Sampling

[tiny_tove]

Using the loop machine a lot now, it has become essential (thanks!). although it has no manipulation/effect I was requesting it is very very powerful (despite the annoying rythm patterns).

[Levas]

got that sp 808 ex today. feeling slightly retarded when dealing with this sort of technology. but it's good with built-in mixer and you can use it like 4-track recorder etc. will have to go to studio soon to check how it works in environment with high volume. but it's rather nice. my main concern is zip disc. i hope it doesn't start failing. we'll see

[hsv]

I'm looking to buy a loopmachine/sampler that will store phrases when switched off, will probably use it for 60% live looping and 40 pre-recorded stuff.
What loop boxes, samplers etc. allow you to combine two (or more) pre-stored loops live? The Boss RC20/RC30 looks good in that it can handle two separate loops at the same time and has individual volume knobs/faders (and even tempo, effects etc.) for each, whereas I guess other loop boxes only allow you to layer loops on top of each other?
Also, how does the Digitech JamMan stand up against the Boss? It seems practical to be able to store loops on a memorycard.

EDIT: Or is it just the RC30 that allows one to control the two loop tracks separately?

[Jaakko V.]

For some, this may be a good and cheap alternative: Akai MPX8. Small and simple. Possibly gonna try it out myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fGw1IQoWf4

[Ashley Choke]

Apparently Akai never got around to finishing the software due to lacking sales, rendering the unit kinda useless. gotta love the modern industry.

[gasskammer]

I tried to use the boss sampler for some time, but had some issues with the sound. I was supposed to work fine(continue play the loop) after pulling out the in-cable, but there was a quite big detoriation in sound then. However, im quite satisfied with this one:

http://www.voxamps.com/pedals/lillooper/

Seamless loops, two input tracks, and very easy to use in a live setting. Also the erase button is very handy in a live setting when needing to switch/record new loops fast. Not to mention its very affordable!

[Jaakko V.]

Apparently Akai never got around to finishing the software due to lacking sales, rendering the unit kinda useless. gotta love the modern industry.

Useless? Maybe for extensive studio work, I agree. One has to prepare the samples on a computer, for example.

But as far as live things go - it's portable, can take midi in, does panning, pitch tuning, looping, etc. 32 Gb can hold a rather nice amount of material. What else would one expect/need from a box of this size?

[metalpunk]

For some, this may be a good and cheap alternative: Akai MPX8. Small and simple. Possibly gonna try it out myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fGw1IQoWf4

Got it a couple months ago but still didn't managed how to use it in my setup :)
Mostly because lack of time, prepearing samples and transfering take a lot of time (forever). Software is really raw, hope they will release some updates.
All in all for that price it's still ok and hardware is rather good quality.
points:
+ small
+ cheap
- slow
- raw software

[Ashley Choke]

@Jaakko

Regarding "useless" From what I understood, the software is still in beta state meaning dysfunctional, sloppy and no good fro transferring. metalpunk might know more?

[pentd]

i think on yutube some dudes reviewed it and said the same as metalpunk... its a hassle to set it up, but quick and simple to use after that.

whats wrong with good ol stinky 303/404?

[anomalie]

The Korg Electribe Sampler will be released soon.

http://www.korg.com/us/products/dj/electribe_sampler/

I still have a EMU E6400 Ultra Sampler, but I don't use it anymore.

It was so expensive back then - just use a DAW nowadays.

[tiny_tove]

I have seen demo of the volca sampler and I am disappointed. there is no input and samples are imported via ios application...

[Jaakko V.]

That Electribe sampler seems nice. Could be handy for simple live stuff.

Recently dug up my old Yamaha A3000 v2. Installed a 128 MB working memory back in the day (~15 years ago), still works fine. Installed also 9 GB hard disk back then (officially supports only 8 GB but worked fine somehow), but after years and years of non-use the hard disk seems to have quite working. However, with external SCSI-drive it's still okay. Of course, saving samples is not even mandatory for studio use. Just sample good stuff, play and record on the fly, and get over it.

It's a really powerful sampler, with very nice filters, very good adjustable midi controls, and a fast and intuitive interface (once one gets into it). Can be used also as a good external effects machine. If you need a sampler, got space in your studio and can find one for a nice price, I'd say for for it. Never tried those A4000 and A5000 but I guess they're nice as well.

[Andrew McIntosh]

I have seen demo of the volca sampler and I am disappointed. there is no input and samples are imported via ios application...

Fuck that. They were doing really well with that series, too. The trouble with marketing such machines towards a particular market is that basic common sense often ceases to exist.

[fin de siècle]

i have always been watching out for a sampler with the possibility to fade in/out single tracks, but obviously doesn`t exist ... seems to me like an absolute essential funtionality?!?!?