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Buying Guide: Hardware Samplers

Sample-Based Beatmaking Breakdown for Any Budget

Stephen McLeod Blythe Ā· 11/14/24

Sampling has long since become firmly established as an integral part of modern music production. However, it wasnā€™t all that long ago where if you wanted to dabble with the dark arts, you had to contend with bulky rack units, floppy disks, and mere seconds of recording time (if you were lucky).

Nowadays we are spoiled for choice when it comes to the selection of devices that can record, mangle, and arrange sounds in a multitude of ways. From the small and straightforward to the large and sophisticated, there are a number of options available at every price point. Letā€™s dive in and take a look at some of the possibilities that are out there.

Hardware Samplers Under $500

If you're looking for a budget-friendly sampler, you've come to the right place. Here, we're taking a look at an astonishingly powerful selection of samplers which, at the time of publishing this article, are all available for under $500.

Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-33 K.O.

Donā€™t let the size or low cost of the PO-33 fool youā€”it is a deceivingly capable micro-sampler with a rather impressive 40 seconds of recording time. You are able to capture the world around you via the onboard microphone, or pipe in external sources via the minijack input. The sounds can then be arranged into patterns via the 16-step sequencer, which includes per-step performance FX, and there is also the ability to chain sections together for longer compositions.

Phew. Not bad for such a tiny device. If you are looking for an immediate and fun way to get into sampling at an affordable price, then this may just be what youā€™re after.

Teeange Engineering EP-133 K.O. II

If you want a deeper version of the K.O. concept, allow me to introduce the EP-133 K.O. II, an evolution of the iconic PO-33 that amplifies its sound, size, and capabilities. The K.O. II builds on the workflow of the original PO-series sampler, not only increasing its physical size but also offering more power and versatility. But the K.O. II is much more than just a samplerā€”its supercharged sequencer takes the established PO-style workflow and elevates it, with longer track lengths (up to 99 bars) and greater flexibility, allowing you to experiment beyond the constraints of 16-step sequences. This means you can iterate and develop ideas without being limited to fixed patterns, and even use the sequencer to control external instruments, synthesizers, and drum machines.

With its upgraded hardware, the K.O. II takes sampling to the next level. It now supports stereo audio and boasts 64MB of memory, giving you 20 seconds of recording time at 16-bit, 46kHz, spread across up to 999 sample slots. These seemingly restrictive specs are actually designed to inspire creativity, providing a vintage-sampler-like immediacy and simplicity that encourage hands-on experimentation. Like its predecessor, the K.O. II includes a built-in microphone and an audio line input, making it easy to sample on the go, anytime and anywhere.

The real game-changer in the K.O. II is its sequencer. Unlike the PO-series' simple 16-step chains, the K.O. II allows you to combine four groups with their own unique sequence lengthsā€”each group can be up to 99 bars long. This added flexibility lets you experiment and build complex, evolving compositions before finalizing your ideas. Of course, the punch-in effects are still here, but they've been enhanced with pressure-sensitive keys for more dynamic, expressive performance. An assignable performance fader adds even more control, turning the K.O. II into an incredibly expressive instrument for live performance and composition.

What truly sets the K.O. II apart is its openness and connectivity. In addition to stereo audio I/O, the K.O. II can connect to a wide range of analog, digital, and virtual instruments, thanks to its MIDI, analog sync, and USB-C ports. No matter how you choose to integrate it into your setup, the EP-133 K.O. II is ready to become the heavyweight champion of your electronic music workflow.

Teeange Engineering EP-1320 Medieval Sampler

Is that not weird enough for you? Then check out the EP-1320ā€”the medieval sampler of yore.

The Teenage Engineering EP-1320 carries forward the DNA of the beloved PO-33, offering a larger interface and a significant memory boost. Unlike its predecessor, though, it comes loaded with a selection of medieval sounds: swords, lutes, torture chamber tones, and more. As with the EP-133, it supports stereo audio and sampling, and it continues to offer an impressive range of sequencing options. With four tracks, each capable of up to 99 bars, the EP-1320 unlocks a world of complex rhythmic and melodic patterns, allowing for sophisticated compositions right out of the box. The expanded memory and high-quality built-in samples further enhance its creative potential, making it an inspiring tool for music makers.

True to Teenage Engineeringā€™s meticulous attention to detail, the EP-1320 is equipped with thoughtful features that elevate the user experience. A built-in speaker and microphone make sampling and jamming on the go a breeze, while stereo I/O and MIDI connections ensure seamless integration with your studio setup.

