Great review. I dig the squid, and it has some really cool features. My biggest complaint is that when in scale mode, the notes that aren't in that scale are just greyed out. They should have it so that all 16 pads are notes in that scale.
Just got one today. First impression, I love it. That midi export is so useful too, especially after stumbling across a happy accident with speed modulation, running direction etc.
Thank you. Nailed my biggest complaint. Not even considering this until Program Change per pattern is an option. Major oversight on Pioneer's end. The Engine can already do this per pattern.
@@devonhughes3805 I am hesistant about it.. i heard Pioneer is bad with supporting their products when theres a problem. How is your experience so far? Any noteable Firmware upgrades or bugs?
Alright. I am about 2 minutes in and I think I'm sold on this sequencer as the new foundational step towards a cohesive creative chaos control center. I'm excited. Hm. Big hugs. Thanks my dude. You kick serious ass, time child.
As ever a joy to watch - thanks Ricky... I have a limited budget and limited set up but am looking for something to sit at the centre of my stuff and control things was saving for a Digitakt (as that would give me a sampler too....and no one seems to have a bad word to say about it) - this looks pretty cool too - maybe a little to advanced for me in terms of there are lots of things to get distracted by!
Another great video thanks! A video showing the workflow benefits of this Rythmic enhancer in a DAW would be awesome! I'm currently trying to figure it out, but the Time Warp feature is cutting my DAW editing to seconds vs. minutes. Amazing machine!
Thanks for the review... I've been waiting for reviews as I'm jonesing for a studio sequencer. I feel like I may get a Deluge or a Pyramid though as there are some issues with this one that I'm not a fan of. Are you gonna review the Synthstrom Deluge?
Great review Ricky, I'm curious to know whether you've bought one and are using it? If so how are you finding it now? Your demos of the sequencing aspects of it were pretty convincing!
With my sp16 I can honestly say I’ve never had to look at the manual. Only had the squid a day, the sequencing is much more advanced & for a drug addled mind like mine, I got some study to do to get the most out of it. It’s not crazy menu diving stuff but if you don’t have a perfunctory knowledge of gate , clock divide midi channels etc… there’s an unavoidable learning curve, But sequencing multiple bits of gear from each other usually leads to a bit of head scratching & the squid does a good job of making it fairly intuitive. Do agree global swing & time bends should be in there though. Unfortunately pioneer seems to have dropped all updates for this series’s. As it stands though it’s a very powerful bit of kit & they’ve done a good job fitting it all in there balancing complexity with playability. Cheers for the review Ricky nudged me to give it a try and glad I did 👍
Just got one, have only had the obligatory plug it straight in and mash all the buttons jam, but got some crazy rhythms out of it. Got sequences I couldn’t do on my analog rytm out of it. Mostly happy accidents but hay not even read the manual. In an ideal world all the toraiz families unique features would be in one ultimate box. But hay I’m not a businessman exec.! Really powerful performance sequencer 👍
OK, those are awesome camouflage moving blankets from Harbor freight. I think I’m gonna do that in my music room. That definitely makes for a nice music room/man cave.
Fantastic channel Ricky and your expertise and experience is always appreciated. Bit late to the party on this one as have been through a few other sequencers of late (Polyend Seq for instance - bit of a toy). Thought this was going to be the holy grail but can you just clarify that a pattern change has to made manually? Assume this can be set to come at the end step of the previous running pattern... Really don't know why companies do this. I had an original Roland R8 in 1990 - that had song mode on it. Would've been pretty much useless without it. (Eric - England)
Great video, as always. How's this one for launching clips, would you say? I'm running a 1010 Black Box now, with a mix of loops, clips and one shots spread out over the sixteen pads. How funky can this get if the Squid sequences the Black Box, with my mish mash of already mentioned clips, loops and one shots? Or is this primarily for harmonics and one shot content?
Love your videos and I am glad you covered this sequencer. I was hung up between this and the Squarp Pyramid, but I hated the fact that the pyramid only had a mini-USB for power. Anyone else have the Beatstep break issue? (Table gets bounced and the mini-USB gets broke). Anyway, your demo was spot on, gave me the facts, showed it can do everything I need it to ... so I ordered a squid.
What do you like better the Novation sl49 mk3 or the squid. I was going to buy a Keystep Pro but they just went up in price a $100. Or should I get a squarp pyramid?
You played chords. How are you playing chords? What is the set up for notes and sequencing limits as far as polyphony? Is there a synth engine in there as well? What are the specific parts of this box?
