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Torso Electronics S-4 Manual Book

Sculpting sampler
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S-4
A Guidebook
A Notebook
A Reference Book
OS
The Official Reference for the
Torso S-4 Sculpting Sampler
1.0.0

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Summary of Contents for Torso Electronics S-4

  • Page 1 A Guidebook A Notebook A Reference Book The Official Reference for the Torso S-4 Sculpting Sampler 1.0.0...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    3.1 Audio Engine Basics ................ 40 3.2 Material Devices ................44 3.2.1 Tape - Material Device ..............45 3.2.2 Poly - Material Device ..............58 3.3 Granular Devices ................60 The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 3 4.1 Modulation Basics ................78 8.1 Config Menu Options ................ 130 4.2 Modulators ..................82 8.2 Connecting the S-4 to a PC / Mac for Data Transfer ......132 4.2.1 Wave - Modulator ..............83 8.3 S-4 as a Mass Storage Device ............133 4.2.2 Random - Modulator ..............
  • Page 4 The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 5: Getting Started

    You can also expand the number of inputs and outputs by connecting a class-compliant external USB interface. The S-4 is all about exploration and experimentation, sound design and letting the journey lead the way. The Torso S-4 Notebook is more than a manual.

  • Page 6: Introduction

    1.2 How to Use This Manual NOTES NOTES Torso S-4 is a sculpting sampler which modulates, edits and transforms This book is more than a manual. It combines a reference and notebook, audio samples as a sound design option or for live performance.

  • Page 7: Power Up

    S-4 is powered using the dedicated 12V AC to DC power supply, connected The S-4 Sculpting sampler can handle audio, MIDI and Analog Sync in and out as well as the using the rear socket and is switched on or off by pressing the top panel digital USB interface to a PC or Mac or used for USB Audio.
  • Page 8 Planned for future update. functions are accessed by holding button combinations. Typically the [CTRL] button plus another function accesses secondary functions. Perform Planned for future update. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 9: Architecture

    Main Volume Compressor USB* allows 10 Audio Inputs and 10 Outputs e.g. for a DAW interface. This will typically cover 4 stereo tracks and 1 stereo master. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 10: User Interface

    This selects from menus and options. By default this changes tempo 1 BPM increments. Modulation amount applied to each parameter. Adjusted in this mode with the 8 parameter control knobs. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 11: Naming Editor

    9 ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) - _ = + [ ] { } | \ ; : ’ ” , . < > The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 12: Projects & Tracks

    Projects & Tracks A project exists at the highest level in the structure in which the elements of the S-4 are organised. This allows the entire collection of tracks and their components to be stored and managed. Global settings are managed and configured at project level. Next in the hierarchical structure is a track.

  • Page 13: Project Management

    2.1 Project Management NOTES NOTES Projects are the highest structural element in the S-4 that contains all the ▌ SAVING THE CURRENT PROJECT audio components and is an aid to organising S-4 activities. Projects can be created, saved and loaded and the number stored is limited only by the 1.

  • Page 14: Track Basics

    5. Any sound design edits made in the audio devices or the modulation action button or Press [NO], ꀇ action button to cancel without deleting. section will be performed for the chosen track. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 15 If this is the default of OFF, audio is routed to the track along with the external audio coming in. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 16 6. The microphone audio input gain can also be adjusted. Navigate to highlight the ‘MIC GAIN’ option and Turn any of the 8 parameter knobs to adjust the setting. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 17 ꀁ ꀂ ꀃ ꀄ ꀅ Track 4 * Line in or Mic. Excluded from track if ‘SENDS ONLY’ is Track Input. ** USB Audio has 10 In and 10 Outs The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 18: Clear Function

    Note: clear track Several time based parameters within the S-4 will be synchronised to the Global Tempo BPM, for example the Tape Tempo parameter. The currently selected track parameters and modulation are cleared for all devices in the track. The sample buffer is retained.
  • Page 19 2.7 Sample Browser NOTES NOTES The S-4 onboard memory has a common sample pool containing a Access to the sample browser is found in a device that is capable of collection of factory samples as well as any installed user samples. In loading a sample.