Bastl MicroGranny Monolith

Bastl are a company that are well known for their mini-but-mighty devices, with a particular focus on noise and experimentation. The MicroGranny Monolith is the latest iteration of their celebrated MicroGrannyā€”a crunchy monophonic sampler which comes in a portable package.

Samples are recorded in 8-bit for lofi goodness, but 16-bit wav playback is also supported. Up to 60 presets can be stored on a microSD card, with 6 sounds available per presetā€”and these can be played back via the dedicated keys on top of the unit itself, or alternatively, by hooking up an external MIDI controller (full-sized, 5 pin DIN connections!). The real power of the MicroGranny though, lies in its granular synthesis engine, which lets you warp and twist the samples to your heartā€™s content. This is one for the sonic explorers out there.

Korg Volca Sample 2

Korgā€™s Volca range has been wildly popular for providing capable and affordable electronic instruments in a compact packageā€”and none was more anticipated than the original Volca Sample. This was an intuitive and hands-on sample arranger, with basic controls over the pitch, length, and other parametersā€”as well as a 16 step sequencer that has swing and groove.

With this second iteration, Korg have added USB connectivity to let you transfer samples more easily, and doubled the amount of memory available. If you are just starting out with electronic music, or if your main interest is in creating rhythmic patterns out of pre-prepared samplesā€”perhaps in a small DAWless setupā€”then the Volca 2 could be a good shout.

Elektron Model:Samples

Sometimes, you just want to dive in and start making music, and not have to worry about complex workflows or convoluted setups. This is where this six-track groovebox from Elektron shines: Model:Samples is a no-nonsense workhorse that streamlines the Elektron workflow, leaving the core elements you need for powerful, sample-based sequencing.

Packed with hundreds of preset sounds to get you up and running straight away, you can also transfer your own samples over USB. The main focus of Model:Samples though is in its immediacy, and it couldnā€™t be quicker to put together unique patterns with the built-in sequencer, 6 velocity sensitive pads, and dedicated knobs for quick access to each function. Despite all of this, Model:Samples also has some surprising depth, thanks to the implementation of Elektronā€™s approach to ā€˜parameter locksā€™, for per-step sonic variations. This is a quick and fun way to kick off your music making process.

Roland AIRA Compact P-6 Creative Sampler

Roland expands its AIRA Compact lineup with the P-6, a versatile and compact eight-bank, six-pad sampler and granular synth packed with powerful features and effects. At its core, the P-6 is a sampling powerhouse, offering multiple ways to capture sound: via the built-in microphone, line input, or USB-C port. You can choose from a variety of sample rates and lengths, ranging from 44.1kHz (5.9 seconds of sampling) to 22kHz (11.8 seconds), down to 14.7kHz (17.8 seconds), and all the way to 11kHz for the longest sampling time of 23.7 seconds (mono; stereo samples are half the length).

The P-6 provides six pads across eight banks, giving you a total of 48 sample slots. Each sample can be chopped into sections or played chromatically using the secondary pads, offering immense flexibility in how you manipulate your sounds. With the built-in sequencer, you can program melodic sequences or rhythmic chops for each pad, making the P-6 ideal for both live performance and studio production.

In addition to sampling, the P-6 is a powerful granular synthesizer. With the dedicated Granular button, you can easily access granular synthesis and manipulate your samples in unique ways. Play them either monophonically or polyphonically using the built-in keyboard or connect a MIDI controller for added control. The P-6 also offers a rich selection of 20 effects, which can be activated on the fly with intuitive controls, allowing you to add instant color and texture to your samples or sequences.

Affordable Sampling Options from Sonicware

If you are the type of free spirit that hates being tied to a studio when making music, the Sonicware SmplTrek could provide an alternative. With its built in microphone, jack inputs, and straightforward approach to recording, SmplTrek provides the means to quickly grab audio and put together tracks on the go from a variety of sources. You can load in samples via SD card, and make use of the built-in sequencer and extensive list of digital effects to structure your songs.This is a portable groovebox that has been specifically designed for those with a love for sampling.

