Torso Electronics let us know that they’ve released an update for their T-1 Algorithmic Sequencer that they say is their ‘biggest update yet’.
The update adds new features, along with new ways of interacting with the sequencer’s algorithms, that were developed in collaboration with the Torso Electronics community, including parameter locks, FX tracks and more.
Here’s what’s new in T-1 firmware version 2.0:
- Per-Step Editing – It is now possible to edit all of the T-1’s algorithms and lock parameters into any step of a sequence – giving you a completely new level of control on top of the T-1’s generative approach. Everything from the voicing, random amount, pitch value, and note division can now be changed per step.
- FX Tracks – The T-1 is now a real-time MIDI FX processor that lets you apply all of the embedded algorithms to incoming MIDI notes. This allows for creating complex arpeggiators, evolving midi effects, and MIDI looping. These new possibilities provide an excellent basis for keyboard players who want to ornament their keyboard playing with the T-1’s algorithmic qualities.
Other new features in firmware 2.0
- Quick view when changing parameters (optional)
- Internal track routing (route one track to another)
- Brand-new and improved random modulation behaviors
- Stepped to slew possibilities on the random modulation
- Free division (non-quantized divisions per track)
- Cycle looping
- CC track updates (includes slew and step edit)
- Playable keyboard in the PITCH menu
- Multi-channel tracks
See the Torso Electronics site for details on the update.
I’ve been on the fence for purchasing a T1 for some time now. Unfortunately, “feature” videos lie this, that don’t really explain what is going on, aren’t too helpful. $600 is a substantial investment for a controller that I can’t convince myself I need. What these people need is some kind of marketing guru. Whomever does these videos has no clue as to how to make something attractibe to potential purchasers.
I almost backed this when it was a kickstarter, and am honestly kicking myself that I didn’t. If you look at their change-log on their site, the frequency to which they provide updates is impressive. Seems like they’re doing something novel, but selfishly wish it was cheaper.
Meanwhile, if you look at the Korg SQ 64, sure you can get one for $130, but what does it really do differently than many other sequencers. while it may be inexpensive, i’ve been told it suffers from poor UX, and is infrequently updated. Given the steep discounting, I think Korg is the one struggling with marketing.
No, that’s just it. I agree with you. It’s not a run of the mill sequencer like the SQ 64. It does do a lot of things differently, which is why I was attracted to it in the first place. What my comment was about is the lack of explicitness in the video as to what is actually going on. I have a NDLR, and when I purchased it I had some idea what I was getting into. Maybe I shouldn’t think that the developer should be able to explain their device and want me to purchase it, but I don’t think that’s the way it should work. I imagine that Loopop probably has reviewed this thing. Unfortunately, since the developer doesn’t seem to be too forthcoming, maybe I’m forced there to find out what this thing actually does and how to operate it.
Yeah, Loopop did a video on it, but I think it’s since surpassed even what it was initially designed to do (hence this synthopia post). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3Ho3sKDJFg
I think one problem with communicating the T-1‘s capabilities is the sheer complexity. The manual is 230 pages, and even after months I feel I am still not completely wrapping my head around it. It’s much deeper than the SQ64 or Beatstep Pro for example, which makes it a bit challenging to describe its features in three bullet points.
So, this is very Pelosi like, then? You have to purchase it to find out what it can do?
Not sure if I get the reference, as I come from Europe. Here we call these things “complex”.
Please push your political agenda somewhere else
No political agenda. Nancy Pelosi introduced the world to the concept of having to pay for something in order to find out what it does. My point was that much the same seemed to be occurring here.
Join their Discord. It’s lively, and user input shines through in the updates. And there’s still great things to come. Reading through the user experiences helps wrapping your head around what it can do, and what the developers mean by the words they attach to its functions. It’s not really a device you figure out by yourself, I think.
It used to be a generative sequencer, but that’s slowly turning into a feature. It’s my little robot friend who jams with me. But now that step editing has been implemented, it has become quite a different beast, eyed by those who prefer to be more in control of what it’s gonna say to your gear. I make improv for fun (no recording) with only a few synths. And this sequencer remains the best for this purpose at the moment.
Thank you for that. I’ll look into Discord and will probably purchase the T-1. If I were commenting on it, I probably would have said much the same thing about NDLR. Makes me think I’ll really enjoy it.
Since I haven’t updated yet, the following very compact description should be seen as what was originally intended: With a few twists and taps you select the amount of beats you need, and cycle an euclidean rhythm into it. Then you choose from a selection of build in progressions, accents, lfo’s and midi note echoes etc to spice things up, and set the amount of randomization on each thing you’ve added, depending on how much surprises you like/need and where you want them.
You get from a simple beat to something musical really fast, and that’s what I like. Some people want a sequencer that can meticulously orchestrate a room full of gear, others want to have something that does a bit of heavy lifting for them, because their focus is playing / performance orientated. It goes from minimalist to cacaphonic rather quickly if you want to, and because it’s underlying computing is musical, you don’t get as stuck in these jarring inbetweens. At least, that’s my experience, because I don’t want to rely too much on pre-programmed sequences.
The feature I’m looking most forward to is a visual representation of what’s going on ala the app Synthesia. It’s to be implemented in the program that comes with the T1 for setup/updates/etc. Because sometimes you twist yourself into something beautiful, but it becomes, to me at least, quite a struggle to tell as to what’s actually going on.
One “complaint” that I have is that, because it has it’s own little brain, so to say, it takes me to places I didn’t intend to. I might feel all moody and dramatic, and feel like turning that feeling into tunes, but the way it can musically surpriseme, it is quite capable in taking me to happy places instead. It kind of shifts me around… 🙂
Thanks, again. If I have time today, I might snag one!
I think Benn Jordan’s video gives a good insight re the T-1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r68UFyPy3Wo