TORSO T-1 // Generative sequencer review and tutorial

Explore plenty of generative and other electronic music ideas, tips and tricks here in my book, available to people who support this channel on Patreon:
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Price check here (affiliate links help the channel):
► Perfect Circuit: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
On screen notes are rendered using software called Synthesia
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My music:
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TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:20 Disclaimer
1:45 Overview
3:10 How the encoders work
3:50 Project scope
4:55 Tracks
6:45 Euclidean tools
8:20 Step sequencing
8:50 Slices/cycles
9:15 Division
9:45 Groove
11:05 Repeats & offset
12:10 Time & pace
12:40 Voicing & style
14:50 Melody & phrase
16:45 Scales
17:20 Experimenting
18:15 Random
20:50 Temp + pattern
22:00 Length & quantize
22:45 Misc
24:05 Pros & cons
28:35 Outro
Want to email me personally?
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@RabRabNZ]

I have sold most of my sequencers since getting this. Its truly genius for hands on people who hate menus. Huge respect for all of the magic they have worked since release, they certainly listened. All we could ask for is 8 cv/gates.

[@zeusdeux]

What’s brilliant is that the folks at torso electronics actually added detents to all the endless encoders as well as usb-c at the back! As for the features, most have remained as shown in this video with some just being renamed. The cycles bit now works but tbh it takes a bit of mental gymnastics to understand how to use that feature properly. All in all, solid sequencer! It has churned out 4 scratch ideas in the last couple of hours of use!

[@martinnonstatic7435]

it´s like u open the box and immediately know the machine. so experienced. thx again for this very good video

[@enigmasounds]

There is just one-word needed for a Loopop review...Art!...and this looks an amazing bit of kit too.

[@red13emerald]

Thank you so much for this review! This device is exactly what I've been looking for, and I wouldn't have known about it otherwise. The kickstarter was successful and they did indeed change from micro USB to USB-C and added CV and Gate outputs! I'm really looking forward to my unit, I think it will change the way I compose and improvise greatly!

[@robertshamansky1912]

This is very cool. This is now at the top of my 2023 “must buy” list.

[@devonk298]

Your demos are always great - right to the point without the unnecessary babble. TY

[@rodrigolaporte274]

This is the first of those euqlidean seqs that seems interesting to me. Very cool! and of course amazing review as usual!

[@NedBouhalassaVideos]

This video convinced me to buy one yesterday - good move! I really love it already. Thanks for another stellar review!

[@moralboundaries1]

I love the concept of composing by modulating properties of the generator rather than the notes themselves. It adds a very interesting layer of abstraction to performance.

[@ubahnrider1337]

exactly the reason why modular is so much fun!

[@naomirogers446]

What would be the modular equivalent of this? Sounds interesting and fun!

[@anthonytamez170]

@@naomirogers446 max for live sequencers,or literally vcv rack which is free..

[@Sousless]

Very cool! Baked instantly after watching the video! Thank you for introducing me to this device!

[@VacancyOfDisco]

I've been wishing for a comprehensive review for the T-1! I would love to have one of these as to compliment my more traditional sequencers

[@stephena4878]

I missed the Kickstarter, but I’m getting on that preorder list! Love your breakdowns, I learn so much beyond the gear review

[@mikeexits]

The first minute was enough to simultaneously blow my mind and sell me on it. Thank you.

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

Been searching for your channel and COULD NOT remember what the count name was. Finally it popped up for me again!! Wooohoooo!!! I consider your vids THE MANUAL for the gear they showcase🙏🏽👍🏽

[@Bod8998]

Keep coming back to this video the tune is quality would love to hear a full version of this tune class mate

[@Rollur1234]

holy these multiple track sequencers are the most creative instruments!

[@CosmoStraaf]

love it!!Tx for be always there, always making it easy to understand...love your videos,please keep it up the great job!!! greetings and best wishes from -bruxelles

[@FMVideozify]

As always informative concise and totally understandable review of features.. thanks!

[@dotted9689]

I love sequenzers! All of them. Thanks Ziv.

[@headshock1111]

been waiting on this for so long

[@martindu4]

Initially this video was so compelling that I decided to pre-order a T-1. Now that my unit has finally landed, I’m viewing this again to get all the pro insights. Interesting that in the final version of the unit, some buttons have been renamed: slices -> cycles; melody -> range; curve -> groove; midi ch -> channel + output. Keep on producing quality work. Much appreciated.