  • Page 20: Audio Engine

    Routing the audio and parameter configuration of the audio chain is only a part of the sound design experience. Add modulation to any device parameter and the creative journey really opens up. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 21: Audio Engine Basics

    8 rotary encoders. Also a set of commands for each device are also assigned to the action buttons located under the display. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 22 TEMPO � START � LENGTH � 120 BPM by the 8 value knobs. ROTATE XFADE ꀆ LOAD ꀇ MONITOR ꀈ OVERDUB ꀉ RECORD Action button commands. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 23: Material Devices

    * Record and overdub will only arm recording. Press Play / Stop to initiate the actual recording process. Arming recording while playing will initiate recording at the appropriate time. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 24 Kumoi, Iwato, Whole adjustments only. Tone, Pelog, Tetratonic, 1/16 1/16 Fifths, Octaves, Free Free Free Free will allow changes to Tape Tempo, Start and Length without quantization. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 25 6. The microphone audio input gain can also be adjusted if using the mic. Navigate to highlight the ‘MIC GAIN’ option and turn any of the 8 parameter knobs to adjust the setting. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 26 ꀈ ꀉ ꀆ ꀇ ꀈ ꀉ SAVE REVERSE FREEZE KEYLOCK SAVE REVERSE FREEZE KEYLOCK For the Page 2 Action button options - Hold [CTRL] to access. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 27 Note: If Keylock is on, time stretching is applied which will retain pitch characteristics but lengthen or shorten the sample. Keylock option is accessed by holding [CTRL] + Press [KEYLOCK], ꀉ action button. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 28 The [CTRL] Button can be held when adjusting some parameters to enable finer control of the parameter values. 4. Press + Turn (START) or (LENGTH) to select a quantize resolution to be applied when editing the start and length positions. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 29 • Action button when playing in reverse. The tape will switch back to play forwards from its current point. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 30: Poly - Material Device

    Quantize to Scale options from a pop-up list, accessed by pressing the knob. Chromatic Press and turn to select an item from the presented list. Free The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 31: Granular Devices

    A wet / dry mix option is also available. Contour. Filter & Other Devices A new sound will be generated and will output to the filter device The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 32: Mosaic - Granular Device

    This can be accessed for some Tone, Pelog, Tetratonic, parameters by pressing the knob. Press and turn to select an Fifths, Octaves, Free item from the presented list. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 33: Ring - Filter Device

    120.0 ꀓ ꀐ gives focus to bass sounds while boosting in the mid to high range adds sparkle and brightness. The S-4 filter is designed for creativity and brings various sound design and modulation techniques into the play to create...
  • Page 34 Post / Pre Effects Sets the configuration of the filter by controlling when the filtering is applied. Before or after the resonating bands controlled with Decay. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 35: Color Devices

    Adjusts the decay of Cutoff frequency of Control wet / dry of filtered noise applied. the noise envelope the noise band pass the device. follower. filter. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 36: Space Devices

    4. The compressor is applied at the final stage. Turn (COMPRESS) to adjust the compressor and its envelope behaviours. Clockwise for a longer attack / shorter decay and anti-clockwise to reduce attack / increase decay. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 37: Vast - Space Device

    Turn (SPREAD) where the setting value will apply the defined macro. Turn left 0-50% to adjust as a ping- pong delay or right 50-100% to adjust the stereo diffusion. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 38: Bypass Mode

    ꀈ ꀉ Another synth, in this case Elektron Digitakt, sequenced by the Torso Electronics Material Bypass Page General Device Bypass Page T-1. Audio routed through the S-4 as a filter bank with delay and reverb. T-1 Sequencer. shape groove tonal setup ▌...

  • Page 39: Modulators

    Modulators Modulation is a core element for getting the best from the S-4 Sculpting Sampler. 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 almost unlimited mapping destinations.

  • Page 40: Modulation Basics

    FOLD CURVE SPREAD • The modulator parameters are presented, adjustable using the 8 ꀆ ꀇ ꀈ ꀉ ꀆ SELECT ꀇ ꀈ ꀉ BACK SELECT rotary knobs. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 41: Modulators

    Pop Up Page ꀆ SELECT ꀇ ꀈ ꀉ BACK * Double Tap a [MODx] when displaying a destination page to quickly and directly access the modulation page. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 42: Wave - Modulator

    Speed Pitch Track 1 Straight turn to select an item from the presented list. Dotted Triplet Free PLAY / STOP CLOCK See Appendix for rate list The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 43: Random - Modulator

    Press and Straight turn to select an item from the presented list. Dotted Triplet Free See Appendix for rate list The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 44: Adsr - Modulator

    New random variations can be generated on each loop where each step level is adjusted iteratively. The amount of randomisation set by the variation parameter. Variation at 0% will set a fixed random shape cycle. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 45 NOTES An envelope is used for notes or beats to establish its contour over time, often as a one shot for example when pressing a note key. The S-4 ADSR is a traditional envelope but with extra features. Note On...

