S-4 sculpting sampler
The S-4 is a sculpting sampler designed to capture and transform sounds. Merging tape-era workflows with cutting-edge technology, the S-4 redefines sound mangling by providing a futuristic platform for crafting unique soundscapes and compositions, using samples and real-time audio processing.
S-4 is a tool made for sonic explorers. It has four parallel stereo tracks, each with an audio engine featuring a chain of audio devices including samplers, live granular processing, morphing resonators, and a range of audio effects. A novel modulation system allows anything and everything to be modulated with four modulators per track. Capture sounds on the fly with the onboard microphone and stereo line input, or load samples from the four gigabyte internal flash storage.
Use cases
The S-4 is a versatile powerhouse, capable of serving as an effects processor, transformative sound designer, tape machine, live looper, classic sample player, or textural synthesizer.
Tape machine
Capture your surroundings. Use S-4 as a transformative four-track tape machine.
Effect processor
Manipulate live audio, and add color and textures to your beats, melodies, and sounds
Midi controlled sampler
Hook up a MIDI keyboard or sequencer and use S-4 as a powerful textural synthesizer and sample player.
Audio engine
Push the creative boundaries and transform audio into uncharted depths. S-4 has four parallel stereo tracks, each of which contains a chain of five audio devices tailored to cover specific sonic areas and applications. Create everything from glittering textures to broken soundscapes or evolving synth sounds.
Together, the devices form a playful toolbox for sculpting sample material and live audio.
Sound examples
All sound examples are created with the Factory sample bank shipping with the S-4.
Sarah Belle Reid
I’ve been using the S-4 in a lot of my compositions as a way to transform simple sounds into complex and dynamic sound worlds. The MIDI implementation has made it easy to integrate into my workflow and create a really interactive instrument, which I love. I’m looking forward to getting deeper into everything it has to offer.
Oora
The S-4 is the instrument I dreamt of for a long time. You can start from any kind of sound and end up with some evolving and organic texture that is even playable with a keyboard and the full process is intuitive and musical. It is a no-brainer for sound designers and live performers.
Büşra Kayıkçı
I was searching for an instrument exactly like S4 that would allow me to create new textures and layers with my Ney flute on stage. The S4 made it easy for me to become familiar with it quickly thanks to its user-friendly interface and clear menu. It provides all the effects I require without the need for any additional equipment. I am thrilled about the possibilities it offers to produce soundscapes.
Modulation system
Animate and bring life to any parameter using the rich and unique modulation system. Each track has four configurable modulators that can be mapped to any parameter with unlimited mapping destinations. It is even possible to do cross-modulation between modulators. Choose between a range of different modulators from complex LFOs, and generative sequencers to envelopes.
Capture your surroundings
Utilize the built-in microphone to record sounds, sample and loop your external gear with the stereo line input, resample the internal tracks, or effortlessly load samples from the S-4’s flash memory or an external drive.
Versatile powerhouse
The S-4 is designed with durable RGB buttons offering tactile feedback and a high-quality 3.5-inch LCD display ensuring all the visual feedback you need. It features USB connectivity for seamless connection to class-compliant devices and effortless file transfers to and from your laptop. Moreover, it can function as an audio interface when you require a simplified setup. You can also expand the number of inputs and outputs by connecting a class-compliant external USB interface.
Technical specifications
Audio engine features
4 parallel stereo audio tracks
Tape player with live looping capabilities
Polyphonic sample player
Live granular processing with time-warping and pitch-shifting algorithms
Morphing resonator (48-band filter bank)
Bit crushing, drive, and compression
Combined reverb and delay with pitch-shifting and shimmer
Modulation features
4 modulators per track
Modulate any parameter of the audio engine
Modulator types:
– Complex LFOs
– Generative sequencing tools
– Envelopes
Hardware
Quad-core 1.5 GHz processor
4 GB flash memory (sample pool)
24-bit / 48 kHz stereo audio in and out
I/O
2 line-inputs
2 line-outputs
Built-in microphone
Stereo headphone output
MIDI in/out
Analog sync in/out
USB-C
Miscellaneous
WiFi – Ableton Link
Class-compliant USB audio interface
Expandable number of inputs/outputs with class-compliant USB interfaces
User Interface
High-resolution LCD color display, 3.5 inch
21 tactile RGB buttons
9 high-quality endless encoders
Physical
Matte black aluminum casing
Dimensions: 242 x 156 x 39 mm (9.5” x 6.1” x 1.5”)
Weight: 820g (1.8 lbs)
IDRA
S-4 is an instrument that allows you to manipulate sound in a unique way with always the potentially infinite level of creative freedom and sonic discovery. Both in the studio and during live performances, it has become part of my instrumentation.The textures and sound quality that come out of it are undoubtedly a winning weapon for soundscapes and ambient music.
CTRLS
Torso Electronics gear is some of the most musical I’ve had my hands on. The design, controlled randomization and performance features all make for an unobstructed and smooth production experience.
Chiara Luzzana
As a soundtrack composer and sound designer, I am dedicated to working with the pure noise that life offers. The Torso S-4 sampler has become the absolute center of my creative production, allowing me to craft breathtaking soundscapes with a single gesture. Its unparalleled sound quality and powerful granular sampling engine define my musical signature with infinite precision and care. I truly can't imagine my work without it.
S-4 accessories
