What Standalone Sequencer/Sampler offers most?

[Dhji]

I'm interested in getting AWAY from the computer and onto a standalone device. Will be busking with it. This explains best what I am doing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBxEmuFmBMI) but I also understand I may not be able to work in my own way as every sampler has it’s limitations that I must be surrender to.

The newest electribe sampler isn’t as flexible as the octatrack but it runs on 6 AA’s!! And the Octatrack is too expensive to risk playing in the streets (though it isn't too flashy!) and I’d have to buy a battery pack. Is there something in between?

What Im looking for:

- Ability to load my own one shots/drums without stopping the sequence
- The ability to control the volume of each sound
- FX on each individual pad: compressor, reverb, various distortion etc
- Filter knobs that I can control more than one parameter
- The ability to change any of the sounds pitch/filter envelope's attack, hold and delay to create stabby and swelling sounds without stopping sequence
- Ability to control pitch subtly for oscillation movement (but that just sounds like i want a synth and they are too big!)
- Ability to play chords (again, might be too much to ask for, I suppose I can just pre write the chords in ableton)
- Size/portability is a MUST for me as I am on foot/backpack everywhere

I have a feeling that everyone is going to tell me to just get the octatrack but I am hoping there is a device I haven’t heard of yet! The other thing Im thinking is maybe a combo? I don’t know too much about these devices other than the octatrack, tr-8, roland x0x’s and electribes, but id like to have a single unit.

I understand I’m asking a lot but Im trying to survive outside working a normal job by teaching audio/music, few live shows and busking.

*reaching out*

[Tarekith]

The only thing that even comes close to filling that you want is the Octatrack (except for chords), so that's why it's what everyone keeps telling you to get. The only other slightly cheap hardware sampler that could tick some of those boxes is the Roland SP404sx IMO.

[RSJ]

Hi

Do you know the Beat Thang

http://youtube.com/watch?v=l4Z-mrwE6dM

http://www.thomann.de/gb/bek_beat_thang.htm

[fisto]

Guess what?

--> Octatrack
It's just too inspiring and combined with an iPad you have a really nice production duo in your bagpack.

[TomViolenz]

bagpack.

is that where you pack all your bags?!

Regarding the OP doesn't the Electribe Sampler fit pretty much that bill? What is it lacking in your opinion?

[Tarekith]

Another option might be an iPad and small midi controller.

[Airyck]

Another option might be an iPad and small midi controller.

+1 This can be very portable and there are a lot of great apps out there, just don't depend on MIDI sync between them being accurate.

Full featured iPad DAW's are Auria and Cubasis for a couple of examples if you're not familiar with them.

[fisto]

bagpack.

is that where you pack all your bags?!

hahaa, you got me there xD
don't know much about the electribe to be honest. But to me it looks a bit "plastic" which makes me feel cheapo about it. But I wanna try it out when I get the chance.
What I love about the Octatrack is the added "creativity with samples". It never fails to help creativity-wise when stuck somewhere in the tune. So, a big plus for me.

The "midi-controller + ipad" is also nice, but difficult when you want constant reliable power without watching the battery-status all the time. Imagine: " the session gets rolling, the band is ready....let's jam out....oh, sry guys. Gotta charge my ipad for an hour.."

btw, a bagpack can hold an octa, ipad and a midicontroller (MPK mini in my case). Even better!

[Airyck]

It starts to add to the price but there are plenty of Audio interface solutions out there which work as an audio/midi interface whilst charging your iPad at the same time.

[yup yup]

MPC. Other Elektrons. Cirklon might be overkill