You can also hit the Speed Control buttons to trigger notes at 2x and 1.5x, perfect for those trappy, rolling hi-hats and buzzy snare fills on the fly. You can really dive deep when you start combining this with the speed modulation controls, allowing you to essentially slip notes forwards or backwards by oscillating the playback speed with different wave shapes. When you explore the ability to change the number of steps that correspond to each pad with the Count rotary and use the Divide rotary to change how many notes are triggered on each step, you begin to really be able to make complex and unusual sequences. So, if you want a hi-hat pattern that loops every 3.5 beats, you can. Using the Fixed Length button, you can control a pattern length and even make it fractional. Creating polyrhythms (multiple rhythms that run concurrently without being based on the same rhythmic meter or timing) with the Squid adds a great deal of interest. Initially, you might find yourself concocting rigid, Giorgio Moroder-esque sequences, yet with a little more exploration it’s apparent that you can wobble-up grooves and step well beyond these more static patterns. Switch the lights off and these backlit pads, screens and buttons glow up and work well – although shift-function parameter labels are pretty difficult to see in low light.
![pocket park squids pocket park squids](https://assets.atlasobscura.com/media/W1siZiIsInVwbG9hZHMvcGxhY2VfaW1hZ2VzLzU3ZjM3YzlkLWIzMmQtNDZjYS1hZDA4LTkyNGFjYjlmNzQ1Y2I2NzY0YjYxNjQ3ZWJlZjllMF8yMDE5MDcxM18xMTEwNTkuanBnIl0sWyJwIiwiY29udmVydCIsIiJdLFsicCIsImNvbnZlcnQiLCItcXVhbGl0eSA4MSAtYXV0by1vcmllbnQiXSxbInAiLCJ0aHVtYiIsIjgweDgwIyJdXQ/20190713_111059.jpg)
The pads are velocity sensitive and feel pretty solid they’re slightly smaller than those on an MPC or Maschine. Programming patterns and using the scale and arp functions to generate key-locked melodies is also a breeze. When your patterns are programmed and you’ve set all the correct MIDI channels and note assignments for your gear, then jamming with the Squid is fantastic and turns out to be immense fun. Though it is worth mentioning that despite these initial frustrations, there eventually comes a eureka moment when operating the unit suddenly makes a lot of sense and it feels much more intuitive.
Pocket park squids manual#
Squid ViciousĪs mentioned, getting started with the Squid is a bit of challenge and a read of the manual is certainly recommended – it’s not the most instinctive device. I also immediately missed the 16-step horizontal layout for 808/909-style drum programming. Configuring the Squid isn’t a walk in the park, but it would be difficult to have this level of flexibility and connectivity without some sort of complexity.Īn issue I have, which you might experience too, is a comfortable familiarity with other sequencers and how they operate, which led me to expect that the Squid would work the same way. The downside of having so many creative options and connections is that the unit isn’t as immediately familiar to operate, requiring a little bit of menu diving across the two screens and a smattering of shift functions to access certain features when setting it up. This slew of connections means the Squid instantly takes a temporary home in place of my BeatStep Pro, connecting up to all my gear, both old and new. But, of course, you could still sync via MIDI if you choose.
Pocket park squids pro#
What’s interesting is that with the Squid, Pioneer DJ has left off the Pro DJ Link ethernet-connection ability that would let you connect CDJ, mixers and other Toraiz devices together – so the Squid isn’t as plug-and-play as some of the company’s other devices. Squid’s SyncĬonnections around the back of the unit are extensive and include two CV and Gate mini jacks, Clock in/out, MIDI in/out, MIDI out2/Thru, USB and even DIN Sync for syncing older gear such as Roland’s classic synths and drum machines.
![pocket park squids pocket park squids](https://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/insitch3.jpg)
In a world where new hardware synths, modules and plug-ins are being released weekly, you might find plunging your hand into your pocket for a sequencer challenging… But we’ll explain why you should consider it, especially if you already have some outboard kit. Let’s be clear here though, the Squid doesn’t make any noise.