Maybe I'm just old but to me, this instrument would have been killer during the days on the synth module. A Triton Rack, JV or XV Roland Module, plus a Motif Rack paired with a Squid would have endless possibilities and be totally gigable. But......... Given the current "Tabletop" trend, the rising popularity of modular, and other products from Elektron and Roland. I feel like this products has come behind it's proper time. I would have assassinated people in order to buy something like the Squid back in the 90's!
just saw this device in my sweetwater catalog and wondered about this. funny, i heard the first 3 seconds of this earlier earlier today and was wondering if this was the topic - so glad it is!
Hey world, just wondering if any or all of the cons mentioned here were ever fixed? Looks like a great machine that could be an excellent one. Thank you
Great review. Love your channel. Looks like some awesome features. How bout varied pattern length? ie 11 steps? Also, I vaguely remember reading that Pioneer don't have the best reputation when it comes to updates and support. Is it likely they actually will update it and respond to user requests?
Man they came so close. But: 1- no song mode 2- only 16 pattern sets 3- can’t transpose across all tracks 4- don’t think you can have global time sig changes across all tracks Does thing ratchet? Goin w the squarp pyramid but really wanted this at first glance.
Also could do with a lot more pattern sets too. I don't understand how Toraiz, Akai etc all opt to make a DAW replacement as there are so many limits as to how far you can take your music. Without a song mode or program change per pattern, you're stuck. So you'd buy a OB-6 and spend days on making sounds of which you can only use one per project? If I build up a track, b4 I get to the rocking part of the structure (Kick, Bass, Loops etc) I'm already 5 pattern sets in. Pls make it so musicians can use it and not just loop/sample pack jocks who don't really need that much variation
Is the issue at 10:20 with program changes fixed? Does it mean that this machine is basically useless when playing live, or does it just mean that I must change the preset on my synth directly and manually during a set? Also, how reactive is the Toraiz community and Squid devs - are you guys happy with the firmware updates?
Control center 9000 🤣🤣 #nailedit Great review! Saw this up close at Moogfest w/ the Toriaz guys. That workshop and this video reaffirm my thoughts of this monster.
Squarp. You're going to want to have ur computer open with the Squid. think of it more as house and techno sketch book than an all-in-one solution to move away from ur laptop.
I liked it, as in, didn't hear anything bad from it. But a good test which i haven't done is put a few drum sounds on different channels all on the same step. to hear the drift. I'll give that a try.
In my opinion -- and you can easily find others -- the OP-Z is fun, but its synth sounds are toyish. If it was $250, it'd be dope. At $600 you definitely can find something way better. (I have a review where I complain about it on my channel check it th-cam.com/video/cYTQHlPfEh0/w-d-xo.html)
Your reviews are the best. Do you have a contemporary sequencer with song mode that you would recommend? Is the Octatrack a way to go? I have been using an old Roland micro composer but I need an upgrade for live situations.
THE WIDE EYE I love my Octatrack but for sequencing I prefer my Squarp Pyramid far more. It’s only focusing on MIDI where Octa is a sampler at heart. Pyramid has unlimited length patterns, chord types, easier to blend between songs, brighter screen, smaller footprint and cost... to name a few. Hope that helps.
@@elissitdesign thanks Eric. It sounds promising! It's just the midi stuff I need, and I thought that Squid would be perfect at first, but then I realised there was no song mode as I like to have as option as I am making vocal based music and like to have the sequencer running pre-programmed while I can tweak the synths and sing, as well as having the option of doing stuff on the sequencer if my focus is free to do so. Your helpful comment is much appreciated! Will check out Pyrmid a bit closer now. Thanks again.
What Eric said. Honestly I'm more MPC than any other sequencer, but the squid has won my heart in DAW sequencing. But the pyramid and it's Song mode are pretty wild in terms of flexibility
The biggest fail on this product is only giving 16 Pattern Sets. With a Track based sequencer architecture, there needs to be a way to group patterns together in meaningful ways. The Engine allows you to create snapshots which include all of the current settings for each track, including what pattern is assigned, mute states, etc. They included 128 of these which is ample for a live performance. It allows you to easily change up patterns on multiple tracks, send midi program changes, etc and build up songs on the fly.. With only 16 Pattern Sets you are limited to basically one "Pattern" on any more traditional Pattern based architecture. That's one "Scene" on the SP-16. It takes anywhere from 4-7 button presses just to change a single pattern and that change happens at the end of the current bar. Imagine trying to change multiple patterns simultaneously? 4x patterns would be anywhere between 16 and 28 button presses all in a 4 bar time frame. This is ludicrous and I cannot recommend this sequencer to anyone until this glaring oversight is corrected. The SQUID needs at LEAST 64 if not 128 or 256 Pattern Sets or it's a useless machine for anything other than generating cool 4x bar midi patterns. If you have an in at Pioneer, please let them know this needs to be addressed ASAP.
