Andrew Huang’s S4 2.0 Review – Dancing on Samples

Andrew Huang starts the video with an upbeat vibe, diving straight into the backbone of the whole piece—the Torso S4 and its dazzling new 2.0 firmware update. Fasten your seatbelts because this isn’t just any sampler; we’re talking transformative magic here. Andrew pulls out an old, quality-challenged concert recording from his phone and showcases how the S4 can turn it into an auditory delight. Right off the bat, the S4’s potential to tweak and mangle samples is on full display. Andrew walks us through loading samples and applying granular effects, emphasizing the scope of creativity that the machine makes accessible. The granular device is a game-changer, allowing users to manipulate the sample grains and achieve distinct sonic textures by adjusting grain size and applying contour. It’s like finding a lost mixtape and spinning it until new tracks grow out of it. With such a start, Andrew assures us this journey is heading towards something unexpected and rewarding.

Andrew digs into the S4 and explores the temp and perform pages, offering tools and techniques for manipulating sound. The temp button is a musician’s secret playground; hold it down to play around, and once released, everything snaps back to normal. Double-click it to latch and jam away without losing your settings. The perform page is essentially a macro control haven. Andrew demonstrates how the S4 allows macro assignments across its parameters, granting unprecedented freedom to create dynamic soundscapes. It’s like having a street food festival where every flavor combines into something new on a whim. The mix page might initially seem stock, but it’s rich in features. Andrew details its utility for live jamming with level and filter controls. The USB-C output is a cherry on top, providing simultaneous recording of main outs and individual tracks. This robust flexibility gives performers the edge they need on stage or in the studio, ensuring you’re always a step ahead. Where others might fumble with tweaking sounds, the S4’s layout is built for creativity and speed.

As Andrew wades deeper, he reveals the modulation capabilities of the S4. This is where the device flexes its creative might, boasting sixteen modulators per track, offering nearly limitless opportunities for sound evolution. Whether using LFOs, random sequences, or envelope followers, the S4’s modulation page is an adventure playground. By demonstrating how to tie modulations to any parameter, Andrew shows us that the possibilities are as wide as the beats in a hip-hop album. This lets you manipulate sounds in ways that can easily trigger happy accidents—a hallmark for the creatively minded. It’s the wild samples with unexpected transitions that keep things interesting and innovative. Who knew manipulating a synthesizer could feel this playful? Andrew’s insights make the technical aspects feel approachable, showing that anyone curious enough can master it. The S4 thrives on this balance of power and exploration, keeping the music lively and unpredictable.

Delving into the scene page, Andrew uncovers yet another layer of the S4’s potential. He explains how this feature allows users to store multiple configurations in up to 128 slots, each potentially housing a unique project. With scenes, it’s like you’ve got a full band hiding under your bed, ready to jam at a moment’s notice. This adaptability mirrors the chaotic yet rewarding nature of an impromptu neighborhood shuffle dance. Andrew highlights the built-in mic, an addition that defies the limitations of line inputs and opens new creative paths. Capturing live sounds right from the device feels like strolling through a sound market, sampling its auditory goods. The ease of use makes recording child’s play, turning everyday noises into crafted compositions. Such a feature turns an already versatile instrument into a powerhouse, bringing spontaneity and creativity hand-in-hand.