Contents
- Criteria For Buying A Sampler/ Buyer’s Guide:
- Sampler Basics:
- Synthesizer Features:
- Memory/ Storage:
- Brands:
- Price:
- Top Picks:
- Akai Professional MPC One:
- Roland SP-404SX Linear Wave Sampler with DSP Effects:
- Elektron DDS-8 Digitakt 8-Track Sampler:
- Best Sampler For Beginners:
- Akai Professional MPC One:
- Key Features:
- Roland SP-404SX Linear Wave Sampler with DSP Effects:
- Key Features:
- Elektron DDS-8 Digitakt 8-Track Sampler:
- Key Features:
- AKAI Professional MPC X – Standalone Drum Machine and Sampler:
- Key Features:
- Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer, Sampler:
- Key Features:
- Elektron Octatrack MKII 8-track Performance Sampling Workstation/Sequencer:
- Key Features:
- Comparison Table
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Conclusion:
With the popularity of music genres like EDM and electronic music, hardware samplers have also seen a notable rise in their fame. Musicians make them look so cool in use and application. No doubt, these instruments would prove to be a great addition to any studio or stage setup. However, there isn’t a shortage to choose from, which makes it way more difficult for beginners who have dipped their toes in the world of electronic music. Thus, we have prepared a list of the best sampler for beginners to make this chore a bit easier for you.
But before you go ahead, read through our buyer’s guide to understand exactly what you need to look for in the sampler.
Criteria For Buying A Sampler/ Buyer’s Guide:
Sampler Basics:
Samplers are not as known as other digital musical instruments. Thus, it would make sense that you might not be familiar with many features of this particular instrument. Therefore, take time to familiarize yourself with such features, and then decide. This includes sample rate, bit depths, polyphony, DSP, and other bells and whistles.
Synthesizer Features:
Samplers come with a choice of having an onboard synthesizer. This feature comes in handy when you want to work a lot of things on just one product. But of course, such samplers are a bit more costly than others.
Memory/ Storage:
Higher the RAM, smother, and faster the action of the sampler would be. Moreover, if you have more storage space, you could save many of your samples and audio tracks on the device without a fuss.
Brands:
Of course, brands matter. How can’t they? Each brand produces its products with distinct qualities. More famous brands, of course, produce better quality products. Also, the brand name matters when the instrument retains its monetary value over time.
Price:
For many, the cost of the instrument is always a deciding factor. Our advice is that as a beginner, you can make do with a cheaper and simplistic sampler that can help you learn the basics of it. However, if you have money to spare, and don’t think you will be upgrading anytime soon, then an expensive sampler would be a better choice.
Now that you know what to look for let’s move on to the list of best sampler for beginners.
Top Picks:
Akai Professional MPC One:
The first pick of every musician.
Roland SP-404SX Linear Wave Sampler with DSP Effects:
Simple yet effective. The calculator look may work with your aesthetic.
Elektron DDS-8 Digitakt 8-Track Sampler:
A modern approach to sampling.
Best Sampler For Beginners:
Akai Professional MPC One:
We believe in starting with a bang. And what better way to start the list of best sampler for beginners than with the famous Akai Professional MPC One? This is a beast of a machine.
The most memorable thing about this particular sample is that it comes with a 7″ high-resolution multi-touch display. How many samplers can boast that? Not many to begin with. On top of that, this is a multifunctional instrument, having a synthesizer, drum machine, and Midi controller all rolled into one place. Trust us; you can’t go wrong with this one.
Specs:
- Brand: Akai
- Weight: 7.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.8 x 10.8 x 1.8 inches
- Color: Black
- Display: Multi-Touch Display
Key Features:
- Standalone MPC, Sampler, Drum Machine, And Midi Controller
- 7” High-Resolution Multi-Touch Display
- 16 Velocity Sensitive Rgb Beat Pads
Pros:
- Touch screen display
- Sampler, Midi controller, MPC, and drum machine all rolled into one
- Tons of features
- Custom samples and loop library available
Cons:
- The synth and sound library are not extensive.
Roland SP-404SX Linear Wave Sampler with DSP Effects:
It’s interesting how many things we underestimate end up impressing us most. And the Ronal SP-404SX is a blatant example of that.
The appearance looks like a calculator. However, please don’t fall for its unique looks. Despite all its limitations, it still manages to achieve what it was made to do; sampling. Most important of all, it is the best sampler for beginners. It’s easy to operate and learn. Sure, it may take some time to make it sound good, but that is a staple with every other instrument, no? Thus, for beginners, Ronald SP-404SX is a perfect choice.
Specs:
- Brand: Roland
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 7 inches
- Color: Black
- Display: LED Display
Key Features:
- 29 DSP effects, including filter, delay, unique voice effects, subsonic, and looper
- 3 control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering
- Comes with 1 GB card, extendable memory of up to 32 GB
Pros:
- Portable due to build-in mic and battery
- Seamless effects
- Smooth performance
- Easy to use
Cons:
- You can’t record an input while something is playing. However, you can work around it.
Elektron DDS-8 Digitakt 8-Track Sampler:
Want a beast of a machine? Well, Elektron DDS-8 is here to fulfill your wish.
If you are trying to find any imperfection with this behemoth, you will need to spend a long time finding one because this is near perfect. It does take some time to get used to, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to enjoy its perks. The sound is excellent. The digital filter is also of superb quality. In short, this is, beyond any doubt, the best sampler for beginners.