Hate to say this but yesterday was first time I ever hooked my Drum machine to my Squid. I’ve got the bloodshot eyes to prove that was a MISTAKE. Drove myself insane till 2:30 am Is there a way to set aside say 8 tracks of the Squid for Kick, snare, open and closed hats, 2 toms crash and ride? Then still use the randomizer for the beat without having to manually go in and change all pitches to that of a Kick drum? Etc Thank you kindLy, I’ve seen folks doing it on YT with the SP-16 but I’m using an Uno Drum. I even jumped into Logic Pro thinking maybe it’s something weird with the Uno Drum. Is this MAD idea even possible?
Always been hesitant about Pioneer moving into the music creation area cos of their DJ rep which led to gear which I didn't always figure was that musical. So let me ask you straight up as a guy I trust: would you call this musical?
Hey bro, great videos! Would you consider doing a video where you compare, sayy, drum machines that are in the same price range? And yeah, beginner friendly stuff is always appreciated :D
I'm guessing you have already decided what is the best machine for you already but...they are both very, very different instruments. I own both. I got the BB for on-the-go stuff and thought that the 16 sample grid would be a perfect companion for the Toraiz, switching/import/export stuff from one to the other. It's never really worked out that way (for me). I would strongly recommend the SP-16 to anyone though. It's my desert island device. Pure joy. Intuitively fast to use and sublime sounding. And of course works beautifully with the AS-1 (which I also own & adore). Used prices are still pretty low for what it is. The BB is far more versatile and a really incredible bit of kit, especially in terms of sequencing. Also 1010 Music are a truly fantastic company that continues supporting their products, unlike how Pioneer completely neglected/abandoned their Toraiz range. Pick an Sp-16. It's the SR-71 of sampler's. Sexy, sleek & cool, the speed of sound/sound of speed.
How does the Sequencer on the Novation Circuit compared to the Squid? An also ran, sorta similar, Apple’s and Rutabegas? Currently trying to grab a Vintage Alesis MMT-8 or Yamaha QY70 for Hardware Sequencing but the Circuit looks appealing too. I currently use Xequence and/or StepBud Sequencer apps on iPadPro and Maschine 2.xx on my Laptop but hard to beat Knobs, buttons, faders etc of Hardware. I LIKE having hardware to manipulate over just software. Thank you kindly.
It looks like fun! Hey ricky, i noticed you have a behringer ddm4000, i have it too, but it crapped out on me....does yours still work? I think it needs a new capacitor because it still works, but it goes into "shock" (all lights turn on), but the middle section where the screen is, it doesn't even display anything which is weird.
@@RickyTinez I actually miss my DDM4000 a hell of a lot, yeah they all crapped out eventually and were built like crap, but functionally there's so much to love about that thing.
Anyone know if it's possible sequence the TR8S with the squid? Really want the tr8s but also the flexibility of the squid (for micro timing ect) 🤔 any advice would be much appreciated
Hello Ricky I got a question about the squid : Is it possible to import several quite complex midi files (polyphonic) from a protools session in the squid to make them play by analog synthesizer (like vermona perfourmer). I'm working on a live and i don't want a computer on stage. So I'm searching a sequencer quite simple but able to import and play the midi files i'm working on protools. Thanks !
Hmmm, I’ve been on the fence about buying a new sequencer for a while & this seems pretty decent. Thought it would cost more but £520 seems pretty decent. Great review mate
Possibility to create hw definitions with preset midi channel andlnamed CCs is other for pyramid, does not seem that important but its huuge helper, wonder why just pyramid and cirklon can do this.
I know I’m late but when you guys do videos for this gear why don’t y’all do one for the hip hop heads. Y’all got all this gear but do techno or house, I want something other then the MPC & Maschine to.
I dont get why almost no one gets the deluge by synthstrom!? It has everything you want from a grovebox.. i know the price can be high, but the deluge is probably the last grovebox you have to buy
@@museovations Im using it mainly to sequence external gear. in my case the behringer model d, the microbrute and the roland sh-01 gaia. the gaias parameters can even be controlled remotely from the deluge by sending midi cc messages. in my opinion this little box is the best bang for your buck.
