Best Audio Samplers
1 Akai Professional MPC X | Standalone MPC with 10.1" High-Resolution, Adjustable, Multi-Touch Display
Rounding out the controls are dedicated menu buttons, a master encoder knob and 16 touch-sensitive 360º assignable pots (Q-Links) with OLED displays, which are perfect for automating parameters and delivering expressive recordings, making it easier to create a full-fledged hit wherever inspiration resides! Two RCA phono inputs with RIAA preamp have been included to ensure the right levels are coming into the X directly from your turntable. (16) velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads, RGB-backlit (8) banks accessible via Pad Bank buttons. (2) XLR+1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS inputs (Input 1/2) (2) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS inputs (Input 3/4: 1 stereo pair) (2) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TS instrument inputs (Inst 1/2) (2) RCA inputs (Input 3/4: 1 stereo pair, phono- or line-level) (2) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TS footswitch inputs (FS 1/2) (2) 5-pin MIDI inputs (8) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS outputs (Main L/R, Outputs 3/4–7/8: 4 stereo pairs) (4) 5-pin MIDI outputs (8) 1/8” (3.5 mm) CV/Gate outputs (1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo headphone output (1) 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo headphone output (2) USB Type-A ports (1) USB Type-B port (1) SD card slot (1) power adapter input. via power adapter (19 V, 3.42 A, center-positive, included). Phono, instrument, mic and line inputs, (2) MIDI Inputs and (4) MIDI Outputs.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The pads are made to be played - great feel, adjustable pressure and velocity sensitivity, and color map-able (love how the on board drum kits are color grouped - one color for toms, one color for cymbals, etc.). The included sample "Vault" is OK, but seems weighted towards genres I'm not too big into - however, sampling, sample editing and pad assignment are extremely easy on this thing - love what I've been able to do so far layering pads, bass and arps using samples from the same synth, and I haven't even delved into making a keygroup yet. As it's a stand alone device, I would have goosed the storage memory and definitely the operating memory - you can easily up your storage, by dumping unwanted content or adding an internal SATA drive which you will inevitably have to do if you are a pack rat like me."
"I was able to work faster and more efficient, produced a track for a Toyota commercial, an HBO show (sorry can't say which one) and trust me, workflow."
"I am very much enjoying my MPC Live."
"The best MPC invension yet, portability is a major aspect of today's world and I carry this with me everywhere."
"This thing is amazing."
"i got mine.i am killing with it, I love it, thats my baby right there MPC X PRO."
"I wish I could have my MPC shipped to my APO, AP address."
It’s a creatively stimulating, powerful tool for DJs, musicians, producers, and live-sound engineers who trigger jingles. 1GB SD card included; expand sample storage up to 32GB with SDHC and Import audio files from computer, assign samples to pads with bundled software (Mac/PC).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"There’s nothing like a good product built with the best possible materials, so far so good, I’m loving it... Cons, yes, unfortunately, user manual is in Japanese 😐, you can always download it from the internet, and save some $130 dollars."
"Everything came out just fine, and this is an excellent piece of equipment for live sampling and mixing."
"Excellent sample quality!"
"Great order."
"I'm a musician and I've been looking for a while, something to record my music, and then play with it like crazy. If you're looking to start being a DJ or just need something to record your music, I recommend getting this sampler."
"It's pretty freakin great. I'm sure you've heard."
1/8” Aux Input : Connect a phone, CD player, or media player to this input using a stereo 1/8” cable Kick Pedal Input : Connect a kick trigger or footswitch here using a 1/4” TS cable to use this input as a kick trigger while playing Hi-Hat Input : Connect a Hi-Hat pedal using a 1/4” TS cable to use this input to control the position of a Hi-Hat while playing Footswitch Input : Connect a standard 1/4” TS single-button or 1/4” TRS dual-button footswitch to control functions assigned in the Footswitch options menu. Pad 1 Input : Connect a dual-zone or single-zone drum pad, cymbal pad, or trigger to this input using a 1/4” TRS cable for dual-zone or a 1/4” TS cable for single-zone Pad 2 Input : Connect a single-zone drum pad, cymbal pad, or trigger to this input using a 1/4” TS cable 1/4” Trigger Input : Connect a dual-zone or single-zone drum pad, cymbal pad, or trigger to this input using a 1/4” TRS cable for dual-zone or a 1/4” TS cable for single-zone 1/4” Main Output (R + L): Use standard 1/4” cables to connect this output to a speaker or amplifier system (For mono sound, connect a cable only to the Left output) MIDI Input : Use a standard five-pin MIDI cable to connect this input to the MIDI OUT of an external MIDI device. MIDI Output : Use a standard five-pin MIDI cable to connect this output to the MIDI IN of an external MIDI device USB/MIDI Port : Connect to a computer for use with virtual instrument and recording software SD Card slot : insert a standard SD card ( not included ) containing .WAV samples 1/4” headphones output DC Power Input. Supports : SD/SDHC cards up to 32 GB with a FAT32 file system Supported File Type : 16-bit, mono or stereo .WAV files with a sample rate of 48K, 44.1K, 32K, 22.05K, or 11.025K The .WAV file must be located in the root (main) directory of the card and not in any folders. Two pad inputs, kick and hi hat pedal inputs to integrate with existing acoustic or electronic setup.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"takes some stiuding to learn but for the money OOOK>>."