One of the defining characteristics of early hardware samplers was their gritty 12-bit sample rate. In the modern era of high quality recordings, people are increasingly interested in replicating this, to bring a bit of edge and character to their music. The Liven Lofi-12 is a compact, battery-powered groovebox that takes this philosophy to heartā€”offering 128 slots that are capable of up to 4 seconds of sample time in 12-bit. There is a 64 step sequencer, and it even has a ā€˜lazyā€™ knob included, to help dial in that off-beat sound which has become associated with the LoFi hip-hop community. All in all, it packs in a significant amount of features for the price. If your primary interest lies in making chilled out beats to study to, then the Lofi-12 will be right up your street.

Hardware Samplers Between $500 and $1000

Of course, stepping into a slightly higher price range means you can expect some improvementsā€”in terms of sound quality, build quality, and sampling capabilities in general. Here are some of the best samplers available in a slightly higher price range, between $500 and $1000.

Akai MPC One+

Youā€™d be hard pressed to find a more legendary series of samplers than Akaiā€™s MPCs. Their history is inextricably linked to the development of hip-hop and beat making culture, and to this day they remain incredibly well-respected for their particular approach to sampling, chopping, and soulful arrangement.

The MPC One+ is an ideal entry to this world, retaining as it does the spirit of its predecessors such as the MPC 2000XL, while simultaneously bringing the whole process bang up to date with modern conveniences for the digital age. The classic layout of 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads are now accented by RGB LEDs; there is a touch screen to allow for ultra-quick and precise sample editing; and there are even built-in synthesis engines for when you want something a bit different.

You can sample into the MPC One+ directly via a pair of jack inputs on its rear, or make use of its expandable memory to load in WAV files. There is 2GB internal storage space by default, though you can increase this exponentially by installing an optional SD cardā€”providing you more room for vinyl flips than the MPC users of yester-year could ever have dreamed of. Priced incredibly competitively, the MPC One+ is a pretty tough option to beat when it comes to sheer bang for your buck. It even includes assignable CV/Gate outputs for all you modular synth users out there.

The new MPC One+ maintains the features of the original MPC One, but add wireless connectivity and expanded internal storageā€”as well as a sharp red enclosure, all astonishingly at a considerably lower price.

Elektron Digitakt II

The Elektron Digitakt II takes the iconic sampler and sequencer to new heights, cementing its place as a powerhouse in both studio and live performance setups. With 16 tracks for audio manipulation and MIDI sequencing, it offers deep flexibility in sound creation and sequencing. The new version introduces stereo sampling (in addition to mono) and a range of sample rates, giving you more options for immersive soundscapes.

Digitakt II's Machines system lets you control playback in diverse ways, such as oneshot, stretch, repitch, and grid modes, offering quick, creative manipulations of your samples. A new filter section, multiple LFOs, and a wider selection of effects (including overdrive, chorus, and bit reduction) provide deeper sound sculpting, while advanced envelopes and panning controls allow you to shape your sounds further.

The sequencer has been upgraded with 128 steps (double the original) and new Euclidean sequencing features, making it easier to generate complex rhythms and polyrhythms. The Pattern Lengths per track and Micro-timing offer even more creative control. With Song Mode, you can chain patterns to build full tracks, while Parameter Locks allow you to control multiple sound and effect parameters per step for even more sonic variety.

The storage and data management of the Digitakt II are expanded, with 1024 samples per project and 400MB RAM, ensuring quick sample load times and vast space for your ideas. With 20GB internal storage, it's perfect for holding full live sets, album projects, or a collection of sound sketches.

Polyend Play+

The Polyend Play+ takes the highly regarded Play groovebox and enhances it with a range of powerful new features, making it a top-tier platform for music creation and performance. Building on the original's success, Play+ now offers stereo sample playback, four synthesis engines, multitrack audio over USB, and expanded functionality across 16 tracks, giving you even more creative possibilities.

One of the most significant upgrades in Play+ is the addition of four synthesis engines: ACD, FAT, VAP, and WTFM. These engines provide a diverse range of sounds, from analog warmth to digital character, perfect for complementing your samples. Whether you're looking to create thick, rich analog tones or dive into experimental digital sounds, Play+ delivers the tools to shape your music. Additionally, the synthesis tracks can be used for MIDI sequencing, allowing you to control external gear and even program CC automation on a per-step basis, making it a versatile tool for both standalone and integrated setups.

Sample playback in Play+ has also been upgraded with stereo audio support, allowing you to incorporate richer soundscapes, stereo field recordings, and complex modular synth patches. You can manipulate samples in numerous waysā€”playing them forward, backward, or using chance and randomization to add dynamic movement. Furthermore, you can tweak parameters like start/end points and volume on the fly using the intuitive sequencer interface, giving you deep control over every aspect of your audio.