I'm not trying to sound all too negative here but it seems like sequencers are going in weird directions nowadays. We've seen the linear concepts in DAWs like Cubase and in the old hardware machines like MPCs and QYs with all their complexity, then the stripped down "easier" concepts in the Electribes and such, the Elektrons with their "alternating loops" kind of workflow with probability, polymetric patterns and all that... Apparently companies are currently pushing the idea of creating these "happy accidents" which I'm sure can be fun to a certain extend but I feel like they are really overdoing it. When I'm listening to a song I want to feel connected to an idea, I'm trying to understand the intention of what someone is trying to express. But this becomes watered down and almost impossible when the machine is taking over the process of creating even the most basic musical elements. I want to be the musician, I don't want the machine to do that type of work for me because that wouldn't be my music anymore. I know you don't have to use the machine this way but let's face it...
I don't agree that's what's happening. The producer is totally making the decisions, and crafting a piece that's much larger than what you're looking at. Although i appreciate that information. I'm moving over from software to hardware.
i experience pleasant emotions whilst observing your video content
Most vulcan comment here.
Different strokes. Something irks me about this dude. I'll bet he's a stubborn, moody bitch in person.
instaBlaster
@@Gyrbae 😂 Wittiest comment here.
the way it allows a person to manipulate sounds on the fly without doing a thousand mouse moves and clicks is amazing.
Great review. I dig the squid, and it has some really cool features. My biggest complaint is that when in scale mode, the notes that aren't in that scale are just greyed out. They should have it so that all 16 pads are notes in that scale.
Every review I watch shows me more, really great features. Love the swing and timing manipulation.
It's incredibly fun. Makes your synths and machines do things you didn't know they could do haha.
Ricky Tinez this is what I like about it
Just got one today. First impression, I love it. That midi export is so useful too, especially after stumbling across a happy accident with speed modulation, running direction etc.
Thank you. Nailed my biggest complaint. Not even considering this until Program Change per pattern is an option. Major oversight on Pioneer's end. The Engine can already do this per pattern.
Yes! I've been waiting for this review! Thank you!
I got you covered! Haha. Thanks for watching
Great review, and your improvement suggestions make sense to me. It's a good looking sequencer.
Great video man. I didn't even know this thing existed but it's now on my list of things to check out if I ever get my hands on one. Keep on.
It's SUCH a secret weapon. It has really useful and musical stuff that no other hardware has...and I've used MIDI sequencers since the 80s.
@@devonhughes3805 I am hesistant about it.. i heard Pioneer is bad with supporting their products when theres a problem. How is your experience so far? Any noteable Firmware upgrades or bugs?
Alright. I am about 2 minutes in and I think I'm sold on this sequencer as the new foundational step towards a cohesive creative chaos control center. I'm excited. Hm. Big hugs. Thanks my dude. You kick serious ass, time child.
If you incorporate it with MPC1000/whatever sampler, you can play some sampled stuff between tracks giving you time to load next project.
This is the way. Nasty MPC break while you load up next.
As ever a joy to watch - thanks Ricky...
I have a limited budget and limited set up but am looking for something to sit at the centre of my stuff and control things was saving for a Digitakt (as that would give me a sampler too....and no one seems to have a bad word to say about it) - this looks pretty cool too - maybe a little to advanced for me in terms of there are lots of things to get distracted by!
Helpful review even 3 years after it was made!
Another great video thanks! A video showing the workflow benefits of this Rythmic enhancer in a DAW would be awesome! I'm currently trying to figure it out, but the Time Warp feature is cutting my DAW editing to seconds vs. minutes. Amazing machine!
Thanks for the review... I've been waiting for reviews as I'm jonesing for a studio sequencer. I feel like I may get a Deluge or a Pyramid though as there are some issues with this one that I'm not a fan of. Are you gonna review the Synthstrom Deluge?
yo enrique keep this quality up and you'll be at a mill subscribers in no time brother
This machine seems like it's meant to be the "final form" of the TR-8 Scatter Knob.
And I just got the MMT8. I didn’t know about this machine. But if the MmT8 was good enough for Orbital then.....
That is a beautiful looking instrument, at first glance I was hoping it was their new sampler.
Great review Ricky, I'm curious to know whether you've bought one and are using it? If so how are you finding it now? Your demos of the sequencing aspects of it were pretty convincing!