  • Page 46: Master Mix

    Master Mix All four tracks of the S-4 are combined at the master output stage which is the final audio stage in a project. The Master output consists of 4 DJ style filters, one for each tracks audio output, then a master mixer to set the final gain levels and pan settings and lastly a master compressor.

  • Page 47: Master Mix Overview

    Press the action button again to unmute the track. 4. To adjust the master output volume, Select MIX Page 2, Turn (SELECT) or Parameter Value Knob 6. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 48: Master Output Level

    Master Level • To quickly reset the master out level, Hold [CLEAR] + Turn or Press the Main Level Parameter Knob 8 when in MIX Page 2. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 49: Track Muting

    3. The muted track is displayed with a highlighted action button and labelled suggestion available mute / unmute option. Others will display -100 +100 as normal. 20Hz FREQUENCY 20KHz The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 50: Master Compression

    Page 1. and help add punch through control of perceived loudness. The S-4 has a single compressor control to adjust the amount of compression applied 2.

  • Page 51: Recording The Main Output

    5. Hold [CTRL] + Press [REC MAIN], ꀉ action button to stop recording. Files are stored in the S-4 Storage Memory; Maximum recording time based on the available S-4 memory with no Location: /samples/recordings defined duration.

  • Page 52: Audio In & Out

    Workstation can be performed directly across the USB audio function where 10 Inputs and 10 Outputs are presented. This covers all 4 stereo tracks in the S-4 along with the master out stereo signal. The S-4 operates at 24-bit / 48 kHz stereo audio in and out and will recognise .wav and .flac sample formats.

  • Page 53: Audio Connectivity

    6.1 Audio Connectivity NOTES NOTES Line Input and output options provide analog audio connections for the S-4. The physical connections for the audio inputs and outputs are located on USB can be used for digital connectivity when used with compatible gear.

  • Page 54: Internal Microphone

    The S-4 contains a in-built microphone, located on the top panel near the The line inputs of the S-4 are routed into the material device slot. This main select control. This is a quick and simple way to capture raw ambient means that the incoming audio can be used as the input to the tape device audio, found sounds, voice or even taps and vibrations on the S-4 case.

  • Page 55: Audio Over Usb

    USB-C connector and The S-4 is connected to a PC / Mac with the USB cable. The example illustrates Mac settings for will be identified as ‘S-4’ in the external devices interface configuration.
  • Page 56 Various iPad iOS apps as Audio Unit extensions or interfaced devices on the iPad through AUM can be used as audio sources on the iPad. The example shows Retro Piano with an inline FlyTape effect. The Audio is processed in the S-4 and the main out...

  • Page 57: Midi & Sync

    MIDI Channels. The MIDI In and Out uses a TRS Type A, 3.5mm Jack to MIDI DIN adapter. An adapter is supplied with the S-4. MIDI allows the S-4 to be played by notes from an external MIDI Keyboard or from an external sequencer. In addition to the digital interface of MIDI, two analog connections also exist.

  • Page 58: Midi Connectivity

    MIDI Channel i.e. Channel 1. MIDI In Indicator Any MIDI data received into the S-4 is indicated by the MIDI Symbol located in the top right of the page. This icon will flash when MIDI data is received.

  • Page 59: Midi Channel

    The S-4 can be synchronised to an external MIDI Clock. This will then take must be set to the same channel on each. Check with the manufacturers over the global tempo BPM of the S-4 device. A clock can also be sent from documentation for any external device MIDI configuration. Each track of the S-4 to synchronise other gear to the S-4.

