Korg microSampler

The Korg MicroSampler may have only been announced a couple of weeks ago, but Sonic State’s Nick Batt has already run the MicroSampler through its paces.

His overview video, above, offers a good look at the hardware itself and how the MicroSampler works.

Batt says:

The microSAMPLER is not going to be a sampling workhorse for you if you require large string libraries or hours of storage, but as a simple loop replay device or maybe sound effects trigger for a theatre production, it could really fit the bill. Where the microSAMPLER’s strength lies is in the ability to quickly set up loops or phrases. With some careful planning and arrangement, I dont see why it couldn’t run the show, negating the need for a laptop – assuming you dont need to run a LOT of audio and backing vocals etc.

If you’re interested in the Korg MicroSampler, don’t miss Batt’s full review.

And if you’ve used the MicroSampler, leave a comment and let us know what you think of it!

This is an unboxing and overview of the new Korg microSampler.

Sonic State’s Nick Batt does the dirty work of checking out Korg’s new sampling keyboard.

The Korg microSampler offers sixteen-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.

Korg has released official specs for the new Korg microSampler sampling keyboard.

The microSampler offers multi-mode sampling, resampling, Pattern Sequencing and effects in a microsized keyboard.

The Korg microSampler offers sixteen-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 designed to be fun to use and easy to operate.

The microSAMPLER Compact Sampling Keyboard will be available November 1, 2009, with a U.S. MSRP of $750.00.

Details below. Read more…

Sneak Preview: This is a unofficial preview of the Korg microSampler.

See the video in the comments for a demo of the Korg microSampler in action.

Here are the unofficial specs (thanks Rich!):

• 37 key (Natural Touch Mini Keyboard with Velocity) \
• 8 user bank (A ~ H), 1 ROM bank
• 5 types of sampling (LOOP / ONE SHOT / GATE / AUTO NEXT / KEY GATE)
• Sample rates of 48kHz – 24kHz – 12kHz – 6kHz
• Approximately 160 seconds per one bank (Mono / 48kHz sampling rate at 159.7 seconds)
• Up to 14 voice poly (stereo / mono regardless)
• 64,000 note sequencer (one per bank notes (16,000 notes max in one pattern))
• 96 ticks / quarter note resolution (real-time recording)
• MIDI IN, OUT and USB
• DC9V or alkaline 6 x AA batteries = giving 3 hours battery life approximately
• 516 (W) x 238 (D) x 65 (H) mm
• Weight of 1.9kg
• Software editor for Windows: Microsoft Windows XP SP3 or later, Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 or later Mac: Mac OS X 10.4 or later

Official specs and pricing aren’t available yet for the Korg microSampler – but it looks like it will be an interesting new sampling keyboard.

via FutureMusic