With my sp16 I can honestly say I’ve never had to look at the manual.
Only had the squid a day, the sequencing is much more advanced & for a drug addled mind like mine, I got some study to do to get the most out of it. It’s not crazy menu diving stuff but if you don’t have a perfunctory knowledge of gate , clock divide midi channels etc… there’s an unavoidable learning curve, But sequencing multiple bits of gear from each other usually leads to a bit of head scratching & the squid does a good job of making it fairly intuitive.
Do agree global swing & time bends should be in there though.
Unfortunately pioneer seems to have dropped all updates for this series’s.
As it stands though it’s a very powerful bit of kit & they’ve done a good job fitting it all in there balancing complexity with playability.
Cheers for the review Ricky nudged me to give it a try and glad I did 👍
Just got one, have only had the obligatory plug it straight in and mash all the buttons jam, but got some crazy rhythms out of it.
Got sequences I couldn’t do on my analog rytm out of it.
Mostly happy accidents but hay not even read the manual.
In an ideal world all the toraiz families unique features would be in one ultimate box.
But hay I’m not a businessman exec.!
Really powerful performance sequencer 👍
Rewatching this since I just ordered a Squid this morning!!! 🙂 Hoping new Firmware iron’s Out things further.
OK, those are awesome camouflage moving blankets from Harbor freight. I think I’m gonna do that in my music room. That definitely makes for a nice music room/man cave.
program changes are in the new firmware
Thats on my list
- Count In!
- More Bars
- PatternChain
- Trig Prob per Step
- CC Motion Recording!!
- Delete Tracks
Thanks
Whoa! Thanks for the Super Thanks!
Haha, thought the same! Ocatrack and squid!
Fantastic channel Ricky and your expertise and experience is always appreciated. Bit late to the party on this one as have been through a few other sequencers of late (Polyend Seq for instance - bit of a toy). Thought this was going to be the holy grail but can you just clarify that a pattern change has to made manually? Assume this can be set to come at the end step of the previous running pattern... Really don't know why companies do this. I had an original Roland R8 in 1990 - that had song mode on it. Would've been pretty much useless without it. (Eric - England)
Great review ! I like the way you share your view on this product. What is this small box on the right, I don't think I've seen it before
Nice personal run down, cheers!
Great video, as always. How's this one for launching clips, would you say? I'm running a 1010 Black Box now, with a mix of loops, clips and one shots spread out over the sixteen pads. How funky can this get if the Squid sequences the Black Box, with my mish mash of already mentioned clips, loops and one shots? Or is this primarily for harmonics and one shot content?
Love your videos and I am glad you covered this sequencer. I was hung up between this and the Squarp Pyramid, but I hated the fact that the pyramid only had a mini-USB for power. Anyone else have the Beatstep break issue? (Table gets bounced and the mini-USB gets broke). Anyway, your demo was spot on, gave me the facts, showed it can do everything I need it to ... so I ordered a squid.
What do you like better the Novation sl49 mk3 or the squid. I was going to buy a Keystep Pro but they just went up in price a $100. Or should I get a squarp pyramid?
You played chords. How are you playing chords? What is the set up for notes and sequencing limits as far as polyphony? Is there a synth engine in there as well? What are the specific parts of this box?
Maybe I'm just old but to me, this instrument would have been killer during the days on the synth module. A Triton Rack, JV or XV Roland Module, plus a Motif Rack paired with a Squid would have endless possibilities and be totally gigable. But.........
Given the current "Tabletop" trend, the rising popularity of modular, and other products from Elektron and Roland. I feel like this products has come behind it's proper time. I would have assassinated people in order to buy something like the Squid back in the 90's!
Thanks man, that was exactly what I wanted to know.
just saw this device in my sweetwater catalog and wondered about this. funny, i heard the first 3 seconds of this earlier earlier today and was wondering if this was the topic - so glad it is!
Hey world, just wondering if any or all of the cons mentioned here were ever fixed? Looks like a great machine that could be an excellent one. Thank you
Great review. Love your channel. Looks like some awesome features. How bout varied pattern length? ie 11 steps? Also, I vaguely remember reading that Pioneer don't have the best reputation when it comes to updates and support. Is it likely they actually will update it and respond to user requests?
Man they came so close. But:
1- no song mode
2- only 16 pattern sets
3- can’t transpose across all tracks
4- don’t think you can have global time sig changes across all tracks
Does thing ratchet?
Goin w the squarp pyramid but really wanted this at first glance.
It does ratchet!