[@LondraCalibro9]

How is the T1 to use? I am debating one whilst I wait for the Hapax......it looks fun and inspiring.....

[@martindu4]

@@LondraCalibro9 I’ve watched the Hapax review on this channel as well. I would say that the Hapax is way more capable that the T-1. However the constraints of the T-1 and it’s associated simple workflow makes me more focus on creating something than fiddling with a bunch of options. I also have a Squarp Pyramid and I use it in when I want to precisely sequence a bunch of MIDI instruments. Hope that helps…

[@LondraCalibro9]

@@martindu4 thank you so much for the detailed reply! I had a pyramid but had to return it as I had 2 faulty units - I loved working on it but am thinking of getting a hapax instead of re-buying it - I'm looking to get a new sequencer for July as I'll be with all my hardware that month. I suppose Im looking for something currently available that would compliment the hapax or have enough difference to make having both worth while. The hapax looks so good and complete!

[@jonison6847]

Thanks for this review (brilliant presentation as always). It appears to be very usable creative tool - nothing else like it available really - so I think they're onto a winner. But the price ...

[@vespucci964]

where as this unit is not for me I must compliment the narrator for an excellent presentation

[@KillSanchezVol.1]

Great review as usual. With the 1.2 firmware version, it seems like CC is added, making T1 much more desirable :-)

[@plutonthedarkmystic]

Albert van Abbe uses this one - great sound artist with huge ideas. Thanks again for this awesome review and tutorial ^^!

[@blaster3744]

Just got one and its really fun. The final product has couple different labels compared to the ones in this video like slices became cycles, melody became range, etc. They listen to Loopop cos the buttons have now steps and not just continuous. Usb-c is there as well. When a manufacturer modifies its product after listening loopop, that s where you know this guy rocks… 😂😂 I think a solo function would be really cool to quickly isolate a track instead of muting all others. Update: theres now up to 64 steps per track (latest firmware 2.0.x)

[@Bod8998]

Always back for more on this video simple Mut s majestic

[@krsTBedfordStudios]

That's a pretty groovy "Happy Accident" machine..!

[@94116Prag]

Bob Ross approved! :)

[@krsTBedfordStudios]

@@94116Prag 🤣🤣🤣

[@kaanbulak]

"Sequencers are like a fancy pen on a blank piece of paper." Perfect perspective on electronic music making!

[@edouardmusic]

Interesting performance controller! Early bird reward gone after an hour: the loopop effect 😉

[@Sachyel]

Mine arrived today. It's f*king awesome!

[@DonCbas]

Excelente Review. Y la maquiníta me la tripie! Very nice!

[@VTOLKits]

Interesting concept, most eucidlean seq. give not so great results, but this seems good! Like 161!

[@SmokysRides]

Another incredible review! Thank you! This is a beautiful and wonderfully useful device...BUT at the price point (about $530US) I would expect a display so I can see my parameters in real time. If this were $50-$100 less I would be in on this first version for sure. But as is I will wait for the next version. This is exactly what I've been looking for though. I think this would complement the NDLR (which I own and have been using for six months now) rather than compete with it, especially if you are talent-less like me and need these little "engines" to grind stuff into the DAW and keep the overall workflow fun.

[@lelandbobpalmer]

Give some of these to the Radiohead dudes and it will be great promotion - as far as I understand they are heavily into euclidian rhythms and stuff like that. I watched a presentation of TORSO last summer here in Copenhagen, where the guys who are making it are from, and it sure is an awesome little sequencer and the dudes behind it are really cool as well - good luck to them!

[@Arthur-zr1vx]

Very interesting little machine. Hope it'll succeed - I want one!

[@nebuladus7850]

Hello loopop🔊💗💥🙏thank you💗

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Just received my T1 from the kickstarter - will be fun to see how it compares to the prototype!

[@loopop]

Glad this worked out - hopefully all changes for the better :)

[@LP-tq1kx]

I found your channel last week and it is one of the most helpfull and well prepared channel for synths i have seen so far. Based on your review i bought Argon8 and you helped me a lot to get into this synth very quickly, i am very greateful for what you are doing. One question is still sticking in my head, which of these synth you reviewed you actualy kept and why? This will be very interesting video to me to show your actual chosen collection, variety, pallete or perhaps you own all and i will envy you :)

[@loopop]

Thanks! I'm not likely to make a video like that... sorry... first, I believe taste in sound is very subjective, and second, you can probably make good music with any synth since "good" is subjective too. That said, you'll see "recurring stars" on my channel when I check out a sequencer or effect as I'm naturally inclined to use what I like (Sirin, 0-Coast, Peak to name just a few...) though those are often preferred because they're small and fit in the frame alongside other friends... wide angles are hard! So, don't discount their bigger buddies..

