Pioneer DJ Toraiz AS-1 Monophonic Analog Synthesizer

Not sure if Pioneer DJ was contractually prevented from naming this in a way that would reveal its heritage, because "AS-1" is a terrible name that lulls potential buyers to sleep. Sad too, because this thing sounds amazing.The manual controls are all performance-oriented, so unless you want to download a separate app to do sound design, you'll be sticking to the presets (or going insane from menu diving I suppose).Still, there's a ton of diversity in the presets and you can get a ton out of it without making new patches. I wasn't thinking I would get a Prophet (since I already own its cousin the OB-6) but a monosynth with a Prophet voice is a perfect way to have my cake and eat it too!

I can play with this synth for days and days. Considering how small it it for what it packs in is amazing. Buy them while you can.

I bought this synth to be portable and DJ with a Roland SP-404 MK2. But as a standalone device it is a chore to enter sequences into it. Patterns have to entered manually by this primitive method of step - note/rest/hold - step - note/rest/hold. THERE IS NO REAL TIME RECORDING into the sequencer. This is absurd especially when I consider both the Pioneer Toraiz SP-16 and Pioneer Toraiz Squid can real time record!There is a software editor but it is not made by Pioneer and you have to purchase the "pro" version in order to transfer sequences. Just on principle I am not even going to consider it. $40 to enter sequences because Pioneer are too lazy to release a firmware update?!My only choice now is to make patterns on the Squid, WRITE DOWN ON A PIECE OF PAPER what needs to be entered and then enter it into the AS-1. There is absolutely no chance of a firmware update in 2024 from Pioneer, I can report from experience that this is the most arrogant and haughty customer service I have experienced ever. No other company comes close!