phrase sampler

egw · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2009 8:59 am Post subject: phrase sampler

I'm looking for a small device to play field recordings, samples, wav files, etc. Mostly for textures and sound effects, not for rhythms. Three possibilites I have identified are the Roland SP-404sx, Akai mpc500, and a netbook running some kind of (yet to be identified) software. Any thoughts on the pros and cons of these? I would like something performance-oriented, lightweight, with ability to trigger multiple sounds without reconfiguring, lots of storage, and easy to transfer files from a pc. Effects are a plus, especially pitch shifting. Also any software suggestions are welcome. Budget is in the neighborhood of $300. Thanks!

fibreman · Joined: Oct 11, 2009 Posts: 17 Location: Warrington, UK

For your budget I have a feeling you might catch yourself in the valley of compromise.

I use the 404 live, and it does the job. Multiple samples isn't a problem, the pads aren't velocity sensitive but it sounds like that isn't what you're after anyway. I've had it nearly 3 years now and it's held up well, I've never had an issue with it and don't expect to have one. I've never used an MPC500, but then all i'm basically after is playback and some effect which I apply to the input device (an Alesis Ion).

The only drawbacks I can see for what you require is the effects can only be routed to one pad at a time, although it can remember your settings for each effect - so you can set up one tempo-synced delay and then another shorter delay in the MFX bank. Theres no automation but you do have resampling. Sampling isn't a 'one click' process, but it is fairly easy, as are the majority of functions on the unit. I would assume tasks could be performed more 'on the fly' with the Akai.

modulator_esp · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2009 1:47 pm Post subject:

I use the 404 too. It's pretty simple effects wise, but the one effect can be applied to just one sample, or all the samples. Importing samples from a PC requires copying the wave file to a CF card then putting that in the 404 and importing, which is a real time conversion process.

I like the 404 for what it is, a simple unit with fx, that can play back really long samples, and layer them

I've not looked at the new version so don't know how it is different

Inventor · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2009 1:59 pm Post subject:

Greg, I only know of the netbook solution. Netbooks are $300, so that fits your budget. I imagine that your software playback could be a VST host also, then you could pick and choose from your desired effects including ambiophonics.

Or if you're into Linux, you could load Ubuntu Studio, Jack, and ChucK to program your own effects.

Either way, the flexibility of the netbook solution would come at a price - complexity. Obviously a special-purpose tool is safer and more reliable, and you might prefer that in a performance environment.

If you do go with a netbook, the Acer Aspire One is a good choice, but get the 6-cell battery instead of the 3-cell one if you can afford it. I have the 3-cell and it lasts for a while, but double would be better.

Les

GovernorSilver · Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:13 pm Post subject:

Korg Microsampler is a recently new entry into this arena.

egw · Posted: Wed Dec 02, 2009 11:16 am Post subject:

I settled for the sp-404sx. $289 on ebay.
The sx is not much different from the original sp-404 - it has a SDHC card and software for loading samples. And some additional effects.
I'll probably get a netbook eventually, for email and stuff while traveling. So I'm still interested in potential musical applications for that.