Pioneer DJ SQUID

1. Step Edit section for intuitively creating sequence patterns – the foundation of music production: Have fun creating phrases by tapping the 16 multicolored LED rubber pads. Set step parameters and play in real time as if the pads were keys on a keyboard, combining various sequence functions such as Interpolation and Harmonizer to help build your sounds.

• 16 multicolored LED pads for enabling various features: Instantly switch between features using the SQUID’s 16 multicolored LED rubber pads, which are linked to independent mode buttons. Use Trigger mode to step record sequence patterns and transpose your patterns on the fly with Transpose mode. Scale mode enables you to play scales with the 16 pads as if you were playing a keyboard and you can add nuanced expression to your performances by varying the strength your keystrokes, thanks to the high-precision velocity detection. Using Scale mode, you can record dynamic performances in real time.
• Interpolation : instantly make a phrase: Use Interpolation to arrange phrases. Set each parameter (Pitch value, Gate value and Velocity value) for the beginning, middle, and the end of the steps, and the SQUID automatically interpolates (supplements) parameters for the steps in between them. Without setting the parameters of each step individually, you can quickly set the pitch and dynamics of the sound and create a phrase while the idea is fresh in your mind.
• Harmonizer : intuitively create evolving phases: If you want inspiration for chords, Harmonizer enables you to play them easily by hitting the Harmonizer buttons with the Pitch value set on each step parameter as the root note. Up to six chords can be assigned to the Harmonizer buttons. You can record chord compositions into steps and record real-time performances with the Harmonizer buttons, so you can intuitively create evolving phases.

2. Phrase arrangement section for rearranging sequence patterns in real time: Use Running Direction, Speed Modulation and Groove Bend to further rearrange phrases you’ve created in the Step Edit section. Each feature has an optimized user interface so you can intuitively try out ideas as they come to mind.

• Speed Modulation : create unique grooves by fluctuating playback speed of sequence patterns: Periodically increase and decrease the playback speed of a sequence to create unique grooves. You can switch between six waveform shapes, such as triangle and sawtooth, and adjust the fluctuation rate and amount.
• Running Direction : easily create new phrases You can easily create multiple new phrases from one sequence pattern by changing its playback direction on the 16 pads. Try the Zigzag or Clockwise directions, which take advantage of the SQUID’s 4 x 4 pads and is a unique feature and have never been seen on a general sequencer before. By combining Reverse, Switch Back and Flip with the six different Running Directions, you can try out 48 different playback directions and create a variety of different phrases.
• Groove Bend: change trigger timing in real-time In addition to Swing, which automatically delays trigger timing to create grooves, the SQUID features Groove Bend – the first-ever function on a sequencer to change trigger timing in real-time via a slider. This enables you to create grooves as if you’re playing a musical instrument by simply moving the slider.

3. Time Warp: save your ‘happy accidents’ Never lose the phrases you make incidentally when you’re trying things out. Use Time Warp to audition the previous phrase you created and save it as a new sequence pattern if you like it. There’s no need to stress over the workflow of practicing and recording take after take. Instead, feel free to just play around until you hear something you love, then capture it for use in a track or performance.

4. Multiple Inputs/Outputs: sync with various instruments In addition to a USB B terminal and MIDI terminals for your DAW and hardware synthesizers, you can sync and play with modular synthesizers using the two sets of CV/GATE outputs and CLOCK input/output terminals. DIN SYNC input/output terminals enable syncing with vintage synthesizers and drum machines. Various signals including notes and clocks are mutually converted inside the SQUID automatically, so you can easily expand your creative scope just by adding the SQUID to your current set- up.

5. Import/Export sequence patterns via PC/Mac: Using the SQUID’s dedicated SQUID Manager, you can quickly import and export sequence patterns between the SQUID and your PC/Mac. Easily import a sequence pattern created on your DAW to the SQUID, intuitively arrange it using the sequencer’s features and return it 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

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 IN, MIDI OUT, 1 MIDI THRU / OUT, 2 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 (Step, 1, 2, 4, 24, 48ppqn)