TURNTABLE LAB

Korg
MicroSampler Sampling Keyboard

versatile sampling keyboard and sequencer

OVERVIEW
Korg's microSampler delivers multi-mode sampling, resampling, Pattern Sequencing and over-the-top effects all under a fun-to-use intuitive interface. More than your typical sampler, the microSampler is a complete sound design studio for creating loops, phrases, and much more.

FEATURES
The microSAMPLER hosts a solid complement of top-end sampling features to expand your creative potential. This full-fledged instrument offers fourteen-voice polyphony, reverse playback, editing operations such as Normalize and Truncate, and a Time Stretch feature that lets you change the tempo without affecting the pitch. Selectable sample rates of 48 kHz, 24 kHz, 12 kHz, and down to 6 kHz let you sample at rates beyond CD clarity or add in that Lo-Fi vintage vibe. Each bank contains 36 samples (a maximum of approximately 160 seconds of recording time for monaural samples at a 48 kHz sampling rate) and sixteen patterns of sequence data; the microSAMPLER lets you store eight such banks in internal memory. The Keyboard mode takes a single sample and assigns it chromatically across the keys for instant playability. With its recessed controls, bright LEDs and informative display, the microSAMPLER is fun to use and easy to operate for beginners or seasoned pros.

SAMPLING
Five distinct sampling methods allow you to work the way you want, to get the results you need. The microSAMPLER offers traditional One-Shot and Loop sampling, plus a number of creative sampling modes: Loop, Key Gate and Auto-Next. When it comes to sampling, the microSAMPLER is a versatile and unique tool.

- Loop sampling for recording grooves and phrases, drum loops, etc.
- One-Shot sampling for grabbing and triggering single events such as drums, etc
- Gate sampling for playing a sound musically across the keyboard
- Auto-Next sampling for capturing phrases as multiple samples
- Key Gate sampling is best for grabbing multiple samples from the same source

There's a resampling function that lets you play existing layered samples processed by an effect and played by the pattern sequencer and capture it all as a new sample. You can even sample while playing, allowing the sampling process itself to become part of your expressive performance.

PATTERN SEQUENCER
The pattern sequencer uses an overdub operating style that lets you continually layer your performances. You can switch between patterns during playback for seamless performances. Up to sixteen patterns (16,000 notes per pattern, or a maximum 64,000 notes) can be stored in each bank.

KAOSS EFFECTS
Developed for Korg's KAOSS PAD series, the effect engine serves up a great selection of effects so important when editing samples. The twenty-one effects include not only traditional delay and chorus, but also ring modulator and grain shifter, and even a Looper that's derived from the Loop Recording feature of the KAOSSILATOR Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer. The effects can be applied to any sound while resampling, allowing the effects to be used over and over again for more sonic expression.

In addition, the microSampler features USB connectivity with editing via free editor/librarian software as well as importing of WAV/AIFF data. The keyboard runs on a wall adaptor but is also portable and can be powered by 6 AAA batteries.

reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
samplers + effects

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Native Instruments
Maschine Groove Production Studio

complete music production system with hands-on control

OVERVIEW
Maschine combines the flexibility of computer-based music production with the ease of a groove box into one powerful creative tool. Utilizing onboard samples or your own audio files, Machine’s unique combination of hardware and software not only ensures a fast and fun workflow, but lets you easily turn your ideas into professional productions.

FEATURES
With the Maschine package you get:

- intuitive hardware/MIDI controller
- built-in effects
- browser, sequence, and sampler

The hardware unit is both instrument and MIDI controller in one. Sixteen illuminated, velocity-sensitive pads form an interface to intuitively make beats, tweak sounds, create patterns and sequence whole songs with the powerful Maschine software. Two large, high-resolution displays with eight corresponding rotary encoders, buttons, and transport controls also integrate perfectly.

Maschine connects to your Mac or PC via USB 2.0 and comes loaded with over 5GB of production-ready sounds and patterns. Everything from fat drum kits to state-of-the-art synthesizer sounds and pristine acoustic instruments have been sampled, sliced and tagged for your convenience. The unit also features studio quality effects ranging from dynamics processors to beat-mashers and even mastering tools, all tweakable in real time via the hardware controller. You get 300 drum kits, 280 multi-sampled instruments, 400 sliced loops, 6,500 one shots, 50 complete projects, and 100 effects.

Maschine's pattern-oriented concept frees you from the limits of linear arrangement. Build song "scenes" by layering patterns, and re-arrange the scenes on the fly. It also offers external sampling through your computer’s audio interface as well as internal re-sampling, precise editing and slicing, auto-mapping, effects and an ultra-convenient browser â€" all perfectly attuned to the hardware controller.

please check the Native Instruments site for more details.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
samplers + effects

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