At its core, the Polyend Play+ retains the same 16-track layout as the original, split into eight sample tracks and eight synthesis/MIDI tracks. This configuration, combined with Play+'s exceptional sequencer, allows for incredible variation, automation, and performance flexibility. Whether you're composing, remixing, or performing live, Play+ makes it easier than ever to sketch, iterate, and refine your musical ideas.

Polyend Tracker+ and Tracker Mini

The Polyend Tracker+ brings an exciting update to the popular tracker-based sequencer and sampler, building upon the success of its predecessor with expanded features, improved sampling capabilities, and a variety of synthesis engines. The Tracker+ retains the distinctive tracker workflow seen in classic software like LSDJ and Renoise, offering a unique approach to composing intricate electronic music. While staying true to the traditional tracker style, the Tracker+ is much more user-friendly, with modern features and built-in tools that make it an excellent entry point for those new to this music-making method.

One of the major upgrades in the Tracker+ is the addition of 16 tracks, up from the previous model's eight. Like the Play+, the Tracker+ now also includes four internal synth enginesā€”ACD, FAT, VAP, and WTFMā€”which offer classic and modern sounds, ranging from analog warmth to digital experimentation. Additionally, the PERC Drum Machine engine offers classic TR-808 and TR-909 sounds, while also diving into more experimental drum sounds.

The sampling capabilities in Tracker+ have been enhanced as well. In addition to supporting stereo sampling, the Tracker+ now offers full stereo support across all sampling engines, making it more versatile for creating rich, immersive soundscapes. The sampler allows for traditional one-shot and reverse playback, as well as more advanced features like slicing, granulation, and wavetable conversion. You can even use the built-in FM radio to sample ambient sounds from your environment, making for a truly creative and portable sampling experience.

Polyend's Tracker Mini, on the other hand, is a compact powerhouse that condenses the full-sized Polyend Tracker workflow into a smaller, portable form, perfect for musicians on the go. With a design reminiscent of classic handheld gaming systems, the Tracker Mini is both nostalgic and modern, making it easy to create music anywhere, anytime.

One of the standout features of the Tracker Mini is its built-in battery, offering up to eight hours of continuous playtimeā€”ideal for long sessions away from power sources. The device also includes a microphone for capturing sounds on the fly, and it supports stereo sampling for richer, more immersive audio. With a 5" LCD screen, youā€™ll have a clear view of your projects, even while traveling.

While compact, the Tracker Mini doesn't skimp on functionality. It retains the core features of the original Tracker, including the ability to handle 48 instruments and 256 patterns, each with up to 128 steps. This means you can create highly complex compositions with a wide range of sonic possibilities. The granular and wavetable synthesis engines are fully intact, offering creative options for sound manipulation, and the device's improved noise management ensures cleaner, better-quality recordings.

Roland SP-404 MkII

The Roland SP series has amassed something of a cult following, particularly amongst the lofi, beat-making crowdā€”and itā€™s easy enough to see why. Sampling is quick and easy, and the 17 chunky, velocity sensitive pads allow for a fluid and natural way to play your sounds back in real-time. On top of that, the built-in FX are incredibly musical, lending themselves just as nicely to studio work as live performance. This is very much a hands-on instrument, and one that begs to be tapped, tweaked, and adjusted on the fly.

The latest incarnation of the SP-404ā€”the SP-404 MkIIā€”has been highly anticipated, and brings with it a dizzying array of new features, including unique FX, 32-voice polyphony, an improved workflow for chopping samples more precisely, and a crisp OLED display. The most powerful SP yet.

1010 Music Blackbox

1010's Blackbox is a high-quality digital sampler that provides a range of slicing and playback options in a compact form factor. Its responsive touch-screen provides a familiar and natural way of working for those whoā€™ve grown up in the digital era, though you can always hook up an external MIDI controller (via USB or minijack) for additional tactility if you prefer.

There are 16 sample slots available per preset that can be used for loops or one shots, as well as a host of different effects and sequencing possibilities.This is an all-in-one sampling studio that can hold hours of audio, and could be the ideal partner for live performers.

Going Pro: Samplers $1000+

Sometimes price is no objectā€”you simply need the best, most flexible options for wrangling and mangling external audio. We can't blame you...so, here are some of the most interesting flagship sampling devices available today.

