Pioneer Toraiz SP-16

The Pioneer DJ Toraiz SP-16 is a performance sampler built around two ideas: tight integration with Pioneer DJ gear and a genuine analog filter designed in collaboration with Dave Smith Instruments. It was aimed squarely at DJs who want to layer samples, loops, and one-shots over a live set without switching to a laptop or a more complex production environment.

Who Is This For?

The SP-16 suits DJs and live electronic performers who already work with Pioneer CDJs or DJM mixers. Via Pro DJ Link over a single LAN cable, the SP-16 locks to the master tempo of the DJ setup automatically — loops and samples snap to the beat without manual sync. It is less well-suited to studio production or programming complex arrangements; for that, an MPC or Elektron machine offers more depth. The SP-16 is a live performance tool first.

Dave Smith Analog Filter

The headline feature is a hardware analog filter circuit co-designed with Dave Smith Instruments, derived from the Prophet-6 synthesizer. It is not a software emulation — the signal passes through a physical analog circuit with separate high-pass and low-pass sections, each with Cutoff and Resonance controls, plus a Drive knob for saturation. It can be applied to the master bus or routed to individual tracks, and filter sweeps in performance have the warmth and character you would expect from a Prophet-derived design.

Workflow and Sequencer

The SP-16 has 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads and a 7-inch full-colour touchscreen for waveform editing, sample management, and effects. The step sequencer runs up to 64 steps per pattern across four pages, with 16 patterns per scene and 16 scenes, giving 256 patterns in total. Step parameter automation is hands-on — hold a step button and turn a knob to record the value for that step. The 8GB internal storage comes pre-loaded with 2GB of Loopmasters samples.

Connectivity

Eight individual line outputs (four stereo pairs) allow each pad group to be routed to a separate mixer channel. Two line inputs enable live sampling from external sources. MIDI DIN in and out, USB, and the Pro DJ Link LAN port round out the connectivity. There is no battery power — the SP-16 runs on mains power only.