Toraiz as-1

The Lounge Other Gear
#509

I ended up buying the AS-1 Editor for iOS. Here are some thoughts.

Pros:

  • Bidirectional patch editing. Editing surface is well laid out and labeled.
  • Browse patches by category
  • Sequencer editing (I didn’t use this)

Cons:

  • Editor is not able to receive custom patches when using an iConnectivity hub. Receive works correctly via a Camera Connector Kit.
  • Interface doesn’t efficiently use the screen space. There’s a bunch of blank space on my 11" iPad. Furthermore there is a virtual keyboard that takes up a bunch more screen space.
  • Using the physical patch knob causes the editor to display the previous patch, not the current one. Selecting a patch via the iPad menus works.
  • Loading a patch saved to the iPad itself causes the editor to mostly lock up.
  • Browse by category is based off the factory default presets, so custom patches do not show up in the list (unless I’m missing something).

With the issues I recommend it (though at $25 usd I really hope they fix some issues). Its great for buidling/editing patches.

3 Likes
#510

Hello to all,
Quick question regarding the sequencer on AS-1:
Say I have a sequence playing on my Digitakt of 16 steps. AS-1 sync in Play/Stop mode.
If the sequence on AS-1 is 5 steps, how will it behave?
Trying to understand if the AS-1 sequence will play 3 times + 1 step and restart from the beginning or will it keep playing through, therefore making it polyrhythmic?
Thanks for any feedback :pray:

#511

Been doing the same with a Kenton Control Freak.
Was cumbersome as I had never programmed NRPN but in the end, it proves very useful, whether for sound design or live tweaking :slight_smile:

1 Like
#512

I don’t have an AS-1, but your question seems a bit confused.

The Digitakt simply sends MIDI clock messages so that the AS-1 knows what tempo to play at. There is no ‘reset’ message from the DT when it reaches the end of its 16-step pattern. Therefore the AS-1 will continue repeating its pattern according to its own settings. You call this “polyrhythmic” but the more common term for this behaviour is “polymetric”.

The actual behaviour of the AS-1 depends on the number of steps that have been entered in its sequence, and the sequence [Length] setting for playback, which are not necessarily the same. See page 11 of its manual.

If you have the AS-1 and an external MIDI sequencer, you should easily be able to observe this yourself.

#513

Thanks for the answer :slight_smile:

Thanks for clarifying :slight_smile:

Not the case as I am away from home working :slight_smile:

#514

it will keep playing until it’s gets a transport stop, or until you stop it locally.

1 Like
#515

@shankiphonic
Thanks a lot for the insight :pray:
Much appreciated.

#516

Quick question for AS-1 owners. I understand the issues with switching patterns falling out of sync. I was wondering if this is still the case if you use the trigger input to advance the sequence?

#517

The AS 1 landed today on my desktop. I like it a lot but I have an issue. Is it me or the output is definitely noisy ? I have a noticeable hum from the main output. It’s not affected by the volume, just an annoying ground hum. I tried different powering solutions and cabling, with no luck. Have you ever noticed such an issue with yours ? In comparison, my DN, Roland TR6S or Typhon are dead silent.

#518

Hi,
Are you using midi USB ?

#519

Never had any noise on mine I’m afraid.

#520

No. The AS1 is plugged in the Digitone. I’m afraid my unit has a default.

#521

Mine is silent as it should be. Did you try, if you can hear it also on the headphone output?

#522

Never.

#523

Thanks for your feedback guys, the unit has been sent back for repair. I hope it won’t last too long…

#524

Mine is silent unless the USB is plugged in. Also this is one of the loudest gear I own.

#525

I had an AS-1 a few years ago and really liked it but sold it so that I could get a P6. I actually liked the sound of the AS-1 better than the P6 and in the end sold my P6 and don’t really miss it. I’m now looking for a desktop mono with great sound quality and, obviously, the AS-1 fits that bill. But, I’m also interested in the Typhon and that is my question. I play quite gentle ambient music and want something kinda smooth and sweet sounding - I use a lot of outboard FX - so, back to the AS-1 or go for the Typhon?

#526

I have both. I feel ya, I would say the Typhon is better suited for what you’re describing!

1 Like
#527

I think the AS-1 has a better synth architecture if you’re already ok with the interface. The Typhon is easier to edit and has better FX, but only 2 oscs limited cross-osc modulation. If you already have a lot of outboard fx maybe you don’t need the built in Typhon ones?

I ended up selling both and getting an Uno Synth Pro. More osc/filter options than the Typhon, easier to edit than the AS-1, but often sounds a bit more lofi (especially the envelopes) and the fx are worse than both.

1 Like
#528

I also have both. I’m currently using the Typhon for bass and mono synth duties while the AS-1 does a lot of percussive sounds and metallic, alien things.

Sometimes they switch jobs of course, but I just love the AS-1 on drums, so much so that it has me wondering if I should invest in a Tempest. That or I’ll simply sample it all in to my Digitakt and leave it at that. The Typhon is probably better suited for the ambient you’re going for.