Ricky Tinez thanks for confirming that and great vid too!
Also could do with a lot more pattern sets too. I don't understand how Toraiz, Akai etc all opt to make a DAW replacement as there are so many limits as to how far you can take your music. Without a song mode or program change per pattern, you're stuck. So you'd buy a OB-6 and spend days on making sounds of which you can only use one per project? If I build up a track, b4 I get to the rocking part of the structure (Kick, Bass, Loops etc) I'm already 5 pattern sets in. Pls make it so musicians can use it and not just loop/sample pack jocks who don't really need that much variation
Is the issue at 10:20 with program changes fixed? Does it mean that this machine is basically useless when playing live, or does it just mean that I must change the preset on my synth directly and manually during a set? Also, how reactive is the Toraiz community and Squid devs - are you guys happy with the firmware updates?
how reactive is the Toraiz community and Squid devs - are you guys happy with the firmware updates? they don't give a flying
Control center 9000 🤣🤣 #nailedit Great review! Saw this up close at Moogfest w/ the Toriaz guys. That workshop and this video reaffirm my thoughts of this monster.
Toraiz Squid vs Squarp Pyramid for DAWless rig?
Squarp. You're going to want to have ur computer open with the Squid. think of it more as house and techno sketch book than an all-in-one solution to move away from ur laptop.
Wish they change the switching projects, this is made for live performance according to Pioneer, but the waiting is unacceptable for live performance.
Hi Ricky, great review, l’m thinking of buying the Squid sequencer. Just wondered what the build quality was like? What are your thoughts? J
Does it have tight timing would you say? Or more importantly, a nice sounding timing implementation......
I liked it, as in, didn't hear anything bad from it. But a good test which i haven't done is put a few drum sounds on different channels all on the same step. to hear the drift. I'll give that a try.
@@RickyTinez
Awesome, looking forward to hearing your assessment
Gotta know this over the squarp pyramid?
Great video as always, burning question for me right now is Squid or Pyramid?
squid
If you do end up stacking this with an Octatrack, please do a video! I think the possibilities of those two combined would be bananas.
I second this, I just got an Octatrack and I request more OT content :O
Would this sequence the sp16 well?
Would be nuts to have that rhythm section !
What monitors do u use ? And how often do you try new ones?
Can you make a video about headphone reviews/recommendations please!! Thanks love the channel!
Camel Hand beyerdynamic dt 770 done
It’s down to the Squid vs the OP-Z for me. I keep vacillating between the two.
Looks like a e mu mp x
In my opinion -- and you can easily find others -- the OP-Z is fun, but its synth sounds are toyish. If it was $250, it'd be dope. At $600 you definitely can find something way better. (I have a review where I complain about it on my channel check it th-cam.com/video/cYTQHlPfEh0/w-d-xo.html)
It’s Sequencer tho is pretty nice. I agree not a fan of TE’s Sound but the Step components of the OP-Z seem QUITE nice.
@DJ Psoriasis If you don't like the synth engine of the OP-Z, you can sample your own sounds. The OP-Z is a sampler too.
Has the OP-Z always had sampling or recently added? Thanks
Nice review thank you.
Your reviews are the best. Do you have a contemporary sequencer with song mode that you would recommend? Is the Octatrack a way to go? I have been using an old Roland micro composer but I need an upgrade for live situations.
THE WIDE EYE I love my Octatrack but for sequencing I prefer my Squarp Pyramid far more. It’s only focusing on MIDI where Octa is a sampler at heart. Pyramid has unlimited length patterns, chord types, easier to blend between songs, brighter screen, smaller footprint and cost... to name a few.
Hope that helps.
@@elissitdesign thanks Eric. It sounds promising! It's just the midi stuff I need, and I thought that Squid would be perfect at first, but then I realised there was no song mode as I like to have as option as I am making vocal based music and like to have the sequencer running pre-programmed while I can tweak the synths and sing, as well as having the option of doing stuff on the sequencer if my focus is free to do so. Your helpful comment is much appreciated! Will check out Pyrmid a bit closer now. Thanks again.
What Eric said. Honestly I'm more MPC than any other sequencer, but the squid has won my heart in DAW sequencing. But the pyramid and it's Song mode are pretty wild in terms of flexibility
it looks awesome, now i have to decide between the op-z digitakt and the squid. What should i get first?