Elektron Octatrack

When it comes to twisting and mangling samples on the fly, Octatrack is King. Its idiosyncratic workflow can be tricky to get your head around at first, but once you are accustomed to its quirks, nothing comes close in terms of raw power for creative manipulation.

Realtime pitch shifting, time stretching, and looping are all possible (nay, actively encouraged), and spread across eight stereo tracksā€”with an additional eight MIDI tracks to control external gear. Storage is by way of Compact Flash card, and you can sample directly in via the four jack inputs on the rear.

One of the most interesting parts of the Octatrack is its cross-fader, which allows you to morph between two different predetermined scenes, either gradually or abruptly. If you are looking for a deep, capable sampler with a focus on live performance, and arenā€™t afraid of putting a bit of time in to understand a new workflow, then the Octatrack should be top of your list.

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Field

The original OP-1 is a design classic, and provided a unique, all-in-one sampling and music creation experience, thanks to its beautiful hardware, four-track tape-based workflow, quirky FX, synthesis, and sampling capabilities. The OP-1 Field builds on this legacy, and takes things to an entirely different level. Every part of the device has been upgraded or refined in some way, including an improved display, casing, and battery life which now extends to an almost unbelievable 24 hours. In addition to the classic sound engines, there is a new analog style synth called "Dimension," and "Mother" reverb.

The list of features and possibilities of the OP-1 Field is tough to do justice to in an article like this (an article like this one, though, is another story). Ultimately what people love about this particular sampling device is that it provides a complete and inspiring workstation for you to create full tracks in a stylish, and portable package. For some, itā€™s quite possible that this could be the one bit of gear you ever need to purchase.

Isla S2400

The S2400 is a modern recreation of one of the most legendary samplers of all timeā€”the E-mu SP-1200. This is a chunky but beautiful desktop unit with a raft of connectivity that includes full sized DIN MIDI, RCA I/O, and 8 individual outputs, to let you process your individual sounds separately through outboard gear (e.g. whacking a saturator on the kick, filter on the hi hats, etc).

Samples can be recorded on the fly, or imported from SD card, and there is even a USB audio interface built in. The real magic of the S2400 though is in its old school workflow, and particular sonic signatureā€”both elements which have been faithfully replicated here. To that end, you can choose between the classic crunchy 12-bit sample rate, or the cleaner 24-bit alternative. This is a special machine for those that are serious about their beat making and sample based creations.

Akai Force

The phrase "DAW in a box" gets thrown around a lot, but itā€™s probably never been more accurately applied to a device than the Akai Force. This particular device is an incredibly powerful music production workstation, which can be operated either standalone, or in conjunction with a DAW such as Ableton. It combines the sampling might of the MPC series with a clip-based approach to performance and arrangement, making clever use of its 64 velocity and pressure sensitive RGB pads.

There are a vast array of synthesis engines, FX, sequencers, and other features included. Force has 16GB of built-in storage, but also supports the use of SD cards and the installation of an additional SSD hard drive, providing more space for sampling and track creation than you would be able to fill in a lifetime. It is a truly impressive bit of equipment.

But What About Eurorack?

The range of modern hardware samplers arenā€™t limited to standalone desktop units, of course.

If youā€™ve already fallen down the modular rabbit hole, then you might want to check out the Squid Salmple from ALM Busy Circuits. This 21hp module has eight channels that can be used for both the recording and playback of mono samplesā€”a maximum of 11 seconds per channelā€”which are stored on a handy USB thumb drive that connects at the front. There are individual trigger inputs, andā€”as you would expect from Eurorackā€”a number of different modulation possibilities, including CV inputs with assignable destinations, and 1V/Oct control over channels 6ā€“8. This is the perfect way to integrate the magic of sampling into your rack.

One notable mention has to go to LĆŗbadhā€”a unique and creative Eurorack module from Scottish builder Instruo. Coming in at 20hp of rack space, this striking creation provides digital recreations of two looping tapes, which provide an extensive amount of sampling time, but also endless creative possibilities, thanks to the variety of ways that you can manipulate the recorded sounds. Pitch shifting, looping, octave delays, broken tape emulation and saturation are all possible, with extensive CV control. This approach to sampling helps provide a different perspective on how to use captured audio, and is perfect for the creation of cinematic textures and soundscapes. A module for those that are interested in sonic experimentation.

All that said, this article isn't the right place to go deep into a discussion on modular samplingā€”that's a whole deep topic all its own. Who knows, though...perhaps you'll see a Eurorack sampling-oriented buying guide in the not-too-distant future...