[@Lunolux]

great video, an iinteresting product

[@meldianen]

Very cool and interesting review, as usual! This device is quite interesting too but already sold out and a bit expansive to me.

[@NathanChisholm041]

Looks really cool! Been looking for a sequencer...

[@robert__]

Wow! I've been wanting to make a machine like this for some time and I've started a prototype, I am very happy that there's a market for this kind of thing. Great video

[@BassAnywhere]

You could make a load of cash with a more affordable one !

[@areal2d]

Happy to hear that you've been working on an algorithmic sequencer too! Generative sequencing is awesome

[@Claidheambmor]

So many broke people and cheapskates in the comments! Even without the early bird special rate this thing is £418 with free shipping. I wholeheartedly getting a job (or a better job) and saving up for little luxuries like this. If you like it and want it to have a good build quality with tangible updates to the firmware, cough up the money for it. And if you want to sell it, I guarantee it will be worth more than the asking price once it ships and is on backorder.

[@TheSunshineGroup]

@@BassAnywhere lmao that's not how music product businesses work ;)

[@LucIndustries]

@@Claidheambmor I dont have a problem spending a lot on music equipment if the features match the price. And with the keystep/beatstep pro sitting at over 100 pounds less it is pretty expensive for a midi sequencer.

[@JamesBermingham]

Is this T-1 a Cyberdyne Systems creation from the future?? Rise of the machines. Its happening. Great video.

[@Gruftgrabbler]

wow this looks like a very unique music making tool. Looks like its a lot of fun! I'm asking myself now if I can do something similar with the Ableton Push O.o I know there some generative max for live tools like the euclidean sequencer but unfortunately it does't work with push

[@nickgrabill6889]

Just pre ordered mine, I wonder if there's a plan to pair a visual piano roll with the software so that its easier to see which notes are being triggered, would be something cool to have that as an extension of the app or something

[@DopamineOverload]

Love this. Feature-packed. Kind of like Social Entropy's Engine, but better-designed, a lot cheaper, and with a lot more functionality. Might pick this up down the road!

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Enjoyed this demo, I recently received my KORG WaveState, and I’ve been exploring generative music using that - this clearly goes further, but I really wish I could include a fixed pattern (a real step sequencer) as you call it.

[@torsoelectronics]

Step by step editing with pitch transposition will be added for firmware V1.0! This will allow for more traditional step sequencing

[@AveMcree]

The wave state has a generator?

[@Jdcrouch1972]

YES Eurorack Gate+Pitch+Velocity stretch goal

[@Jdcrouch1972]

like the way repeats is handled, overspil to arpeggiation

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

Warning: Loopop empties yr bank account !

[@PaulChabot]

my bank account could not handle anything on this channel :(

[@smanseau]

😂

[@petegough7729]

That's literally happening for me.

[@Bod8998]

Nice opening tune

[@am5790]

LOopop always on top form in keeping us in the loop (pun intended) i might sell mu push2 for this. Thank you, sir. Be well and safe.

[@bauhnguefyische667]

I don't think I'd sell my Push 2 to buy this. Two different animals. But, I can see once they get this nailed in features adding it to my kit, it would fit in pretty easily and offer a new 'play space' to explore.

[@vecvan]

So, kinda like an arp--ah there it is, you already said it. And wow, it sounds good.

[@macaronafterparty]

How would you see this integrating into a set up with the Keystep 37 and Push 2?....Overkill?

[@Bod8998]

Love all arp synths

[@cobblersson]

Hi Mr. Loopop. Thanks so much for all the amazing reviews and tutorials... Your channel is one of my main "go-to's" for everything related to electronic music. I have a question, being a Torso T-1 owner. How can I generate the same visual feedback on my computer as you do on your video ?? It feels like this is an awesome tool to understand the mechanics of the Torso. Thanks in advance.

[@loopop]

Thanks - I use software called synthesia

[@symbiat0]

FYI, Torso T1 was a Kickstarter that finally shipped to backers (like me :-) which means they are accepting pre-orders now for shipping after the backers have all been fulfilled.

[@loopop]

Great!

