Looking for a good sampler to use live with a band...

[popvulture]

Hi-

I'm looking for something pretty simple, no frills. I want to record noise tracks at home, just random samples and things which I'll then transfer to a device I can use onstage. I have no need for syncing with a click or anything like that - these will just be abstract loops, bleeps, etc that I want to be able to trigger on some kind of pad surface like an MPC and run through the PA. I figure it'd be easier to use something like this than having to bring my laptop around with me.

The most inexpensive thing I've found appears to be the Roland SP-404, but in all honesty it looks a little cheesy to me. Has anybody used this thing? I'm talking about just hitting a button and letting it play, not really interested in a bunch of effects. Maybe some filters. The Roland groovebox-y stuff I've played with over the years in music stores hasn't seemed too dead on in the "what the kids are into" dept.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[cynic one]

For something just as simple as you want, the roland SP series _is_ probably the best option for you.

[rasp]

How about an Akai S20 phrase sampler?

Here are the specs:

FEATURES :

• 16-bit linear stereo sampling
• 8-voice polyphony
• Sample, loop and playback in real-time.
• 16 pads for triggering sampled phrases
• "Hold" mode to automatically repeat beat loops
• Tap tempo
• Four-track sequencer
• Built-in floppy disk drive for sample and sequence storage
• 1 MB of RAM standard (expandable to 17MB with standard SIMM)
• Powerful (but easy-to-use) editing
• Sample compatibility with the entire range of Akai's "S" series samplers
• Functions as a conventional MIDI sampler with multi-sampling and multi-timbral capability
• Makes it easy to synchronize multiple phrases
• For each phrase, input the number of beats and the desired tempo, the S20 instantly adjusts the phrase to play at exactly that tempo

SPECIFICATIONS :

• Sampling System: 16 bit linear
• Sampling Rate: 32 kHz, 16 kHz, 8 kHz
• Sampling Capacity: 1MB standard s/m(32 kHz: 7 sec., 14 sec.16 kHz: 14 sec., 28 sec. 8 kHz: 28 sec., 56 sec.)
• Standard Memory: 1MB (expandable to 5MB or 17MB using standard SIMMs)
• Memory expansion slot: 2 x 72-pin SIMM (70ns)
• Polyphony: 8 voices
• ADC: 4th order delta/sigma 64 times oversampling
• DAC: 4th order delta/sigma 64 times oversampling, 8 times interpolation filter
• Data storage device: 3.5-inch 2DD/2HD floppy disk drive
• Input: 2 x RCA pin jack/47k-ohms
• Output: 2 x RCA pin jack/270 ohms;
• MIDI: 2 x 5-pin DIN (In,Out/Thru);
• Phones: 1 x 1/4" stereo phone jack/100 ohms
• Power source: 120 VAC 60 Hz 18 W
• Dimensions: 300 x 86.9 (108 max.) x 323.9 (329.5 max.)mm (W x H x D)
• Weight: 6kg
• Accessories: AC adapter; 4 sound disks; operator's manual

[Crumbsucker]

Maybe a roland SP-555. I have this toy for a week and it seems to have quite some options to tweak/resample/record/FX...
Im still into manual but I can tell you this thing is dope...though a little expensive but it is smalest package that include roland's D-beam.
Check the videos on youtube and see if it is 4 you.

[rasp]

Originally Posted by DivineChemical

I've done the whole loading 16mb worth of samples into a machine via a floppy drive before. ...it's not fun. The lack of a SCSI port makes it impossible to use for anything outside of one-shots.

Yeah, its too bad it caters primarily to DJs because I always liked the streamlined design ov that sampler. An internal zip drive would have been great.


Another nice option is the Yamaha SU700 phrase sampler, which does have the ability to install an internal zip drive but its the size ov a VCR.

[esaias]

+1 for Roland SP-machines

and a another +1 SU-700 if the band is playing to click and you have midi clock availeable, you can go crazy with SU-700's roll, tweak effects etc fun box indeed but has limitiations on the floppy / HD side :(

-Tomi

[Clem Snide]

I use one of those Roland SP 404s live. It certainly does look a little naff next to a MachineDrum, but it works fine!

For what you want to do, I think it sounds ideal - and it's a bargain.

[popvulture]

Are you in Clem Snide, or are you just a fan?

Just trying to think... I've seen Clem Snide before, but I can't remember if there was electronic stuff involved or not. Regardless, I've always liked their (or y'alls) stuff.

Thanks to everyone for the tips, much appreciated.

[Clem Snide]

I know nothing about Clem Snide the band - I am named after the William Burroughs character that I presume they are also named after, purely by coincidence.

Unless they are named after me, which would surely be peculiar.