-16 does offer sampling, but it excels at bringing back the days of the old Roland beatboxes (IMHO), but with a whole lot of extras.
Set up a pattern on the XOX buttons (Four bars! Never had four bars on my 808!), add some additional live bits 'n' pieces via the 4x4 grid, then pick 'n' choose your sounds - ANY sounds - and go from there. It's simple, direct and a whole lot of fun. VERY inspirational! I had it a week before cracking any sort of manual and had no problems at all learning what I was doing. The screen is big and easy to read, there's NOT a lot of menu diving, and most functions are incredibly intuitive. Throw in the touch strip and DSI filters for extra mangling or just a bit of grit and you're golden.
Mind you, with its limitations, the SP-16 is not going to be for everyone. It's limited in voices (16), only four bars in a pattern, and the effects and editing aren't what you can get elsewhere, but as a tool to get your creative juices flowing, the SP-16 is simply one of the best. I cannot recommend it enough!
Sp-16
Love this sampler. I've had the mac 2000xl, mpc1000(with the jj os) and still have the mv-8800. This sampler is awesome!!!!! It's simple, direct and easy to use. I also use the original cdj2000(not nexus) with the djm2000nexus. So it won't sync to my tables but who cares!!!!!!! The bpm is tight and if you can mix then this sampler is perfect even if you can't sync. Def great for live use. Loading is short and navigating is fast and easy. In the studio its also a beast. You can run anything in your rig through the famous dave smith filters used in the prophet. Chopping up samples from wax or anywhere is a breeeeeeeeeeeeze. The touch screen makes navigating while chopping super easy. i love this addition to my studio. I'd recommend it for beginners or experienced users
Phenomenal
I've been looking for a stand-alone groove sequencer for quite some time. Something to jam out with, and create some slick beats with enough variations to satisfy my needs. This fit my needs, precisely.
It is extremely easy to learn, and an absolute blast to create beats on. It has breathed great enjoyment into my music production workflow. Hats off to Pioneer and Dave Smith!
One of the Best Gear Choices I've Ever Made.
I've been waiting a long time for a sampler like the Toraiz SP-16 to come into existence. I've used Maschine Studio, Traktor, and a Roland Sp404SX for years. And all three of those things will always have a place in my production and workflow. But The Toraiz is a game changer. The PERFECT blend of old-school-standalone and modern sampling, editing, and arrangement tools. Simply the best workflow i've ever experienced. Super easy to load and store samples and projects, and highly intuitive operation if you know what you're doing whatsoever. I've been using Maschine for probably 5 years and still don't feel that i grasp all aspects of it's operationl. In a week of using the Toraiz, it's operation is beyond second nature. Between the step sequencer, the ability to tune samples with unheard-of ease, the playability of the touch-strip, the quality of the filters, the simplicity of the interface...the Toraiz is one of the best things to ever happen to my creative process.
One negative i will say: don't bank on the Time Stretch feature working so great. It's fine for some samples of unnatural or synthetic sounds, which are designed to be compatible with that kind of feature. And it's usually fine for loops and samples which are pretty close to being the correct rhythm and duration and just need a little stretch. But it can make anything else sound pretty unnatural. Luckily, it's very easy to enable and disable as needed, and i find that i hardly ever need it and it often works when i do. That said, everything else about this device makes up for it ten-fold.
When you think about certain legendary hip hop producers (Easy Mo Bee; J Dilla; DJ Shadow), if you know your history, they all usually had a moment where they discovered the best sampler their era had to offer (or that they could obtain), and they fell in love and never looked back (Mo Bee, for example, still uses an E-Mu to this day, from what i understand). And that's exactly how i feel about the Pioneer Toraiz SP-16. It has some limitations, certainly. It may or may not be right for you, depending on your own wants, needs, and goals. But it was the missing piece in my process, and i don't ever want to be without it again.
The bottom line: if you can't make phenomenal beats with this device, you're probably in the wrong line of work.