Specs:
- Brand: Elektron
- Weight: 4.73 pounds
- Dimensions: 11.61 x 11.38 x 4.88 inches
- Color: Black
- Display: OLED screen
Key Features:
- 400+ Factory Samples, including:
- 5 acoustic drum kits – 4 of which are by That Sound
- 23 electronic drum kits
- 42 synth one shots
- 44 synth stabs and pads
- 83 single cycle oscillators and noise loops
Pros:
- Ultra crisp OLED screen
- Overbridge enabled
- Flexible
- Live friendly sequencer included
Cons:
- No stereo sampling
AKAI Professional MPC X – Standalone Drum Machine and Sampler:
The price tag of this particular sample can turn off many people, especially beginners. But there is a reason that it is so expensive; it is the definition of evolved control. Now, with 16 MPC drum Pads, 16 touch-capacitive Q-Links with OLED displays, transport controls, complete monitoring control, and connectivity for USB MIDI keyboard controllers, you have all the control of music in your hands.
It also comes with super connectivity, as it can connect with many of your devices. It may not seem like the best sampler for beginners, but with all the control, it will be.
Specs:
- Brand: Akai
- Weight: 12.48 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.27 x 19.86 x 8.41 inches
- Color: Black
- Display: OLED display
Key Features:
- 16 MPC drum Pads, 16 touch-capacitive Q-Links with OLED displays, transport controls, complete monitoring control, and connectivity for USB MIDI keyboard controllers
- Built-in USB audio interface; Note Repeat, Full Level, 16 Levels, and Transport Controls
- Standalone flagship MPC, sampler, drum machine, and MIDI controller
Pros:
- Sampler, Midi controller, and drum machine all rolled into one.
- Gives you a lot of control
- Super connectivity
- 16 GB storage
Cons:
- Expensive
Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer, Sampler:
Most electronic equipment can remain in good condition if unused for some time. But the OP-1 will last you for a long time, as its standby time is whopping 2 years. Moreover, this is a portable piece of machine that can be carried anywhere. You don’t have to worry about the power running out because its battery life is astonishingly 16 hours.
Build to be simple and portable; this is a versatile device that genuinely ticks all the boxes for being the best sampler for beginners. You cannot go wrong with this device, because it is designed to last for a long time.
Specs:
- Brand: Teenage Engineering
- Weight: 1 Pound
- Dimensions: 12.99 x 5.31 x 1.37 inches
- Color: White
- Display Type: AMOLED Display Running at 60fps with 320x160p Resolution
Key Features:
- 2-year standby mode
- Tape recording facility
- Sound Engines: 13, Effects: 7
Pros:
- 16-hour long battery life
- You can also “sample” music from local radio stations
- Long-lasting
- Built for beginners
Cons:
- None
Elektron Octatrack MKII 8-track Performance Sampling Workstation/Sequencer:
And finally, we end this list of best sampler for beginners with another addition from Elektron. The Octatrack MKII is an 8-track sampling work station that allows you to “audio mutate, audio mutilate.” You can do anything you want with your sounds; this device gives you immense control over your music.
Moreover, the customization capabilities of this sampler are beyond impressive. This will be a fantastic addition to your studio and stage setup. More so for the latter, because it is built for live performances.
Specs:
- Brand: Elektron
- Weight: 6.19 pounds
- Color: Black
Key Features:
- 8 Track Dynamic Performance Sampler
- LFOs available for each track
- Made for live performances
Pros:
- Shape your music any way you want
- Immense depth of control
- Radical manipulation of sounds
- A lot of features
Cons:
- None
Comparison Table
Title | Akai Professional MPC One | Roland SP-404SX Linear Wave Sampler | Elektron DDS-8 Digitakt 8-Track Sampler | AKAI Professional MPC X | Teenage engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer, Sampler | Elektron Octatrack MKII 8-track Performance Sampling Workstation/Sequencer |
Products | ||||||
Brand | Akai | Roland | Elektron | Akai | Teenage Engineering | Elektron |
Item Weight | 7.5 pounds | 1.5 Pounds | 4.73 pounds | 12.48 pounds | 1 pounds | 6.19 Pounds |
Dimension | 10.8 x 10.8 x 1.8 inches | 10 x 3 x 7 inches | 11.61 x 11.38 x 4.88 inches | 15.27 x 19.86 x 8.41 inches | 12.99 x 5.31 x 1.37 inches | Not specified |
Color | Black | Black | Black | Black | White | Black |
Display | Multi-Touch Display | LED Display | OLED Screen | OLED displays | Not specified | Not specified |
Prices |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I need a sampler?
Ans: With the help of a sampler, you can not only record and modify your sounds at the same time, and you also get the option of having a sequencer onboard. It also allows you to create multi-instrument loops. For instance, a drum machine is enough for you if it is just drummed sounds through simple drum parts with factory sounds. Upgrade to multi-instrument sound loops; you will need an MPC-style sampler to do the job.
Q: What is the difference between a synthesizer and a sampler?
Ans: Some claim that the difference between the two is that the sampler has “stored” samples. Whereas synthesizer has to make do with FM, additive AM, Subtractive, or any other method of synthesis.
Q: Should I get a sampler or a synth?
Ans: Well, if you want to recreate the life-like sounds of acoustic instruments, samplers do a much better job. The reason behind this is that it produces sounds based on real-life recordings of acoustic instruments. It doesn’t matter which device, drum, piano, or bass, a sampler will go a long way to make authentic sounds.
Q: What is the difference between a simpler and a sampler?
Ans: A simpler is a single sample instrument. The specific sample is mapped over the keyboard. But sampling actually dips into the world of multisampling. Additionally, it also has the ability to recognize a lot of multisample formats like Apple’s EXS format.
Conclusion:
And there you have it, our list of best sampler for beginners. We hope this list will help you make your final decision regarding the instrument you want to buy.
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