Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-33 K.O.

Don’t let the size or low cost of the PO-33 fool you—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 you’re after.

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 MicroGranny—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 preset—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 heart’s content. This is one for the sonic explorers out there.

Korg Volca Sample 2

Korg’s Volca range has been wildly popular for providing capable and affordable electronic instruments in a compact package—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 parameters—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 samples—perhaps in a small DAWless setup—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 couldn’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 Elektron’s approach to ‘parameter locks’, for per-step sonic variations. This is a quick and fun way to kick off your music making process.

Affordable Sampling Options from Sonicware

Akai MPC One+

You’d be hard pressed to find a more legendary series of samplers than Akai’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 card—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.

Polyend Tracker + Tracker Mini

If you find yourself bored by the traditional horizontal approach to arranging music, then perhaps the Polyend Tracker could be for you. Inspired by the verticality that was popularized by software such as ProTracker and OctaMED for the Amiga, Polyend have brought this idiosyncratic workflow into the physical world with a dedicated piece of hardware. You can sample directly into the unit via the monophonic mic or line inputs on the rear, or by adding WAV files on microSD—and there is even a built-in FM radio to let you grab snippets from the airwaves.

The real star of the show though is the extensive way that you can creatively manipulate, sequence, and add effects to your collections of sounds, with 8 tracks, 128-step patterns, and dual, per-step FX lanes. This whole process may seem complicated at first, but it is both quick and intuitive once you learn some basics thanks to the large display, jog-wheel, and collection of 48 LED pads. Before you know it, you’ll be firmly converted to the tracker philosophy.

If you prefer making music on the go, then you might want to consider the Tracker Mini, which was announced as part of NAMM 2023. Built on the foundations of the original Tracker, the Mini squeezes its features down into a portable, handheld device with built-in battery. The FM radio of the OG has been removed, but the Mini boasts additional features, including improved processing power, stereo sample support, and support for audio over USB.

Polyend Play

Even if trackers aren’t your bag, Polyend may still provide an answer, in the form of its 16-track groovebox Play.

Strictly speaking, Play isn’t really a "sampler," in the sense that there is no way to record samples directly via a mic or line input. However, you can load in large banks of sounds from microSD, and the focus of this device is very much on creative sequencing and composition, thanks to its eight sample tracks, and a further eight polyphonic MIDI tracks to let you control external gear.

Getting started couldn’t be easier, thanks to the variety of options to create and randomize patterns and parameters. When you combine this with the clever use of "variations," and the multitude of FX that can be triggered via the dedicated performance mode, you have an incredibly accessible way of quickly producing and enjoying different kinds of music. Play is an ideal device for people who are more interested in making tunes from existing sample packs, rather than collecting or recording new ones.

If you are primarily interested in the creation of interesting rhythmic patterns, then you may wish to consider the Elektron Digitakt. Styled as a digital drum computer and sampler, this sleek metal box with delightfully clacky keys is packed with features to spice up your sequences, including Elektron’s unique approach to pattern locks. This allows you to adjust a variety of different parameters on a per-step basis—including the probability of a particular sound triggering, as well as manipulating different elements of the built-in FX, such as reverb and delay. All of this comes together to ensure that you never have to feel stuck in a basic four-to-the-floor rut ever again (unless of course, that’s what you want).

Recording samples into the Digitakt is incredibly easy—via jack inputs on the rear—and there is space for up to 33 seconds per sample. Alternatively, you can make use of its 1GB of internal storage, which also supports the transfer of WAV files from a computer. There are eight tracks available for you to arrange your patterns, and a further eight tracks to allow simultaneous control over external MIDI devices. While the Digitakt’s primary strength may lie in the percussive world, that doesn’t mean that it’s limited to drums—and there are plenty of ways to create full songs with a bit of creativity.

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 tracks—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 aren’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, it’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 time—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 signature—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 it’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.