The Best Sampler I have ever used!!!
The workflow is so intuitive, this is a lot easier than Octatrack.
Fun Fun Fun Till Daddy Takes Her T-Bird Away!!!!
Real easy to use. No manual required, (although I still read it). The unit is a blast to play, compose, and jam live tracks. I'm coming from both Elektron and Akai worlds. Truthfully, the Akai and Elektron gear blows the Pioneer Toraiz SP-16 out the water when it comes to specs. But, when it comes to composing, creating, and live jamming, the Pioneer shines through with a great OS, simple layout, great work flow, and incredibly responsive touch screen. I have owned over 20 samplers through the years with my first purchase in 1985 being an Ensoniq Mirage, (8 bit). The Pioneer Toraiz SP-16 is by far the most fun I have ever had playing a sampler. Akai and Elektron can't touch this unit if you are looking to simply have fun composing music with samples. Reminds me of the old school tracker programs created for computer composing with samples back in the late 80's early 90's.
Super fun!
Treated myself to this instrument and I cannot keep my hands off it. There are many tutorials and videos to help paint a good picture of what is possible posible with this machine.
The pads are super sensitive and responsive. Wanting to spend more time away from computer screens, the touch screen for this hardware feels like the exception.
This is an instrument and piece of gear that begs to have other instruments and machines interact with it. You can lay down any kind of beat, groove or pulse that suits your fancy or fingers and have enough Tracks available for live resampling, external gear sequencing (and then live resampling again!) or straight up improv jamming.
Of course, there are limitations but that helps push creativity. This hardware does not claim to be DAW, nor should it try to be. I have not enjoyed THINKING about ways to reach a solution in such a long time.
My 1/2 is because the whiney side of me wants an "undo" feature - but...¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ya know?
Do not be fooled by unenthused reviews - especially before 2019. The 1.60 firmware update is incredible. Albeit, it does seem to take Pioneer a hot minute to get back to online posts and support tickets.
Awesome!!
The Toraiz is amazing! It sounds great, this has almost a 0 learning curve. The build quality is good as well. I would give it a 5 but we are still waiting for live recording. Also 32 or 64 steps would put this box over the edge. Nothing beats the workflow on the toraiz. I create all my beats with this and then lay my stems out on the 16 pads for live shows.
Love this thing
Love this thing. 5 stars for the ability to do 8 bar patterns in addition to the standard 4 bar pattern length. Here's why I got this.
Producing/DJing for a while. I dj w/ vinyl and the XDJ RX. Wanted to spice up the DJ sets without spending BIG money on the next step up which would be XDJ 1000s and a DJM mixer. I mainly produce and use NI Maschine and Ableton. Been kinda frustrated w/ the pace of the Maschine software development and how painful it is arranging music even w/ the Jam controller.
For me this thing is perfect though 8 bar patterns would be nice. Was up and running in no time. Like other Pioneer stuff it's quality and easy to use/figure out. The thing sounds lovely and will definitely using the filters as an outboard effect to add color to my tracks in ableton. It's also quite easy to beat match the old school way not using Pioneer Pro DJ Link.
I looked heavily at the DJS 1000. While the tempo fader and big play/cue buttons are nice, I like that the Toraiz has an arranger. With the arranger you can easily mock up and arrangement within the device for playback but as a producer I can export a song and all the individual tracks to USB for easy import into Ableton.
You probably don't want to get this if you need a robust sequencer so maybe look at Akai/Elektron stuff.
Toraiz : the workflow King!
I don't usually write reviews but I had to share my thoughts on the Toraiz.
As a producer for over 20 years, I have been through lots of drum machines that I enjoyed working with but there was always some small antiquated task involved in the process that would stop my workflow (i.e. Memory cards,voice limitations,sampling time limitations, lack of outputs,etc...)
The Toraiz SP16 is the solution. The workflow is simple and intuitive: very little time scrolling through menus.
Loading samples is a breeze via the usb flash drive port and the sample
Editing function is also very strait forward.