The biggest fail on this product is only giving 16 Pattern Sets. With a Track based sequencer architecture, there needs to be a way to group patterns together in meaningful ways. The Engine allows you to create snapshots which include all of the current settings for each track, including what pattern is assigned, mute states, etc. They included 128 of these which is ample for a live performance. It allows you to easily change up patterns on multiple tracks, send midi program changes, etc and build up songs on the fly.. With only 16 Pattern Sets you are limited to basically one "Pattern" on any more traditional Pattern based architecture. That's one "Scene" on the SP-16. It takes anywhere from 4-7 button presses just to change a single pattern and that change happens at the end of the current bar. Imagine trying to change multiple patterns simultaneously? 4x patterns would be anywhere between 16 and 28 button presses all in a 4 bar time frame. This is ludicrous and I cannot recommend this sequencer to anyone until this glaring oversight is corrected. The SQUID needs at LEAST 64 if not 128 or 256 Pattern Sets or it's a useless machine for anything other than generating cool 4x bar midi patterns. If you have an in at Pioneer, please let them know this needs to be addressed ASAP.
Sell me your Engine!!
Hey, nice vid. What is that nice camo background behind the machines? is this sound dispersing ? if so do you have any link to camo ones?
That’s a moving blanket, you can buy them at Harbor Freight. I bought a bunch a while back when they ran a sale on them for like $8 each.
I bought so many lol. Harbor freight ftw!
Great review , be interesting to see if Pioneer update in any meaningful way .
Do they fix these issues you mentioned at the end of the video?
WHOA! @7:09
Hate to say this but yesterday was first time I ever hooked my Drum machine to my Squid. I’ve got the bloodshot eyes to prove that was a MISTAKE. Drove myself insane till 2:30 am
Is there a way to set aside say 8 tracks of the Squid for Kick, snare, open and closed hats, 2 toms crash and ride? Then still use the randomizer for the beat without having to manually go in and change all pitches to that of a Kick drum? Etc
Thank you kindLy, I’ve seen folks doing it on YT with the SP-16 but I’m using an Uno Drum. I even jumped into Logic Pro thinking maybe it’s something weird with the Uno Drum.
Is this MAD idea even possible?
Excellent video. How do you load the drum sounds into the squid? I have a TR8s but I cant load instrument notes.
Great product review!
OT3 coming?
Always been hesitant about Pioneer moving into the music creation area cos of their DJ rep which led to gear which I didn't always figure was that musical. So let me ask you straight up as a guy I trust: would you call this musical?
Herr Absurd yes
Great job ...I hope they take your advice on improvements but as you say it's a lot of kit for the price
Have they updated it yet ? Been looking at this but maybe trying to find a an iOS app with a controller but I like the left side of this sequencer
Hey bro, great videos! Would you consider doing a video where you compare, sayy, drum machines that are in the same price range? And yeah, beginner friendly stuff is always appreciated :D
Ricky i know this is old but am still after advice i have the toriaz as-1 and the squid but should i buy the sp-16 toriaz or the music 1010 blackbox ?
I'm guessing you have already decided what is the best machine for you already but...they are both very, very different instruments. I own both. I got the BB for on-the-go stuff and thought that the 16 sample grid would be a perfect companion for the Toraiz, switching/import/export stuff from one to the other. It's never really worked out that way (for me). I would strongly recommend the SP-16 to anyone though. It's my desert island device. Pure joy. Intuitively fast to use and sublime sounding. And of course works beautifully with the AS-1 (which I also own & adore). Used prices are still pretty low for what it is. The BB is far more versatile and a really incredible bit of kit, especially in terms of sequencing. Also 1010 Music are a truly fantastic company that continues supporting their products, unlike how Pioneer completely neglected/abandoned their Toraiz range. Pick an Sp-16. It's the SR-71 of sampler's. Sexy, sleek & cool, the speed of sound/sound of speed.
Very good video (again)! Interesting machine as well.
Does an SP-16 would be better for live perf ??
Can you do different time signatures? 7/8 or 5/8?
yea you can actually. The fixed legnth thing let's you do 4.25 7.15 weeeeiirrdd things. Not sure if it's global though, it's per track
Squid vs pyramid?
Squid
How does the Sequencer on the Novation Circuit compared to the Squid? An also ran, sorta similar, Apple’s and Rutabegas? Currently trying to grab a Vintage Alesis MMT-8 or Yamaha QY70 for Hardware Sequencing but the Circuit looks appealing too. I currently use Xequence and/or StepBud Sequencer apps on iPadPro and Maschine 2.xx on my Laptop but hard to beat Knobs, buttons, faders etc of Hardware. I LIKE having hardware to manipulate over just software.
