Torso Electronics' description of the Torso Electronics S4 sculpting sampler
IT IS DONE. WELCOME TO S4.
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 OS 2.0 is available now as a free download for all S-4 owners.
THE BIGGEST UPDATE YET.
S-4 OS 2.0 is out now! The biggest update to the S-4 since its launch – fulfilling our original vision for the instrument. The update features a full rewrite of the core engine and unlocks new features such as macro controls, scenes, varispeed recording, unlimited sample playback, and new dynamic modulation options.
PERFORM.
rameters at once. Map any parameter to eight performance knobs and four punch-in effect buttons for expressive changes with a single gesture.
SCENE.
Save and instantly launch parameter and sample snapshots. Capture full machine states, build variations, and swap samples on the fly — with up to 128 scenes per project, controllable on-device or via MIDI Program Change.
TEMP.
Temp brings performance functionality with temporary control of all parameters. When temp is enabled, S-4 saves the initial state and snaps back instantly when released.
DISC.
A new playback device that streams audio directly from internal storage. Perfect for long loops, stems, and field recordings, limited only by storage capacity
FOLLOW.
A new modulation source: an envelope follower that uses track output or input signals to modulate parameters in real time.
ENHANCEMENTS.
New improvements include copy, enhanced Tape device with varispeed recording and much more
USE CASES.
The S-4 can help you in the studio and on the stage in various ways.
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.
MATERIAL.
Play samples from internal memory, record live audio, overdub, or process external sources. Includes an 8-voice polyphonic sampler controllable with MIDI.
GRANULAR.
Sculpt grains with contour, size, and pitch controls using a 4-second audio buffer. Create anything from ambient clouds to glitchy, rhythmic clusters.
FILTER.
Morphing resonator: 48-band tuned filter bank with animation, tonal control, and classic filter functions.
COLOR.
Add grit, warmth, or chaos with dual-band distortion, bit reduction, compression, and a built-in noise generator – perfect for both subtle coloring and full-on destruction.
SPACE.
Enhance depth with lush stereo reverb and delay, featuring a freeze mode and multiple delay algorithms.
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.
SPECS.
Audio engine
4x stereo tracks with a 5-stage signal chain:
- MATERIAL Play samples from internal memory, record and overdub. Includes 8-voice polyphonic sampler with MIDI control.
- GRANULAR Shape grains with contour, size, and pitch. Create anything from ambient clouds to glitchy textures.
- FILTER 48-band resonant filter bank with classic models and morphing modes.
- COLOR Dual-band distortion, bit reduction, compression, and noise.
- SPACE Stereo delay and reverb with freeze and multiple delay types.
User Interface
High-resolution LCD color display, 3.5 inch
21 tactile RGB buttons
9 high-quality endless encoders
Hardware
- Internal Memory: 4 GB (expandable via USB)
- Audio Processing: 24-bit / 48kHz stereo
- USB Audio Interface: Class compliant, 10 in / 10 out
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)
features
4 modulators per track – LFOs, envelopes, random, and envelope followers can modulate any parameter for dynamic, evolving patches.
PERFORM page with 12 macros Map any parameters to 8 sliders and 4 punch-in FX buttons for expressive live control.
128 scenes Save and trigger full parameter and sample snapshots. MIDI Program Change supported.
Mixer 4-channel stereo mixer with DJ-style filters and master compressor.
I/O
- Inputs: 2x 6.3 mm (1/4”) jack
- Outputs: 2x 6.3 mm (1/4”) jack, 3.5 mm TRS headphone
- MIDI: 3.5 mm TRS (Type A) in/out
- Sync: 3.5 mm analog sync in/out
- USB-C Port
Included in the box:
- Power Supply: External (DC 12V/2A)
- MIDI Adapter: 3.5 mm jack to 5-pin DIN