"pads are not soft what i thought (other brands pads) but very usefull and easy."
"It is a very good choice for the budget :)."
"Im pretty sure I broke the main snare sample bad within the first three days of having it."
"Still figuring this thing out."
Best Audio Sequencers
Additionally, the LPD8 has eight assignable Q-Link knobs you can assign to virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control. The LPD8 works plug and play with Mac and PC and requires no software driver installation or wall power for operation. Additionally, the LPD8 has eight assignable Q-Link knobs you can assign to virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control. USB-MIDI controller works with virtually all audio software Eight backlit, velocity-sensitive drum pads can send note or program change Eight Q-Link knobs for controlling virtually any parameters in software Plug-and-play USB connection for Mac and PC requires no driver installation Small enough to fit in a backpack or laptop bag Four programmable memory banks Comes with editor software for Mac and PC USB bus powered -- no additional power cable needed. USB Pad Controller for laptops gives you percussive performance with digital audio workstations, sequencers, DJ software and more.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Not very sensitive, even with one layer mod, i used regular blue masking tape for the mod, i didn't want to make it too sensitive, but even with the one layer mod needs some heavy pressing."
"I was looking for a controller(s) that would allow me to control the sample decks, manipulate the FX, and utilize the looping functions of Traktor. Currently I have Prgm 1 in charge of the looping function, Prgm 2 as the FX section, and Prgm 3 in control of my sample decks."
"I am VERY happy that I did, although not able to control Traktor's remix decks...only the F1 is able to fully do that right now, the amount of control and fun I've had with this machine is amazing."
"Good product for beginners it is not the best but it is good in my opinion."
"like the functionality... the reaction time could be a little better with the instruments... also wish the akai software could of been functional with this."
"I can already tell I'm going to eventually want to figure the presets out clearly as I want the knobs to alter different settings than they do by default. The way the pads light up when you hit them not only lets you know if you didn't hit it hard enough (it won't light up) but it's also fun to see."
"I bought this to use with Logic, and it basically works as advertised; the knobs and buttons all work and the pads feel pretty good to me."
"Professional, and very easy to set up."
Best Sound Modules
Loud voice for outdoors: boosts clear, powerful Audio when camping, picnicking, at pool parties, and all your outdoor activities; emits clear, crisp Audio for hands-free calls.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The fit and finish of the combined materials give this speaker a really premium feel. There is an indicator that pops up on my phone that shows the remaining battery life of the device. I got somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 hours of music playback before I heard the low battery chime. The only negative I see is that the carabiner clip can be noisy if you leave it attached to the Bluetooth speaker."
"The one thing stands out during the usage is how much I appreciate how big and spaced out the control buttons are, which usually is a deterrent for good aesthetic design. But perhaps because they matched the shock and splash proof rugged design, it does not stand out awkwardly and it was very easy to make control adjustments. In contrast, the Pulse X has a wider range, focusing on the mids and has more extension to the lows (the bass is much more pronounced), while the vocal stays behind and slightly muddy (especially compare to VOOM 23), the overall result is a fuller and more balanced sound. In summary, for shorter listening where the focus is needed on vocal and acoustic instruments, VAVA VOOM 23 would provide that crisp and very clear sound. It is definitely designed mainly for outdoor use under more extreme condition because of the rugged enclosure, hanging clip, and a much longer battery life."
"definitely more then loud enough and the sound quality for the price and what it is, is pretty good."
"Good sound, but it won't automatically connect most of the time."
"Great sound for a small room or office, pool side, beach."
"The sound is grea and it reaches a better volume with deeper bass than most."
"Very nice and sturdy speaker, Bluetooth connection works great with iPhone."
"Connects easily to phone and simple to use."
Best Tabletop Synthesizers
Sound Generation Method: Analog Modeling Synthesis System.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Now I have a robot voice and angry neighbors."
"I am really enjoying using this to play vocals for my music."
"Just getting into synthesizers and this little guy is great, a huge variety of presets as well as the full ability to create custom sounds using filters and playing with the oscillators."
"An amazing synth with a grear variety of sounds."
"If you layer them. with a looper, then with a little creativity. and not much skill you can create beautiful. soundscapes."
"Great synth."
"It came with the adapter which was a bonus in that I didnt have to purchase additional stuff."
"If you're trying to decide wether to buy this or the Korg microKorg XL Analog Modeling Synthesizer with Vocoder (black), I suggest you buy the microKorg XL."