[@wiegraf9009]

This is interesting but I wonder if it's a bit too direct or low level? I am thinking of how to apply the ideas of Emily Short's "Five Strategies for Collaborating With a Machine" to generative music. Maybe some poetic abstractions layered on top of the math would help with creativity?

[@Eightball69]

I've been trying to figure out how to create sequences with pitch per step, I guess cycles might be able to do that?

[@joco9958]

What about using the NDLR as the chords creator going into the TORSO, and the TORSO as a midi effects machine? So NDLR for chords/harmonies and TORSO for everything time-related? Would that be possible?

[@loopop]

That functionality wasn't available as of the making of this video so I couldn't test it, but it seems like T-1 as a midi effect is more intended for simple MIDI in, complex MIDI out. Who knows what craziness would happen if you fed it a complex pattern, but worth a try...

[@AveMcree]

How in the world did I miss this video?

[@georgealveskog]

Thanks for this awesome video. Best one about Torso T1! Would you please tell me what program are you using to see the Midi notes above the T1? Is that some kind of piano roll view?

[@loopop]

Thanks! Synthesia

[@VinceVega303]

How does this compare to the Squarp - Pyramid? I'm looking for a sequencer with this budget in mind.

[@WillKistler]

I have the squarp and just got this. So far it seems like the pyramid lets you be incredibly specific, and the t-1 gives you interesting ways to noodle. I'm enjoying both, but if I had to just pick one, I'd go with the pyramid.

[@thombroom5515]

Lost Frequencies style at 9:19 ... awesome machine

[@phantazzor]

you can connect via ableton Link ? can you set it up thru ? so if I plug another sequencer in the midi IN a can reach the ipad via the my first sequencer ?

[@JayHughes-zv5qr]

Anyone know how to get the T-1 controlling individual drums on a Roland boutique TR-09 like in this video? Every time I hit play on the Torso, it just plays one of the sequences programmed into my Tr-09. I can’t get individual control.

[@johnchesters81]

Combine this with the 16 channels of the Electribe 2, and I reckon that’s a pretty sweet small setup.

[@romi2910001]

Hi Great vid how do you configure the midi connectivity, or It just plug and play, I plan to connect it with the my rytm thanks.

[@loopop]

Thanks! you need to configure notes and channels but it's pretty easy

[@chinmeysway]

i like analogy to drawing lines...

[@ShadowriverUB]

While watching video i wen to kick starter and read "T-1 is a musical brainstorming machine" while you said it in video xd i was like wtf and i noticed it actually your quote

[@ywenp]

The price tag looks similar to that of the Squarp Pyramid. Which one would you recommend for someone interested in a polyrhythmic sequencer?

[@loopop]

I highly recommend watching my 1 hour tutorial of Pyramid - you'll have all you need to know (and all I know...) to compare the two.

[@avantgardenovelist]

Thanks Loopop. If I use all my midi-capable pedals with a morningstar switcher, though, does that preclude me from using the T-1 as well?

[@loopop]

Not familiar with that one unfortunately

[@avantgardenovelist]

@@loopop oh sorry, i meant: if i'm using up the midi ins and outs by means of a midi switcher (morningstar or whatever) does that rule out using the Torso T-1 to drive the same pedals via midi?

[@MD_is_me]

Well it begs be asked: Which did you find more intuitive and inspiring to use, the T-1 or NDLR? An even better question, however, is when are you going to do, not a "vs" video, but a "+" video that demonstrates how to integrate the T-1 and NDLR.

[@Winterdagen]

Love the Anna Meredith reference

[@jake-me7yg]

Is there a VST that can do a similar thing??

[@londonfloorplan2439]

I need one!

[@RizzlinHD]

Just the other day I rewatched your video on the NDLR considering a purchase and now you do this to me 😩

[@yuruharuto2915]

How might this compare to NDLR, Zillion, Synthimuse, Turing Machine, Marbles etc....generative seqs seem all the rage now?

[@adamd3820]

Reminds me of the midi fighter twister but with additional pads.

[@carlymeador6867]

Can you speak more on the Ableton link setup? I think this review and the manual do a goodjob covering overall functionality, but is lacking in information about actually connection sounds/channels through the daw

[@loopop]

Ableton link wasn’t working at the time that I had this review unit, but regardless link only sync tempo and start stop events, and not midi notes

[@danielkohlmeigner8122]

Fantastic, thanks so much for this great review! Already requested my spot on their preorder list. What plugin do you use to visualize the MIDI notes in realtime?