  • Page 60: Midi Cc

    External MIDI Control CC #79 • CC CONTROL : On / Off. When On the S-4 will receive external CC messages in order to control defined parameters. • SYNC IN : On / Off. When On an external device can be used to control the clock.
  • Page 61 Encoder 6 Fold Variation Decay Curve Mod 3 Track MIDI Channel Encoder 7 Curve Smooth Release Curve Mod 3 Track MIDI Channel Encoder 8 Spread Spread Spread The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 62 Track MIDI Channel Encoder 7 (P2) Space Track MIDI Channel Encoder 7 (P2) Filter Track MIDI Channel Encoder 8 (P2) Space Track MIDI Channel Encoder 8 (P2) The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 63 Fold Variation Decay Curve Mod 1 Encoder 8 Spread Spread Spread Mod 4 Encoder 7 Curve Smooth Release Curve Mod 4 Encoder 8 Spread Spread Spread The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 64: Sync In / Out

    Pam’s New Workout synchronised as the secondary follower to S-4 which is the primary clock. Any subsequent connected devices to PNW will be synchronised. An output from PAM’s could be used to synchronise the S-4 using it’s Sync In as an option if the Eurorack is to operate as the primary clock.

  • Page 65: System

    As such it is worth at least familiarising with this section and its contents. The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 66: Config Menu Options

    System Install Update Initiate a firmware update. The firmware update file will be installed. System Install Factory Samples Install a factory sample pack in the format applicable to S-4 Misc Display Brightness Adjusts the brightness of the screen display. * The function is an Indication only and cannot be edited directly in the menu.

  • Page 67: Connecting The S-4 To A Pc / Mac For Data Transfer

    Type C or A etc. Ensure this is a fully functional USB data example to copy a firmware file or a sample to the S-4 or use this mode compatible cable and not designed only for use as a power cable.

  • Page 68: Connecting An External Usb Drive

    USB Port. Drive must be formatted to either exFAT or to the S-4 for use in the audio engines. The folder structure follows a FAT32 in order for it to be used with the S-4. The drive will be visible in the defined convention.

  • Page 69: Firmware Update Of The S-4

    Adding user samples is a case of dragging and dropping the correct sample be to kill any bug issues or to add or enhance the S-4 features. The defined format from a PC/Mac to the Samples/USER directory when the S-4 is set process for updates should follow the specific instructions supplied with the as a mass storage device.

  • Page 70: Display Brightness

    The S-4 is powered from a dedicated power supply and is not in itself powered by the USB port. Portable power chargers can be used and also the S-4 can power other devices from its USB port. It is impossible to give ▌ ADJUSTING THE DEVICE DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS details for each connected device but there are some generic elements to consider.

  • Page 71: Appendix

    Appendix The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 72: Scales

    NOTES NOTES Some scales are applied to various functions in the S-4 typically to quantize A summary of all destination parameters which can be modulated is the pitch to a note in the scale. A selectable ‘Free’ option is not quantized to provided below.

  • Page 73: Timing Rate Options

    NOTES NOTES Currently the S-4 can modulate all of the adjustable parameters found in Some functions operate on a timing scale i.e. all rates and delay time. the audio devices, tracks and the main mix page. Note that the amount of These note divisions are shown generally below.

  • Page 74: Contacts & Acknowledgements

    Christian Balvig Patrick Alexander Bech-Madsen / Sekuoia Ctrls / Troels B-Kundsen Jacob Hvid Amstrup / Oedeland Jacob Løhde Bogdan Raczynski Contact contact@torsoelectronics.com Terms & Conditions https://torsoelectronics.com/terms-and-conditions/ The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

  • Page 75: Index

    Index The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 76 Scales 142 Keylock 45 Noise 70 Select 15,  18 Deform 41,  69–70 Sends 16,  32 LFO 79,  83 Outputs 91,  93,  104 Delay 72–73 Sends Only 33,  130 Line In 48,  107 Overdub 45,  48,  50 Device 42–43 SOS 48 The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 77 Tempo 19,  46,  49 Track 19,  27,  32,  130 Track View 29,  33 Update 130,  136 USB 105,  108,  115,  132,  135 USB Drive 135 User Samples 37,  137 Vast 41,  72 Volume 94–95 Wave 79,  82–83 The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...
  • Page 78 Copyright © 2024 by Synthdawg & Torso Electronics All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. All text and images are designed and created from scratch for this book by Synthdawg.
  • Page 79 The S-4 Sculpting Sampler - Official Manual...

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