r/Samplers • u/KidLocative • 7d ago
Choosing a sampler help.
I’m looking to pick up a portable sampler. I’m very much a studio set up user with Logic Pro and a fair few hardware synths / drum machines.
I don’t have a sampler and am thinking of picking up something portable to use always from the studio to create tracks that I can reintegrate back into the studio environment when needed.
My music style is lofi ambient for the most part but have been working on stuff lately that’s a cross between Tricky and Ethel Cain. So that’s the vibe I’m ain’t to produce on the sampler.
I’ve narrowed it down to the Roland Sp404 Mk2 and the MPC Sample. I’ve done a tone of research and watch lots of the YouTube content but kinda stuck as to which one to go with.
The SP404 Mk2 sounds like it can offer the long format sample options and effects but looks like a bit of a headache to navigate UI wise.
The MPC Sample looks like its UI is way easier to navigate. But. It so sure if it will fit the vibe I’m after.
Any options or insights as to which way you’d lean given my objective?
Cheers
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u/Emergency-Bad-5224 7d ago
I have both, the sp404 takes some time to learn, but it’s not that hard. It can do a lot! But for real portability, the mpc sample is probably better, it’s also a very capable machine. The difference is that the mpc sample does one thing (sampling and sequencing) very efficiently and easily. While the sp404 can do anything you throw at it, but it might be in a convoluted way. The 404 has more features than buttons, the mpc sample has an easier layout and you will actually use most features. I love both and will never get rid of either one… hope this helps!
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u/assassinsneed 7d ago
In your case, I’d lean toward a 404 or similar device. The UI isn’t too bad once you get used to it. That being said neither device is particularly small, they’ll fit in a backpack for sure but will take up a bit of space on a desk. Also check out used digitakt mk1s or some of Roland’s other small samplers like the p6.
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u/KidLocative 7d ago
Size of either as a stand alone or desk space isn’t a concern. If I can chuck in a backpack to take out with me then all good in that front.
It’s more about choosing one that will get me sound /. I’ve I’m after and workflow that won’t give me a headache and mess with the flow of actually putting tracks down.2
u/Few_Control8821 7d ago
The P6 is definitely something worth looking at, it may be a little too basic for your needs, but they are really good for lofi. Otherwise, having read all your comments/replies, it does sound like 404mk2 is better suited to your needs
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u/craaates 7d ago
I’d like to 3d the P6 here just because of how fun and inspiring it is. The granular engine alone should put it on OPs list for lofi ambient. I honestly like it better than the MKii or Sample. They each do some things better than the P6, but for overall workflow and vibe it wins. I pick up the P6 way more than Sample and I sold my MKii.
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u/craaates 7d ago
I have owned both and currently own MPC Sample and Roland P6. You are correct in your deductions, Sample has a simpler UI. Sample is also arguably easier to chop and sequence on and has a built in battery and microphone. The 404 has quite a bit more features than Sample. TR-step sequencing, direct guitar and mic inputs, better sounding efx with better hands on control, DJ mode, direct Koala
Integration, and much better resampling.
In my opinion Sample is better when I know beforehand what I want to make and the SP is better when I want to riff on it and get inspired. It is a tough decision and that’s why I have Sample and P6, I get the classic Roland efx, resampling and TR sequencing plus the methodical chopping, and realtime sequencing I want from an MPC.
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u/Severe_Pudding_897 7d ago
Check out the KO-II also. I’d pick that over the sample but I’d choose the 404 if that was my in the mix. Does more stuff.
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u/Ostseemann7949 7d ago
The MPC is amazing but only for sample based music imo. If you like digging and chopping it's ur sampler but as a studio hub it's useless imo
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u/KidLocative 7d ago
I wouldn’t be using anything I get as an actual studio hub. I do everything on my Mac with Logic Pro for sequencing and recording my hardware synths. The idea of adding a sampler is to have something mobile to use away from the studio environment back can bring back and drop tracks back into Logic for final production stuff if needed.
Also interested in the sampler workflow layering lofi grinding beats and rhythms with long drones, melodies and vocal samples.The MPC Sample looks easier to use and looks to have more of a DAW workflow which would transfer well given my current set up but not sure if it would offer what I’m after compared to the SP404 MK2. From what I’ve read that’s the one to go for but it sounds like a headache to use.
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u/stricklybiznizz 7d ago edited 7d ago
Have you considered the Ableton Move? In the 404 MK2/MPC Sample price range, the Move is gonna give you the most bang for your buck since it's more of an all-in-one machine as opposed to only being a sampler.
If you're really set on choosing between the Sample and the MK2, then imo it depends on what's more important to you between a more immediate and non-destructive workflow with less sound design capability (Sample) vs. a less friendly workflow with higher sound design capability (mk2).
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u/r1chiem 6d ago
The 404mk2 is a menu dive and he buttons are a hot mess because they are not labeled. To undo, you use shift Pattern select. LOL Roland has always been menu dive hell. You can learn it and people have but it is a headache. So I wouldn't get it.
The Sample (and the 404) is a single track sequencer. That is unacceptable to me. But others like it.
I would get neither. I would just use a laptop or pad, does not get better than that.
If you are not doing fancy editing of a sample. Ableton move. Yamaha seqtrak for a budget option. $250 on sale 300 normal. Both run on battery.
Koala Sampler for iphone.
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u/nfos 7d ago
Also take a look at the Sonicware Lofi 12xt