Samplers
Latest about Samplers

Best samplers 2025: top picks for hardware music-making, live performance and DAW-less jams
By Simon Truss last updated
Expert buying advice for hardware samplers, from pocket models up to full-blown workstations – including samplers from Elektron, Akai, Korg and Teenage Engineering

Akai issues a red alert as it launches the MPC One+, but it might not have all the upgrades you were hoping for
By Ben Rogerson published
Increased storage, but the same amount of RAM as its predecessor, and still no built-in battery

Roland SPD-SX vs SPD-SX Pro: Should you upgrade?
By Tom Bradley published
Does Roland’s flagship sample pad justify the higher price and how does it compare with the standard model? We've played both to find out

The hottest new samplers, grooveboxes and drum machines of 2023
By Andy Jones published
GEAR EXPO 2023: Essential beat, groove and sample boxes coming out this year

Akai MPC X Special Edition review
By Martin Delaney published
Akai's flagship MPC gets a refresh, but it's about more than just the retro grey paint job

It might look retro, but the MPC X Special Edition is actually “the most powerful MPC ever”
By Ben Rogerson published
35th anniversary version gets more RAM, storage and instruments than the standard model

5 live Roland SP-404 jams that will blow your mind
By Matt Mullen last updated
In honour of 404 day, here are five live performances that showcase what this classic sampler can do

Akai Pro drops a Timbaland edition of the MPC Live 2, and it comes with “the hardest drum sounds ever put inside an MPC”
By Ben Rogerson published
“This is the peak of when technology, culture and excellence come together,” says Timbo
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