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Torso Electronics has released S-4 Sculpting Sampler OS 2.0 – a major update that includes a rewrite of the core engine and expands the S-4’s capabilities.

S-4 Scultping Sampler OS 2.0 introduces macro controls, scenes, varispeed recording, unlimited sample length playback, and new dynamic modulation options.

The official video overview:

Features:

• Perform adds the ability to create global macros, enabling control of multiple parameters across the entire instrument simultaneously. Any parameter can be mapped to eight performance knobs and four punch-in effect buttons, allowing transformative changes with a single gesture.
• Scene enables saving and instantly launching parameter and sample snapshots. Full machine states can be saved, variations built, moments captured, and samples swapped on the fly. Up to 128 scenes are available per project, controllable directly on the device or via MIDI Program Change.
• Temp brings performance functionality with temporary control of all parameters. When temp is enabled, S-4 saves the initial state and snaps back instantly when released.
• Disc is a new sample playback device that streams audio directly from S-4’s internal storage, enabling playback of long-form audio files. Ideal for full-length stems, field recordings, or long loops, Disc is only limited by available storage space.
• Follow has been added to the list of modulation devices – an envelope follower that uses the amplitude of any of the four track outputs, or the S-4’s inputs, to modulate parameters – enabling dynamic, responsive modulation.
• New performance and utility features include copy for duplicating devices, tracks, and scenes. The Tape device has been enhanced to improve live looping with varispeed recording. The interface has received a comprehensive overhaul, and many existing devices have been improved with new features.

S-4 OS 2.0 is available now as a free download for all S-4 owners.

In his latest loopop video, host Ziv Eliraz takes an in-depth look at the new 1010music Bento, a portable sampling production lab that lets you sample, sequence, and perform with expressive control.

Watch the video and share your thoughts on the Bento in the comments!

Topics covered:

0:00 Intro
1:10 Overview
2:10 Project scope
5:50 I/O
6:40 Build
7:10 Panel tour
8:25 Track screen
9:30 Inst dashboard
9:50 Modulation
10:15 Other screens
10:55 One-shot kits
12:25 Multisamples
14:10 Granular
15:10 Loops
16:15 Live looping
17:45 Slice
18:45 Sequencing
21:20 Launch
22:10 FX – Drive
22:40 FX- Filter
23:25 Mod FX
24:40 Delay
26:10 Reverb
27:00 Compressor
27:20 Pros & cons
30:40 Factory songs

In recent years, LA-based instrument brand 1010music has made a name for itself with its Nanobox range – an assortment of ultra-compact digital instruments that includes the Razzamatazz drum machine, Lemondrop granular synth and Tangerine sampler.

Its latest release, Bento, is something altogether more substantial. Described as a ‘flagship music production lab’ Bento is a self-contained sampling instrument that aims to replace your DAW and become the focal point of your music making setup.

At Superbooth 2025, being held May 8-10 at the FEZ-Berlin, 1010music today introduced Bento, a portable sampling production lab that lets you sample, sequence, and perform with expressive control.

“Bento is everything our users have been asking for in a flagship sampler – more power, more control, and more performance tools, all in a portable package,” says 1010music founder Aaron Higgins. “It’s designed to replace your laptop and become the brain of your setup.”

The device itself is focused around a 7-inch color touchscreen, which comes accompanied by 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads and eight endless rotary controllers.

Bento can create fully-fledged compositions using a scene-based workflow, capable of real time recording, step sequencing, piano roll input and equipped probability tools. It can sequence eight tracks, each with four sequences, allowing users to build full sequences or launch clips for DAWless jam sessions.

Bento offers a range of sample playback modes, capable of hosting chromatic multi-sampled instruments, pad-based drums, one-shots and loops. It also features beat slicing and granular capabilities inherited from 1010’s Lemondrop.

The instrument is also designed to play nicely with your other bits of studio hardware. There are three stereo inputs, three stereo outputs, dual TRS MIDI I/O and USB-C host/device ports. The instrument has an effects engine with per-track delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, and phaser with automation, as well as an internal mixer that allows the user to process external sounds.

Features:

• 7” diagonal color touchscreen
• 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive pads plus 8 endless encoders
• 8 flexible tracks for sampled instruments, slicer, loops, granular or external MIDI
• Scene-based sequencing with real time, step, piano roll and probability tools
• Over 5 GB of samples and 165 patches of fresh new sounds including deeply multi-sampled instruments from pianos to classic synths by Samples from Mars, Soundtrack Loops and Drew Neumann
• FX engine with per-track delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, and phaser with automation
• Extensive modulation system with LFOs, envelopes, and step sequencers
• 3 stereo inputs, 3 stereo outputs, headphone out, USB-C host/device, dual MIDI I/O
• Internal 24-bit resampling, sample streaming from microSD
• Compact and battery-powered for up to 3 hours of portable creativity

1010music Bento Walkthrough Video:

Bento will ship with 5GB+ of sample content, including multi-sampled synths and instruments created by Samples from Mars, Soundtrack Loops and Drew Neumann. It also offers Internal 24-bit resampling and sample streaming from its microSD.

Bento is completely standalone thanks to its onboard battery, which 1010 tells us offers 3 hours of wireless use.

Bento is available to order now priced at $899, shipping in mid May 2025. Visit the 1010music website for more.