Thank you kindly.
can you input chords using an external keyboard?
Where u get your hats from Ricky Tinez?
It looks like fun! Hey ricky, i noticed you have a behringer ddm4000, i have it too, but it crapped out on me....does yours still work? I think it needs a new capacitor because it still works, but it goes into "shock" (all lights turn on), but the middle section where the screen is, it doesn't even display anything which is weird.
mine baaareellyyy works. i need to use it gently lol. Im looking to replace it with a simple 2 channel basic mixer.
@@RickyTinez I actually miss my DDM4000 a hell of a lot, yeah they all crapped out eventually and were built like crap, but functionally there's so much to love about that thing.
How did you make the flam on the snare in your background music
Great video
Anyone know if it's possible sequence the TR8S with the squid? Really want the tr8s but also the flexibility of the squid (for micro timing ect) 🤔 any advice would be much appreciated
Thanks for video
Yes!!
Hello Ricky
I got a question about the squid :
Is it possible to import several quite complex midi files (polyphonic) from a protools session in the squid to make them play by analog synthesizer (like vermona perfourmer). I'm working on a live and i don't want a computer on stage. So I'm searching a sequencer quite simple but able to import and play the midi files i'm working on protools.
Thanks !
You might get an akai mpc 500 it reads midi files ...
@@jonathanthomamusic5131 Thanks !
Hmmm, I’ve been on the fence about buying a new sequencer for a while & this seems pretty decent.
Thought it would cost more but £520 seems pretty decent.
Great review mate
Did you try using this to play loops with this? How is overall memory for this?
Squid vs pyramid? Who wins? And why?
program change per project means pyramid wins hands down.
@@xwife6293 I thought so. Wanted to see what ppl said. It's been out a lot longer than squid but seems to get no love
Possibility to create hw definitions with preset midi channel andlnamed CCs is other for pyramid, does not seem that important but its huuge helper, wonder why just pyramid and cirklon can do this.
Pyramid's cool, but seems a lot more fiddly compared to this hands on monster.
@@andreasroman2941 guess I'll get the 49 key SL MK3 by Novation. Lol
I know I’m late but when you guys do videos for this gear why don’t y’all do one for the hip hop heads. Y’all got all this gear but do techno or house, I want something other then the MPC & Maschine to.
Call me a mad man I just grabbed a Yamaha QX5 , come on its only 33 years old. 🤣
Yamaha RS7000 ....Still rules, check it out 👍🙏
looks interesting compared to most gear these days
I dont get why almost no one gets the deluge by synthstrom!? It has everything you want from a grovebox.. i know the price can be high, but the deluge is probably the last grovebox you have to buy
Do you use it alot to sequence other hardware as well? That's one of the big reasons I'm considering it.
@@museovations Im using it mainly to sequence external gear. in my case the behringer model d, the microbrute and the roland sh-01 gaia. the gaias parameters can even be controlled remotely from the deluge by sending midi cc messages. in my opinion this little box is the best bang for your buck.
Looks kool!
I'm not trying to sound all too negative here but it seems like sequencers are going in weird directions nowadays. We've seen the linear concepts in DAWs like Cubase and in the old hardware machines like MPCs and QYs with all their complexity, then the stripped down "easier" concepts in the Electribes and such, the Elektrons with their "alternating loops" kind of workflow with probability, polymetric patterns and all that... Apparently companies are currently pushing the idea of creating these "happy accidents" which I'm sure can be fun to a certain extend but I feel like they are really overdoing it. When I'm listening to a song I want to feel connected to an idea, I'm trying to understand the intention of what someone is trying to express. But this becomes watered down and almost impossible when the machine is taking over the process of creating even the most basic musical elements. I want to be the musician, I don't want the machine to do that type of work for me because that wouldn't be my music anymore. I know you don't have to use the machine this way but let's face it...
I don't agree that's what's happening. The producer is totally making the decisions, and crafting a piece that's much larger than what you're looking at.
Although i appreciate that information. I'm moving over from software to hardware.
I think the polyend play is another example though... It also does probabilistic stuff.
you could get two and a big mixer!
How many midi channels available via USB?
Please add back the coffee in your intro. :-)
The fact it hasn’t 16 step buttons separately from the keyboard/note input pads is a big drawback. At least this was well implemented in the sp 16
yea that's something i miss too :/ didn't even really realize it until you mentioned it. don't know if that's a good thing or bad now haha.