[@loopop]

Thanks! It's Synthesia

[@danielkohlmeigner8122]

@@loopop Btw, I am about to receive my T-1 very soon! Thanks again for pointing me in their direction! Have you found a way to use Synthesia to monitor your MIDI notes inside your DAW? Meaning I want to display what the Arp does to the MIDI notes without looping it through a physical out- and input?

[@loopop]

@@danielkohlmeigner8122 glad they’re delivering! I’ve not tried synthesia in a daw

[@PaulRichards78]

Thanks for this Such a great piece of gear, maybe a drop in price would be better though

[@victorroberts4637]

Cool, but not sure. The form factor is perfect to double as a midi controller alongside my Keystep Pro, however its very disappointing it can't even transmit CC. A button combo to turn Local off - would be great so you could transmit CC on a specific midi channel when needed. But, you know - since it's a seq afterall, and given that price, I think it should support a few lanes of CC motion sequencing and/or CC LFO types. And yeah - a trad step-seq would be good, it looks like it might be frustrating if you actually know what you want :)

[@syrupcore]

Looks very very fun. Super bonus points for including a MIDI THRU port. The ability to randomize any parameter... want!

[@kennethmcleod2478]

@loopop Thank -you for all the awesome content! you probably won't read this after 3 years now... but, is it possible to capture the midi data from the T-1? I wanted to possibly pair it with a maschine+ and roundtrip the data back into a maschine pattern to further edit. Is that even possible?

[@loopop]

My pleasure! Yes, you can capture MIDI from this and any other device that sends out MIDI

[@kennethmcleod2478]

Thank you!@@loopop

[@Bo-rv8om]

Looks amazing, what do you think the price will be?

[@maximilianknrd6913]

Could you share the synth patch you used for that? It goes very lovely with the sequencer. Is it just a pure sine wave?

[@loopop]

Sure. I assume you mean the arpeggiating lead? It's modulating on the difference between a sine and triangle, with added noise.

[@maximilianknrd6913]

@@loopop Thank you very much :)

[@tendingtropic7778]

cool, anyone know what software loopup is using to show the midi notes (shown as picture in picture above the T-1 during this video)?

[@loopop]

Synthesia

[@tendingtropic7778]

@@loopop thanks!

[@manuelsirotti4940]

Nice video like always. Sorry, but can you save personal pattern ? and recall in live situation...

[@SYNS]

Damn, thats dope.

[@pablogermangomez6008]

So, yes, take a look now.. www.kickstarter.com/projects/torsoelectronics/t-1-expressive-algorithmic-midi-sequencing/comments Crazy will have CV/Gates

[@AveMcree]

This reminds me of the iPad app polyphase.

[@driley]

What’s the visualization plug-in being used for this video?

[@loopop]

Synthesia

[@kstahl]

Does the VOICING knob only add octaves above, or can it be used to actually re-voice or change inversions of the chord?

[@loopop]

Currently it only adds octaves above, note by note based on the chord you enter. So, sort of inversions but without removing the bottom notes. "addversions" I guess...

[@kstahl]

@@loopop "Addversions" - Love it! 😀

[@kstahl]

@@loopop It would be cool to see it alter a chord using common chord voicings... close, drop 2, spread, etc... Maybe I'll comment on the Kickstarter about that.

[@quintenoorschot3500]

I have a T1 setup with my Digitakt but somehow Ive not been able to program chords. Each time I try to make a chord in PITCH mode I only hear the highest note of the chord so if its a CEG chord I only hear the G instead of the whole chord. I use a internal sample of the Digitakt. Can you explain why this doesn`t work?

[@loopop]

It's been a while since I used the T-1 but regardless Digitakt doesn't accept chords on a single MIDI channel, do you'll need to program note by note on different channels on the T-1

[@supercompooper]

I'm worried that the bleep to bloop ratio might not be asymptotic to the inverse of a Fibonacci series....

[@herrar6595]

You've reviewed so much gear over the years, I really started to wonder whether you keep it all or sell it or give it away and if you do keep it how that looks

[@markuskoivisto]

I would assume he gets review copies that get sent back

[@greeceandrome]

Possible to link the T-1 and NDLR in a live setting?

[@loopop]

should work

[@22tape99]

May I ask which program you are using that has the vertical scrolling piano roll? Thanks.

[@loopop]

sure - synthesia

[@22tape99]

@@loopop Fantastic, thanks.