The Pioneer DJ Toraiz Squid is a standalone hardware sequencer designed to serve as a central control hub for multi-instrument setups in both studio and live environments. Built with a robust construction suitable for live performance, the Squid unifies MIDI, USB, and CV-equipped devices under a single control interface without producing any sound itself.

Physical Design & Build Quality

The Squid is a substantial piece of equipment, measuring 37 x 22 cm and weighing 1.9kg. It features a chunky, road-ready construction with solid, clicky buttons and a performance grid of 16 velocity-sensitive rubber pads, each equipped with integral LED rings for visual feedback. The device includes smoothly-stepped rotary encoders and two small screens that provide feedback and menu navigation.

The front panel is intelligently divided into two main operational areas: the right side houses the familiar performance and composition zone for pattern creation and triggering, while the left zone focuses on real-time manipulation of groove, speed, and playback direction.

Sequencing Capabilities

The Squid operates on a pattern-based workflow with 16 tracks, each capable of storing up to 64 four-bar patterns. These patterns can be organized into 16 scenes per project, providing structured arrangement possibilities. Each track offers eight-note polyphony and can sequence up to five MIDI CC parameters alongside gates and notes.

The device supports two primary methods for sequence creation:

• Real-time recording using Scale mode, where pads represent musical notes within a selectable scale and key
• Step programming via Trigger mode, where the 16 pads represent sequential steps in the pattern

Pattern lengths can extend up to four pages, with flexible step resolution settings. Each step can be individually programmed with independent pitch, velocity, gate length, step count, and retrigger/ratchet controls through the divide function.

Innovative Performance Features

The Squid's most distinctive features lie in its real-time pattern manipulation capabilities:

Groove Bender: A center-sprung slider that creates momentary timing shifts, allowing notes to drag behind or rush ahead of the beat. These movements can be recorded non-destructively as automation data.

Speed Modulation: A grid-synchronized LFO system affecting track playback speed with various shapes and depths over cycles of 2 to 64 steps, creating unique shuffle and swing patterns.

Pattern Direction Control: Multiple playback routing options beyond standard forward, reverse, and ping-pong modes, including an "Odds & Evens" algorithm that follows a two-steps-forward-one-step-back pattern.

Rhythmic Control: Classic stutter/roller effects with selectable loop lengths from quarter notes to 32nd notes, including triplet and dotted modifiers.

Time Warp: A unique capture feature that maintains a rolling 16-bar buffer of background activity, allowing users to preview and save sections that occurred while not actively recording.

Creative Tools

The Squid includes several generative and creative features:

• Separate randomization for triggers, pitches, gates, and velocities
• Interpolation feature for creating smooth parameter ramps between steps
• Chord mode storing chord progressions on pads
• Real-time Harmonizer with up to six chord memories
• Transposer for real-time key transposition with sensible interval options
• Trigger Probability for adding controlled randomness to patterns
• Active Step mode for dynamic step exclusion and pattern phase manipulation

Connectivity & Integration

The device offers comprehensive connectivity options:

• USB port for MIDI communication and power (with dimmed lighting mode)
• MIDI In, Out, and Out/Thru ports
• Two CV and Gate outputs (3.5mm)
• Clock I/O (3.5mm)
• DIN Sync ports for vintage Roland drum machine compatibility
• Integration with Squid Manager software for backup, file management, and MIDI file transfer

Workflow Considerations

While powerful, the Squid has some workflow limitations:

• No built-in sound sources or metronome click
• Limited to two MIDI outputs, potentially requiring daisy-chaining for complex setups
• No automatic pattern follow mode during step editing
• Absence of per-note filtering in drum programming
• No track templates or preset saving for configured instrument setups
• Project structure limitations for extended live performances

Technical Specifications

Performance Interface

• Pads: 16 velocity-sensitive rubber pads with integral LED rings
• Encoders: Multiple smoothly-stepped rotary encoders
• Screens: 2 small displays for feedback and menu navigation
• Controls: Dedicated buttons for various functions including Tap Tempo, Pattern modes, and performance features

Sequencing Specifications

• Tracks: 16 tracks per project
• Patterns: Up to 64 four-bar patterns per track
• Scenes: 16 scenes per project (Pattern Sets)
• Polyphony: 8-note polyphonic per track
• Pattern Length: Up to 4 pages with variable step resolution
• MIDI CC: Up to 5 MIDI CC parameters per track
• Step Count: Variable step length per individual step
• Retrigger: Divide function for double, triple, and quadruple triggers

Connectivity

• USB: 1 x USB port (MIDI communication and power)
• MIDI: 1 x MIDI In, 2 x MIDI Out/Thru ports
• CV/Gate: 2 x CV outputs, 2 x Gate outputs (3.5mm)
• Sync: Clock I/O (3.5mm), 2 x DIN Sync ports
• Power: USB bus power or DC adapter

Creative Features

• Groove Bender: Center-sprung slider for timing manipulation
• Speed Modulation: Grid-sync LFO with 2-64 step cycles
• Pattern Direction: Multiple playback routing algorithms
• Rhythmic Control: Stutter/roller with 1/4 to 1/32 note divisions
• Time Warp: 16-bar rolling buffer capture
• Randomization: Separate controls for trigs, pitches, gates, velocities
• Interpolation: Automatic parameter ramping between steps
• Transposition: Real-time key transposition
• Probability: Trigger probability control
• Active Steps: Dynamic step exclusion

Recording Methods

• Real-time: Scale mode with key/scale selection and pad range shifting
• Step Programming: Trigger mode with 16-step grid representation
• External Input: MIDI keyboard integration (no built-in USB MIDI host)

Software Integration

• Squid Manager: Dedicated software for backup, file management, and MIDI file import/export
• File Formats: MIDI file compatibility for pattern import/export

Performance Limitations

• Pattern Chaining: No pattern chaining capability
• Song Mode: No automatic song sequencing
• Project Loading: Requires menu navigation and stops playback
• Template System: No track or project template saving
• Per-note View: No individual note filtering for drum programming

Physical Dimensions

• Size: 37 x 22 cm
• Weight: 1.9kg
• Build: Road-ready construction with solid buttons and encoders