Polyend Play - The Toraiz SP-16 Killer?

[@rateandfollow]

So is it an SP-16 killer, or does the Toraiz still hold its value today? Let me know!

[@robertlee1176]

If I could marry the SP-16, I would… I will!!!

[@eyesintheskies]

Me too it’s a beast@@robertlee1176

[@EstudioSonorama]

Toraiz all the way. That polyend is a toy

[@romi2910001]

Sp 16 is gold will stand the test of time

[@rorz999]

I've used all 3 devices a fair amount. I don't really see them as competing products. I actually like the fact the SP-16 is as big as it is, a nice bright screen with lots of info, and big pads that feel great to play. 8 outputs on the back is a big deal for me, as is the filter + drive. It has its drawbacks of course (lack of good FX, and not being able to record in via an external MIDI keyboard), but it's still the main workhorse of my studio. The sound quality is second to none. It doesn't really need any further updates IMO. The Play I did like initially, but after the honeymoon period was over I found a lot more that I didn't like about it. It's a bit of a pain to do anything melodic on it (moreso even than the SP-16). I encountered lots of bugs and quirky behaviour. The sound quality is not so great to my ears. The knobs are overly sensitive. It's good for things like probability and polyrhythms. I don't hold out much hope of meaningful firmware updates for the Play given Polyend's track record. I think it's too expensive for what it is. Nobody can deny that it's great fun but I don't often use it for anything 'serious'. The Squid is an altogether different beast - you could use the Play in a similar way, there is some overlap, but I think of the Play as a sample player with some MIDI capabilities, the Squid is a dedicated hardware sequencer with CV/gate in addition to MIDI

[@rateandfollow]

Thanks and appreciate the comments. Yes the Drive on the SP-16 is lovely (might even run the Play through it?) and perhaps I was being a bit click-baity when I suggested it was killer ;)

[@sodiumlights]

Really happy to have read your insight. I also own the SP-16 and had been on the fence for a while about Play but held back to see how folks felt about it once the YT buzz fell away. For you to mention that the sound quality isn't so good...thank you!! Do you realise just how rarely that has been mentioned about the PLAY? (still got an eye on the Tracker Mini though)

[@rorz999]

​@@sodiumlights if you've got the OG Tracker, the sound quality for the Play is basically the same. It sounds modern but quite flat, you may experience random issues with clicks and distortion, and of course samples are converted to mono which can be a big limitation depending on how you want to use it. The Play is a fun groovebox, but it's essentially an expensive toy for grown ups. The SP-16 is a serious piece of studio kit; it's built like a tank and sounds amazing. I might pick up a Play again second hand if prices go way down, just to piss about on it in the evenings, but as it stands currently it's very overpriced

[@sodiumlights]

@@rorz999 yeah, the Toraiz would be the first thing I'd pick exit with if a fire ever hit, simply adore it. Mostly because it's un-convoluted workflow, which, hands down, is the most enjoyable instrument I use. Also got an Mpc Live which I've never clicked with, and comparing those two machines it's pretty easy to see which one looks like a relic from the 90's and which one still gleams with modern class. If only PIO had made a mini-sp!

[@dubbylabby6068]

@@rateandfollow you killed me (heartbreak) so it was worth it I guess so... :V

[@PylonRecordsdotcom]

We need to know how does the output of Polyend sound, the Toraiz sp-16 has 8 output and sound very good, much better than the new akai mpcs. No one is talking about the quality of the converters, something that has been standard for decades is now being overlooked. Sound matters, not just work flow.

[@rateandfollow]

The SP16 sounds great. The Drive really makes a huge difference.

[@sodiumlights]

A comparison to the OP-Z I'd understand, but certainly not the sublime SP-16.

[@gixerags750]

So in a dj situation does no MIDI in port mean it cant sync as a Slave to say a Pioneer DJM mixer ? or can it do slave over USB ? 😊.

[@OnReaAl]

Can you please do a A vs B compairison of the same beat on the Sp16 vs Play for fidelity (hi mid & lows) and a timing test of all 3 devices running a 16th note Hihat line with a small fill in the end andjusting swing to smoth to extreme .. just to follow up on the titel Sp killer ;) Thank you !

[@OnReaAl]

And if you could be so very kind to include the sound of an aux out (completely bypassing the filter on the mian outs) as I dont think its the off is a true bypass on the mains ... merci!!