The 16 pads and inclusion of a 16 step sequencer all on the same unit is brilliant! No more sharing the pads for sounds with the sequencing.
On the fly selection of scenes and patterns makes it feel like a real performance tool.
I could go on about all the other feutures I like about the Toraiz but the main point I'm trying to convey is that this sampler will get your ideas out faster.
I didn't give it a full five stars because there are a couple of additions I would have included;
1.16 physical outputs (so you don't have to pan)
2.internal bounce of stems like the electribe series.
Other than that, I'm very pleased with this unit.
Toraiz SP-16
I was a first-day purchaser of the Toraiz (similar to how I bought the MPC Touch) and so far the rating is okay at best. I do like that it's a stand alone unit and is portable enough to travel with, but I do wish there was an accompanying software program to go along with the unit. This way us producers can have the best of both worlds. In my review of the MPC Touch, I noted that it wasn't a stand alone unit, but it does have better effects and a good amount of content that comes along with the unit. The Toraiz so far is very basic in both effects, included sounds, and usage. The price is way too much for what you get, but I have a good budget for my yearly equipment purchases, so the Toraiz made the cut. I wouldn't recommend this unit to anyone until I see the upgrades that are promised in the near future.
Could be great, No Support
Could have been an amazing unit with some accompanying software and firmware updates. It definitely works as advertised. Not sure how useful will be in the long run.
Pros:
- solid construction
- filter is great
- general layout is great
- pretty good i/o
Cons:
- no updates or support from pioneer
- the pads are not as good as Akai
- only takes 44.1 samples (huge headache to reorganize samples)
- more developed products in the market right now
Toraiz SP-16 Poor Support
I wrote a review when this product first launched, so I've had this over three years now. Since owning this equipment, there's been no real updates to the firmware or any software integration options available for this product. In my original review, I was "hoping" Pioneer would evolve this sampler into a hybrid of an MPC within a standalone studio sampler. I not totally hating on this equipment because it does sound pretty good and the sampling is easy enough, but for $... you should get a lot more ram, memory, and a software integrated package. In my opinion, I would buy either MPC (Live or X) or an Native Instruments Maschine which come with software and upgrading options (I own all three plus the Toraiz). I'll still keep this sampler, because I won't get the street value that justifies dumping it. I would advise to not invest retail price on this equipment. Look at my initial review, where I was uncertain of the potential of this equipment.
Basic and not enough
To switch between projects there is a drop in audio. Chromatically cutting up samples to play in scale mode sounds really lame and doesn't give you much control over actual pitch and timbre. I already had a drum machine and thought this would be a great addition to my setup playing auxiliary samples and basslines imported from my computer and live sampling within my rig but it seems like this was intended to be a basic sample player/drum machine with lots of limitations. Should've probably just got the maschine+. This thing doesn't do what I need it to do and for what it does do, there are so many alternatives. Super bummed on this purchase, actually. I read many reviews and should've expected to come to these conclusions but it is a fun unit and the pads and step sequencer got me. I wish there were 8 step groups instead of 4 for 128 steps per pattern because there is a good amount of real estate on the unit which would have been well served taking notes from the tr8... the limitations are real and make the unit a bit boring. Sounds great but there are way too many limitations to ignore.
flop of a sequencer
Over the last 10 months I have submitted a list of 20 bugs to Pioneer who have repaired only 3. I just discovered my music skips when scenes change and the when I send CC to my mixer to unmute a chanel it is a fraction of a second late which makes a fast appregio sound broken. Combined with all the other bugs this has made it clear to me that this unit is not good enough for amateur, let alone professionals and have decided to sell it. It is 3 times easier to use Ableton Live and that is more powerful and stable. The Toraiz makes some things easier than a DAW but some things are actually harder and it is very limiting (no high res audio, 4 bars only, small unresponsive screen, 1 minute sample/track limit). It may be a better sampler than sequencer but for my purposes it is not fit for purpose.