[@hvxcolors396]

Question. I currently use an Rm1x because it allows you to change the groove (micro-timing) while playing. It is important in the kind of music I play. I want to upgrade to a device with better built in sounds and sample player but the live capabilities of most controllers is limited to activating/deactivating a phrase or track or clip and some effects and filters. Can you advise on the Play or the Sp 16 being able to tweak the notes in group or individually in small steps while playing? The rs7000 would be an option but is also realy slow and bulky as it is more than 20 years old.I had a look at instruments like the Force but these ableton style machines force you to load in a project if you want to have access to certain patterns/phrases (in Rm1x and rs7000, also roland mc series you have access to all phrases at all time).

[@ToastedGhost]

I also love the play… great compare…. what battery box are you using please?

[@rateandfollow]

Thanks. Just a standard USB power bank. Obviously the bigger the capacity the longer you can charge.

[@user82938]

For the performance FX, maybe lay a strip of tape across the bottom and pen them in there. Lots of people do that sort of thing with the Octatrack to remember how they have set up their scenes.

[@rateandfollow]

Thanks for the tip!

[@pierlooqup]

Not sure it was mentioned in the video, but do note the Play only supports 44.1khz at 16bit MONO sample playback vs the SP16 in STEREO!

[@mojodrum3215]

I have all three of these devices and l find they all have different work flows. The sp16 has live sampling which the play doesn’t have. The play lacks melodic features but is a great drum machine for now. Polyend has informed that a couple of melodic features will be added in the near future. Mine sits on the shelf for now.

[@rateandfollow]

Thanks. Yes I don't really use live sampling feature but I can see the use of it. Mine sits on the shelf too.

[@j-julien]

Which sort if melodic features?

[@alexiwiedemann]

play has piano roll to add melodies and chord easily. And now the play + adds the synths.

[@OnReaAl]

Does the phone connect to the internal memory card for file/sample managing aswell?

[@kisho2679]

does it kill the Octatrack?

[@SlowReplies-d6o]

How do you rate the fidelity of the Play vs the SP16??? ... If you A/B the same kit playing the same beat on both units is there a clear audio difference? ... other than being grooveboxes they are very far apart ..one being a sampler with individual outs and an analog filter the other being a polyrythmic sequencer... How do you compare the feel /swing grooove of the two units ? Personally I prefer the oriantation of the Play how it works and breathes, its fast, fun, efficient, visual, hands on and has loads of creative features, a very samart unit that polyend is dedicated to updating .. the sp16 though has sampling, creative chopping and realtime time stretch's and absolute killer filter section .. My dream box would be the combination of the two (Toriaz Sp32 incoming ;) .. Very intersted in your take op audio and feel/timing of the units.Thank you! Cheerios!

[@rorz999]

There is a clear audio difference, yes. The SP-16 sounds way nicer

[@joee6014]

Can you please do an SP-16 time stretch capabilities ?? Something like 90-165bpm range. And pitch shifting 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@rateandfollow]

I'm sure there are other videos on here showing Time Stretch functions. TBH not really got the time to do this right now.

[@joee6014]

@@rateandfollow absolutely nothing lol. The only one who minimally touches on it is your 130-128bpm video 😂😂😭

[@colinthornton5340]

Looks dams cool, do everything on ipad, but the randomisation of this is insane. Love also how portable it is. Cheers

[@qrz.signal]

what battery do you use?

[@rateandfollow]

Just a standard 5v power bank

[@KingzofRythm]

I just bought a Sp-16 yes it’s still relevant

[@rateandfollow]

Prepapre to have too much fun :D

[@speckles9251]

Well ... how would this sync with CDJs?

[@rateandfollow]

@@speckles9251 Not sure it would tbh

[@williamwallace6508]

ones a sequencer the other is a sampler. totally different products

[@kisho2679]

does it beat the Octatrack?

[@krazywabbit]

not even the same thing.

[@lX-NDR]

For 800 bucks you better get a lot of sounds with it.

[@rateandfollow]

You get a pretty good selection, yes

[@herberdth]

The PLAY+ now includes 3-4 synth engines which sounds quite nice. USB Sound to you DAW or phone/tablet. 5 times more processing power. PLAY is now cheaper than PLAY+.

[@GoldToni-z2t]

Why only 4 bars? Why, why why always the same bullxxxit?